Galaxy S5 "Water Resistant" How "Resistant" is it?

[csebastian]

I read on various news websites that it can be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Does this mean its okay to get that phone wet/submerged regularly?

I know with the S4 Active the camera had an underwater mode to take pictures underwater such as in a pool. I haven't read whether or not the S5 has an underwater camera mode. It makes wonder if it is okay to use phone underwater often the way people could with their S4 Active's. I'm thinking since an underwater camera mode has not been mentioned specifically, maybe the S5 isn't for real underwater use the way the S4 Active was.

Another theory is that Samsung is not going to give an underwater camera mode to the S5 because they could be planning to realize an S5 Active although it seems unnecessary if the S5 is "Dust Resistant".

I guess most of these questions cannot be answered until reviewers get to spend real time with the S5 but for now we can speculate!

 

[smooth4lyfe]

1st Question: I would think it could handle being in an environment of water on a regular basis, as long as it is eventually out of water and not under water for 30 min

2nd Question: I read in a review that it is possible to take some quick shots underwater like in a pool or something...though I wouldn't take it scuba diving unless you had a lifeproof case or some waterproof case...you can download new camera modes from the Samsung app store...maybe in the future they will add that type of mode

It is confirmed that they are making a Galaxy S5 Active though...not sure when that will be released

 

[Cobravision]

Pretty sure you can use it underwater and take pictures if you set the volume rocker as the shutter (this is what the underwater mode was on the Active). However...

There are numerous points of failure with the waterproofing. If you don't close the port flap properly. Or snap the back on correctly. If all the seals aren't in place, submerging will damage the phone. By having an underwater mode, Samsung opened themselves up to returns for water damage on the Active, because they encouraged users to take it underwater. But that was for a niche product. The S5 is probably going to sell around 40 million units. From what I've read, Samsung is officially saying the S5 is NOT supposed to be dunked in water to avoid being liable for water damage. But technically, the IP67 rating means it can, but at your own risk.

 

[thegrants82]

OP, this is the best answer that you will get.

Pretty sure you can use it underwater and take pictures if you set the volume rocker as the shutter (this is what the underwater mode was on the Active). However...

There are numerous points of failure with the waterproofing. If you don't close the port flap properly. Or snap the back on correctly. If all the seals aren't in place, submerging will damage the phone. By having an underwater mode, Samsung opened themselves up to returns for water damage on the Active, because they encouraged users to take it underwater. But that was for a niche product. The S5 is probably going to sell around 40 million units. From what I've read, Samsung is officially saying the S5 is NOT supposed to be dunked in water to avoid being liable for water damage. But technically, the IP67 rating means it can, but at your own risk.

 

[TheFinisher]

Sorry, I dont care if anything, even the S5 states its water repellent, resistant, and or proof, because if air can get in, water can get in. Wouldn't trust it, but none the less it is nice to know that if your a painter and accidentally drop it in a work pail of paint, you can simply rinse it well, and move on, but I wouldn't submerge it, especially under 6" or more of water, as the deeper you go, the more pressure will be sneaking in on every crack and crevice it can find. Simply put, if you drop it in a mud puddle, you'll be OK, but as for repellence?, well the only device I can trust would be a Casio G-Shock, as I've been snorkeling down to 25' and it was never phased. All I can say is do at your own risk. :-