New iPhones less durable than iPhone 5

By Anne D’Innocenzio, AP



The biggest loser, however, was Samsung’s Galaxy S4, which failed to work after being submerged in water and being dropped 5 feet (1.5 meters) off the ground, according to San Francisco-based SquareTrade.

The phone that withstood SquareTrade’s torture test best was Google Inc.’s Moto X. The Moto X is the first phone designed with the Internet company as Motorola’s new owner. Released in August, the Moto X is also the first smartphone assembled in the U.S.


Officials from Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. and Google Inc. didn’t immediately return email messages for comment.



SquareTrade reviewed each device based on eight factors, including the materials of the device’s front and back panels, its size and its weight. It also tested the device’s ability to withstand drops from 5 feet (1.5 meters) and being dunked in water for 10 seconds. SquareTrade says it uses robots to do the testing to ensure consistency.




In particular, Shay noted that the iPhone 5C was more damaged when it was dropped than the iPhone 5. And the iPhone 5S also failed a slide test. It slid off of a table when it was pushed, unlike the other devices tested. By comparison, the iPhone 5C slid a little over 3 feet (90 centimeters), while the iPhone 5 slid just over 2 feet (60 centimeters).

The Moto X had a rating of 4.5, surviving the tests with only the slightest dent. Shay noted that the phone’s innovative rounded back molded to the shape of a user’s hand makes it easier for the consumer to grip.