The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have been making headlines lately due to their new feature: titanium sides. This upgrade in material has led to high expectations for the phones’ durability when compared to their predecessors, which were made of stainless steel. However, early reports on the iPhone 15 Pro’s durability are not very promising, and it’s too soon to draw any definite conclusions since the phone hasn’t been out for long.
One aspect where the new iPhones seem to excel is the display’s resistance to scratches. It is highly resistant, with visible marks only appearing at Mohs level 7. This is a positive feature, as scratches on the display can be a common source of frustration for users.
While the titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro is scratchable, the back of the phone is not. Additionally, the camera lenses are reported to be highly resilient to scratches. These features contribute to the overall durability of the device and give users confidence in the longevity of their purchase.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes a slightly different approach in its construction. This model features titanium bands but an internal structure made from aluminum. Apple used a thermo-mechanical process to weld the two metals together, aiming for a balance between durability and functionality. Furthermore, the phone’s back glass is now removable, which should alleviate concerns regarding repairability.
However, when subjected to a bend test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max exhibited unexpected weaknesses. The back glass cracked almost immediately when bent, which is surprising considering that iPhones are usually known for holding up well in such tests. One theory behind this is that the back glass cracked easily due to the differences in tensile strength and elasticity between titanium and aluminum. Another possibility is that the modular nature of the glass makes it more susceptible to breaking.
Despite the back glass getting shattered in the bend test, the iPhone 15 Pro itself did not experience any major issues. It continued to function perfectly fine. This is reassuring for potential buyers who may be concerned about the overall durability of the device.
In conclusion, the titanium sides of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max were expected to enhance the phones’ durability. However, early reports suggest that there may be some areas for improvement, particularly regarding the back glass’s susceptibility to cracking. While it’s too early to pass a final judgment on the phones’ durability, it is clear that further testing and feedback will be needed to fully evaluate their resilience.