When Apple unveiled the latest iPhone 17 during their annual event, it was clear that the company had placed a significant emphasis on the materials used in its construction. While Apple highlighted the enhanced durability of the new iPhones, questions arose about whether these claims were merely part of a marketing strategy or if the devices truly lived up to the hype. To address these concerns, popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything conducted a thorough durability test on the base model iPhone 17.
The results of the iPhone 17 durability test were nothing short of surprising. The test revealed that Apple’s innovative Ceramic Shield 2 technology had seemingly defied the laws of physics by significantly improving scratch resistance on the device. Unlike previous iPhone models that showed visible damage at level six on the Mohs hardness scale, the iPhone 17’s screen withstood scratches at level six and only exhibited minor marks at level seven. However, the most intriguing findings came from testing the textured back glass of the device against various metals commonly found in households.
JerryRigEverything tested the iPhone 17 against stainless steel razor blades, titanium rods, brass keys, copper wire, and even 90% pure silver and gold coins. The results indicated that most everyday items that could potentially scratch the phone only transferred material onto the glass surface, which could be easily wiped away. This suggests that users might be able to use the iPhone 17 without a case without worrying about scratches.
While the phone excelled in scratch resistance, it also passed the bend test with minimal flex in the aluminum frame when pressure was applied. However, despite these positive results, there have been mixed reports in the real world regarding the durability of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. Some users have noted that these models are more susceptible to scratches, attributed not to Apple’s choice of materials but to the design of the devices.
The larger camera bump and sharper corners of the Pro and Pro Max models make them more prone to cosmetic damage. Despite this, a recent drop test found the iPhone 17 Pro Max to be relatively durable. However, given the steep starting price of $1,000, many users may still opt to use a protective case for added peace of mind.
In conclusion, while the durability test conducted by JerryRigEverything showcased the impressive scratch resistance and bend resilience of the iPhone 17, real-world usage has presented some challenges for certain models. Ultimately, whether or not to use the iPhone 17 without a case will depend on individual preferences and priorities.