Remember those photos and videos of hot-bodied male and female young models cavorting in the swimming pool with Sony Xperia smartphones, seemingly oblivious to the fact that water and electronics don’t normally go well together? Of course you do, being waterproof is Sony Mobile’s forte, its biggest selling point. And if we are to be completely honest, that is Sony’s only selling point right now.
Well, what if Sony now told you not to use your waterproof devices underwater? Because it is: The company has updated its support page on water and dust protection for Xperia devices, telling users not to submerge their handsets, as first spotted by Xperia Blog.
“The IP rating of your device was achieved in laboratory conditions in standby mode, so you should not use the device underwater, such as taking pictures. Do not use the device to take photos while performing any type of activity underwater, including diving or snorkeling,” Sony’s support page stated.
Sony also stated that, during testing, the waterproof devices were gently taken in and out of water-filled containers. Sony did not particularly test waterproof Xperia devices to withstand the stress of being used for taking pictures within a swimming pool, for example.
In addition, a Sony Mobile support representative told Xperia Blog that using and moving waterproof devices has not been tested, with many other environmental factors also not assessed, such as changes in water pressure. As such, it is recommended that the Xperia Z5, along with all other waterproof Xperia smartphones, should not be submerged in water.
The change in statements by Sony could be related to warranties, as the company may have already received large repair bills from accredited service centers for waterproof Xperia smartphones that were damaged when submerged. Through the recommendation that the devices should not be used underwater, Sony may be trying to lessen the costs that they have to shoulder.
What is the point of the waterproof features of Xperia smartphones then? According to the support page of Sony Mobile, the protection is for instances such as when water from the dinner table is spilled on the device; when the smartphone is used while it is raining; or when the user has wet fingers while using the device.
