Waterproof versus water resistant phones

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is concerned by the number of complaints about waterproof phones – and that they stopped working after using them in a swimming pool or in the rain.

ACCC is looking at the wording of phone retailers regarding waterproof versus water resistant phones (The Canberra Times, September 1, 2015). The ACCC thinks retailers are not making the issue clear for the public about what the terminology means and doesn’t mean.

Consumers are making complaints about water damage to their phones. Some phone companies in Australia are not honouring warranties regarding water damage.

Some phone companies use the terminology ‘waterproof’ and provide a rating in the documentation about their phones. Phones that have the highest waterproof rating can ‘handle dips in the sink, calls in the rain, and pictures in any weather.’ Out of a rating from 1-10, companies have given the highest rating of 8).

Waterproof means that the phone repels water and does not let water inside the device, a bit like ‘water tight.’ Waterproof is generally used in clothing terminology – such as a raincoat because it won’t let water through the coat. Or scuba diving watches are marked waterproof. Water resistant means the same except that there are certain conditions – such as to a certain depth of water, i.e. water resistant to two metres. Water resistance does not guarantee that the device will not be damaged if it comes into contact with water.

The information in some phone retail documents say that consumers should avoid excessive sand and mud around their phones, and avoid getting their phones in contact with extremely hot or cold water. And that phones should not come into contact with salt water (i.e. the sea or salt water pools and spas). Some companies stipulate that phones should not be used in swimming pools because of the chlorine levels. Or ‘avoid keeping the device in the pool for too long and to remember to rinse it off thoroughy with fresh water once you get out.’ However, they rarely say how long is ‘too long.’

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