Samsung Galaxy® S5 Breaks the Mold with Improved Breakability Score in Drop, Dunk Tests

SAN FRANCISCO, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- SquareTrade^®, the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers, today announced Samsung's new Galaxy S5 has rated 6 on its Breakability Score™. The SquareTrade Breakability Score ranks today's top devices based on how prone they are to break due to accidents. Evaluating key elements such as front and back panel design, edge construction and materials, size, weight, friction quotient, water resistance and grip-ability, SquareTrade's Breakability Score fills in the missing gap left by traditional device reviews: it tests devices in everyday danger situations brought on by our lifestyles and habits.

The SquareTrade Breakability Score is based on a number of factors, from physical characteristics to the results of SquareTrade's Drop Test. The higher a device scores on a scale from 1-10, the higher the risk of it breaking due to an accident.

Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S5 to other highly anticipated new Android^® phones, the HTC One (M8) and LG Nexus 5 ™, Samsung's latest edged out the HTC One for the victory. SquareTrade's Breakability Score testing revealed the following:

• The new Samsung Galaxy S5 takes a big step forward in durability, performing well in drop and dunk tests. The Galaxy S4 has a Breakability Score of 7
• The iPhone^® 5s maintains a slight edge over all three Android™ phones, with a Breakability Score of 5.5
• The larger HTC One M8 took a step backward with a score of 6.5, performing poorly in dunk and slide tests. The previous generation HTC One is very durable, with a Breakability Score of 4.5
• The LG Nexus 5 scored a disappointing 7, failing dunk and drop tests.

"According to our research, 28% of smartphone owners, or about 44 million Americans, are considering buying the Samsung Galaxy S5," says Ty Shay, CMO of SquareTrade. "With this level of demand, we really wanted to put it to the test against other hot Android phones in the market right now. It's good to see a major player like Samsung designing phones with accidental water damage in mind. We were also surprised to see how well the new S5 did in the drop test – as previous models suffered significant damage."¹

See SquareTrade's breakability test video here.

About SquareTrade

SquareTrade is the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers for its fast and exceptional service. SquareTrade protects mobile devices, laptops and tablets, and other consumer electronics and appliances from malfunctions, accidental damage and life's frequent mishaps. Unlike old-fashioned warranties, SquareTrade is designed for today's consumer and uses innovative technology to deliver a zero hassle claims process. SquareTrade has more than 200,000 fans on Facebook, consistently wins industry awards and receives thousands of 5-star reviews for its legendary customer service. Top retailers around the world offer SquareTrade, achieving significant sales growth and happier customers. Privately held, SquareTrade's investors include Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures. SquareTrade is headquartered in San Francisco and London. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com

SquareTrade is a registered trademark of SquareTrade, Inc.  iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.  Samsung Galaxy S is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. HTC One (M8) is a registered trademark of HTC Inc. Nexus 5 and Android are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other company, brand and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

¹Methodology: SquareTrade's 2014 Samsung Study, conducted in March 2014, collected 1,500 responses from the original by-invitation-only panel provider, Research Now. Research Now is consistently recognized for providing the highest quality sample in the marketplace.  Demographic balancing and quotas were used to ensure a representative sample.

PRESS CONTACT:
Rich Gallagher
Frank PR for SquareTrade
[email protected] 
646-790-4752

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140413/72946

SOURCE SquareTrade