SquareTrade today announced its Breakability Score for the new Samsung Galaxy S4. The SquareTrade Breakability Score ranks today's top devices based on how prone they are to break due to accidents. Evaluating key elements such as front and back panel design, edge construction and materials, size, weight, friction quotient, water resistance and grip-ability, SquareTrade's Breakability Score fills in the missing gap left by traditional device reviews: it tests devices in everyday danger situations brought on by our lifestyles and habits.
The Richter Scale it isn't, but the SquareTrade Breakability Score is based on a number of factors, from physical characteristics to the results of SquareTrade's drop test. The higher a device scores on a scale from 1-10, the higher the risk of it breaking due to an accident.
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S4 to the S3 and Apple's iPhone5, the iPhone 5 was the clear winner. SquareTrade's breakability score revealed the following:
While the S4 proved slightly more water resistant than its predecessor the S3, Samsung's new Galaxy phone actually performed worse in most other categories. Major strikes against the S4 include high breakability during drop tests, a slippery back panel, and a wider screen that reduces grip-ability, especially compared to the ultra-slim iPhone 5. Breakability Score: 7 While the Samsung S3 screen is more durable, it is less water resistant than the S4 and its plastic back and wide width decreases its grip-ability. Breakability score: 6.5 The iPhone 5 scored the highest of the three phones tested. While it lost points for its larger size due to more breakable surface area, its excellent grip-ability and low friction coefficient make it far more durable overall. Breakability Score: 5
"Our research and experience shows that even the smallest device characteristics can dramatically affect its breakability: the weight balance of a device can affect the way it spins in free-fall, making it more likely to land on its screen; devices with rubber backs are less likely to slide, and device dimensions can effect how snugly smartphones fit in pant and jeans pockets," said Ty Shay, CMO at SquareTrade. "The likelihood of damage due to these common scenarios has never been higher."
