Samsung "stands behind" Galaxy S7 active IP68 rating, despite failing Consumer Reports tests

Samsung has issued an official statement, responding to concerns surrounding the water-resistance capabilities of one of its newest devices.

Last month, Samsung launched the Galaxy S7 active, a 'ruggedized' version of its Galaxy S7 flagship with IP68 certification, making it both dust-proof and water-resistant to a depth of five feet for up to 30 minutes.

But earlier this month, independent product review journal Consumer Reports said that two Galaxy S7 active handsets had failed its water immersion test. Both units showed clear signs of water ingress, along with malfunctioning displays.

In its statement, Samsung said:

The Galaxy S7 active passed rigorous tests to ensure IP68 certification for water resistance.

Samsung stands behind this water resistance certification, and will replace any Galaxy S7 active under its standard limited warranty, should water damage occur.

After Consumer Reports' findings were published earlier this month, Samsung said that "there may be an off-chance that a defective device is not as watertight as it should be".

Curiously, while the 'rugged' Galaxy S7 active failed the Consumer Reports test, its non-rugged siblings - the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge - both passed.

You can get a quick overview of Consumer Reports' assessment of the Galaxy S7 active in the video below: