In a video by JerryRigEverything we see how exactly the S7 can repel water, and what are its limits.
Water resistance is one of the biggest features of the Samsung Galaxy S7. There were wide eyes, applause and pre-planning of underwater selfies. Basically everyone upping their Snapchat game. Sony done water resistance first with the Xperia Z3, actually it was stated at first as waterproof before some massive back peddling, in which Sony ran into the figurative grand hall, Professor Quirrell style shouting: “DON’T USE YOUR PHONES UNDERWATER, though you ought to know.” And passing out afterwards.
It was a massive mistake from Sony who ran television adverts showcasing the “waterproof” feature of the Xperia Z3. To avoid this mistake, Samsung were quick to inform every journalist at Mobile World Congress that the S7 is not waterproof, but IP68 water resistant (just like the Xperia Z3 and Z5). A lot of professionals slipped up saying waterproof, but the Samsung staff on-hand were well drilled and immediately stepped in when the error was uttered. It can’t be helped, waterproofing sounds cooler and would have been an even cooler feature.
Detection
So how “water resistant” is the Galaxy S7? The short answer is quite, but don’t go showering with it regularly. It’s not perfect but Samsung’s engineers have done an amazing job to keep the moisture out of the S7. Earlier we reported how the S7 will refuse to charge if moisture is detected. Looking into the SIM card slot there is a white sticker which changes to red when wet; that is how the S7 detects moisture breaching the device and activates the safety mechanism mentioned. Think pregnancy test kit for smartphones, with an equally nerve racking 50/50 result.
Prevention
So how does it prevent water from entering? There is a rubber sealing on the power port to stop water from entering. It’s also seen on the SIM card slot, headphone jack and power button. Samsung has stated the S7 can only withstand up to 1.5 metres of water pressure, any more more pressure will be too much and water will force its way through. The loudspeaker does not use rubber to prevent moisture breach as it requires air to enter, to convey sound waves. Samsung has gotten around this with a small grill that water cannot enter without great pressure forcing water through. Air can pass through the grill when not submerged. Around the entire device is sticky adhesive that not only holds the device together but also adds to the water resistance.
Just don’t
So thats how it’s done, a lot of rubber and adhesive. Because of the evidence, showers and baths with the S7 is not a great idea as heat can weaken the adhesive and rubber gaskets in the open ports. High concentration of chlorine also has the same effect. Rumours of the motherboard being water resistance has proven to be untrue. The technology exists in the form of hydrophobic sprays, which bounces water off sprayed surfaces. But it’s not seen on the hardware of the S7.
So remember it’s water resistant not waterproof. Use it freely while singing in the rain and the odd photo underwater as it can take up to 1.5 metres of pressure for 30 minutes. Prolong pressure and extreme conditions will test it.
