In today’s mobile-first world, durability matters more than ever—especially for shoppers who use their phones to browse and buy on the go. iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones dominate the premium market, but how do they stack up when it comes to real-world durability?
To help Shopify merchants better understand their customers’ needs (especially for cases, screen protectors, and accessories), we break down the 4 most important drop test results comparing iPhone vs. Samsung in 2025.
1. Front Glass Durability
iPhone 17 Pro Max uses Ceramic Shield glass developed with Corning, which is chemically strengthened and performs exceptionally well in flat-face drop tests.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features Gorilla Glass Victus 3, which resists cracking better on angled or corner drops.
Test Insight: In flat drops from ~1.5 meters, both survived with minor scuffs. However, Samsung fared slightly better in angled drops due to its curved-edge construction and shock dispersion.
Shopify Tip: If you sell tempered glass or hybrid screen protectors, offer separate designs for flat (iPhone) and curved (Samsung) screens. Use Shopify’s variant system to organize SKUs by device.
2. Frame Strength and Materials
iPhone 17 Pro series features a titanium frame, which is incredibly strong and lighter than stainless steel. It resists bending and deformation better than past models.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses an aluminum Armor Frame, which is slightly more flexible and absorbs shock better, but may show more dents after severe drops.
Durability tests show the iPhone resists permanent warping better, while Samsung may better survive edge impacts with fewer cracks.
If your Shopify store carries heavy-duty cases or drop-tested bumpers, emphasize military-grade certification and impact zones depending on device structure.
3. Back Panel Damage
Samsung’s Victus 3 glass back panels have proven more resistant to shattering in drop tests compared to previous versions.
iPhone’s matte back glass is more scratch-resistant, but still more prone to cracks on hard drops than Samsung’s layered design.
Shopify Angle: This is critical for stores selling phone wraps or cases with camera bump protection. Highlight the back panel risk in product descriptions and pair each case with matching AOD or camera skins for upsell bundles.
Shopify makes upselling and bundling easy with integrated product recommendations and cross-sell apps.
4. Camera Lens Vulnerability
Both iPhones and Samsung flagships now have large protruding camera lenses, but tests show iPhone lenses are more vulnerable to direct impact due to their flush glass design.
Samsung’s lenses are set in individual metal rings, offering slightly better protection from shattering and surface scratches.
Shopify Tip: Stock camera lens protectors or precision-fit rugged cases. Many users now seek camera-specific protection when choosing accessories.
Final Verdict: Both Are Tough—but in Different Ways
| Test Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Flat Drop (Face Down) | iPhone |
| Corner/Angle Drop | Samsung |
| Frame Bending | iPhone |
| Back Panel Strength | Samsung |
| Camera Protection | Samsung |
Both iPhone and Samsung are built tough in 2025, but their differences in design and materials affect how they hold up under pressure. For Shopify sellers, this means:
Stock accessories that address each phone’s specific vulnerabilities.
Use drop test language in product descriptions to build trust.
Create category filters by phone model for seamless customer navigation.
Ready to sell drop-tested protection and mobile accessories? Launch your Shopify store today and give your customers the gear to keep their investment safe.
