Sun Sentinel

Samsung Galaxy S 4 breaks more easily than iPhone 5, tests reveal

By Salvador Rodriguez

12:31 PM EDT, April 30, 2013


The Samsung Galaxy S 4 smartphone has many more software features than its rivals, but it's also more fragile.

The GS4 received the highest score for breakability in a test that also included its predecessor, the Galaxy S III, and its main rival, the iPhone 5. The results of the test, conducted by SquareTrade, a company that provides protection plans for mobile devices, revealed that the new phone is not only more likely to be damaged but also damages more easily than other devices.

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In the tests, which included a four-foot drop, a slide test and a water submersion, the GS4 received a score of 7 out of 10 -- the higher the number the more likely the phone is to be damaged. Meanwhile, the GS3 received a 6.5 while the iPhone 5 earned a 5. 

The GS4 had more damage than three of the devices after a drop test, which cracked the screen and several parts of the phone. The GS3 also cracked, but to a lesser degree, and the iPhone 5 only had a few scratches.

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On the friction test, which is used to determine how far a phone will slide on a flat surface, the GS3 and GS4 both went about three feet while the iPhone 5 slid a little more than two feet.

The GS4 and iPhone 5 both did well in a water test, which involved the phones being dipped in water for 20 seconds while playing a YouTube video. Only the GS3 had some damage, losing the ability to play audio.

"Major strikes against the [GS4] include high breakability during SquareTrade Drop Tests, a slippery back panel, and a wider screen that reduces grip-ability, especially compared to the ultra-slim iPhone 5," SquareTrade said.


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