The iPhone 8 and iPhone X brought back the glass front and back, this time with a sturdier construction thanks to an internal steel frame. Apple claimed that the glass used in these models was the most durable iPhone ever, but it still advised users to handle them with care. The iPhone X also introduced water resistance to the flagship line, rated at IP67 like the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus before it.
An Unbreakable Dream: iPhone XS and Beyond
In recent years, Apple has continued to push the boundaries of durability with its flagship iPhones. The iPhone XS featured even more durable glass than its predecessors and improved water resistance rated at IP68—meaning it could be submerged in up to two meters of water for up to 30 minutes without sustaining damage.
This trend toward stronger materials and more excellent protection against the elements has continued with subsequent models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series. With Ceramic Shield front covers said to offer "four times better drop performance," and improved IP68 water resistance across the lineup, Apple seems determined to make its latest iPhones some of the toughest yet.
But Why Does It Matter?
While it's easy to dismiss discussions of durability as mere talk about phone cases or screen protectors, there are several reasons why this aspect of smartphone design should not be overlooked.
- Firstly, nobody wants their expensive new gadget—which they use every single day—to get damaged or break easily. A device that can't withstand some rough handling is hardly fit for purpose in our chaotic lives.
- Secondly, phones are not just fragile; they're also full of valuable data. If your phone breaks beyond repair because you dropped it on some concrete, then all those photos and notes are gone forever unless you had them backed up elsewhere (which most people don't).
- Thirdly, we live in an era when sustainability is becoming increasingly important across all industries, including consumer electronics. A phone that lasts longer is ultimately better for the environment, as fewer resources are used and less e-waste is generated over time.
In short, durability matters because nobody likes a broken phone – or a broken planet.
So what are the most durable iPhones?
After this whirlwind tour through the history of iPhone durability, it's time to crown our champion. But wait! As much as we love a good underdog story or an epic battle between David and Goliath, the truth is that all modern iPhones are pretty tough cookies. Apple has made significant strides in recent years to improve the overall durability of its iPhones across the board, so unless you plan on taking your new device scuba diving or using it to drive nails into walls, chances are it will survive just fine.
That being said, if you're particularly prone to dropping things or have butterfingers for hands (no judgment here), then you might want to consider one of the more rugged options like an iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro with their Ceramic Shield front covers and improved drop performance. Otherwise, rest assured that whatever model you choose should be more than capable of handling everyday life – even if that life involves a few accidental tumbles along the way.
As wireless charging came into play, Apple once again adopted glass backs with the iPhone 8 series and iPhone X. But this time, the glass was stronger and more durable, and the iPhone X was supported by a steel frame—balancing functionality with an acknowledgment of durability.
iPhone 12: The Ceramic Shield Champion
The iPhone 12 family introduced us to Ceramic Shield — a technology that Apple claimed is “tougher than any smartphone glass.” Developed in collaboration with Corning, this tech marvel represents a leap forward in durability that makes the screen four times more resistant to shattering from drops. However, toughness is about more than just the screen; aerospace-grade aluminum edges (or surgical-grade stainless steel on Pro models) give another layer of robustness to withstand daily usage.
iPhone 13, 14, 15: Building on a Strong Foundation
Never one to rest on its laurels, Apple took everything good about the iPhone 12 and sprinkled even more durability magic onto the iPhone from 13 to 15 series. So yes, Ceramic Shield is back protecting these screens too. However, it’s not all about being tough — it’s also about feeling tough. The iPhone 14 and 15 continued its predecessor’s robust aluminum and stainless steel frames so that you know when you’re holding this thing it ain’t going anywhere.
Looking Ahead
Regarding future models, we believe there’s still plenty left in store for the evolution of the durability of iPhone. Apple’s journey reflects an ongoing quest to marry technology’s ethereal beauty with our physical world’s concrete demands. This pursuit holds out not only for more rigid materials and designs but also for deeper insights into how our devices can accompany us throughout life's adventures without skipping a beat.
The Toughest Ones Yet
When it comes down to pure endurance alone, either one could take home first place between their respective lineups or be against each other head-to-head: The 14 Family vs The 15 series – they're both winners here.
Beyond the Fall: Other Durability Factors
While most conversations around iPhone durability tend to focus on drop resistance, there are other factors at play. For example, both the iPhone 14 and 15 series boast impressive IP68 ratings that allow them to be submerged in water of a specific depth for a defined period of time—not to mention dust-proof. This means an accidental dip in the pool or getting caught outside during a torrential downpour isn’t quite as fatal as it once was.
The Bottom Line
So which iPhone is crowned king? While it’s a close call between these two models, when push comes to shove we have to give our vote (however slight) over towards the iPhone 15 for building upon what made its predecessor so impressively durable with just enough extra resilience added into the mix. It represents years worth engineering breakthroughs brought together beautifully inside one sleek device that you can drop off your desk without worrying about breaking anything but maybe just giving yourself a heart attack instead.
Now, selecting the most durable iPhones isn't just about finding something that won’t crack under pressure; it’s also about picking up a reliable friend ready to take on the world alongside you. Whether the groundbreaking Ceramic Shield found in iPhone 14 or the slight edge towards toughness found within iPhone 15—either way, after purchase, here’s hoping many more drops survive spills and get thwarted adventures embarked upon with this indomitable phone by your side!
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