Water damage not covered in Galaxy S4 Active warranty

One of the biggest selling points of the Galaxy S4 Active, the ruggedized version of the Galaxy S4, is its ability to take pictures underwater, helped by its IP67 water-resistance certification. Samsung was keen to show off this ability in demos by actually showing the phone being used underwater, but it seems owners of the device would be better off not trying off that stunt, due to multiple reasons.

First, the warranty. Here’s what Samsung mentions in the Galaxy S4 Active’s warranty:

This Limited Warranty does not cover: (a) defects or damage resulting from accident, misuse, abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, exposure to liquid, moisture, dampness, sand or dirt, neglect, or unusual physical, electrical or electromechanical stress [...].

Basically, while the ability to take pictures is one of the touted features, Samsung will not replace your S4 Active if any damage should occur because of its exposure to liquids or moisture. Now, that’s pretty much normal as the device is only water-resistant and not water-proof, so any water damage would be grounds for a voided warranty. However, this is where it gets more interesting.

An anonymous AT&T employee, who had gotten lessons on how to use the S4 Active underwater to show off to prospective customers, has posted on XDA that despite taking all precautions, like closing all flaps and ports on the phone before submerging it in water, some of the water was still able to make its way inside. The “flimsy, rubber USB door” was to blame, which caused all manner of improper behaviour to show up, like Google Now opening on its own and the buttons stopping working completely.

That’s a pretty bad thing to happen on a phone that includes an Aqua Camera mode, and while people will rightly point out that these cases are rare and won’t happen to everyone, it is odd that Samsung is not willing to take any responsibility and will not help in any way if you manage to get some water inside the device.

So, while snapping pictures underwater might sound really cool, do try to refrain from submerging your Galaxy S4 Active in any liquid, lest it meet the same fate as that AT&T employee and leave you with an expensive (and wet) paperweight.

Hit the source link for the full scoop on the mishap, and read our full review of the devicehere.