AT&T and Samsung launched the Galaxy S 4 Active back in late-June. While the handset was never touted as a fully rugged device, it did arrive with some protection against water. Specifically the handset has an IP67 certification which means it should be able to withstand being submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes time. The catch though, it seems the AT&T warranty didn’t protect against water damage.
We reviewed the Galaxy S 4 Active shortly after the AT&T launch and had plenty of fun with the handset in water. We should also make it clear that our handset didn’t experience any issues as a result of the water. That same thing cannot be said for everyone though. We had seen some other reviewers claiming issues, but there also seems to be some issues being reported from average users.
This brings back the point of AT&T not covering the handset against water damage — despite the handset being touted as water resistant. Anyway, according to details coming from phoneArena, it looks like AT&T will soon be making some changes. It was said the carrier will be making one-time swaps for those with a Galaxy S 4 Active — even if the Liquid Damage Indicator is showing water damage.
Further details also state that users will be getting another Galaxy S 4 Active in return. The other important detail here is that AT&T is apparently only exchanging handsets that were purchased directly from them. Or in other words, if you picked up your Galaxy S 4 Active with another retailer such as Best Buy or Radio Shack you may want to look to them for a possible exchange.
With that, while it may not hurt to give AT&T a call if you happen to have a water damaged Galaxy S 4 Active — we do have to remember that these details are coming by way of a leaked memo and have yet to be officially announced. So far the leak has yet to mention anything in terms of when this exchange program is set to begin.
