Samsung fined $14m over phones that aren’t really water resistant

Samsung has been hit with a $14 million fine by Australia’s consumer watchdog for misleading claims about how waterproof their phones are.

Samsung claimed their S7, S7 Edge, A5 (2017), A7 (2017), S8, S8 Plus and Note 8 Samsung Galaxy phones could be submerged in pool or sea water in eight ads.

But Samsung did not disclose the phones’ charging ports would become corroded if they were charged while still wet.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said they had received hundreds of complaints.

“Samsung Australia’s water resistance claims promoted an important selling point for these Galaxy phones,” she said.

“Many consumers who purchased a Galaxy phone may have been exposed to the misleading ads before they made their decision to purchase a new phone.”

She said many consumers had their phones stop working entirely after getting wet.

The ACCC said Samsung was aware of charging port corrosion issues when it launched their advertising campaign.

The ads showed people swimming in pools and the ocean with their phones, touting their water resistance.

Samsung has admitted their ads contravened Australian Consumer Law.

There are more than 3.1 million Galaxy phones in Australia.

People who suffered phone damage after getting them wet are urged to contact Samsung Australia.