iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Titanium Body Fails Drop Test Against Galaxy S23 Ultra

Apple's recent launch of the iPhone 15 Pro series brought substantial upgrades, including a titanium build and a USB Type-C port. These enhancements promised increased durability and versatility for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, a recent drop test conducted by PhoneBuff, pitting the iPhone 15 Pro Max against the Galaxy S23 Ultra, raised questions about the iPhone's real-world durability.

The Drop Test

PhoneBuff's drop test aimed to provide a fair comparison outside of lab conditions, using robotic arms to ensure consistency. In the first round, both phones were dropped with their backs facing down from a waist-level height. Surprisingly, the iPhone's glass back shattered extensively, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra, equipped with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, fared better with only minor corner cracks.

In the second round, the phones were dropped on one of their corners. Here, the iPhone's titanium frame created sparks upon contact with the concrete slab, but it remained fairly undamaged. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's aluminum frame suffered slight deformation. Nevertheless, the iPhone's rear glass started falling apart, raising concerns about its build quality.

The third test involved dropping the smartphones with their screens facing down. Both screens cracked significantly, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra having a slightly worse outcome due to its curved display. However, both phones remained functional, including the Galaxy's in-display fingerprint reader.

The final round saw both phones drop from a higher point. The Galaxy S23 Ultra maintained its appearance, similar to its state after the previous drop test. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max exhibited even more shattered glass on both the front and rear.

The Verdict

After averaging points from all four rounds, the Galaxy S23 Ultra emerged as the winner of the drop test, despite featuring an aluminum frame. This outcome casts doubt on the real-world benefits of Apple's titanium frame implementation.

Possible Explanations

The host of the drop test video noted some factors that might have contributed to the iPhone's underwhelming performance. The iPhone's rounded edges, in contrast to its previous flat design, may have caused it to sit less flush with the frame. Additionally, thinner bezels on the front could have made the phone more vulnerable to drops.

Image Credits: PhoneBuff