Allstate Protection Plans Finds Design Upgrades to The Samsung Galaxy S22 Range Come With Durability Downgrades in Drop Tests

Last week, the public got their hands on the new Samsung Galaxy S22 range that came with claims of improved durability thanks to Armor Aluminum frames and new Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+.  As the Galaxy S22 phones hit stores, Allstate Protection Plans put each device through its Breakability Drop Tests. It found that the S22 base model and the beautifully redesigned S22 Ultra were less durable than their Galaxy S21 counterparts.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 range comprises three models, the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra. Priced at $799, $999, and $1,199, they come with a variety of impressive technology and design upgrades, including the first Galaxy S (S22 Ultra) with a built-in S Pen, similar to Galaxy Note. The S22 Ultra also features a massive 6.8-inch display with edges that curve over their left and right sides, similar to Galaxy Edge or Galaxy Note Edge.

However, during the Drop Tests, key design changes contributed to poorer overall durability of two of the devices. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S21, which featured a plastic back, the glass back of the Galaxy S22 shattered. In addition, the new curved sides of the S22 Ultra display made it more vulnerable to cracking in a side-impact drop. The full Breakability Drop Test video can be found here and reveals:

• Face-Down Drop Tests: S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra displays shattered on the first drop from six feet onto a rough sidewalk. The S22 and S22 Ultra were unusable due to the severity of glass damage. The S22+, which was cracked across the display and shattered in lower corners, was still usable—though caution was required near the damaged corners.
• Back-Down Drop Tests: S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra back panels shattered on the first drop from six feet onto a rough sidewalk. All three phones continued to function normally and the camera housing on all remained intact; however, it was not possible to safely handle the phones without putting them in a protective case or wearing gloves.
• Side-Down Drop Tests: On the first drop from six feet onto a rough sidewalk, S22 and S22+ suffered minor damage to their Armor Aluminum frames when dropped on their sides. S22 Ultra shattered at its corners and cracked across its display. All phones continued to function normally and were usable.

"With the new Galaxy S22, Samsung has again released a series of beautiful phones that feature incredible technology, design, cameras, and video functionality. Adding a built-in S Pen to the S22 Ultra is a real upgrade that consumers are sure to love, especially fans of the Galaxy Note. However, some of the design upgrades in the base S22 and S22 Ultra models have resulted in durability downgrades when compared to their Galaxy S21 predecessors," said Jason Siciliano, vice president and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. "While these durability concerns shouldn’t prevent anyone from considering a Galaxy S22, they do increase the need for a case and screen protector."

Regardless of the device, Allstate Protection Plans always recommends using phone cases and screen protectors. Consumers are advised to get a phone protection plan for added security, like those offered by Allstate Protection Plans. For more information, visit Allstate.com/phone-protection-plus.