Samsung has apparently decided to scrap IP water resistance certification for non-Active devices, which means the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6 and the recently leaked Galaxy S6 Edge won’t be waterproof like the Galaxy S5.
So, why has Samsung decided to ditch the water resistance after so recently adding it as a design feature?
Samsung’s decision is said to be motivated solely by money, and it’s easy to understand why the Korean company would be taking serious steps to bring down overheads, given the torrid time it’s endured financially over the last year.
The Galaxy S5 was Samsung’s first flagship to boast IP67 certification (meaning it was dustproof and able to survive for up to half an hour in a metre of water), just like rivals such as Sony’s Xperia range. However, disappointing sales of the Galaxy S5 appear to have convinced the money people at Samsung that it’s a feature the general public can live without.
Of course, the reported decision also gives further credence to the existence of a separate Galaxy S6 Active handset, which will be waterproofed and toughened for use in harsher environments.
The Galaxy S6 is expected to make its premier appearance at Mobile World Congress on March 2nd, and the device looks set to be a big improvement over the Galaxy S5, which was feature-packed but also as ugly as a buck-toothed mule.
Samsung’s new flagship is set to benefit from aesthetic changes and could be the first of its line to be constructed from metal, after other handsets such as the Galaxy Alpha emerged sporting metallic designs. Rumours say the Galaxy S6 will come packing an Exynos 7420 64-bit Octa-core chip, 3GB RAM and a 20-megapixel primary camera, as well as top-end Quad HD display – which is expected to be larger than the 5.1-inch panel on the Galaxy S5.
The Galaxy S6 will run on Android 5.0, while changes to Samsung’s TouchWiz UI are sure to be included too.
The Galaxy S6 Edge, which we detailed yesterday, will feature a display that curves around both edges of the device and allows users to set up new notification systems and quick-glance information without waking up the device.
How do you feel about the Galaxy S6 being deprived of IP certification? Will it make you look elsewhere for your next upgrade? Let us know.
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