Galaxy S scratch and drop tests

[kwest12]

There are other threads about this, but I kinda wanted to get some discussion going in the Fascinate thread.

Here is a link to the Phandroid article concerning the testing:
Galaxy S Undergoes Intense Scratch and Damage Test | Android Phone Fans

I had to go here: Video: Galaxy S goes through the ultimate display test | Samsung Hub to actually watch the video.

Based on the results I think we can safely rule out any tempered/treated/hardened/whatevered glass being used (like Gorilla Glass): if they were using GG or something like it, the box cutter probably wouldn't have scratched it.

As for the drop tests, while I was glad to see that the 1st couple of waste high drops didn't damage the screen or phone functioning, the head height drop was utterly devastating. I'd definitely be interested to see how the DX fares in similar testing: my best is it would withstand everything.

I think a case and screen protector will be must-haves for the Fascinate, much like they were for the Droid Incredible. Oh well.

 

[kishin14]

I think any phone with an all glass front like the fascinate, incredible or iphone will be less durable than a phone that have a metal/plastic casing outlining the glass front like the droid x. Personally, I think the casing makes the x look less elegant. But I'm willing to give up some aesthetics for durability. Plus, it's made of gorilla glass.

 

[tats_06]

I just hate lack of details...period!

 

[Vihzel]

The Fascinate just looks more susceptible to scratches. Motorola does a good job in the durability department. Their Droid was "built like a tank" as many say and reviewers have been commending the build quality of the X too. The back definitely looks tough.

 

[Nicks88]

That video is pretty ridiculous. If I did those tests with my Droid, it would be just as messed up, gorilla glass or not. You drop any phone face down, expect the screen to shatter. I would go as far as saying the Droid would be worse due to its weight. Can my Droid's screen get scratched with a box cutter? Yes. Will I try it? No. Keep sharp objects and liquids away from it, do not drop it and all will be well.

 

[zenit]

the droid isnt as super durable as one might think.

I've had mine since november '09. I never use cases or screen protectors for my phones. I carry my phones in the pocket at all times with keys/flash drives/coins other pocket junk in there at all times. After 9 months using this phone the screen is covered in tiny scratches. They are not very long, couple of millimeters long, but there is a very significant number of them covering the screen. The scratches are not visible unless you turn the screen backlight off and tilt the phone at different angles to look for them. You have to look to see them, so in normal conditions they do not affect the usage of the phone.

The metal bezel around the screen has a bunch more damage from whatever was rubbing up against it. It is very scuffed, and metal is exposed at a few spots, especially on the front where angle is sharpest.

The back of the droid, however is looking totally pristine. They did really good job with rubberized finish that stood up to rather hard use very well.

 

[Nicks88]

the droid isnt as super durable as one might think.

I've had mine since november '09. I never use cases or screen protectors for my phones. I carry my phones in the pocket at all times withkeys/flash drives/coins other pocket junk in there at all times. After 9 months using this phone the screen is covered in tiny scratches. They are not very long, couple of millimeters long, but there is a very significant number of them covering the screen. The scratches are not visible unless you turn the screen backlight off and tilt the phone at different angles to look for them. You have to look to see them, so in normal conditions they do not affect the usage of the phone.

The metal bezel around the screen has a bunch more damage from whatever was rubbing up against it. It is very scuffed, and metal is exposed at a few spots, especially on the front where angle is sharpest.

The back of the droid, however is looking totally pristine. They did really good job with rubberized finish that stood up to rather hard use very well.

 

[F34R]

That video is pretty ridiculous. If I did those tests with my Droid, it would be just as messed up, gorilla glass or not. You drop any phone face down, expect the screen to shatter. I would go as far as saying the Droid would be worse due to its weight. Can my Droid's screen get scratched with a box cutter? Yes. Will I try it? No. Keep sharp objects and liquids away from it, do not drop it and all will be well.

Amen lol. I pretty much baby my phones as it is.