With Samsung’s just-unveiled Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge phones hitting all the major carriers on March 11, competition will be intense.
T-Mobile has already made a play for customers with an intriguing marketing stunt perhaps dreamed up during one of its recent drinking games.
Designed to showcase the waterproof capabilities of the Korean company’s new flagship phone, T-Mobile performed an unboxing of the Galaxy S7 underwater.
Product manager “Des” was kind enough to sling on a fetching pink snorkel and matching goggles to do the deed, supplying viewers with an inaudible commentary throughout (subtitles helpfully provided).
Both the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, which also shows up in Des’s unboxing video, come with an IP68 rating, so you can happily submerge the devices in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes without any concern. The Galaxy S5 was also waterproof but the capability was removed from the follow-up S6 handset. Reintroducing the feature is certainly a logical move by Samsung as it seeks to offer improved specs for its high-end phones.
Judging by Des’s pool-based presentation, Samsung’s S7 really does function with great ease in watery surroundings, meaning you can take it in the shower or make a call in a rainstorm without a worry in the world. It’ll also cope with an accidental toilet drop, though you might want to give it a good wash before you make your next call.
So apart from the smartphone itself, what else do you get for your money? Well, at the bottom of the pool, Des pulled from the box a presumably water-damaged SIM card, wall charger, micro-USB charging cable, and earphones. Order either the S7 or S7 Edge before March 18 and you’ll also score yourself a free Gear VR headset and six games.
Pre-order the Galaxy S7 at: Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon
The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge land at T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular on March 11. Pre-orders start on February 23. Stores such as BestBuy.com, Car Toys, Sam’s Club, Staples, Target, and Walmart also start selling the devices from March 11.
