The Sony Xperia Z1 isn’t fully waterproof. This is according to a woman in South Africa who complained that her phone stopped working after using it in water. She said the ports were closed so no water could go inside the phone but unfortunately it stopped working. This despite Sony’s claims that phone is waterproof.
The woman brought her phone to a Sony repair center but they wouldn’t repair even under warranty. The carrier also refused to repair the phone because the phone is only “water resistant” as opposed to the “waterproof” claims by Sony. It’s a big problem for the woman so the $800 she spent on the handset is gone—just like that, no thanks to Sony’s false claims.
Because of this, the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASASA) made a ruling that the smartphone in question can’t be marketed as “waterproof”. Sony still insists that the phone isn’t only water-resistant as mentioned by the mobile carrier. Still, ASASA is saying there is a difference between “water resistant” and “waterproof” so Sony should be more careful next time not to mislead people, at least, in South Africa.
Sony should take note of that especially since the latest Xperia Z3 phone boasts of its high level of water- and dust-resistance. The phone is IP68 certified so it should be tough and ready for all rough use.
I totally understand this ASASA ruling in South Africa. Sony should respect the agency and comply with the rules. But seriously, why would you use your phone while in the water? Seriously?!
VIA: Xperia Blog
Why wouldn’t you use your phone in the water? I want a Z3 specifically to take underwater photos, and Sony themselves make apps to be used only underwater. Good article, but to act like the user was at fault for using thier waterproof device in the water is a bit narrow.
I got the tmobile z1s for the same reason. First one lost volume button function the first day. I only tested the Sony underwater apps in a glass of water. Got another and I will not submerge this one. It is not safe at all. I work for a busy fire department and need it to be waterproof as stated. Took a shot from a hose accidentally the other day. Speaker didn’t work for several hours. All ports closed in both situations.
That’s really dissapointing. I have a Note 3 in a Seidio Obex case and this thing truly is waterproof. I would be so upset if one time I dunked it, and my phone got soaked and didn’t work.
I took my Z1 Compact on the River all day and it was just fine after. I had it in my suit pocket and swam with it submerged for 30 minutes at a time several times throughout the day. I also like the waterproof feature just so you don’t have to worry about your phone when you are hanging out at the lake or at the pool. Jump in the water without worrying about where to stash your phone, etc.
I have the Tmobile z1s and I used it under water and mine works just fine!! Drop it twice and it’s still fine.
Why would anyone believe Sony’s marketing? No one should buy a smartphone or ANY technology, believing it to be shock, dust, water or in any way resistant to the elements (unless it’s made by some famous company responsible for such things AND the tech in question is made out of heavy duty materials).
I don’t even know why Phony is trying to market their products this way; hardly anyone is going to fall for it.
This is what IP** ratings were made for. Everyone should stop using vague “waterproof” and “water resistant” terms and instead use “IP68 water resistant”.