The iPhone XS and XS Max, the latest devices from Apple, claim they feature the largest, most durable screens of any iPhone — and even have beer-resistant qualities.
SquareTrade, an Allstate company and protection plan provider, put these claims to the test. Its breakability score found the iPhone XS to be stronger than the iPhone X, while the iPhone XS Max was found to be much stronger, though their all-glass design is susceptible to even more costly breaks. However, Apple’s beer- and water-resistant claims were proven.
SquareTrade Labs said that it uses a range of scientific robots to drop, slide, tumble and dunk devices to see how they cope with the activities of the everyday lives of their users. This time, the dunk test was adjusted to test the beer-resistance hypothesis Apple mentioned at its keynote. Both new iPhones were submerged in the SquareTrade DunkBot, filled with 138 cans of beer, and they both passed the test. The full results can be seen in this video, which reveals:
- Face-down Drop Test: Like last year’s iPhone X, the all-glass design of the iPhone XS shattered on the first drop. The iPhone XS Max cracked but was still usable.
- Side and Back Drop Tests: Apple’s surgical-grade steel frame helped mitigate damage for the iPhone XS and XS Max during the side drop. However, the back drop test was a different story for both models. Not only did they shatter on the first drop but the glass backing of the iPhone XS came apart from its frame.
- Dunk Test: The new iPhones feature an improved IP68 water resistance rating, which means they can be submerged in up to 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes. After being submerged in 138 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon for 30 minutes, both functioned normally.
- Repairability: SquareTrade’s Master Technician noted increased adhesive strength for both iPhone XS and XS Max, which explains their increased water-resistance. The iPhone XS also features a single battery, unlike the iPhone X and XS Max.
SquareTrade’s Jason Siciliano remarked:
“We were su
per impressed with the iPhone XS Max, which is much stronger than its discontinued predecessor, the iPhone X. However, as with the iPhone X, our tests show the all-glass design of the iPhone XS and XS Max make them highly susceptible to cracking, particularly from drops, the most common cause of damage.
Repair costs for the new iPhones are expected to be around $399 to replace a front screen and $599 to fix a shattered back. Considering $599 was the cost of the most expensive version of the very first iPhone, repair costs are now something to consider when buying a new iPhone.
They’re beautiful phones. Just hang on tight”.
