Samsung S8 dead motherboard - no warranty?

[mrb1]

My Samsung S8 has stopped charging both by cable or wirelessly. I brought it to a local Samsung centre. An engineer declared the device is water damaged, because there is a little corrosion on the charger contacts (obviously, the phone has never been dropped to water; it might have experienced mild rain or sweat. I have happily used iPhones in these conditions for years). The moisture sensor inside SIM tray is OK.  

This is both really puzzling and disappointing:

- How can charging port corrode during standard use?

- How can motherboard water damage be declared by simply analysing the charging port?

I hope this message serves as a fair warning to other Samsung users. The level of service or the quality of hardware are not what you might expect from a premium brand. 

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @mrb1

Unfortunately as water damage isn't covered by the Manufacturers Warranty they can refuse service.

The corrosion implies moisture for whatever reason has got into the phone.

You could ask Samsung for a second opinion from another engineer !

Also a person could look to a replacement if they have Home Contents Insurance or standalone mobile phone insurance and or some bank accounts provide mobile phone cover as a perk of the account. T&C's and excess fees would apply.

[mrb1]

Can you explain how corrosion in the port implies that water got into phone? The port is always exposed to elements, isn't? It's like saying that if your porch is wet, your home must be wet as well. 

[BandOfBrothers]

From what you state regarding the motherboard water damage  

[mrb1]

The phone does not charge on wireless charging, which implies motherboard issue. Since there is some corrosion on charging port, the engineer declared the motherboard is water damaged and can only be repaired out of warranty. 

[whistlermark]

I have a 15 m old S8+ and denied warranty no water damage mb failed. Guess back to Apple I go

[mrb1]

Sorry to hear this. 

I also considered Apple, but got Pixel 3 instead. Great phone - noticeably faster with stock Android, camera is much better, no bloatware. Screen is better on S8 though. And much better support!

[BandOfBrothers]

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@whistlermark wrote:

I have a 15 m old S8+ and denied warranty no water damage mb failed. Guess back to Apple I go

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Under what reason were you denied support under the 24 month manufacturing warranty @whistlermark 

Samsung have to advise why.

[Muhaz]

Hi mrb1

I have faced the same issue.
At first I had problem with sensor after 4 month of usage and got it repaired under warranty.after 1.5 year it started to switch off and does not turn on even when charge was full.
When I took it to service centre they said the motherboard is dead and would cost 12K to replace.
I threw the phone and purchased new phone at that price.
And I am never going to buy a Samsung device.