The iPhone 16 series has been available in stores since September. As usual, the “Pro” models are the ones that get the most interest from the public, but there are also plenty of people keeping an eye on the most affordable model. The popular channel JerryRigEverything already showed how resistant the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are. Now, the YouTuber has shared a durability test of the vanilla iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max showed that Apple wasn’t kidding when it said that this generation is the most durable in its history. However, unlike the Pro models that use titanium frames, the vanilla and Plus models use aluminum for their flat sides. Does that mean that the cheaper models are less resistant? The tests say otherwise.
Although it’s a durability test, Zack from the JerryRigEverything channel starts by showing that the iPhone 16 includes the new electricity-sensitive battery glue. This new method makes removing the battery from the device much easier, as it only requires a low-voltage current to release the cell. The video also points out that Apple debuted a new generation of Ceramic Shield covering the screen.
iPhone 16’s Ceramic Shield shows greater durability than before
In scratch resistance tests, the iPhone 16 showed signs of scratching at level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. While this is similar to most modern flagship devices, the marks on the iPhone 16 are very subtle and faint. In other cases, including last year’s iPhone 15, the marks are much more noticeable. Scratches begin to become more visible at level 7 on the scale.
The YouTuber also tests the durability of the new Camera Button. Apple coated the piece with a layer of sapphire crystal, making it extremely durable. In fact, Zack was unable to scratch it at all. On the other hand, the aluminum flat sides are more prone to scratches or marks.
The camera segment is one of the most important for all iPhone fans. So, it’s important to maintain the integrity of the sensors and lenses over time. Zack tried to scratch the protective glass of the iPhone 16 cameras without success. The module surrounding the sensors also seems to be practically immune to such marks.
Impressive fire and bending resistance
Where the iPhone 16 really impressed was in its durability against fire and shattering. Zack held a lit lighter close to the device’s screen for several seconds. However, it didn’t flinch, maintaining both the integrity and the functionality of the screen. There was no sign of dead pixels or marks.
Lastly, the test showed that the iPhone 16 is extremely resistant to bending. Zack, famous for “destroying” important devices like this, was unable to bend it. The YouTuber tried to do so both from the front and from the back. So, even though the iPhone 16 uses aluminum instead of titanium, it’s at least as durable as its more expensive siblings.