Is yours up to the challenge of daily life?
April 2025
(courtesy StatePoint)
story courtesy of StatePoint
As smartphones have transformed from simple communication devices to essential tools for navigation, entertainment, productivity and much more, so have their vulnerabilities — and the consequences of damage have become more severe. Now central to how we work, connect and play, a broken smartphone can significantly disrupt daily life.
For over 12 years, Allstate Protection Plans has conducted its well-known Breakability Test, in which its robots drop, bend, dunk and fold the latest smartphones to assess their durability. These tests have uncovered evolving risks, providing valuable insights into each new phone generation’s vulnerabilities.
LIQUID DAMAGE
Without waterproofing technology, even a minor spill or accidental dunk in water could wreak havoc on a phone’s internal components. In a 2012 survey, liquid damage accounted for 18% of smartphone damage. In 2014, the iPhone 6 struggled being dunked for 10 seconds in less than a foot of water. However, five years later, in 2019, the iPhone 11 remained functional after being submerged by Allstate Protection Plans’ DunkBot for 30 minutes in five feet of water.
Thanks to advancements like IP68 ratings and waterproof casings, modern smartphones, such as the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, can be exposed to water for extended periods without harm.
THE FOLDABLE PHONE
While foldable phones first entered the market as early as 2008 with Nokia’s “Morph” concept, it wasn’t until 2019 that foldable devices made a proper resurgence. Despite initial skepticism, foldable phones are proving to be surprisingly durable. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold can endure up to 200,000 folds, or roughly three years of regular use, with only minor issues like pixel damage or hinge wear. This represents a significant engineering leap, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can be.
THE HARDWARE EVOLUTION
Manufacturers now employ toughened materials like Gorilla Glass, aluminum and ceramic to withstand drops and scratches. Yet, despite these advances, modern smartphones are far from unbreakable. In recent drop tests, even flagship devices, like the Samsung S24 Ultra with its titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor, shattered after 6-foot falls. Similarly, the iPhone 16, despite its aluminum sides and ceramic shield, sustained cracked screens and scuffed corners when dropped.
LARGER PHONES, LARGER PROBLEMS
Early smartphones typically featured screens around 4 inches. In response to consumer demand, today’s models, such as Samsung’s Galaxy line, boast displays as large as 6.8 inches. While bigger screens offer enhanced viewing experiences, holding and using larger phones with one hand has increased accidental drops. A survey by Allstate Protection Plans found that 78% of users have dropped their devices while using them with one hand. The question remains whether the trade-off between screen size and ease of use is worth the risk.
TOUGHER, BUT STILL VULNERABLE
Smartphone durability has made impressive strides, yet no manufacturer has designed a device impervious to the Allstate Protection Plans’ DropBot — or the unforgiving impact of a sidewalk. Given their vital role in our lives and the high repair costs for the latest models, protecting these valuable devices is essential. Cases and screen protectors are must-haves, and a protection plan can be a real money-saver when accidents inevitably happen.