Despite being marketed as the rugged, water-resistant champion of Samsung’s Galaxy S7 lineup, the Galaxy S7 Active isn’t waterproof. At least not according to independent testing by Consumer Reports. In a surprising turn, the S7 Active, which was advertised to withstand submersion in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes, failed not once but twice during immersion trials.
The Tests That Broke the Myth
Consumer Reports tested two separate units of the Galaxy S7 Active. Both devices failed the water-resistance test:
- Device #1: Water seeped into the camera lenses and SIM card slot, rendering the phone unusable.
- Device #2: Although it remained powered on, the screen was marred by green lines across the display, indicating internal damage and a compromised touchscreen.
These results directly contradict Samsung’s claims about the phone’s durability and IP68 rating. This rating is supposed to guarantee protection against dust and water immersion.
Samsung’s Response
In response to the report, Samsung stated that it had received “very few” customer complaints regarding water damage in the Galaxy S7 Active. The company suggested that the units tested by Consumer Reports may have been defective. Samsung also reassured consumers. The device is covered under warranty, offering some peace of mind to concerned users.
However, the fact remains: the Galaxy S7 Active isn’t waterproof in practice, even if it is on paper.
Irony in the Lineup
Ironically, the Galaxy S7 Active was the only model in the S7 series to fail the water-resistance test. Both the standard Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge passed with flying colors, living up to the hype—including Lil Wayne’s infamous champagne-pouring demonstration.
If you’re using a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, you might be tempted to test its limits. However, we strongly advise against conducting your own water-resistance experiments.
What This Means for Consumers
The failure of the Galaxy S7 Active in real-world testing raises important questions. It asks how manufacturers define and test water resistance. This also highlights the importance of third-party evaluations like those from Consumer Reports.
If you’re considering a rugged smartphone and water resistance is a priority, you may want to look beyond the Galaxy S7 Active. Otherwise, at least ensure your device is covered by a comprehensive warranty.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.