Samsung’s Ad Shows a Call Made After Dropping the Phone in Seawater – Would Apple or Samsung Cover That Kind of Damage Under Warranty?
Samsung’s daring ad, showing a phone functioning after being dropped in seawater, might make you think modern smartphones are impervious to water damage. But when it comes to warranties, both Samsung and Apple take a more cautious stance—especially when saltwater is involved.
What’s the Reality Behind These Claims?
Samsung and Apple both market their flagship devices as water-resistant, not waterproof. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max have IP68 ratings, meaning they can survive submersion in fresh water for up to 30 minutes at specific depths (usually 1.5 to 6 metres). However, the keyword here is fresh water. Seawater, with its high salt content, presents an entirely different challenge.
Does the Warranty Cover Saltwater Damage?
Apple’s Warranty:
Apple explicitly excludes liquid damage from its standard warranty and even from its extended AppleCare+ plan. If your iPhone suffers water damage, including from saltwater, you’ll be left to cover repair costs yourself. Apple also warns that water resistance can diminish over time due to wear and tear.
Samsung’s Warranty:
While Samsung’s warranty language is similar, the company has been known to push its devices’ durability in ads, including surviving seawater. However, Samsung’s fine print often states that water resistance applies only to fresh water under controlled conditions. In practice, seawater damage will likely fall under the category of “misuse,” leaving you to foot the bill for repairs.
Why Is Saltwater Particularly Damaging?
Saltwater is far more corrosive than fresh water. The salts in seawater can:
- Corrode the phone’s internal components.
- Leave mineral deposits that interfere with connections.
- Compromise the seals designed to keep water out.
Even if the phone initially survives the exposure, long-term damage is almost inevitable unless it’s properly cleaned and repaired.
What Should You Do If Your Phone Falls in Seawater?
- Rinse Immediately: Rinse your phone in fresh water to dilute and remove salt. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s crucial for minimising corrosion.
- Power Down: Turn your phone off right away to prevent short circuits.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a soft cloth to dry the device and remove as much moisture as possible.
- Seek Professional Help: Bring your phone to a repair specialist as soon as possible for a thorough cleaning.
Can Ads Like Samsung’s Be Trusted?
While Samsung’s ad demonstrates the robustness of their devices, it’s important to remember that such scenarios are staged in controlled environments. Neither Samsung nor Apple will cover saltwater damage under warranty, so it’s best to avoid putting these claims to the test.
The Bottom Line
Whether you own a Samsung or an Apple device, saltwater damage isn’t covered under warranty. These devices are water-resistant, but seawater is an extreme environment that can easily breach their defences. Exercise caution and consider investing in a waterproof case for any aquatic adventures.
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