[Poll] How Important is a Water-Resistant Phone or Tablet?

[dgstorm]

One of the new trends in flagship smartphones is IP67 certification, or water & dust "proofing." While the IP67 specs don't actually make a device completely waterproof, they do give it some amazing resiliency to rain, small bodies of water and/or splashes.

Sony basically spear-headed the water-proofing trend, but now other OEMs are following suit including Samsung and others. This got us wondering about the importance of this feature. Is water-proofing just a passing fad, or is it actually a defining feature that helps you decide on a device? Do you think all manufacturers should add IP67 certification to their devices from now on, or are you unconcerned about it?

Here's a poll to get your feedback on this topic:

How important is it to have a water-resistant phone or tablet?

1. It's very important to me, and I no longer want a device without it.
2. It's mildly important to me. I would be happy to have it on my device, but it isn't necessary.
3. It's not important to me at all, and I don't care if my phone has this feature.

 

[CJM]

I think all devices should have some form of waterproof from the manufacturer. It would beat carrying a zip lock bag around when we're expecting rain

Tapped from a Moto X

 

[PereDroid]

I would never zip loc my phone. That's just way too nerdy. Keep it in your pocket when it's raining. Carry an umbrella. Don't be THAT guy.
Having said that I have a RAZR HD which is water resistant and I do make fun of people that try to shield their phone when it's raining.
I play Ingress, sometimes you need your phone in the elements when playing. But I've had plenty of non resistant phones and never lost one to rain.

 

[swc2001]

this to me is just the natural conclusion for a device..... "Computer" that has our lives on it.

 

[Heero121]

if the tech is out there at an affordable rate that the manufacturers can easily implement it, then i don't see why it shouldn't be the norm for all devices. My D4(RIP ) had a water resistant/repellent coating, my note 3 doesnt...which, coming from a 2 year old D4, seems like a step backwards for samsung to not include it.

 

[hammerhead13]

Its great for those people who drop their phones in Toilets! no one of them but know too many people who have.

 

[johnomaz]

Lets see, I've had the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, DroidX, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 4, HTC M8 and my newest phone is the LG G3. I never dropped one in water....until my M8. It took the dunk 3 months after I got it. I am now nervous as hell around pools when I have my G3 with me. I bought a waterproof bag for when I know I'll be near water and can think ahead and bring it with me.

I don't think you should be able to use the phone under water to take pictures but it should be able to survive for 5-10 minutes while you can get it out and in a towel. But lets face it, if phones could survive water the insurance companies for phones and the OEMs themselves would lose a bunch of money. How much you think they make off people buying a new phone because of water damage. I've never had an issue with my phone when its raining. I keep it in my pocket with no other protection.

 

[Crankintopwater69]

# 3.Not that important to me. I don't go swimming with my phone nor do I use it over open water. Next question.....

 

[Quicksilver7714]

It's mildly important. I would prefer that IP67 be a standard on all devices but it's not entirely necessary. However I would like to see more case option for those devices that do not offer Water immersion protection.

 

[pc747]

Even waterproof phones (ie Samsung Galaxy 5) is not really "waterproof" as they will not honor a phone that was water damaged. So for me having a basic coating that protects my phone from a light rain for those moments I have to answer a call or I am doing something on my phone and the sky decides to open. But if you work in an area where you are concerned about water, dirt, or sand do yourself a favor and invest in a $50 otterbox defender. It will save yourself a lot of hassle. For those who hate bulky cases I suggest maybe something thinner.

 

[cr6]

I'd have to choose #2, "mildly important but not necessary". While I've never lost a phone to water damage, I have had some very close calls while fishing and in the snow. I think eventually this may become the norm if they can figure out a way to make the usb port water resistant without the use of a flappy port cover.

tap'n on my S5

 

[skywyze]

It would take a load off my mind when boating/fishing. Wife lost a couple phones trying to get pics of kids tubing and such. If the phone doesn't come with it, I'll go the Liquipel route.

 

[Jeffrey]

IMO, nice to have but not essential.

 

[BHuber09]

I agree with most people here. Eh. I think its nice of you ever need to make a call while in the rain however I can/have/will be perfectly fine without it

Note'd

 

[Quicksilver7714]

Even waterproof phones (ie Samsung Galaxy 5) is not really "waterproof" as they will not honor a phone that was water damaged. So for me having a basic coating that protects my phone from a light rain for those moments I have to answer a call or I am doing something on my phone and the sky decides to open. But if you work in an area where you are concerned about water, dirt, or sand do yourself a favor and invest in a $50 otterbox defender. It will save yourself a lot of hassle. For those who hate bulky cases I suggest maybe something thinner.

PC the defender is not water/dust proof.

I can see why Samsung wouldn't honor a warranty against liquid damage. They have no proof that the user properly sealed all the ports to guarantee liquid immersion resistance. It would boil down to hearsay whish is not valid evidence.