Thicker Glass & Stronger Frame Not Tough Enough to Save the Galaxy S9 From the SquareTrade Breakability Test

March 19, 2018 – San Francisco

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®, the highly-rated protection plan provider trusted by millions of happy customers, put the latest Galaxy generation through a gamut of tests and found while the Galaxy S9 is slightly more durable than the S8 and iPhone X, its all-glass design is still highly vulnerable to damage. 

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 here.

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 difficultly in removing its back panel and preserving its LCD display, which techs could break and have to replace. 

“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,” 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.” 

SquareTrade's Breakability Score fills the gap left by traditional reviews. The score is based on several factors; from physical characteristics and components to the results of SquareTrade’s drop, dunk, bend, tumble and shot tests. The higher a device scores on 100-point scale, the higher the risk of it breaking due to an accident.

To guard against the worst, SquareTrade always advises people to use screen protectors and phone cases, and get covered by a protection plan.

For more information on protection plans for today’s most popular smartphones, please visit www.squaretrade.com/smartphone-warranty