Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes some damage but still survives drop test

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Drop Test: Durability Under Fire

While much of the focus on the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra naturally gravitates towards its cutting-edge features, a crucial question often arises: how well does it hold up to everyday wear and tear? With a notable shift from the S25 Ultra's titanium frame to an aluminum one, durability concerns are understandable. Fortunately, renowned tech reviewer PBKreviews has put the S26 Ultra through its paces with a signature drop test, offering valuable insights into its resilience.

Beyond the material change in its frame, the S26 Ultra sports more rounded corners and a more exposed camera module compared to its predecessor. However, it retains robust protection with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on its displays and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its rear, mirroring the S25 Ultra's protective layers.

The initial drop resulted in minor cosmetic damage to the left corner of the frame, with the display miraculously remaining unscathed. The second drop, however, proved more challenging, leading to a crack in the glass protecting the phone's 5x telephoto lens.

A third drop saw the lens glass shatter completely, accompanied by further scuffs on the frame. While the S26 Ultra exhibited slightly more damage than the S25 Ultra in these tests, it's important to note that the device remained fully operational throughout.

Inside the S26 Ultra: A Look at Internals and Repairability

Complementing the drop test, PBKreviews also provided an in-depth teardown of the S26 Ultra, offering a glimpse into its internal architecture. As expected, the internal layout closely resembles that of the S25 Ultra, with a similar disassembly process. A key observation during the teardown was Samsung's application of additional thermal paste around the motherboard, a strategic move aimed at enhancing heat management.

Key Internal Upgrades and Repairability

• Enhanced Thermal Management: The Galaxy S26 Ultra benefits from increased thermal paste around the motherboard.
• Redesigned Vapor Chamber: A slightly altered vapor chamber design was observed, though its size remains comparable to the S25 Ultra's.

The S26 Ultra has earned a commendable repairability rating of 9/10, a score identical to that of the S25 Ultra, indicating that Samsung continues to prioritize ease of repair in its flagship devices.

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