Drop tests and durability tests are typical following the debut of any new iPhone, and the iPhone 14 Pro is no different, with YouTubers putting the device to a variety of tests to see how it compares to competing devices and previous iPhones.
PhoneBuff published a drop test video this morning that compares the iPhone 14 Pro Max to Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra to see which is more durable. Both smartphones have glass backs and fronts, with Samsung employing Gorilla Glass Victus+ for the front and Apple using Ceramic Shield technology for the front and an unnamed Gorilla Glass on the back, which Apple has previously stated uses a dual-ion process.
Other design distinctions include the iPhone 14 Pro Max's stainless steel frame and flat edge and the Galaxy S22 Ultra's aluminum and curved glass design, but glass is glass, and both smartphones suffered damage in every drop test.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max suffered more shattering than the S22 Ultra in the back down drop test, with more cracks and camera lens damage, but both smartphones remained functioning and their screens were unharmed. In a corner drop test, both frames were scuffed, with the S22 showing more obvious gouging. Both screens shattered in the front display drop test, although the iPhone 14 Pro Max's shattering was limited to one corner, whilst the S22 Ultra's cracked across the entire display. Although the iPhone 14 Pro Max technically "won" this test, the damage to the display would necessitate a display replacement. If these tests have taught us anything, it's that glass will break, and no smartphone maker has yet developed unbreakable glass technology.
Another iPhone 14 Pro drop test from YouTuber GizmoSlip, but this time the glass breaks. What is striking in both drop tests is that there appeared to be instant damage to the camera lenses with back down drops, which could be because the cameras on the iPhone 14 Pro versions protrude further.
Drop tests show why having AppleCare+ and a case for the iPhone 14 models is a smart idea, but it's worth mentioning that Apple has enhanced repairability for the regular iPhone 14 models this year. The iPhone 14 can now be opened from the rear, and the display has fewer connectors, making both the front and back glass easier and less expensive to replace. Unfortunately, the upgrades do not apply to the iPhone 14 Pro models, which are even more difficult to repair.
Related Reading: Buyer's Guide for the iPhone 14 Pro: (Buy Now)
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