‘Durable’ Smartphones Are Not Indestructible. How to Protect Your Device

Oct. 2—(StatePoint) The latest devices are packed with pricey new features, like advanced AI capabilities, call transcription and displays large enough to be worthy of gaming and binge-watching. And while they’re also getting more durable, they’re not indestructible, according to new research.

For the past 13 years, Allstate Protection Plans has conducted a series of breakability tests to determine the strength of the latest and greatest devices. The mobile protection plan provider recently tested the new iPhone 16 Pro Max, which along with boasting a more contextual Siri, AI-driven writing tools and AI-powered image generation, has a display made of a ceramic-shield material that is said by Apple to be two times tougher than any smartphone glass.

If you’ve sprung for this new model or are thinking of doing so, you may be wondering how durable it actually is and how to protect your investment. Here to guide you are the results of Allstate Protection Plans Breakability Drop Test:

Front-down Drop Test: After one face-down drop on a sidewalk from 6 feet, the iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered across its display and suffered scuffing along its titanium frame. Upon impact, the display went black, then flickered white for approximately two minutes, before finally going permanently black. This rendered the device unusable. However, it’s possible the device could be saved with repair. Apple.com lists iPhone 16 Pro Max front screen repair as $379 without AppleCare.

Back-down Drop Test: After one back-down drop on a sidewalk from 6 feet, the iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered across its rear panel and suffered damage to its raised glass camera housing. The device remained fully functional, including all camera capabilities, which is an improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, it was not safe to handle with bare hands due to raised and loose glass. Apple.com lists iPhone 16 Pro Max rear panel repair as $199 without AppleCare.

With the iPhone 16 Pro Max starting at $1,199 and repairs costing as much as $749 without AppleCare, Allstate Protection Plans highly recommends the use of phone cases and screen protectors. For added security, consumers are advised to get a mobile protection plan. For more information, visit AllstateProtectionPlans.com.

“As smartphones enter their AI era, they’re also entering a new era of durability,” said Jason Siciliano, vice president of marketing and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. “Nevertheless, Americans still spend billions of dollars on screen repairs every year, making it vital to continue taking steps to protect your device.”

Photo Credit: Allstate Protection Plans