If there is one thing about smartphones, the more expensive they are the more fragile their exteriors, and the recently released Galaxy S21 series has proved to be no different.
The devices, which include the standard Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S21 Plus, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra went on sale last Friday, and now Allstate has released its drop tests, revealing the durability of the new Samsung flagships. Overall, the three models all took a beating when being dropped from a six-foot height onto a concrete sidewalk. Allstate’s device protection brand, SquareTrade performed face down and back down drop tests on the devices and the standard Galaxy S21 proved to be the most durable of all the models.
The polycarbonate plastic back on the standard Galaxy S21 saved it from a more gruesome fate than its siblings, with just a few scratches on its back after being dropped twice. However, its display suffered cracks, and its glass raised from the frame after a front drop.
Allstate noted that the devices feature a contour cut metal glass housing for their cameras, as well as the latest Gorilla Glass Victus protective covering, as signatures of their integrity.
The metal camera modules on all three models remained untarnished and the shooters functional throughout all drop attempts. However, the glass fronts and backs on the Plus and Ultra models were no match for unforgiving concrete. The Galaxy S21 Plus saw its screen shatter, loosen from the frame, and lose functionality, while its back was severely damaged from a single drop attempt. The Galaxy S21 Ultra suffered massive damage in all drop attempts.
Galaxy S21 
Galaxy S21+ 
Galaxy S21 Ultra
There are certain factors to take into consideration in drop tests, such as the weight of handsets, in addition to their designs and component makeup. The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a max weight of 229g and the Galaxy S21 Plus tops the scales at 202g, to equate for their extensive damage. Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy S21 weighs in at 171g thanks to a plastic backing and saw less damage from both front and back facing drops. It is interesting to consider that a polycarbonate design was once considered too cheap for a flagship-level device, but now could be the very reason many consumers favor the standard Galaxy S21.
The Galaxy S21 starts at $799, while the Galaxy S21 Plus starts at $999, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra at $1199.
How Galaxy S21 upgrades help
Samsung has clearly taken lessons from prior Galaxy S models in the design of its latest series. The metal camera models are designed so lenses are indented inside the housing, protecting them from damage; even if other components are affected. In comparison, devices from the 2019 Galaxy S10 series suffered damage that rendered their more exposed cameras unusable in similar six-foot drop tests.
Corning, the makers of Gorilla Glass markets its latest Victus covering as durable up to 2 meters, noting that competitor glass coverings may fail at much shorter distances. With the average smartphone drop occurring at about waist or pocket height, there is a good chance that all of the models in the Galaxy S21 series may fair much better in more conventional tumbles.
To insure or not to insure
Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 devices largely remain fragile, and cases are likely necessary unless users have a substantial grip. For added protection, consumers can consider smartphone insurance, which can help them make decisions about damaged or faulty devices. SquareTrade offers smartphone warranty programs for $8.99 per month.
Having conducted a survey last December, Allstate uncovered that approximately 87 million Americans experienced an incident that led to a damaged smartphone in the last year. Smartphone issues can lead to a number of challenges, namely whether to get a device repaired or to replace it with a new handset.
The insurance brand also found that people can be judged as unprofessional due to a cracked smartphone screen, can suffer hand injuries due to working with a broken screen, and can experience damage to a device even when it is in a case.
