Sony’s recent update to their usage guidance for their IP68 rated Xperia smartphones regarding their exposure to water sparked a bit of controversy. The change was to be fair merely bringing expectations into line with what the phones IP68 rating is actually rated for, but nevertheless, Sony has heard the feedback and come out with a statement to follow up.
The statement reads:
Sony Mobile is committed to providing the highest standards of product quality and customer service. Xperia models that feature levels of dust and water-resistance are validated independently and based on Ingress Protection (IP) standards agreed and used across the industry. We have every confidence in the qualities of Xperia devices, which are built to exacting technical standards and are designed to perform to high standards in normal usage.
The recent changes to guidance we provide to our customers are designed to more clearly illustrate the best ways to protect devices in day-to-day usage. We communicate necessary precautions, and the specific parameters of ingress protection ratings, to help customers to protect their smartphones and tablets in line with the applicable warranty we provide.
We have also recently updated our marketing visuals to better advocate sensible usage of our devices. The warranty terms provided for our products remain the same and any customer concerns will continue to be considered on a case by case basis in line with these terms.
The most common feedback we got was that the recent update was not reflected in the advertising materials so it’s good to see that this criticism will be addressed. The phones are quite hardy, but if used outside of the conditions of a lab your experience will definitely vary.
The change in policy may change your mind about the Xperia Z5 series, but as the protection is really only there to protect against life’s little accidents, that protection is still technically there, so then again, is this a storm in a teacup?
Cool. Now if only they didn’t advertise their Xperia phones with people diving underwater and all that crap – giving false impressions of what is safe for the phone to do.
Yes and no. Since the recommendations “were” out of line with marketing spiel then yes, it “is/was” an issue. However, Sony is promising that this will change.
In terms of expectations, I actually would always have considered the IP ratings as extra protection against accidental submersion as opposed to actually using the phone under water. Having nearly lost phones due to accidental drops in water,
I guess those that bought the previous Sony marketing spiel (and their phones) might understandably be disappointed.