iPhone 16 Pro Max Durability Test: Surviving Scratches, Bending, and Fire?
In a recent video, popular YouTuber Zack Nelson from the channel "JerryRigEverythingJerryRigEverything" conducted a durability test on the iPhone 16 Pro Max using advanced testing tools.
Titanium Frame Comparison
Nelson began by examining the titanium frame of the device, comparing it to the previous model, the iPhone 15. Both frames appeared remarkably similar. One of the first things that caught Nelson's attention—and frustration—was the included USB cable. Despite the iPhone 16 Pro Max featuring a USB-C 3 port, the supplied cable was only USB-C 2, which he found disappointing.New Camera Button
Moving on to the new camera button located on the right side of the phone, Nelson demonstrated how it functions by allowing the user to zoom in and out through touch. He noted that this button is pressure-sensitive, detecting both full and partial presses, as well as small finger movements. Interestingly, the button is coated in sapphire, which Nelson explained Apple uses due to its smoothness, slipperiness, and thermal conductivity. He further explained that thermal conductivity is measured in watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m·K). While glass typically has a conductivity of 1 W/m·K, the sapphire used in the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts an impressive 35 W/m·K.Scratch Test on the Camera Button
Next, Nelson moved on to his famous scratch tests, starting with the sapphire-coated camera button. Scratches began to appear at levels 5, 6, 7, and 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, even though pure sapphire should only scratch at levels 8 or 9. Nelson attributed this to microscopic fractures created during Apple’s cutting process for shaping the button from large sapphire blocks. To further validate his findings, Nelson used an advanced gem-testing device. He discovered that the camera button barely registered as a gemstone compared to a Tissot watch and genuine sapphire, which left him slightly disappointed.Ceramic Shield Screen Protection
Regarding the screen, Nelson highlighted the inclusion of Apple’s new "Ceramic Shield," a hybrid of glass and ceramic. Apple claims this material is 50% stronger than the previous version and twice as strong as any other smartphone glass. In Nelson's scratch test, the screen scratched at level 6, with deeper marks appearing at level 7. He then used the "JerryRig" knife to scratch the screen and the titanium frame, producing noticeable scratches accompanied by unpleasant squeaking sounds.Back Glass and Bezel Design
When he tested the back of the device, Nelson found the rear glass had a smooth, matte finish, except for the Apple logo, which was much glossier and slicker. One of the design changes he pointed out was the slightly slimmer bezels around the display, which make the screen appear larger than that of the iPhone 15.Flame Test and Bend Test
In the flame test, where heat often turns pixels white, Nelson noted no visible damage to the screen of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. He concluded his tests with a bend test, stating, "Even after removing a significant portion of the titanium frame and the camera control button, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remained relatively rigid. There were no cracks, creaks, or bends, which is a marked improvement over the iPhone 15."Source: Social media platforms
.jpg)