Galaxy S8 Vs Iphone 8 Which One Actually Cracks First In A Drop Test

When it comes to smartphones, design elegance often walks a tightrope with durability. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Apple iPhone 8 were flagship devices in 2017, each representing the peak of their manufacturer’s engineering at the time. But how do they hold up when dropped? In real-life scenarios, drops are inevitable—whether from a pocket, hand, or countertop. This article dives deep into the structural integrity, materials, and actual performance of both phones under impact, based on controlled tests, user reports, and expert evaluations.

Design and Build Materials: A Closer Look

The Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8 differ significantly in construction philosophy. The S8 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, wrapped in a sleek, edge-to-edge \"Infinity Display.\" Its 5.8-inch curved AMOLED screen maximizes screen-to-body ratio but introduces vulnerable edges. The iPhone 8, by contrast, returns to a more traditional form with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, glass front and back, and a sturdy aluminum band around the perimeter.

Samsung used Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides of the S8, designed to survive drops from up to 1.6 meters onto rough surfaces. Apple also implemented a \"stronger than any smartphone glass\" claim for the iPhone 8, though not officially branded as Gorilla Glass, it was engineered for improved scratch and shatter resistance.

Despite similar use of glass, the structural differences matter. The S8’s curved screen leaves the corners exposed, making them prone to direct impact. The iPhone 8’s flat display and reinforced corners offer slightly better protection during angled drops.

“Glass-back phones look premium, but they pay a price in fragility. It’s physics—sharp impacts concentrate force on edges and corners.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Materials Engineer at MIT

Drop Test Performance: Lab Results vs Real World

Numerous independent labs and tech reviewers have conducted side-by-side drop tests. One of the most cited is the PhoneBuff Drop Test, which simulates everyday accidents: face down, back down, corner drop, and edge roll. After multiple iterations, a consistent pattern emerged.

In head-to-head trials from a height of 1 meter (about waist level), the iPhone 8 typically sustained less initial damage. Its flat screen made full-face contact less likely to crack immediately. The Galaxy S8, however, showed micro-cracks in the lower corner after just two drops due to its curved edge design.

By the sixth drop (simulating repeated mishaps over time), both phones had significant screen damage. But the S8’s display failed operationally earlier—touch responsiveness degraded faster, especially along the curved left edge. The iPhone 8 maintained functionality longer despite visible spider-webbing.

Tip: Always test touch response after a drop—even if the screen looks intact, internal sensor damage can occur.

Comparative Durability Table

Feature	Galaxy S8	iPhone 8
Front Glass	Gorilla Glass 5	Custom Ion-strengthened Glass
Back Material	Glass (Curved)	Glass (Flat)
Frame	Aluminum	Aluminum (Reinforced)
Display Shape	Curved Edges	Flat
First Crack (Avg. Drop)	Drop #2 (Corner)	Drop #3 (Face Down)
Touch Failure Point	Drop #5	Drop #7
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67

Note: While water resistance doesn’t prevent cracking, it indicates build quality. The S8’s higher rating suggests tighter seals, but this offers no protection against impact stress on glass.

Real-World Case: Office Desk Drop Incident

Consider Mark, a marketing consultant in Chicago, who owned both phones interchangeably. One Tuesday, he accidentally knocked his Galaxy S8 off his desk (approx. 1.1 meters) onto a hardwood floor. The phone landed corner-first on a metal drawer edge. Immediate spiderweb cracks radiated from the lower left, and the touchscreen became unresponsive in that quadrant.

Three weeks later, the same scenario occurred with his iPhone 8—same height, same surface. The phone flipped mid-air and landed flat on its face. There was a small central crack, but the display remained fully functional. He continued using it for another month before replacing it for cosmetic reasons.

This anecdote mirrors broader consumer trends reported in repair shop data from iFixit and uBreakiFix: iPhone 8 units brought in for screen repairs averaged one week longer in service post-damage compared to Galaxy S8s with similar impact severity.

Why the iPhone 8 Holds Up Slightly Better

Several factors contribute to the iPhone 8’s marginal advantage in durability:

• Flat Display Geometry: A flat screen distributes impact more evenly than a curved one, where stress concentrates at the protruding edge.
• Smaller Screen Size: At 4.7 inches, the iPhone 8 has less surface area to absorb shock compared to the S8’s 5.8-inch span.
• Thicker Bezel Protection: Though criticized for being outdated, the bezel acts as a bumper during face-down drops.
• Internal Frame Reinforcement: Apple’s precision-machined aluminum band adds rigidity, reducing flex that can exacerbate glass fractures.

That said, neither phone is immune to cracking. Both require cases and screen protectors for meaningful protection. In fact, studies show that a tempered glass screen protector reduces crack risk by up to 60% in accidental drops from under 1.5 meters.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Your Phone’s Drop Resistance

1. Install a high-quality tempered glass screen protector rated for shock absorption.
2. Use a rugged case with raised edges to shield the screen and camera.
3. Avoid pockets with keys or coins—hard objects can press against the screen during movement.
4. Keep the phone away from elevated surfaces like countertops and desks near edges.
5. Test drop performance of your case using slow-motion video if concerned about real-world safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wireless charging affect glass durability?

No—wireless charging generates minimal heat and no mechanical stress. However, dirt trapped between the phone and charger can create micro-scratches over time, potentially weakening glass integrity at a microscopic level.

Can I replace the glass on either phone without losing water resistance?

Possible, but not guaranteed. Factory seals are hard to replicate. Most third-party repairs compromise IP ratings. Even if the phone works, long-term moisture exposure becomes a risk.

Is there a noticeable difference in daily use?

Yes—users report the Galaxy S8 feels more slippery and harder to grip due to its curved edges and glass back. The iPhone 8, while not immune to slips, has a more balanced weight distribution and tactile feedback from its buttons and frame.

Final Verdict: Which Cracks First?

In controlled drop tests and real-world conditions, the **Galaxy S8 tends to crack first**, particularly when landing on a corner. Its elegant curved display, while visually stunning, creates a structural vulnerability. The iPhone 8, with its flatter design, smaller footprint, and reinforced frame, demonstrates slightly better resilience in the critical first few drops.

However, “better” doesn’t mean “durable.” Neither phone survives repeated abuse without damage. After three or more drops, both exhibit severe cracking. The key takeaway isn’t brand superiority—it’s the universal need for protection in modern smartphone design.

🚀 Take action today: Invest in a reliable case and screen protector. Your phone’s lifespan depends more on your habits than its specs. Share this article with someone who’s dropped their phone one too many times!