Why doesn’t Xiaomi waterproof their smartphones?

Waterproof phones are somewhat becoming common nowadays. Major companies such as Samsung and Sony, have made waterproofing a standard in their flagship series and are hoping that in the near future, all of their products would be fully waterproof. Right now, these company’s flagship phones, the S7 and Xperia Z5, all offer some sort of water-resistance.

Xiaomi known as one of China’s largest private companies and is also ranked as the 5th largest smartphone manufacturer in the world in 2015, has yet to produce a waterproof phone. Why is that?

Lei Jun – the company’s founder, said that a few people asked why isn’t Xiaomi water proofing their phones, and during a company event this 2016, he stated an explanation as to why his company hasn’t offered any waterproof smartphones.

According to him, the issue is both of cost and the durability of the product. He stated that users will most likely spend roughly 20-30% more than what Xiaomi devices cost now, and that even if the phone is waterproof, if it gets damaged (even if it’s just a small crack), it can make the phone’s waterproofing useless.

Xiaomi produces high quality and extremely affordable devices, and a waterproof phone might not be as affordable as one would expect. Though despite Lei Jun’s comments, he said that if users would be willing to pay more for waterproof products, Xiaomi would most likely consider in the future.