My two year old plays with my galaxy S all the time and has dropped it I don't know how many times, and it is just fine. I've been very happy with it. I came very close to buying the HTC--loved the look and feel of it. I ended up falling for the super-amoled screen in the Samsung that made for better viewing in any light and a better sound quality in the earphones. I've had it since it came out last year and been quite happy. I love how Android widgets let me personalize my screens--They are are a reflection of what's important to me now with multiple photos of my family, quotes I like, to-do lists I can check off without going in to apps, calendar reminders, facebook statuses, news headlines, etc.
I also liked the iPhone, but wasn't keen on being forced to iTunes. Nor did I like how they work with people--seeming to feel they can ignore customer concern since they are top of the market. The apps are more extensive though.
I think now days the quality of each is similar and it comes down to the little things that speak to you.