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Durability test: how much abuse can the Samsung Galaxy S8 really take?

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy S8 1941
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The results of a recent teardown of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ revealed that the devices will be very difficult to repair, and now the S8 is being put to another test. To see just how much abuse the S8 can actually take, popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything has scratched, burned and bent the smartphone. Here are the results.

If you're wondering just how sturdy the new Galaxy S8 is, you've got your answers now. In this video, the S8 is scratched, burned and bent thoroughly, which provides us with some clues about how well the phone will hold up after milder daily use.

The scratch test puts the S8's Gorilla Glass 5 front and back to the test - and it performed well. It's scratch resistant in the same way that most other smartphones are, and the fingerprint scanner still worked almost every time after it has been forced to withstand a lot of abuse, so there are no problems or surprises there.

You're not likely to encounter open flame and burn your smartphone, but if you do, the S8 can take some serious heat. Holding a flame to the S8's display for 30 seconds had no lasting negative effect the first two times it was tried, but the third time finally left a mark. That's impressive.

The bend test has a pleasantly surprising result. When flexing the phone, there were no issues, and all of the seals remained intact. This means the water resistance is likely to hold up over time.

All things considered, the S8 performed well in these abuse tests and proved that the flagship has superior build quality. If you're considering buying an S8, we'd still recommend a case anyway, just not one of these awful looking official Samsung cases.

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Brittany McGhee

Brittany McGhee
Editor androidpit.com

Brittany loves to keep up with the latest technology and innovation, so she is excited to have the opportunity to write about the wonderful world of Android. She thinks spreadsheets and numbers are fun, in addition to reading books and volunteering.

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6 comments
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  • Nuno S. 3
    Nuno S. Apr 23, 2017 Link to comment

    I liked the video, the subtle jokes XD


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Apr 21, 2017 Link to comment

    yeah it's covered in glass..
    any idea whatsoever about real life durability is really wishful thinking..

    Deactivated Account


  • 11
    Marc Wilson Apr 20, 2017 Link to comment

    I imagine dropping a phone is the biggest problem due to the amount of times you pick them up each day. A totally glass phone has got to be the worst material you could use for durability. Surely brushed stainless steel or titanium would be better, its what Breitling use on there watches, tried and tested

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    • 46
      Deactivated Account Apr 20, 2017 Link to comment

      They can't use metal with induction charging. Good old plastic ( sorry polycarbonate ) would have been best, it is the most durable, lightest, and cheapest. Reviewers decided it didn't feel "premium" so we got the worst possible substitute, glass.

      Deactivated Account


  • 49
    storm Apr 20, 2017 Link to comment

    Drops are the bane of those long unprotectable curved edges.

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  • 46
    Deactivated Account Apr 20, 2017 Link to comment

    There is no drop test in the video. That is the most likely source of damage with these phones. Response to the question, I would take a removable battery over water proofing. Because your phone will be more durable last longer, and you can go from 0 to 100% charge in a minute. Also if you get your phone wet remove the power source ( the battery) you prevent damage to the phone through things shorting out. let dry put the battery back and away you go. I havedone this several times with my S3 and once with my Note 4. Non removable batteries they would have both been toast. Functionality over form is the way to go. I will take a plastic removable back over glass any time.

    Edit
    PS. Sorry just had to kick the dead horse again.

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