The latest Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge and the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus come face-to-face for a drop test, a waterproof test and a bend test.
Samsung launched the latest Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge at the 2016 Mobile World Congress and the devices are scheduled to hit the shelves in America on March 11. As the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus share many common features, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge also have many similar features, such as metal frame, and dust- and water-resistant bodies.
Smartphone lovers have been waiting for the phones for many months, and now they will want to know how these fare against arch rivals iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, not just looking at their software and hardware specs.
Good thing EverythingApplePro has conducted a few tests that reflect at some of the strengths of each phablets.
Bend Test
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were criticized by many owners as they bent under pressure, which came to be known as the iPhone bendgate issue. The iPhones mainly bent when they were kept in back pockets of trousers. However, Apple addressed the issue as it says the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus are now made with stronger 7000 Series aluminum.
A previous bend test showed that the new alloy would not bend the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus as much in comparison to the phablets' predecessors. However, the new devices still bent under high pressure, suggesting the name of the issue to be bendgate 2.0.
The latest test for the Galaxy S7 edge and the iPhone 6s Plus showed both the devices undergoing high pressure. The Samsung and Apple handsets did not bend when low or moderate pressure was applied, but both the devices bent when high stress was applied.
The iPhone 6s Plus bent and its metal ripped off more easily under high pressure when compared to the Galaxy S7 edge.
Drop Test
Many people accidentally drop their handset while speaking or texting. A device can also just slide out of the pocket and drop.
Latest drop test of the Galaxy S7 edge and iPhone 6s Plus from waist height on the side, top and bottom emulates a drop from the pocket. The iPhone 6s got a dent when dropped sideways but the handset worked fine.
The Samsung smartphone did not get any dent but received some scratches after being dropped from various angles at waist height. The device also continued to work well.
The next drop test was from a head height, which replicates a situation when a user drops his or her mobile phone while standing and talking.
When dropped sideways, the iPhone 6s Plus did get some dents and scratches but the phone continued to work. The Galaxy S7 edge also received dents and scratches on the body but worked well after the abuse. However, the back of the device cracked.
When the handsets were dropped from the head height and landed on their back, the iPhone did not get damages. However, the back of the Galaxy phone shattered. What's impressive at this point was that the glass back remained smooth to the touch.
Both the Samsung and Apple offerings survived face down drop from a head height.
Moving further, the smartphones were dropped at various angles 10 feet from the ground. The iPhone 6s Plus got more noticeable dents and scratches but the display remained intact and the handset worked fine. The Galaxy S7 edge continued to work after being dropped from 10 feet but its back and front were shattered. This was also the part where the glass pieces started to jut out from the S7 edge's back.
In the end, according to the drop test, the iPhone 6s Plus is the winner.
Waterproof Test
The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are IP-68 certified and are dust- and water-resistant. Apple has not officially confirmed if the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are water-resistant, but it appears the smartphones are water resistant to a degree.
The latest test involved submerging the Galaxy S7 edge and the iPhone 6s Plus in water for different time periods.
When fully submerged into water for about 3 minutes, the Galaxy phone managed to get network but the iPhone lost service. However, the physical buttons and touch screens worked fine.
Next, the mobile phones were put in water for 10 minutes. After being completely submerged, the iPhone had traces of water starting to get into the device. But the phone worked fine. The voice of the Galaxy S7 edge was erratic but there was no trace of water getting into the phone.
The handsets were then submerged in water for 15 minutes. This time round, the iPhone suffered water damage. The Apple device's screen went unresponsive and bubbles started to emerge from the phone. On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 edge worked fine.
Clearly, the Samsung offerings have an edge over the iPhones when it comes to water resistance.
The tests suggest that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are worthy enough to compete with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
