IPhone 14 durability test
In this article, we will discuss different aspects of the build quality of the iPhone 14: drop tests, scratch resistance, water immersion, and heat/pressure resistance. Moreover, we will try to contextualize those results by comparing them with previous models, which hopefully can give you an answer to whether or not the iPhone 14 deserves your trust when it comes to durability.
1. Materials and Build Quality: What Makes the iPhone 14 Tough?
The construction of the iPhone 14 uses premium materials made up of: Aerospace-grade aluminum frame: This provides lightweight durability. Ceramic Shield glass on the front: Apple claims that it's tougher than traditional glass, designed to withstand drops and scratches. Glass back: While it allows wireless charging, glass is prone to cracking upon impact.
- Water and dust resistance - IP 68: The iPhone 14 is resistant to water submersion, up to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
But how does the Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 14 really hold up in the most unforgiving circumstances? After all, Apple has boasted that it's the most durable glass used on any smartphone.
2. Drop Test: Can the iPhone 14 Survive a Fall?
Drop tests simulate common accidents when users drop phones from their pockets or hands. Some of the common drop cases that include: 1. Waist-height drop, which emulates falling from the pocket. 2. Shoulder-height drop, emulating dropping while taking a selfie or answering a call. 3. Face-down drop to assess its screen resistance from cracks.
- Waist-height drop on concrete: The aluminum frame absorbed most of the impact. Minor scuffs showed up on the corners, but the screen remained undamaged.
- Shoulder-height drop: The iPhone 14 is given some visual scratches down the frame and back glass, though the Ceramic Shield front didn't crack.
- Face-down fall: This resulted in the screen doing pretty well after a few knocks; minor scratches started to appear along the edges of the screen.
Conclusion: The iPhone 14 did relatively well in all drop tests. While the glass back easily breaks if dropped onto a concrete surface, the Ceramic Shield front provides far superior protection against cracks, thereby keeping the screen relatively safe.
3. Scratch Test: How Scratch-Resistant Is the iPhone 14?
The testers used common hazards of various materials for scratch resistance testing, including coins, keys, and blades. They also conduct scratch tests with Mohs hardness picks to see at what level visible scratches would start to appear.
Results:
- Coins and keys: These did not inflict apparent damage to the screen, which is a good way to prove that the Ceramic Shield is resistant to minor scratches originating from metal objects.
- Mohs scale test: Scratches began to show at level 6, with deeper grooves arriving at level 7.
- Aluminum frame: The frame had minor scuff marks from key scratches but held solid structurally.
- Glass back: While the back glass survived light scratches, it was more vulnerable than the front screen under heavy pressure.
Either way, the judgment is thus: the iPhone 14 is highly resistant to everyday scratches on the front, while users should slap on a case or screen protector on the back glass to avoid long-term damage.
4. Water Resistance Test: Can the iPhone 14 Handle Water Submersion?
We have a resistance rating of IP68, which means it is resistant to both water and dust. In other words, if the iPhone 14 can handle up to 6 meters (19.6 feet) of water for 30 minutes without being damaged, we can say that it is suitable for test class IP68. Thus, even if one takes his iPhon e in the water, we can take a video with it while capturing every feature regarding water movement.
Setup:
Dip the phone into fresh and salt water for several time spans. Check whether speakers, microphone, and screen work after all the immersions.
Results:
- Freshwater immersion (30 minutes): It came out without issues. The touchscreen responsiveness remained intact, as did sound quality.
- Saltwater immersion (10 minutes): The phone didn't sustain immediate damage in salt water, though Apple recommends keeping the device away from salt for extended periods of time to prevent corrosion.
- Rain and splash simulation: The iPhone 14 passed with flying colors after being exposed to splashes and light rain.
Verdict: iPhone 14 is water-resistant as advertised. However, it is best to avoid exposing the device to salt water for extended periods.
5. Heat and Temperature Test: Can It Handle Extreme Conditions?
Being an iPhone like most other smartphones, the iPhone 14 does not respond well to extreme heat and cold. Testing such conditions will help evaluate if it can withstand outdoor environments and heavy use.
Results:
- **Extreme heat: 45° C/113° F - After an hour of sitting in a hot environment, the iPhone warmed up but worked just fine, with no lags or any change in performance. All of a sudden, it reduced the brightness to avoid overheating.
- **Extreme cold: -10° C/14° F - The iPhone 14 performed normally under freezing temperatures with only its battery life faster than usual.
- Gaming stress test: Heated the phone up slightly after a run of a graphically intensive game for 30 minutes, but thermal management kicked in to maintain stable performance.
Verdict: The iPhone 14 handles heat and cold relatively well but may experience some battery performance issues in extremely low temperatures.
6. Bend Test: Does the iPhone 14 Resist Pressure?
Bend tests strain a phone's structural integrity by applying pressure to the center of the device. This helps simulate accidental bending, such as sitting on the phone while it's in a back pocket. -
Results: - Moderate pressure: The aluminum frame withstood bending once moderate force was applied. - Extreme pressure: Under considerable force, the phone flexed briefly before returning to its original shape without damage.
- Durability of frame construction: The frame on the iPhone 14 does come across as sturdier than those on previous generations, but it's a good idea not to put any unnecessary stress on it.
Verdict: The iPhone 14 resists bending more effectively than previous generations, to a point where there is minimal chance of it getting damaged in any form.
7. Real-World Usage: Everyday Wear and Tear
Upon usage of a week or so, some test cases may be visualized as :
- Pocket storage: With the phone in the pocket with keys and coins, minor scratches were present on the aluminum frame.
- Case usage: A case ensured no visible scratch or dent was present; hence it was worth every penny of the investment.
- Screen performance: The Ceramic Shield, too, showed minimal wear and tear without any screen protector.
8. How Does the IPhone 14 Compare to Previous Models?
Compared to the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 will have a slight improvement in drop resistance via the refined aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield glass. General durability should remain about the same as in its predecessor for water resistance and scratch protection.
9. Consejos para proteger tu IPhone 14
- Put on a case: It provides very important protection for your back glass and aluminum frame from dents and cracks.
- Put on a screen protector: Even with Gorilla Glass, that's an extra layer of protection when you have a screen protector applied.
- Avoid the extremes: Keep your phone away from excessive heat or cold, and also avoid exposing it to saltwater.
- **Clean it regularly: You should wipe down your phone regularly with a microfiber cloth.
- Conclusion: How Durable Is the Iphone 14?
The iPhone 14 is a very durable device, very resistant against drops, scratches, water, and pressure. The Ceramic Shield front is particularly resistant and protects against screen damages with great skill. The glass back is less durable in cases of cracking, but if covered with a protective case, it should be fine.
The IP68 water resistance means that the iPhone 14 is suitable for outdoor use, but users should try to avoid exposure to saltwater for too long, though. It is also resistant to ordinary wear and tear; over time, only cosmetic blemishes are part of this phone.
In short, the iPhone 14 is a sensible tough smartphone that should withstand all manner of real-world use. If you want it to stay in perfect condition, investing in a case and screen protector is still money well spent. Whether you're a bit clumsy or are really careful, the iPhone 14 is durable enough to withstand heavy usage with excellent protection and peace of mind.