A Samsung Electronics smartphone demonstrated remarkable durability by functioning normally after being submerged in freezing Arctic waters for five hours.
Mikael Krekula, a tour guide in Sweden’s Kiruna region, recently had an unexpected experience while testing sonar equipment on the frozen Kalix River.
He accidentally dropped his smartphone through an ice fishing hole drilled through the solidly frozen river. The device sank to the bottom of the frozen river, about 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) down.
Krekula drilled eight additional holes nearby and made a makeshift tool from birch branches, a shovel, and a plastic bag. After five hours, he successfully recovered the phone.
He explained that he could see the phone lying under the ice, tantalizingly close but just out of reach. He went home, tied a summer fishing net to a birch stick, returned to the site, and retrieved it in just five minutes.
He added that the moment the phone fell, it felt like a part of his life had vanished in an instant. To him, it wasn’t just a smartphone; it was a companion that held everything from photos to his ID and credit cards, not to mention all the essential tools he needs for work.
With a trembling heart, Krekula pressed the power button after retrieving the smartphone. To his astonishment, it turned on immediately, displaying three missed calls without any need for drying or rebooting.
For safety, Krekula kept the smartphone in a cabin overnight. Reports indicate that it continues to function normally.
Krekula’s phone was identified as the Galaxy S23 Ultra, released by Samsung in 2023. Samsung Electronics shared this remarkable story through its newsroom on May 22.
Samsung highlighted that the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It can withstand submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) deep for 30 minutes and safely protects the device from dust, dirt, and sand.
Krekula emphasized the model’s reliability in the harsh Arctic environment of northern Sweden. He stated that the stability of the device is extremely important when guiding travelers beneath the aurora or traversing frozen landscapes. According to him, the Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t just incredibly durable but also equipped with night photography performance capable of capturing unique light like the aurora.
He added that he now always carries a landing net and holds his smartphone more securely, concluding that it was an unforgettable experience that directly confirmed how strong the Galaxy S series is.
