When smartphones are held to a higher standard of performance, design, and reliability, durability under stress becomes a critical factor. One of the most revealing tests for any phone is the simple yet brutal drop test. In 2017, two flagship devices—the iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S8—faced off in multiple independent drop trials. The outcomes sparked debate among consumers, engineers, and tech reviewers alike. While both phones were built with premium materials and advanced engineering, their responses to impact told very different stories. This article dives into the mechanics behind those results, analyzes why certain designs fared better, and explores whether the outcome should have been unexpected—or not.
The Design Philosophy Behind Each Device
The iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8 represented distinct approaches to smartphone design at the time of their release. Apple favored a familiar form with subtle refinements: an aerospace-grade aluminum body, a glass panel on the rear for wireless charging compatibility (in later models), and water resistance rated at IP67. The design prioritized structural rigidity and user familiarity, maintaining a flat-edge aesthetic that had become synonymous with the iPhone lineage.
In contrast, the Galaxy S8 introduced Samsung’s “Infinity Display” concept—a nearly bezel-less front with curved edges wrapping around the sides. The front and back were both made of Gorilla Glass 5, framed by an aluminum chassis. This shift toward glass-on-glass construction was bold but raised immediate concerns about fragility. Engineers at Samsung claimed Gorilla Glass 5 could survive drops from up to 1.6 meters onto rough surfaces, twice as effective as previous iterations. Still, real-world testing would determine if theory matched practice.
“Glass offers superior aesthetics and enables new features like wireless charging, but it demands more careful handling than metal.” — Dr. Lena Park, Materials Scientist at Corning Incorporated
Drop Test Methodology and Real-World Trials
Multiple third-party labs and YouTube tech channels conducted standardized drop tests comparing the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8. Most followed a consistent protocol:
- Drops from shoulder height (~1.2 meters) onto concrete.
- Impacts targeted four orientations: screen face-down, back down, corner-first, and edge-first.
- Repeated until catastrophic failure occurred (e.g., unresponsive display, shattered glass rendering device unusable).
The consensus across major tests—including those by CNET, TechRadar, and JerryRigEverything—showed a clear trend: the iPhone 7 Plus consistently survived more impacts before sustaining critical damage. Its aluminum frame absorbed shock effectively, and while the camera lens cover cracked occasionally, the overall chassis remained intact longer than expected.
The Galaxy S8, however, proved vulnerable early on. In nearly every trial, the first drop onto a corner resulted in spider-webbing across the curved edge of the display. By the second or third fall, especially face-down, the entire front glass typically shattered, sometimes extending cracks to the rear panel. Despite using Gorilla Glass 5, the curvature weakened structural integrity at stress points.
Comparative Durability Breakdown
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | Galaxy S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Aerospace Aluminum | Aluminum Alloy |
| Front/Rear Material | Ion-strengthened Glass (front only) | Gorilla Glass 5 (both sides) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| First Crack Location | Rear glass or camera ring | Curved display edge |
| Average Survivable Drops | 4–5 (face-down) | 1–2 (face-down) |
| Repair Cost (Screen) | $130–$160 | $220–$260 |
This table highlights a key trade-off: the S8 offered cutting-edge design and slightly better water resistance, but at the cost of reduced drop resilience. The iPhone 7 Plus, though less visually dramatic, benefited from a sturdier build layout where metal bore much of the impact load.
A Real-World Scenario: Sarah’s Experience
Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Chicago, relied heavily on her phone for client communication and portfolio sharing. She purchased both phones—one as her primary, the other as a backup. Within three months, she accidentally dropped her Galaxy S8 twice: once from waist height onto pavement, and again down a flight of wooden stairs. After the second fall, the screen became unresponsive despite appearing mostly functional. Repair costs exceeded $240, prompting her to switch permanently to the iPhone 7 Plus.
Over the next six months, she dropped the iPhone 7 Plus four times—on tile, concrete, and carpet. Only minor scuffs appeared on the back glass, and the device continued operating flawlessly. “I didn’t expect the difference to be so stark,” she said. “The Galaxy looked sleeker, but the iPhone just held up better when life happened.”
Why the Results Shouldn’t Have Been Surprising
While some consumers expressed shock at the S8’s poor performance, materials science suggests otherwise. Flat surfaces distribute force more evenly than curved ones. When a phone lands on its corner, stress concentrates at that point. In the S8’s case, the curved glass edge acts like a wedge, increasing the likelihood of crack propagation. Additionally, dual-sided glass eliminates the energy-absorbing benefit of a metal back, which can flex microscopically upon impact.
Apple’s decision to retain a metal back (except for antenna lines) provided inherent advantages in impact dispersion. Though the iPhone 7 Plus lacked the S8’s futuristic look, its design favored longevity over novelty. As one engineer from iFixit noted during teardown analysis: “You can innovate all you want, but physics doesn’t care about marketing claims.”
Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Smartphone Durability
- ✅ Use a rugged case with raised edges to protect the screen and camera.
- ✅ Apply a tempered glass screen protector—even on devices with strong factory glass.
- ✅ Avoid placing your phone face-up in bags or pockets with keys and coins.
- ✅ Limit exposure to extreme temperatures, which weaken adhesive bonds in laminated screens.
- ✅ Consider insurance or warranty plans if you’re prone to drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Galaxy S8 improve after these test results?
Yes. Samsung responded by reinforcing glass bonding techniques in subsequent models like the Galaxy S9 and S10. Later devices also featured flatter display edges and improved internal framing, leading to better drop performance in comparative reviews.
Is Gorilla Glass 5 actually durable?
In controlled lab conditions, yes. Corning’s testing showed Gorilla Glass 5 survived 80% of 1.6-meter drops onto rough surfaces. However, real-world usage often involves unpredictable angles and repeated impacts—conditions not fully captured in lab specs. Curved implementations further reduce effective durability.
Can I make my Galaxy S8 more durable now?
Absolutely. Using a full-coverage case with a lip over the screen, adding a high-quality screen protector, and avoiding pocket carry with hard objects significantly reduces risk. Some aftermarket cases even include shock-absorbing gel layers designed specifically for glass-bodied phones.
Final Thoughts: Design Versus Durability
The iPhone 7 Plus vs Galaxy S8 drop test wasn’t just about which phone broke first—it revealed a fundamental tension in modern smartphone development. Innovation drives thinner profiles, larger displays, and seamless aesthetics, but often at the expense of ruggedness. Consumers must weigh visual appeal against practical resilience.
The results weren’t surprising when viewed through the lens of engineering principles. Metal frames and flat surfaces inherently resist fracture better than curved, glass-heavy constructions. Yet, the market continues to reward sleek designs, pushing manufacturers to balance beauty with strength.
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