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Galaxy Watch 4 : Waterproof? Ideal for Out Door Activities?

ByOlsen Ia

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the latest and greatest smartwatch from Samsung. It has a water resistance rating of 5ATM, which means that it can be submerged in water up to 50 meters (164 feet). This makes it perfect for any out door activities, such as swimming, surfing, or kayaking! The watch also complies to ISO 22810:2010, which ensures that it meets the highest standards for water resistance. So if you’re looking for a waterproof smartwatch that can handle any activity, the Galaxy Watch 4 is definitely the one for you!

What is ISO and How they Determine the Standards for Water Resistance?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standards body that develops and publishes standards for a wide range of products and services. One of the standards that they develop is for water resistance ratings on watches. The ISO 22810:2010 standard defines how water resistance ratings are determined, and it includes three categories:

  • Category I: Watches that are suitable for everyday use and are resistant to splashes of water.
  • Category II: Watches that are suitable for use in shallow water, such as swimming pools.
  • Category III: Watches that are suitable for use in deep water, such as diving.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is classified as a Category II watch, which means that it is suitable in shallow waters and swimming pools. This is thanks to its water resistance rating of 50 meters (164 feet). It is also not a diving watch.

What Tests are done to achieve ISO 22810 : 2010 Water Resistance?

There are a few different tests that are done in order to achieve the ISO 2280:2010 water resistance rating. The good thing about the tests is that it’s relatable to the kinds of environments, you would undertake.

Condensation Test

The Galaxy watch 4 would undergo this test first. This will truly test the design of the watch.

A heating plate is turned on set to about 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. Then the watch is placed onto the heating plate until it reaches the same temperature as the heating plate. Time can vary dependant on the watch. Then a wet cloth or pad is placed onto the glass for one minute. When the one minute is up, remove the cloth or pad and wipe away the excess water on the glass. If any condensation is showing on the glass internally, then it is a fail.

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Water Resistance Test By Immersion

Once the Galaxy watch 4 passes the condensation test (and it must pass before it can do this test) is the water resistance by immersion test. It consists of 4 different test scenarios that will test the Galaxy watch 4 design. Keeping out water or moisture isn’t easy, but here is what the next tests are.

1. Water Resistance to Over Pressure

I wont go into scientific detail, but in simple terms the galaxy watch 4 is placed into a specialised testing device. The device is a vessel that can be closed off and pressurized.

First the vessel is filled with distilled water up to the testing mark which is about half way. Then the Galaxy watch 4 is placed onto the hook that is connected to the lid of the vessel. Carefully the lid is placed onto the vessel, and then fixed. The Galaxy Watch 4 is now in the vessel above the water.

The testing device then begins pumping air into the vessel creating pressure. Then the Galaxy Watch 4 is then lowered into the water, then the observation begins. You should only see a few bubbles come out of the Galaxy 4. This indicates air currently trapped inside that’s been released.

If the tester sees a stream of air bubbles coming out of the Galaxy Watch 4. Then that is a fail. When it is pushing that much air out, water ingress is occurring.

2. Water Resistance at a Shallow Depth.

Before this test can start, the Galaxy Watch 4 must pass the water resistance to over pressure test. Other wise this test is fairly straight forward.

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The Galaxy watch 4 is placed at a depth of 10cm and is kept there for 1 hour. Once the 1 hour mark is up, the tester observes the watch. If there is condensation showing on the glass, then that is a fail.

3. Water Resistance when Strain is Placed on the Operative Components

The Galaxy Watch 4 has side buttons. In this test, the Galaxy Watch 4 is immersed into water, and the tester pushes the buttons and the crown of the watch. The whole point of this test, is to ensure no ingress of water enters when pressure is applied onto the operating parts.

4. Water Resistance on Exposure to Thermal Shock

In this test the Galaxy Watch 4 is placed under thermal shock. The way I under stand it is, In warmer waters, the material in the watch can expand. In this moment water ingress can possibly happen.

In this test the Galaxy watch 4 is placed into a vessel of warmer waters of about 40 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes. Then it is transferred into slightly cooler water for 5 minutes, and then back to the first vessel for 5 minutes.

The change in water temperatures on the Galaxy watch 4 replicates thermal shock. The tester is then check if any water ingress occurred.

3. Is There Anything You Need to Know About The Galaxy Watch 4 Water Resistance?

The ISO testing is quite a standardised practise to ensure the product you are going to buy do meet the standard as promised. The way I look at it, it’s like consumer reassurance. But there is a few things you need to know.

  • Tests Done using Fresh Water : The water resistance testing was conducted using fresh water. Salt water on the other hand can cause quite a bit of damage to your Galaxy Watch 4. If exposed to salt water, wash it off with fresh water and dry it off with a lint free cloth.
  • Tests Done in Ambient Temperatures : The definition of Ambient temperature in this test is between 18-24 degrees Celsius. Where ever you are in the world, exposing your Galaxy Watch 4 outside this temperature range may resist water differently.
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4. Helpful Tips to Maintain Water Resistance for Galaxy Watch 4

These tips directly out of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 manual. It is important to know this because if you do use your watch in these not ideal conditions, you may not be covered under the warranty.

  • Do not expose the device to fast flowing water  
  • If the device is exposed to other liquids such as salt and chlorine, rinse and dry the device thoroughly with a clean soft cloth
  • Do not disassemble your device. This  may damage the water and dust resistant features of the device
  • Do not expose your device to extreme air temperature or water temperature
  • Do not dry your device with a heat machine, e.g. hair dryer
  • The water resistant feature of the device can be damaged in the sauna
  • Some features such as the touchscreen may not work properly if the device is being used in the water

5. Final Conclusion

i hope you have learnt a lot about the level of water resistance of the Galaxy Watch 4. Its current resistance is at 5ATM. This level of water resistance is very good and is a standard level for trackers and smart watch’s across the board.

If you looking to Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for it’s water resistance. I think it is still a good buy. Just keep in mind of the tips shown in this article. The device will last longer and keep tracking your goals.