Cell Phones No Longer Dead in the Water

Hydrophobia is defined as an abnormal fear of water. Relating to cell phones, tablets, and MP3 players, hydrophobia is an abnormal fear of getting those devices wet. Well, hydrophobes rejoice. A number of smartphone manufacturers are not only squashing all fears of dropping your devices in water, they’re encouraging it with rugged cellphones, meant to take a beating, and yes, a dip in the pool.

The Sony Xperia Z is the newest waterproof smartphone to hit the market, and it not only allows for underwater filming, but it offers it in HD, no less. The Xperia Z can withstand being submersed in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes. That means you don’t have to worry about that phone getting wet on the job if its raining or you drop it in a puddle.

“There’s no specific coating on the phone or electrical parts to make it withstand getting wet,” Xperia Z product manager Sharath Muddaiah said in an article for CNN. The device is made water-resistant in all of its parts and has a consumer-friendly sleek design, which is a departure from the typically bulky design of most phones in the rugged class.

Samsung has also joined the waterproof phone fray with their Galaxy S4 Active. Equipped with Aqua Mode on the 8 mega-pixel camera, this feature enhances videos and pictures taken under water.

Not to be left out, the body of the Motorola Defy+ is waterproof and said to be able to survive an underwater soak that lasts up to one hour. Motorola has a few other options in the RAZR M, RAZR HD and the RAZR Maxx HD, but it’s a good idea to still be a bit protective of where you set down your phone. The RAZRs are coated with a splash-guard but shouldn’t be submerged in water since they’re designed to repel, not withstand, liquid contact.

These waterproof phones are great for those with jobs that require them to spend a lot of time outdoors. “We see today that a lot of consumers would like to use their device in the rain—say you’re trying to using Google Maps and navigating,” Muddaiah said. Or you’re out at happy hour after work, enjoying a beverage outdoors when you get caught in a sudden rainstorm and someone spills their drink on your phone in the rush to get inside. Not likely but have faith knowing your phone will survive. Just run it under the tap and rinse it off.

If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and put your faith in a waterproof smartphone, or you just can’t part with your iPhone, then you can invest in a LifeProof case. Apple’s phone has taken the plunge for underwater pics with their waterproof case and lived to send the pic with no problems.

There’s also the old school method of letting your phone dry out from an unwanted dip in a bowl of dry rice.

Story by Megan McClure

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