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A new report from independent product testing organization Consumer Reports has revealed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is not fragile at all. The group conducted the drop and bend test using specific machines. Surprisingly, both the newly purchased units walked out of the scene without breakage or cracks, effectively contradicting earlier experiments that surfaced online.
Consumer Reports performed the test as a response to the claims about the fragile nature of Apple‘s top-of-the-range iPhone model this year. The test employed a rotating tumbler machine for the drop test, while the Instron machine was used for the #bendgate testing. In contrast to the conclusions of other independent testers online, however, the two iPhone 15 Pro Max in Consumer Reports’ tests survived the challenges.
In the drop test consisting of a hundred drops onto the stone surface, the first unit emerged “without a scratch,” it reported. Meanwhile, the bend test that used a 110-pound force on the second iPhone 15 Pro Max didn’t work. After taking it from the machine, the unit regained its original form after it had been slightly bent and showed no breakage or cracks.
The entire result of the experiment opposes the conclusions of other independent testers, including the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything and AppleTrack EIC Sam Kohl.
Both those tests were uncontrolled and didn’t use machines. To recall, Kohl had the drop test by dropping the iPhone 15 Pro at different heights. In the end, the unit suffered major damages, with its screen turning white and a completely damaged rear and front. Aside from cracks, its camera module also fell apart.
On the other hand, JerryRigEverything made a simple bend test by putting pressure on the iPhone 15 Pro Max using bare hands. On the first try, the unit quickly showed cracks spiderwebbing across the entire screen glass. Interestingly, the test also did it with an iPhone 15 Pro, which managed to withstand the pressure.
Recently, PhoneBuff also conducted its own drop test between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Unlike Consumer Reports’ tumbler machine slowly rotating to simulate repeated drops, PhoneBuff’s tool hung the units at specific heights and positions. This resulted in both smartphones experiencing damage, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s had more visible cracks.
These varying results from the uncontrolled and controlled tests above could further complicate the issue for many who are asking whether the iPhone 15 Pro models are actually fragile or durable. Unfortunately, there is no way to specifically answer that. The tests above used different elements and techniques, so it is natural to see contradicting conclusions. But, of course, as Consumer Reports said, “If you’re determined to break your phone—iPhone or otherwise—you can do it.”
