Samsung accused of misleading advertising on Galaxy S's "water resistance"

Samsung accused of misleading advertising on Galaxy S's "water resistance". The Australian Commission for Competition and Consumer Affairs says that Samsung's smartphones are not as waterproof as advertised.
Samsung accused of misleading advertising on Galaxy S's "water resistance"
Samsung accused of misleading advertising on Galaxy S's "water resistance"


An Australian consumer protection agency has announced that it is suing Samsung for claims that Galaxy smartphones can be safely immersed in water. In 2016, Samsung launched the Galaxy S7, its first IP68 waterproof phone. Since then, all flagships of the electronics giant have achieved IP68 certification for their water resistance and have been touted for it. But the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) considers that this is misleading advertising.

IP68 except at the beach 

The ACCC problem with Samsung is based on two key elements. First, Samsung's advertisement that immersing a Galaxy S smartphone under 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes or less would have no impact on the device throughout its life. Secondly, Samsung has been promoting phones used on beaches and pools, even though the IP68 certification applies only to fresh water. The ACCC reviewed more than 300 Samsung ads to support its claims.

P68-certified smartphones are technically water-resistant, not waterproof, and specially designed to withstand depths of up to 1.5 meters and 30 minutes or less. IP67 phones, such as the Galaxy S5 2014, are rugged for 30 minutes or less for depths of 1 meter or less. But the ACCC specifically refers to the phones marketed from 2016, ie from the Galaxy S7.

IP68 but water is not recommended 

The consumer protection agency claims that Samsung has rejected warranty claims from customers who say their phone has been damaged by water. The ACCC also notes that Samsung's own website claims that the Galaxy S10 , its flagship smartphone from early 2019, is "not recommended for the beach or pool."

" The ACCC states that Samsung's advertisements falsely and deceptively portray Galaxy phones as being capable of being used in all types of water, including seawater and swimming pools, and not affected by such exposure. to the water during the life of the phone, when that was not the case, "said ACCC President Rod Sims. " Samsung has shown Galaxy phones used in situations where they should not be to attract customers, " he adds.

For its part, Samsung claims to have taken note of the ACCC's charges and plans to defend itself in court. " Samsung is maintaining its marketing and advertising around the waterproofness of its smartphones, " said the brand in a statement. " We are also convinced that we offer our customers free solutions compliant with Samsung's obligations under its manufacturer's warranty and Australian consumer law. Customer satisfaction is a top priority for Samsung and we are committed to acting in the best interest of our customers. "
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