Waterproof Test by Service Menu Pressure Sensor Test

[dquilon]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading about this subject for a while now as I wait eagerly for the arrival of my new Xperia Z3 Compact... (I have also been reading about cracking screens, camera pink spots, self opening flaps, etc)... HOWEVER...

I don't want to go crazy over issues that might be isolated and not widespread, but the Pressure Sensor test seems to be one thing that is still unclarified by an oficial Sony statement or at least by a representative AND present on all Z3 / Z3C devices.

So in this line of thought I would like to ask if some of the notable members of this forums know if there is some kind of equilization valve/membrane embedded on the Xperia Z3 / Z3 Compact handsets since the Pressure Test seems to point to that conclusion.

When performed (*#*#7378423#*#* -> Service Test -> Pressure Sensor) pressing gently the screen while all the flaps are closed, the pressure rises and if you hold your finger, it will fall back to the atmospheric pressure. IS THIS NORMAL? the pressure holds in the Z3 if the landyard hole is closed by your finger while testing.

Here is a youtube video about this, and the reason of my confusion. Sony Xperia Z3 common waterproofing defect in wrist strap hole

I understand that if this wasn't the case, the phone would be in danger if there are drastic atmospheric changes like flying on an airplane, but I would really like to be sure that this pressure equalization is normal and it is an indication that the phone can survive immersion in water as my Acro S has for the past 2 years.

There is a thread on XDA about this subject too, but it still unclarified by Sony. XDA test waterproofing without water 

The note on the original post reads:

"pressure will decrease automatically - that is likely a result of some mechanism (membrane/valve behind lanyard hole) to adjust for changes in atmospheric pressure to allow the barometer to work."

Is this true?

Thanks, hopefully I made myself clear, if not I would be happy to try to explain myself further.

Diego.

[dandy63]

Hi, when looking over the tests that have been carried out by XDA members.....results look at the pressure difference between the flaps closed & open.....now the majority of people on this forum & presumably other forums who have suffered water ingress 99% are adamant that the flaps were tightly sealed, so this would imply that in some instances water is entering thru other less noticible areas ie screen/frame or other areas. Now if this is indeed correct would the pressure test readings be a lot less accurate & not show as much variation in these instances compared to doing the test with the flaps closed/ open 

I have always thought it would be a great idea to Vacuum Test each individual Z series phone during QC & a simple QC Tested/Passed signed & dated sticker in each box BUT i realise this is not really feesible nor cost effective :smileysmileywink:

[Thommo]

I have received a reply just to say that this has been escalated up the ranks of Sony to the correct department

[dquilon]

Thanks for the update...

so this basically means that this info is only known by designers or something like that?

Can you perform this test on your Z2 and see if the results are similar to those of Z3 users?

I used to have a Pelican Case that (I just investigated) it had a Gore-Tex® membrane in the pressure equalization valve to keep water out... so this actually makes a whole lot of sense... and I wouldn't be surprise if Sony is using something similar.

Additional info from Pelican's website about the valve in their cases:

How does the Pressure Equalization (Purge) Valve work?
The Pressure Equalization Valve (Purge Valve) is a simple device. It consists of a housing with a hole through it that is covered with a thin Gore-Tex® membrane. According to the GoreTM tech sheet: “The microporous expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) membrane continuously allows the free passage of gases and vapours, equalizing the pressure differential between the enclosure and ambient before it builds to the point that a seal is compromised. Water, dust and dirt are repelled by the hydrophobic membrane, thereby protecting expensive and sensitive electronics”.

[Curnow1]

So we all know that sony Smartphones should be waterproof and have a IP67 (68 With z3) certification. But we also hear alot about the failed water tests of these phones. My question is, does sony test the resistant of every smartphone? Or do the workers only provide that it is waterproof without checking?

[Phy]

You will have to contact your local Xperia Support regarding that info

http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/contactUs/

[Scoutfai]

Have you receive any feedback from Sony regarding this matter?