Are Waterproof Phones Really Waterproof?

Why a waterproof smartphone is the one for you!

With daily tasks and individuals becoming entirely dependent upon smartphones it is becoming highly substantial that the smartphones we buy are least prone to breakage, damage and also prone to stop working due to accidents involving water. Moreover, with the telecommunications and technological industry becoming more and more competitive; companies are often looking to find ways to diversify their products and find Samsung mobile price new way to attract new market shares and one up their competitors.

In 2013, Sony developed their first waterproof smartphone. The smartphone industry has always been dominated by Apple’s iPhone however, technology aficionados were stunned when Sony transcended Apple in incorporating waterproof capabilities in their new release. Hence, whilst the iPhone has been notorious for being fragile and susceptible to easily showing signs of destruction: shattered screens and not to mention the lack of capability of its OS software with other devices and softwares. So when Sony introduced a supposedly waterproof smartphone, the whole smartphone industry took a double take. Although, Sony’s waterproof Xperia Z did not end up becoming the cash cow for the smartphone industry it did lead to many opportunities for Sony to expand and create variations of their current technology, such as waterproof tablets and ear phones.

What makes a phone waterproof?

Water resistance is measured by an actual unit which is characterized by a rating. This rating is verified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and includes two digits with the first one demonstrating the ability of how well the phone is secured against solids and dust; the second signifies how much water the phone can take. Therefore, the higher the rating, the more the phone is able to endure. Commonly, the ratings which are present include IP67 and IP68. Smartphones with a rating of IP67 can endure being underwater in around 3 feet of water for a duration of 30 minutes or so. IP68 allows phones to be underwater in 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

Most companies claim that their phones are either water proof or water resistant. The term waterproof means that the phone can withstand actual submersion in water however, water resistance refers to phones just being capable of enduring small splashes or being protected against small amounts of water only. Although, waterproof phones still need to be protected from salt water and not be used in places of high heat with moisture like a sauna or a steam bath.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S9 includes an IP68 dust and water resisting technology. This suggests that it is able to endure being drowned in water for at least 30 minutes and under 1.5 meters. Both Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus screens are 6.2 inches with curved amoled screens, accompanied with 2,960 x 1,440 pixel resolution displays. They have stunning infinity displays and as opposed to the iPhone X, Galaxy S9 doesn’t have an indentation at the top of its display. Galaxy S9 has a 571 ppi, while the Galaxy S9 Plus has a 529 ppi.

In addition, Galaxy introduced stereo speakers to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus which are tuned by AKG, the stereo speakers provide surround sound supported by Dolby Atmos. Samsung states that sound is 1.4x more powerful than earlier Galaxy devices, also Galaxy S9 still includes the headphone jack. Moreover, fast wireless charging and AR Emojis are just some of the more modern and advanced additives to the Galaxy family. It is prices at PKR 91,000.

LG V30

LG V30 is priced at PKR 80,999 and also includes an IP68 dust and water-resistance Ingress Protection rating.  This suggests that the device is also protected against dust, and water in up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The screen provides 2880 x 1440 pixels, feels like holding 6 inches of high-res screen with its light weight body. The 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of memory can be extended with a microSD card up to 2 terabytes, unlike Samsung which only extends to 200GB.

LG claims that camera will allow more colours- up to 211% extra, will be concentrated when taking pictures or video with a 16 mega pixel camera as opposed to the 12 megapixel offered by Samsung. The LG V30 camera’s video mode provides additional features like Cine Effect and Point Zoom, which are marketed to the 78 percent of Millennials who aim to use their phones specifically for videography.

According to the comparison above, right away it is evident that the specifications for the LG V30 transcend those of Samsung S9. There is also a difference between the phones with the LG costing PKR 10,000 less. It may also be considered that companies like Samsung are well established and well recognized which use their reputation to charge premium for lesser specifications however, LG is a brand which seems to be making a lot of effort within the smartphone market and deserves to be purchased and experienced at least once.