Apple’s iPhone 12 handset comes with a ceramic shield on the front display which is designed to make it less prone to damage when dropped. Now, we have a drop test of the iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to see how these flagship devices fare against each other in terms of durability.
In the video below from Phone Buff, we get to see how the iPhone 12 Pro Max performs against the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Let’s see which handset lasts the longest.
Initial Drop Test Results
As we can see from the video, both phones survived the first drop on the front. However, the Note 20’s glass broke on the rear on the first drop. This initial test highlights the importance of rear glass durability, which is often overlooked in favor of front display protection.
Both handsets passed the 10-drop tests with no major damage to the front glass on the handsets. This is a testament to the advancements in glass technology, particularly with Apple’s ceramic shield, which is touted to be four times more resistant to damage compared to previous models.
Higher Drop Test on Concrete
Things were slightly different with the higher drop on concrete. The Note 20 Ultra’s glass broke, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s glass did not break. This suggests that the ceramic shield on the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides superior protection against higher impact drops.
It’s worth noting that while the front glass of both devices showed remarkable resilience, the rear glass of the Note 20 Ultra was more susceptible to breaking. This could be due to the different materials and construction techniques used by Samsung and Apple.
Additional Considerations
When considering the durability of a smartphone, it’s essential to look beyond just the glass. Factors such as the frame material, overall build quality, and even the internal components’ ability to withstand shocks play a crucial role. For instance, the iPhone 12 Pro Max features a stainless steel frame, which adds to its robustness, whereas the Note 20 Ultra uses an aluminum frame.
Moreover, the design philosophy of each company also influences durability. Apple has focused heavily on creating a seamless, sturdy design with minimal points of failure. On the other hand, Samsung’s emphasis on sleekness and advanced features like the S-Pen might introduce additional vulnerabilities.
The drop test results indicate that the iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its ceramic shield, offers superior front glass protection compared to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. However, both devices show impressive durability overall, surviving multiple drops without catastrophic failure.
For consumers, this means that while both phones are built to withstand everyday accidents, the iPhone 12 Pro Max might offer a slight edge in terms of front display durability. Nonetheless, investing in a good quality case and screen protector is always advisable to ensure the longevity of your device.
Source & Image Credit: Phone Buff
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