Samsung S21 Ultra IP68 Issue

[HelloMonday]

Hi Everyone!

So, I recently upgraded my phone from S10 Plus to S21 Ultra 5G. I have been quite happy on the S21 and the pre-order freebies. However, upon using it on water for 5 minutes (yes, 5 minutes only!), the camera app stopped working and I started to notice that the main camera is starting to moisten. I stopped using the camera and the phone is still working except for the power button, camera app, and cameras (front and back) really starts to moist.

 As a former S10 Plus user, this has never happened before.  So I guess something is really not right on my device knowing that the model is IP68 Rated. I stopped using the phone for a while and dried it out. Felt anxious and really did not enjoy my outing (UGH!). 

I called Samsung care and they advise me to contact my network provider first since the unit came from them. And for everyone's reference, if your unit is from a network provider (globe, smart, or sun) before going to Samsung's Customer service you need to request for the warranty certificate from them and prepare 2 valid ID. and here's my timeline:

Feb 27, 2021 | Day of incident. Called the Samsung Care and I booked an appointment to a globe store.  Device Status: Phone is still working but not the cameras (moist are still there) and the power button.

Feb 28, 2021 | The day of the appointment. They assisted my concern and said that the unit needs to be checked by Samsung customer Service. Also got the warranty certificate that same day. Device Status: Phone is still working but not the cameras (moist are still there) and the power button.

March 1, 2021 | I got to the Samsung Customer Service at 9:15 AM, they assisted me on the queuing machine for the ticket. They are friendly and assisted me on my concerns patiently. They checked the device and said that even if the model is rated as IP68 there are still chances that the it will not be approved for warranty coverage. If it will not be covered by the warranty, I will shoulder the labor cost and of course, the parts for replacement. (Really want to go home ASAP and cry). But my issue will be raised since I also have proof that it was used for less that 15 mins only. 

So it’s too soon to cry though, will wait first for the feedback of Samsung in regards to my concern. hahaha. Does anyone here have the same issue as mine? and as a survey also for everyone, upon reading my post, are you still willing to use your S21 ultra in water?

Anyway, hope that Samsung will replace / repair my unit with no extra cost (please!)

Will also keep everyone posted once i received their feedback. 

[RawAndReal]

really sorry to hear about your experience. i hope Samsung provides a favorable feedback. but I for one, never tried using my handsets in water. even with the water resistance rating. I know it's there, but at least for me, the laws of chemistry apply. water and anything that has power/electricity is a no, no. again that's just me. so to answer your question, nope. i never bought S21 Ultra and any IP rated phones for that matter with the intent of using them in water.

[HelloMonday]

Hope so too! Been using the S21 Ultra for less than a month only. :( I have tried the S10 Plus' water resistance and it was superb! I did not experience any issues with S10 Plus, so I really looked forward on this IP68 Rating of S21.  Samsung also claims that "Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes"  and really did have great reviews from other users. Yet, here I am. hahaha May the odds be in my favor. 

[RawAndReal]

yeah. i really hope they'd replace it. must have been a defective one. good luck!!!

[SaiChaotic]

You have samsung care+ so it should cover water damage.

I too have concerns about my phone, due to the small gap I notice near the speaker grille. 
Despite having samsung care+ and the ip68 rating I never tried to submerge it under water, just a little splashing maybe, nothing serious.

[abnercute]

same here what is the resolution for this?

[abnercute]

any update on this matter?

[HelloMonday]

My phone has been repaired after 2 weeks with no cost. Have you reached out samsung in regards to your concern?

[abnercute]

Yes my phone is already repaired at no cost.... they also replace my LCD because they find out that my screen have flickering issue

[HelloMonday]

As for my phone, they are really not sure on its issue. But they saw white spots in it and advised me that most of the parts (camera, lcd, battery, charging port and etc) of my phone were replaced. So it's like brand new but the features and components were tested. Not sure why they didn't just replace it with a new one. Haha