Last updated on September 15, 2015

If you are familiar with the Xperia Z series, one of the reasons is probably the “waterproof” feature that is part of the IP 55 and IP 58 certifications that come with the existing line of Sony Xperia phones.

The IP certification, or the International Protection Rating is a rating given to any device that can protect its internals from water and dust to a certain degree. The higher the certification number, the better the device will hold up.

Sony has used the IP rating of its Xperia Z phones for some great marketing stunts and ads such as the time when the company hired swimsuit models to use the phone in a shower booth at a public mall (yeah, it worked).

Similarly, Sony, after launching its Xperia Z3 showcased it in a commercial where the device was submerged into a cone of water up to a depth of 1.5m for a period of 30 minutes.

All this marketing did work and a lot of people were fascinated with being able to use their Xperia phones under water, especially to take pictures.

Unfortunately, that’s how most people also broke their phones, because even though the are waterproof, there are obvious limits and marketing or promotional material is often exaggerated and does not always co-relate to real world use.

To this effect, with the upcoming release of the Xperia Z5, the folks at Sony have seemed to change their stance on the phone’s use under water and have started getting some criticism for it.

On Sony’s official website, the company begins by explaining the testing process for their Xperia Z line, saying…

[alert variation=”alert-success”]”Sony devices that are tested for their waterproof abilities are placed gently inside a container filled with tap water and lowered to a depth of 1.5 metres. After 30 minutes in the container, the device is gently taken out and its functions and features are tested.”[/alert]

The company then follows it up with some basic instructions to care for your device and add that your phone is not to be used underwater, period.

[alert variation=”alert-success”]The IP rating of your device was achieved in laboratory conditions in standby mode, so you should not use the device underwater, such as taking pictures. Do not use the device to take photos while performing any type of activity underwater, including diving or snorkeling.[/alert]

This change of stance from Sony is not surprising, but disappointing for fans of the Xperia lineup because, as mentioned earlier, most of the appeal for these devices is generated by the company showing them in use under water for fun stuff like pool party photos.

Clearly, the company is limiting its liability for water damage to the Xperia phones by changing its policy and issuing clear statements and warnings against using the devices under water.

The same webpage ends with a warranty disclaimer which clearly states that there is no coverage for devices damaged due to improper use.

When questioned on the forums, a Sony representative also added that the tests these devices undergo don’t take water pressure and movement underwater in account, which means its very easy to damage your phone while splashing around in the pool.

While we sympathize with Xperia fans, we also believe that the waterproofing feature on phones and tablets should be seen as more of a backup than an actual function. It is there for emergency and unexpected situations for instance dropping your phone in some water or soaking it during the rain.

Moreover, all the waterproofing tests are done with pure H20 and not sea water or water carrying impurities. You should also remember that waterproofing actually means your device can only resist ‘water’, and not any other liquid.

Given all this, it’s probably a safe bet not to use your Xperia Z phones underwater, even if you’ve done it before, because in case you do end up damaging your phone, Sony support center’s won’t really be very sympathetic.

What do you guys think about Sony changing it’s stance on Xperia Z phones’ waterproofing feature and how the company’s marketing campaigns may be misleading customers. Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.