Don't use your waterproof Xperia smartphones underwater, says Sony

One of the promotional images released with the Sony Xperia Z3

SONY advertises its waterproof Xperia Z3 with an image of people using the smartphone underwater – but that doesn't mean you should jump into a pool with the flagship handset. Confused? So are we.

Sony has updated its support pages on the water and dust protection for Xperia mobile devices – warning users not to submerge their smartphones.

"Do not use the device to take photos while performing any type of activity underwater, including diving or snorkelling," the updated warning now reads.

The new text, which went live last week, is a dramatic change in tone for Sony which has previously shown its Xperia smartphones being used to take photos underwater in promotional pictures.

Even worse, the Xperia Z3 smartphone page on Sony's own website still boasts that owners can "take pictures with the best smartphone camera while swimming in fresh water for up to 30 minutes."

"You can even dive down to 1.5 metres with it. Just remember that all the covers for the micro USB port, the micro SIM slot and the memory card slot must be firmly closed," it adds in the Features section of the webpage.

"Remember not to use the device underwater," Sony's mobile division has since posted in the support pages, as first spotted by Sony-focused blog XperiaBlog.

The Sony Xperia Z3 and Z5 both have an IP rating of 65/68, which means the phones can withstand liquid under pressure for "long periods."

In order to achieve the rating, the smartphones also have to be able to stay 1.5metres underwater for 30 minutes without springing a leak.

 

Another promotional image of the Xperia Z3 showcases the underwater abilities of the device

Listed under the Features tab on the Xperia Z3 website, Sony flaunts the underwater capabilities



One of the new warnings, listed under the Sony Support page for Water and Dust Proof phones

Both Xperia smartphones are able to do this. But that still does mean your can use them underwater, according to Sony.

Remember not to use the device underwater

Sony advice on Xperia Z3

Sony explains: "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 snorkelling."

Sony was not obligated to use the phones underwater – pressing the volume buttons or tapping the touchscreen – in order to achieve its impressive IP rating.

The Japanese firm is clearly trying to lower the expectations of those who are looking to regularly use the smartphone as an underwater video camera.

Sony issued the statement about the Xperia Z3+ although the same warning now covers the Xperia Z5, which has an identical IP rating.