Consider this quick news update a bit of a recall notice. No, Sony isn’t recalling any smartphones. It seems I have to recall a portion of a previous review because of a product revelation that hit the news recently.
In my original review of the Xperia Z3v Verizon-dedicated smartphone from Sony, I shared the spec detail that the phone was dust and waterproofed without the need of an external case. That comment was one small portion of a generally positive review of what is an impressively well-equipped smartphone from Sony.
Related: Sony Action Cam Ups the Ante with Live View Remote
However, news is breaking this week via various news sites and Sony’s own forums that regular use indicates the Xperia Z3v is not actually waterproof. There are reports of motherboards fritzing out and screens shutting down permanently after direct exposure to water.
Since I reported that the Xperia was, in fact, safe to use around water, I felt it was a responsibility to correct that statement. Evidence indicates the Xperia Z3v is not waterproofed and should not be used in contact with moisture.
I wasn’t the only writer listing the anti-water ability as a prime feature of the phone, so the word is out there now via similar corrections. Of course, that’s a little late and some users have fried phones. Sony is offering warranty repair or single replacement for phones damaged by water.
In the end, it’s a little embarrassing for Sony – but I wouldn’t consider this a major scandal. Even when I read the waterproofing claims, I wondered how much value the featured had. Wasn’t it obvious to most modern smartphone users that it’s not wise to use an electronic advice around water?
Well, it turns out it is.
