Is Sony Xperia Z5 Really Waterproof?

Is Sony revolutionizing the smartphone industry or the new waterproof device is not ready to be commercialized?

Sony has updated its website with more information on water and dust protection for Xperia mobile devices – advising users not to use the phone underwater.

However, the Japanese firm has particularly focused its advertising campaign on the fact that its smartphone can be used underwater. In fact, they have been bragging about all the wonderful pictures and videos you can take in the pool with the Sony Xperia Z5. In other words, the marketing department used promotional pictures showing the smartphone as an appropriate tool to take photos underwater.

However, the new statements on Sony’s website contradict the marketing campaign by recommending users not to submerge the phone – “do not use the device to take photos while performing any type of activity underwater, including diving or snorkeling”. Sony explains: “The IP rating of your device was achieved in laboratory conditions in standby mode, so you should not use the device underwater, such as taking pictures”. Of course, laboratory conditions are really different from someone jumping into a pool and this is what the firm explains by saying that “moving or operating the device while it is submerged is not tested during the laboratory tests”.

Is this merely a communication error or are there real doubts about the waterproof competences of the smartphone Sony Xperia Z5? As noted by several specialized sites, this move is actually for Sony to protect itself legally against any customer complaints related to malfunctions occurring after immersion of the phone. By informing and alarming users, Sony is therefore seeking to protect itself against potential returns of smartphones that fail while they are under warranty. In brief, you should not think that your Sony Xperia Z5 will die after a dip in the pool Sony is just attempting to clear itself from responsibility in case of problems.

The final questions is whether it is ethical to advertise something that you then recommend to not do. Why has the Japanese group spent money  on advertisements showing this particular feature for the Sony XPeria Z5  if they then tell users not to use it underwater?

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