The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ were introduced at this year’s Mobile World Congress. Like last year’s Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, it is primarily made of glass. And like last year, SquareTrade has taken this years model to task in a breakability test. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ hit the market with a reported 20 percent thicker glass and a stronger, AL 7003 middle frame. But how does it compare to previous models and its Apple competitors?
SquareTrade Labs uses a range of “scientific robots” to drop, bend, tumble, and dunk devices to see how they live up to the activities of our everyday lives. To check out the shattering results of SquareTrade’s test, view the full Breakability video below.
SquareTrade’s Breakability Test results revealed:
- Face Down Drop Test: It was a crash landing for the S9 and S9+ on their first face down drop, with both phones suffering extensive damage across their screens. However, they were missing the sharp shards of glass that were seen during last year’s tests on the S8.
- Side and Back Drop Tests: A big difference from the S8 was the result of the side drop test. The S8 shattered on both its display and back panels, while the S9 was only damaged on its back panel. However, during the back drop test, the S9’s back panel completely shattered, which is in line with last year’s model.
- Tumble Test: Although their thicker glass held up a little better to repeated impact simulated by the tumble bot, there was still considerable damage on both the display and back panels of the S9 and S9+.
- Repairability: SquareTrade’s Master Technician reported that the S9 and S9+’s repairability didn’t improve from the previous generation, noting the difficulty in removing its back panel and preserving its LCD display, which techs could break and have to replace.
“With the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, and the iPhone X last year, we’re continuing to see a trend of beautiful all-glass designs that come with a high price tag and high risk of damage from drops and mishaps,” said Jason Siciliano, vice president global creative director at SquareTrade. “Our tests and claims data show that even when in cases, they still experience damage. So, while water resistance has improved across the board, all of that glass means that durability has actually gone backward over the past year.”
What do you think of SquareTrade’s breakability test of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
