Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: AT&T Offers One-Time Replacements For Water Damaged Handsets

AT&T will now be providing a little insurance with their Samsung Galaxy S4 Active handsets in the event of water damage. The carrier confirmed Wednesday that is has established a program that will allow Galaxy S4 Active owners a single opportunity to replace their handsets if they happen to suffer water damage.

Prior to this, Galaxy S4 Active owners were fully liable if their handsets incurred water damage -- to the surprise and dismay of many customers. The Galaxy S4 Active, which is advertised as waterproof, can in theory withstand extreme conditions for up to 30 minutes in one meter of water. But this leaves a lot of room for Galaxy S4 Active handsets to unintentionally be affected by water damage. Samsung and AT&T have specially advertised the Galaxy S4 Active for its ability to take photos underwater, which is where handsets likely have the greatest potential to incur damage.

AT&T released a statement explaining the stipulations of the program.

“If your Galaxy S4 Active has been damaged due to water exposure, bring it back to an AT&T retail store as soon as possible for a one-time exchange for another Galaxy S4 Active.” AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said.

After the first replacement, owners will have to pay the usual deductible in order to replace their handsets, which most think is a fair compromise compared to nothing at all.

Do you think AT&T’s one-time water-damage replacement program for the Galaxy S4 is a good move? Let us know in the comments below.

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