Nauticomp Inc. Weighs in on Quality of Waterproof Smartphones

Lindsay, Canada, May 16, 2016 – Nauticomp Inc. (Nauticomp.com), an established rugged display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition, is weighing in on the quality of the waterproof smartphones offered to consumers. A new test has found that while many of the biggest brands of smartphones now claim to be waterproof, at least two, the “Samsung Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge,” are allegedly not as waterproof as consumers may imagine. The two phones, as well as Apple’s “iPhone 6S” and iPhone “6S Plus,” were were submerged 1.5 meters deep in water for 30 minutes, with all four devices suffering damage. (Brown, A., “Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are not quite as waterproof as you might hope,” Daily Express web site, March 15, 2016; https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/652512/Samsung-Galaxy-S7-Edge-Water-Resistant-IP68.)

“There is a big demand for waterproof technology,” says Ryan Moore, president of Nauticomp Inc. “For people that work in the marine industry or outdoors, it’s very easy to end up ruining electronic devices. The use of waterproof technology means an added layer of protection, but the question is whether these devices are as waterproof as they claim to be.”

The two Samsung phones tested are both “IP68”-sealed, according to the company itself, while the two iPhones offer no protection, as Apple does not manufacture any waterproof phones. While both types of phone still functioned normally afterwards, their speakers were damaged and sound quality was worsened.

“Just because a product claims to be waterproof doesn’t mean that it is,” Moore adds. “IP68 sealed devices are the gold standard, but based on these test results, waterproof products that are geared towards the public may not be as effective as thought.” Moore explains that when it comes to monitors or computers used in the military, for instance, there’s no room for error. Lives may be on the line, whereas a smartphone manufacturer may not be held to the same standards.

“If someone’s just looking for a regular smartphone, then these types of waterproof phones are probably fine, as most people don’t have to worry too much about water damage,” Moore concludes. “However, those looking for electronics for commercial, industrial or marine purposes need to seek out companies that create industry-grade, rugged technology that will stand up. Consumers should look for companies that deal specifically with manufacturing this type of technology.”

Nauticomp Inc. is an established rugged display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. The company is dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. For more information, visit www.Nauticomp.com.