In the last few years, there has been a trend to push the latest iPhones to their limits and see how they fare. This time’s no different and people have conducted different kinds of durability tests on the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. In this article, we will discuss the results of those endurance trials and see if the iPhone has actually gotten weaker this time around.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Durability Test Overview:
This article is based on a viral video by @JerryRigEverything and includes drop-test results from @EverythingApplePro E A P.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Build
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced a new titanium frame, replacing stainless steel used in the earlier models. Apple used Grade 5 titanium for this handset, making it 8% lighter than its predecessor. It now features curved edges which make it easier to hold. The protective layer on the screen, lenses, and back remains the same with Apple’s proprietary Ceramic Shield.
Tests
Glass Scratches
Scratches on any device screen are typically measured using a tool with hardness levels based on the Mohs scale. @JerryRigEverything used the same method to test the scratch resistance of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple claims that the Ceramic Shield is the strongest glass ever used on its smartphones. But, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s screen still ‘scratched at level 6 with deeper grooves at level 7’.
That being said, the scratches at level 6 appeared to be fainter than those on its predecessor. The exact reason for this, whether it is due to Apple’s next-generation Ion-X glass or other factors, remains unknown, but it does seem to be somewhat effective. Moreover, the back and lenses didn’t receive any scratches from his knife.
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Sandpaper
Apple is using a PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating on its titanium frame, a technique used to deposit a thin layer of material onto a surface within a vacuum, adding an ultra-thin protective layer. The sandpaper test on the iPhone 15 Pro Max took that coating off very easily.
Lighter
When talking about the fire test, the phone was able to tolerate the heat from a small lighter. However, when Zack (from JerryRig) brought a larger burner to the play, the screen gave out. Surprisingly, the titanium frame withstood it like a champ. Regardless of that conclusion, no one is putting their USD 1,199 iPhone in the fire…right?
Drop and Bend
I did not see that one coming.
Now, here comes the unexpected part: during the bend test, the back of the iPhone 15 Pro Max cracked surprisingly quickly; the screen and frame remained unbothered. It seems that the reduced flexibility of the titanium frame placed all the pressure on the back.
Moreover, when Filip (from EAP) dropped the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the waist level, the back ended up with concerning cracks.
Takeaways from the Durability Test of iPhone 15 Pro Max
Has Apple intentionally made the iPhone 15 Pro Max less durable to make it sleek, or is there no real problem? We’ll only find out with time. It is still too early to come to decisive conclusions especially since the device is so new.
- Meanwhile, check out a video comparing the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
