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Galaxy S7 Active can't swim, claims site. But it can, vendor retorts

Consumer Reports says phone more aqua-phobic than billed

Samsung is defending its latest line of Galaxy S7 phones after a report questioned the water-resistance claims made by one model of the handset.

Consumer Reports claims that the Galaxy S7 Active fails to hold up under the water immersion claims made in Samsung's ads, most notably that the Active can operate after being dunked in 5 feet of water for a period of 30 minutes.

Samsung has billed the Galaxy S7 Active as shatter-resistant and IP68-rated for dust- and water-resistance.

The review site tested a pair of S7 Active handsets subjected to 30 minutes underwater at 2.12 pounds per square inch (the equivalent pressure of five feet of water). In both cases, the reviewers found that the handsets had not remained water-tight, and key components including the touchscreen failed while others showed bubbles or contained water.

Thus, Consumer Reports concludes, those who purchase the S7 Active smartphone expecting it to survive a dunking could end up with a damaged handset.

"While Consumer Reports generally doesn't evaluate phones for this feature, we do perform an immersion test when a manufacturer claims that its product is water-resistant," the site said.

"When we recently evaluated the Galaxy S7 Active, it failed this test."

The report goes on to note that the Galaxy S7 Active was the only one of the three S7 models to fail the test, with both the S7 Edge and S7 handsets passing the same water immersion tests without issue.

Samsung, meanwhile, is standing behind the certifications given on the handset.

"The Galaxy S7 Active has received high scores in many reviews. It is IP68 certified for water resistance and has gone through strict quality assurance testing to ensure that it meets and exceeds industry standards," reads a statement in response to the report.

"We are currently speaking with Consumer Reports to understand their experience and will closely explore their feedback." ®

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