Samsung implicated of misinforming clients on Galaxy S ‘water resistance’

An Australian federal government guard dog firm is taking Samsung to court over claims that the business’s Galaxy phones are safe to take in the water.

In 2016 Samsung launched its very first IP68 waterproof phone, the Galaxy S7. All of the electronic devices giant’s flagship phones have actually considering that brought the IP68 accreditation for water resistance and have actually been promoted as water-friendly phones. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) states this totals up to incorrect marketing.

There are 2 crucial elements to the ACCC’s problem with Samsung. First, Samsung’s marketing showed that immersing a Galaxy phone under 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of water for 30 minutes or less would not affect the gadget throughout its life time. Second, Samsung promoted phones being utilized in beaches and swimming pools, although the IP68 accreditation just uses to fresh water. 

ACCC examined over 300 Samsung advertisements as the basis for its claims, it stated.  

IP68 accredited phones are technically water-resistant, not water resistant, and particularly for depths approximately 1.5 meters and for 30 minutes or under. IP67 phones, like 2014’s Galaxy S5, are resistant for 30 minutes or less for depths of 1 meter or less, however ACCC particularly described phones marketed from 2016 on. 

The ACCC declares that Samsung has actually rebuffed guarantee claims by clients who state their phones were harmed by water direct exposure. The guard dog likewise keeps in mind that Samsung’s own site claims the Galaxy S10, its early-2019 flagship phone, is “not advised for beach or pool use.” 

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“The ACCC alleges Samsung’s advertisements falsely and misleadingly represented Galaxy phones would be suitable for use in, or for exposure to, all types of water, including in ocean water and swimming pools, and would not be affected by such exposure to water for the life of the phone, when this was not the case,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

“Samsung showed the Galaxy phones used in situations they shouldn’t be to attract customers,” Mr Sims said.

For its part, Samsung says it has noted ACCC’s accusations and plans to defend itself in court.

“Samsung stands by its marketing and advertising of the water resistancy of its smartphones,” the company said in a statement. “We are also confident that we provide customers with free-of-charge remedies in a manner consistent with Samsung’s obligations under its manufacturer warranty and the Australian Consumer Law. Customer satisfaction is a top priority for Samsung and we are committed to acting in the best interest of our customers.”