Apple iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Drop Test

Watch the Phone Doctors Drop Test

The iPhone 5

The iPhone 5 is done in a two-tone finish that replaced the solid black and white backings seen from the iPhone 3G forward. The problem, however, seems that the casing is metal underneath the painted black, or white component. This is lending itself extremely easily to scratching. The scratches are deepening and revealing the metal body of the phone. While this issue is certainly not the end of the world it will quickly lower the value of the phone in terms of resale value and it simply does not look good. Most people will find that the iPhone 5 absolutely will need an iPhone 5 case to keep it in pristine condition or they’ll be running to a repair technician for an iPhone housing change in a matter of months.

Inherent Flaws

Now that the cat is out of the bag and the iPhone 5 is officially up for sale there are several customers who find themselves scratching their heads. The iPhone 5 is one gorgeous piece of equipment. It is sleek and futuristic looking, but new owners may soon find out there are some cosmetic flaws that will be popping up in the coming hours, or days, or weeks. The smarmy Android community is reporting that the Samsung Galaxy S3 is fairing better, but the simple fact is both the S3 and the iPhone 5 are wonderful phones that come with their own inherent flaws.

Samsung Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 does not have the same issue as the iPhone 5, but it isn’t a behemoth that stands up to the test of abuse very well, either. When dropped the Galaxy S3’s matte paint job is prone to dings and dents. The real problem, however, is how easily the back casing pops open and the battery goes flying out when dropped. A mild fall from a pocket can make this happen. While it isn’t too much trouble to pick the pieces up and put them back together internal damage to the components can easily be done. The prongs that the battery fits into, for example, when bent can reduce the effectiveness of charging and the life of the battery.

Yet Another Controversy

When the iPhone 4 came out there were serious antenna issues that required the issuing of a case. Other iPhone incarnations and Apple products have been plagued by release date bugs. Screens have come out of the box appearing yellow; The iTunes store has crashed. Each time an item is released something seems to go wrong and many people are starting to wonder if Apple simply can not pull it together come game day. We aren’t sure what the problem is, but we do like the phone, just not its penchant for bruising like an overripe apple.

The Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S3 proves itself to be a bit of a workhorse and the phone does fairly well when dropped even with the phone exploding into three pieces at the slightest rumble on the ground. The phone does turn back on and work effectively 99% of the time, so most people won’t be complaining too much about this. The iPhone 5, on the other hand, stands up to abuse decently; however, one good knock could easily send the phone into the landfill. The iPhone 5, however, has a much improved ability to withstand drops and shocks, over the 4S. It is definitely a stride in the right direction.

The final verdict in the battle between the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3 is simple; they are both great phones, but neither one of them belongs in the hands of a user without a protective case.  The phones are too expensive and too advanced to be toted around like they are a couple of old StarTek flip phones. The days of case-free cell phones is long past us.

Have a question or comment for us here at Phone Doctors?  Leave your comment below, or drop us a line.  We’d love to hear from you!

Contact Us!