The good news is that Apple’s upgraded glass for the iPhone X is pretty tough where drops are concerned.
The bad news is that the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+’s thicker glass and aluminum may be a bit tougher.
SquareTrade today conducted its traditional breakability tests on the Galaxy S9 devices to test Samsung’s claims. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ did indeed manage to beat out the iPhone X and older Galaxy devices, but they still didn’t fare well when dropped.
In each drop test, which was conducted from a height of six feet, the Galaxy S9 and S9+’s glass shattered. The two devices bent at 230 and 210 pounds, respectively, and both were cracked in a 60 second tumble test. The Galaxy S9 earned an overall breakability score of 71, while the larger Galaxy S9+ earned a score of 76.
In previous testing from back in November, SquareTrade conducted identical tests on the iPhone X and labeled it “the most breakable iPhone ever,” given that it too shattered at both the back and the front when dropped from a height or six feet.
The iPhone X actually fared worse in SquareTrade’s tests and showed more extensive damage and breakage in every durability test. It earned an overall breakability score of 90, much higher than the S9 and S9+.
A new video, published by PhoneBuff, tells the story:
In side-by-side drop tests, the iPhone X’s back glass held up while the Galaxy S9+’s back glass shattered. A side test comparing the iPhone X’s stainless steel frame to the S9+’s aluminum frame also saw the iPhone X come out on top.
For the third test, in which both phones were dropped face down on their displays, the Galaxy S9+ beat the iPhone X, which had its glass crack. The iPhone X proceeded to survive for five additional drop tests before losing login functionality while the Galaxy S9+ held out for the full 10 additional drop tests.
Granted, drop tests aren’t identical to scientific tests and aren’t a reliable measure of real world durability, but they offer some indication as to what to expect and what to invest in a protective case.
Samsung, like Apple, offers an extended warranty that covers accidental damage. Priced at $11.99 per month, Samsung Premium Care allows Samsung device owners to submit three accidental damage claims in a 12-month period with a $99 deductible required.
Apple’s AppleCare+ for iPhone X costs $199 up front and provides coverage for two incidents of accidental damage. Screen replacements require a $29 deductible, while all other damage is subject to a $99 fee. Sans AppleCare+, it costs $279 to repair a damaged iPhone X display and $549 for all other repairs.
Via MacRumors and SquareTrade