Samsung Galaxy S9 is more durable than both the Galaxy S8 range, and Apple’s flagship smartphone, iPhone X.
That’s music to the ears of Samsung fans, who were dealt a blow last year when SquareTrade’s infamous drop test concluded that no smartphone had ever performed worse than the Galaxy S8.
With the Galaxy S9, the South Korean technology company has kept an almost-identical industrial design.
However, under the bonnet, the Galaxy S9 is much stronger than its predecessor.
Samsung has stressed that its flagship Galaxy S9 models now include a tougher glass display which is some 20 per cent thicker than the equivalent on the Galaxy S8 last year.
The new handsets also benefit from stronger 7000 Series Aluminium, which should be more resistant than the metal in last year’s flagship phones.
These changes appear to have paid off – well, within reason.
SquareTrade’s rigorous tests have concluded the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are more resilient than the Galaxy S8 range and all-glass iPhone X.
However, Galaxy S9 owners should still probably buy a case.
SquareTrade grades phones on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is indestructible and 100 carries the highest risk of breaking.
Last year, the Galaxy S8 was scored 76 and the Galaxy S8+ got a 77.
At the time, those were the two worst scores ever awarded by the gadget warranty provider.
Following the same extensive tests, SquareTrade has awarded the Galaxy S9 an overall score of 71 – a five point improvement. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S9+ scored of 76 out of 100.
SquareTrade VP Jason Siciliano said: “With the Samsung 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.
“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.”
Here are some of key findings from SquareTrade’s tests –
Face Down Drop Test: The Galaxy S9 and S9+ landed face-down, 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 the improved, 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 difficulty in removing its back panel and preserving its LCD display, which techs could break and have to replace.