Current owners and prospective buyers of this device - Waterproof and IP68

[Law2138]

I currently own a Galaxy S6 Active that malfunctioned after being exposed to water (Splash Park for kids with sprinklers). After about 10 minutes at the park while taking some photos, the screen blacked out momentarily and the device reset. About 15 minutes later, a fog and beads of water were visible inside the front facing camera lens. The screen remained non responsive for several hours and improved only after I placed it in a dehumidified basement. The screen functions fine now, however, the physical back button has stopped functioning properly. I have filed a ticket with Samsung customer support.

My hope is that this issue can be resolved and my device can be repaired or replaced to perfect working order. I also hope to shed some light on Samsung's advertisement of this device in terms of meeting IP68 standards and Samsung's warranty coverage.

Samsung.com states:
"Dustproof and water-resistant,† the Galaxy S6 active has a rugged design that’s engineered for outdoor activities. Run in the rain, camp in the desert, dig in your garden—all with your phone by your side."

†This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 20 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust and sand, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Device may not perform as shown in all extreme conditions. Water-resistant and dustproof based on IP68 rating, which tests submersion up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Ok, Samsung officially states that this device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G). For water related testing, I did some further research on what this MIL-STD-810G includes.

Test Method 512.5 Immersion: This method determines if a device can withstand being submerged or partially submerged in water, or just splashed a lot, and be able to function after or even during the process. This test will determine if a device warrants an IP rating with a second number as high as a 7. There is one procedure applicable to electronic devices:

Procedure I (immersion) covers putting any part of the device underwater. The test starts by weighing the device. Then every panel, door or cover that might be opened during use is opened and closed three times each. To test the affects of a temperature differential on the seals, the device can be warmed up to 10 to 27 degrees C above that of the water. Then the device is placed into the water so that its top side is one meter below the surface for 30 minutes. Partial immersion is used in cases where the device is designed to float, but other than the depth, the test is largely the same.

Note that the specification does not cover the highest IP rating for liquids – 8, which involves depths of more than one meter and longer durations, and would have to be verified independently of this MIL-STD.

Since the S6 Active carries an IP68 rating, there should be no doubt that it passes tests for IP67 standards.

My argument here is that Samsung is telling us that the device passed military spec testing, and is water-resistant and dustproof based on IP68 rating.

What does IP68 really mean? In short, IP is referred to as ingress protection or international protecting rating. The first digit is for solids, such as dirt, dust and other particles. The second number is for liquids. So, IP68 means - 6 = dust tight 8 = The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects.

For the warranty on the S6 Active, Samsung.com states:
"This Limited Warranty does not cover: (a) defects or damage resulting from accident, misuse, abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, exposure to liquid, moisture, dampness, sand or dirt, neglect, or unusual physical, electrical or electromechanical stress; (b) scratches, dents and cosmetic damage, unless caused by SAMSUNG; (c) defects or damage resulting from excessive force or use of a metallic object when pressing on a touch screen..."

So Samsung is saying, Our product can do this (endure specified liquid conditions based on IP68), but if it malfunctions within IP68 conditions, it is not covered under our warranty.

I'll be back with an update after contacting Samsung phone support.

 

[redeyss]

I currently own a Galaxy S6 Active that malfunctioned after being exposed to water (Splash Park for kids with sprinklers). After about 10 minutes at the park while taking some photos, the screen blacked out momentarily and the device reset. About 15 minutes later, a fog and beads of water were visible inside the front facing camera lens. The screen remained non responsive for several hours and improved only after I placed it in a dehumidified basement. The screen functions fine now, however, the physical back button has stopped functioning properly. I have filed a ticket with Samsung customer support.

My hope is that this issue can be resolved and my device can be repaired or replaced to perfect working order. I also hope to shed some light on Samsung's advertisement of this device in terms of meeting IP68 standards and Samsung's warranty coverage.

Samsung.com states:
"Dustproof and water-resistant,† the Galaxy S6 active has a rugged design that’s engineered for outdoor activities. Run in the rain, camp in the desert, dig in your garden—all with your phone by your side."

†This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 20 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust and sand, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Device may not perform as shown in all extreme conditions. Water-resistant and dustproof based on IP68 rating, which tests submersion up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Ok, Samsung officially states that this device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G). For water related testing, I did some further research on what this MIL-STD-810G includes.

Test Method 512.5 Immersion: This method determines if a device can withstand being submerged or partially submerged in water, or just splashed a lot, and be able to function after or even during the process. This test will determine if a device warrants an IP rating with a second number as high as a 7. There is one procedure applicable to electronic devices:

Procedure I (immersion) covers putting any part of the device underwater. The test starts by weighing the device. Then every panel, door or cover that might be opened during use is opened and closed three times each. To test the affects of a temperature differential on the seals, the device can be warmed up to 10 to 27 degrees C above that of the water. Then the device is placed into the water so that its top side is one meter below the surface for 30 minutes. Partial immersion is used in cases where the device is designed to float, but other than the depth, the test is largely the same.

Note that the specification does not cover the highest IP rating for liquids – 8, which involves depths of more than one meter and longer durations, and would have to be verified independently of this MIL-STD.

Since the S6 Active carries an IP68 rating, there should be no doubt that it passes tests for IP67 standards.

My argument here is that Samsung is telling us that the device passed military spec testing, and is water-resistant and dustproof based on IP68 rating.

What does IP68 really mean? In short, IP is referred to as ingress protection or international protecting rating. The first digit is for solids, such as dirt, dust and other particles. The second number is for liquids. So, IP68 means - 6 = dust tight 8 = The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects.

For the warranty on the S6 Active, Samsung.com states:
"This Limited Warranty does not cover: (a) defects or damage resulting from accident, misuse, abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, exposure to liquid, moisture, dampness, sand or dirt, neglect, or unusual physical, electrical or electromechanical stress; (b) scratches, dents and cosmetic damage, unless caused by SAMSUNG; (c) defects or damage resulting from excessive force or use of a metallic object when pressing on a touch screen..."

So Samsung is saying, Our product can do this (endure specified liquid conditions based on IP68), but if it malfunctions within IP68 conditions, it is not covered under our warranty.

I'll be back with an update after contacting Samsung phone support.

FYI, I have 3g microcell problems with the s6 active and when I called tech support they said the only "known issue" with the active is the water ingress issue. So getting a replacement is a slam dunk from at&t but, of course, it will be a refurb. OP may already be aware but for others this info may be valuable.

 

[Law2138]

I contacted AT&T support and inquired about my device being covered under the exchange program. I explained that my device malfunctioned after being exposed to water. The support specialist ran some remote diagnostics which revealed the back button is malfunctioning. However, I wanted it to be perfectly clear that I think that this issue is related to water. The specialist processed the warranty exchange, but also stated that if the device is determined to be damaged due to water, that I will be charged for the replacement $616.00. A new device is on the way. She also suggested that I go to a ATT store so they can determine if the device is in fact damaged due to water. I guess there is a physical examination they can do in the sim card tray.

I know for a fact that water got inside because of the water beads in the lens. Its definitely a Samsung issue, but they drag their feet on support and replacement turn around times.

I'll get the device checked at my local ATT store and see what they say.

 

[Law2138]

So the associate looked up the indicator location which is in the SIM tray and advised me that the LDI was not tripped. I asked him to show and explain it to me, and it is still white. If water had contacted the strip, it would be purple or pink.

I accept that's all he can do, as he is not qualified to physically open the device for further examination. I know for a fact water was somewhere in the device because of this photo. I want to be 100% sure what is causing this issue and it is properly resolved.

 

[Law2138]

After a few hours on the phone with Samsung Support, I was finally forwarded to Executive Customer Relations. (This took multiple attempts and explanations of the issue to level I phone and chat support.) I will be sending the phone in for further evaluation to determine if the malfunction is due to water or hardware failure. Any way I look at it, the physical buttons, screen, or anything else on the device should not be affected by water conditions that fall within the scope of IP68. The water beads inside the camera lens indicate there is water entering into the device somewhere. This picture of the LDI sticker inside the SIM tray indicate that water did not enter the device through the SIM slot. There is a bad seal somewhere.

 

[Cesar Allen]

Did you get any resolution I'm in the same boat.

 

[Law2138]

I ended up getting my device repaired free of charge.

 

[ychernin]

This all bool****& that what the Samsung Service workers said,
this model S6 Active, just a fake.
I received new phone today in Thailand and sim card stuck inside, and Samsung has no parts to replace, and it covered by warranty in USA only , Samsung USA has no parts also.
Service had shown me full box of same phones with sim card stuck inside and say it is worst model Samsung ever produced.
Think twice before you buy Samsung.
Better to pay more but deal with Apple, at least you have service and reliable phone and parts everywhere.