If you’re looking to purchase the sturdiest model of Samsung’s new Galaxy S10 line, you may have the best luck with the standard Galaxy S10 model, according to results from SquareTrade’s infamous drop tests.
SquareTrade performed controlled drop tests on the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10e models, and found that the Galaxy S10 was most likely to live to function another day. While all of the models tested suffered cracked screens on the first drop, the damage severity varied wildly, depending on the model.
In the first round of face-down drops, from a height of six feet, the standard Galaxy S10 suffered a cracked screen, and corner damage, while the Galaxy S10+ had a cracked screen, loose glass, and corner damage. The Galaxy S10e was rendered unusable, with a screen malfunction, a cracked screen, loose glass, and corner damage.
In the second round of back down drops from a height of six feet, the standard Galaxy S10 suffered cracked glass and corner damage. The back of the Galaxy S10+ was completely shattered with additional loose glass. Similarly, the back of the Galaxy S10e was completely destroyed, with a cracked camera lens, broken flash, and loose glass.
Looking at physical specifications, it’s easy to see why the Galaxy S10+ suffered major damage in the drop tests. The device is the largest, with a 6.4-inch display and the heaviest at 175g. It likely has a more premium production process, which could have saved it from functionality issues. However, the loose glass could still be harmful to users, even if the device survives a fall.
Though the Galaxy S10e is the smallest and lightest of the group, with a 5.8-inch display and weighing 150g, the device is being marketed as the budget model. This could mean it may not have as detailed a production process as the
The standard Galaxy S10 may benefit from not being as large and heavy, with a 6.1-inch display and 157g, and having more premium manufacturing. Overall, purchasing a productive case of any of the Galaxy S10 models is highly recommended.
While most dropped devices are not falling from a height of six feet, the drop tests are a good indication of the fragility of all of the Galaxy S10 models. The repair benchmark, iFixit also revealed recently that the Galaxy S10 models are harder to repair than the Galaxy S9 models of 2018.
Most smartphone manufacturers now favor glass exteriors for their flagship devices to exhume a look of luxury. Without insurance, repair costs for premium devices can be as eye-watering as the costs of the devices themselves. The Galaxy S10 starts at $899, while the $900, and the Galaxy S10e at $749. SquareTrade offers smartphone warranty programs for $8.99
SquareTrade also noted that the standard Galaxy S10 outperforms rivals, such as the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy S10e and iPhone X are equally as fragile, with functionality destroyed on the first drop.
