Least Breakable: Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Tops Testing

The testing evaluated key elements such as front and back panel design, edge construction and materials, size, weight, friction quotient, water resistance and grip-ability.

SquareTrade states it tests devices in a manner that replicates everyday situations, with the breakability score based on factors including physical characteristics and the results of drop, dunk and slide tests.

Overall, compact tablets performed above expectations, SquareTrade stated, faring better in the drop and dunk tests than larger models such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, while water-resistant models such as the Sony Xperia Z3 (4 breakability score) and Apple iPad mini 3 (4.4 breakability score) “performed admirably”.

Meanwhile, devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (6 breakability score) and the Apple iPad Air 2 (6.1 breakability score) lost points in the slide and drop tests.

The testing additionally revealed:

– Larger tablets proved to be far more breakable than smaller ones, as well as the least water resistant.
– The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 scored well in the drop and dunk tests.
– The most durable and budget-friendly performer was the MeMo Pad 7, which performed well on most tests, followed closely by the Z3.

“For the first time, we put 10 tablets through the rigour of our breakability tests and found that size does indeed matter,” commented SquareTrade CMO Ty Shay.

“These expensive devices are the equivalent of our Swiss army knives, but they’re hardly as durable – and the bargain basement tablet we tested literally broke in two.