iPhone XS and XS Max Don't Survive Drops

[Teh One Who Knocks]

By Matthew Humphries - PC Mag




If you've paid a small fortune to have an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max in your pocket, the answer to the question "should it put it in a protective case?" is a resounding yes! These very expensive new iPhones may boast IP68 water resistance and more durable glass, but dropping them will most likely be a complete disaster for both your phone and your bank balance.

As MacRumors reports, a range of tests have been carried out by SquareTrade, which offers warranties to protect your gadgets in case the worst happens. With that in mind, you can see the barrage of tests carried out and the damage caused in the video below. I warn you it's not pretty if you find the iPhone to be a thing of beauty.



Apple claims the glass used in these new iPhone is its most durable ever. Both XS models are fitted with dual-ion exchange-strengthened glass, but that doesn't seem to matter during drop tests. Dropping the XS or XS Max from six feet results in hairline fractures, shattered and raised pieces of glass, as well as loose glass that could just fall out. It doesn't seem to matter which way around you drop the phones, either, as cracked glass will be the result.

The 60 second tumble test also resulted in a broken phone, with the glass showing hairline fractures, scratches, and loose pieces. The bend test resulted in a broken screen at the 250lbs of pressure mark. The good news is, both smartphones will survive being submerged in liquid thanks to the IP68 rating, just don't drop them on to a hard floor.

SquareTrade concludes that the iPhone XS$999.00 at Apple Store has a high risk of breaking, where as the iPhone XS Max$1,099.00 at Apple Store has a medium risk. Both handsets are stronger than last year's iPhone X, so there's that. But your take away from this should be not to risk drop damage by purchasing a good case to put your iPhone inside. Otherwise, you'll be faced with paying a repair bill of several hundred dollars if it drops out of your pockets or slides out of your hand.