Brains vs. brawn: Allstate Protection Plans put the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to the test

Despite claims of withstanding falls from over seven feet, the S25 Ultra didn't survive the Allstate Protection Plans Drop Tests unscathed.

BRISBANE, Calif., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Galaxy S25 Ultra is the "slimmest, lightest, and most durable Galaxy Ultra device ever," according to Samsung. It also features Galaxy AI, Samsung's most advanced artificial intelligence yet. Allstate Protection Plans put the flagship smartphone to the test in its latest Breakability Drop Test, evaluating both its redesigned hardware and enhanced AI capabilities.

The S25 Ultra features a sleek titanium frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 display, and new AI-powered tools, including photo editing, improved Circle to Search, and personalized daily summaries powered by Google Gemini. While these innovations are impressive, Allstate Protection Plans wanted to see if the S25 Ultra's advanced design and technology could help protect it from the unexpected.

When Breakability Meets Intelligence

In its signature Breakability Drop Test, Allstate Protection Plans examined the Galaxy S25 Ultra's durability by dropping it on its front, side and back from six feet. You can watch the full test here. 

Despite Corning's claims that its Gorilla Glass Armor 2 can withstand drops from up to 7.2 feet onto concrete, Allstate Protection Plans' test results told a different story:

• Front-Down Drop: After being dropped front-down once from six feet onto concrete, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen malfunctioned rendering the device unusable. The front display went black except for two horizontal rows of white pixels across the top. The screen shattered, including raised glass across much of its surface, and a large ink blot was visible across the bottom of the display. The device also stopped producing audio. Though the S25 Ultra was not usable, its buttons were still functional, and haptics could be felt by pressing the Gemini Live button. Therefore, it's possible the device could be saved with repair.
• Back-Down Drop: After being dropped back-down once from six feet onto concrete, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's rear panel shattered, including raised glass across the right side of the device where it impacted the ground. The rear panel also bent outward along the same area. Two of the larger camera housings suffered minor scuffing. The device was fully functional, including all cameras. However, the raised glass across the back display meant that a case would be required for safe handling.
• Side-Down Drop: After being dropped side-down once from six feet onto concrete, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's titanium frame had only minor damage. Where the frame impacted the ground, it suffered small dents and chips but was otherwise intact. The phone was fully functional including the volume and Gemini Live buttons, which were on the impact side of the drop.

The tests also assessed whether Galaxy S25 Ultra's AI features were still functional after sustaining damage from a drop. ProVisual Engine, Gemini Live, and Circle to Search were not affected in the devices dropped on their back and side. However, no AI capabilities were usable on the device that was dropped front-down, as it was not functional.

Can AI Save the Day?

Curious whether the Galaxy S25 Ultra's AI could protect itself from further damage, Allstate Protection Plans asked Google Gemini for advice. The phone's own AI suggested practical strategies, such as using a durable case, adding a screen protector and phone grip, and developing better handling habits. It also recommended considering phone insurance—wise advice, given the Ultra's $1,299 price tag.¹

Brains, Brawn, and Backup Plans

"Samsung has delivered an impressive combination of intelligence and durability with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but no phone is indestructible," said Jason Siciliano, vice president of marketing and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. "Our tests show that even the smartest technology can benefit from some extra protection, a fact that its own AI intelligence recognizes."

Introduced in 2013, the Allstate Protection Plans Breakability Tests offer consumers an independent assessment of device durability against the rigors of everyday life. The tests evaluate the physical characteristics of a device—such as size, components, and materials that impact repairability—and measure performance in standardized robotic tests that simulate common damage scenarios.

For more information, visit AllstateProtectionPlans.com.

¹ Google Gemini response to "What's the best way to protect a Galaxy S25 Ultra against damage from accidental drops?" Google, February 8, 2025.

About Allstate Protection Plans

For over 20 years, Allstate Protection Plans has transformed the extended warranty industry with service innovation and an obsessive focus on the customer experience. Today, Allstate Protection Plans is trusted by over 150 million customers in addition to major retailers and mobile operators in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Allstate Protection Plans are available for mobile devices, furniture, appliances, electronics, and more than 20 other product categories. Allstate Protection Plans is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation.

Contact:
Ian Twinn
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SOURCE Allstate Protection Plans