Samsung Galaxy S3: Durability Tests, Drop Tests, and Tips

  • Samsung subjects the Galaxy S3 to button tests (200.000 presses), 100 kg pressure, abrasion, torsion and light rain.
  • In real-life falls, frontal impacts can render the touch screen inoperable; the screen can crack depending on the angle and height.
  • User experiences point to weaknesses: the back cover has microcracks and possible failures after minor impacts.
  • Use a case and protector, avoid back pockets and pressurized water to reduce damage in everyday life.

Samsung Galaxy S3 endurance tests

All terminals in the world pass some resistance tests before going on sale on the market. This way, companies know firsthand the real robustness who offer their products and make sure they are not too flimsy. Well, a video has been made public in which you can see what the products are subjected to. Samsung Galaxy S3.

The truth is that, at first glance, they seem quite complete and "touch" almost all the sections in which they are tests a phone today: water, pressure, torsion, impacts, scratches... a complete torture chamber for a device of this type. Even the button durability in its normal use. It's still a curious video, but it shows that manufacturers, and in this case Samsung, don't just focus on assembling their handsets, which is a very good thing, all things considered.

Without further ado, we leave you the video Although it is true that you cannot understand anything they say (unless you know Korean), the images speak for themselves:

Lab tests shown by Samsung

In the brand's laboratories, everyday situations are replicated to validate the quality and reliability of the Galaxy S3. Among the most striking, a robot executes around 200.000 beats on the central button applying a force similar to that of a human finger, checking that the mechanism maintains its travel and response.

Another station reproduces the classic mistake of carrying the mobile phone in the back pocket and sitting down: a press applies approximately 100 kilos of pressure on the chassis, verifying the integrity of the frame and plate without critical deformations or functional failures.

For daily wear, an abrasive medium (such as grains similar to corn) that surrounds the device to measure the scratch resistance of the screen and housing. The result on the panel with Gorilla Glass 2 protection is notable against keys or coins, although it's worth remembering that it's not immune to hard particles like quartz sand.

The following are also evaluated: torsion and the flexibility of the assembly by applying alternating forces at the ends. This protocol helps detect creaks, microcracks, or disconnections if the terminal is stored in tight pockets.

Exposure to rain or light splashes are simulated with drops and handling with wet fingers. Although the Galaxy S3 doesn't offer an official IP certification, tests show tolerance to incidental moisture; however, pressurized water is not recommended. In fact, when direct jet pressure is shown, the phone shown is not a Galaxy S3, but a Galaxy Rugby Pro, a more rugged model from the brand.

Interesting details

The truth is that there are some interesting and truly curious details in the endurance tests seen in the video. An example of this is the one in which a Samsung Galaxy S3 is subjected to a 100 kilo pressure. Here we try to reproduce an action in which a person sits on top of the phone (the machine even has jeans on the pressure place) and, the truth is that the terminal holds up quite well.

Another interesting action is the one that checks the resistance to chafing on all parts of the phone, something that not all current phones can withstand well. The resistance is quite good... and, in case anyone has doubts about whether the stones With which the Samsung Galaxy S3 gets are hard ... a worker leaves a mark on his hand pressing with it. The truth is that this is striking, but physical damage is not necessary.

Other tests include the terminal's resistance to rain and before the casing torsion…the latter is very interesting if you're one of those who carries your phone in your pocket (a bad habit I share with many users). By the way, when a phone is subjected to direct jet pressure, the phone isn't a Samsung Galaxy S3… from what it looks like, it could be a Galaxy Rugby Pro, a model sold in the US.

Drop tests in real-life scenarios

Outside the laboratory, various media have carried out drop tests illustrating common risks. In a popular comparison between Galaxy S3 and iPhone 4S Drops were executed on the edge, back, and front. The iPhone showed extensive cracks in its glass panels, although the buttons and touchpad remained functional; the Galaxy S3 appeared less cosmetically damaged, but after a frontal fall lost touch functionality despite turning on.

Another battery of independent tests reported screen breakage in two out of three attempts from typical waist-to-head heights. The moral is clear: even with Gorilla Glass 2, an impact at an unfavorable angle can be fatal to the panel or digitizer.

User experiences: weaknesses to consider

Beyond the tests, some real-life experiences provide context. One documented case describes a fall from less than 50 cm height which left no external marks, but rendered the rear camera with an error when opening it. The manufacturer accepted the warranty DOA (Dead On Arrival), suggesting that small bumps can precipitate failures if there is a tight assembly tolerance.

Microcracks have also been observed in the back cover near the USB connector with normal use and few removals, a symptom that the plastic can fatigue at stress points. In ergonomics, the proximity of the capacitive buttons the edge may cause involuntary pressing when holding the equipment; a case made of silicone adds grip and cushioning without compromising the design too much.

Model specifications and popularity

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the most popular smartphones from the Asian giant, with more than 30 million units sold in its first few months. Set up a display 4,8-inch Super AMOLED HD, processor 1,4 GHz Quad Core Exynos and camera 8 megapixelsIts slim, curved design helps reduce weight and thickness, but requires extreme care in case of impacts.

Practical tips to minimize damage

While the official video demonstrates a good stress tolerance common, does not make the S3 indestructible. To extend its lifespan: use a screen saver Tempered glass and raised edge case; avoid back pocket and unstable surfaces; do not expose to pressurized water or sand; and separate your cell phone from keys or coins in your pockets or bags.

Before trying any third-party solution, it is a good idea to keep the updated software to optimize touch response, sensor management, and camera. In Settings > Software Update, you can check for pending packages and install them following the on-screen prompts.

Overall, the Galaxy S3 holds up well to everyday laboratory use (touch, moderate pressure, controlled torsion, and splashes), but drop tests and user experiences show that the scams They remain your greatest enemy. With proper protection and prudent usage habits, you can minimize the risks without sacrificing performance and display.


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