Brains vs. Brawn: Putting the Latest Tech to the Test

Before making a big tech purchase, it’s a good idea to compare product claims with third-party research.

That’s where Allstate Protection Plans comes in. Since 2013, the protection plan provider has offered consumers an independent assessment of the durability of the latest and greatest tech against the rigors of everyday life. And now, its researchers have turned attention on the new Galaxy S25 Ultra, which, according to Samsung, is the “slimmest, lightest and most durable Galaxy Ultra device ever.”

Sporting Galaxy AI, Samsung’s most advanced Artificial Intelligence yet, the S25 Ultra features a sleek titanium frame, a Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 display, and new AI-powered tools, including photo editing, improved Circle To Search, and personalized daily summaries powered by Google Gemini. While these innovations are impressive, Allstate Protection Plans wanted to see if the advanced design and technology could help protect the flagship phone from the unexpected.

Breakability Meets Intelligence

In its signature Breakability Drop Test, Allstate Protection Plans dropped the Galaxy S25 Ultra on its front, side and back from six feet onto concrete. Here were the results:

Front-Down Drop: The screen malfunctioned, rendering the device unusable. The front display went black except for two horizontal rows of white pixels across the top. The screen shattered, including raised glass across much of its surface, and a large ink blot was visible across the bottom of the display. The device also stopped producing audio. Though the S25 Ultra was not usable, its buttons were still functional, and haptics could be felt by pressing the Gemini Live button. Therefore, it’s possible the device could be saved with repair.

Back-Down Drop: The rear panel shattered, including raised glass across the right side where the device impacted the ground. The rear panel also bent outward along the same area. Two of the larger camera housings suffered minor scuffing. The device was fully functional, including all cameras. However, the raised glass across the back display meant that a case would be required for safe handling.

Side-Down Drop: The titanium frame had only minor damage. Where the frame impacted the ground, it suffered small dents and chips but was otherwise intact. The phone was fully functional, including the volume and Gemini Live buttons, which were on the impact-side of the drop.

The tests also assessed whether Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI features were still functional after sustaining damage from a drop. ProVisual Engine, Gemini Live and Circle To Search were not affected after back-down and side-down drops. However, no AI capabilities were usable on the device that was dropped front-down.

Can AI Save the Day?

Curious whether the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI could protect itself from further damage, Allstate Protection Plans asked Google Gemini: “What’s the best way to protect a Galaxy S25 Ultra against damage from accidental drops?” The phone’s own AI suggested practical strategies, such as using a durable case, adding a screen protector and phone grip, and developing better handling habits. It also recommended considering phone insurance—wise advice, given the phone’s $1,299 price tag. For more information on protection plans that offer peace of mind, visit AllstateProtectionPlans.com.

“Ultimately, no phone is indestructible,” says Jason Siciliano, vice president of marketing and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. “Our tests show that even the smartest technology can benefit from some extra protection.”