I've taken my turns as a Grammar Cop, too, but let's parse this “literal tank” biz a bit more. It is a common error but we should be be kinder and gentler in responding to the example in this thread.
”Built like a literal tank” could well be true!
”Like” means similar to, or comparable to. The iPhone, depending upon model, does feel as if it has been built as well as a tank — indeed, maybe even better, depending upon tolerances. Tanks can have seams that don't quite line up, protruding edges, defects, etc.
Indeed, if one wrote that their iPhone is “built like a metaphorical tank”, we wouldn't quite know what they meant. They'd be wrong, too, unless they could explain what a “metaphorical” or “figurative” tank is!
In fact, a metaphorical tank is an imaginary one; ethereal, airy, and built of gossamer.
We certainly want our iPhones and iPads built like real tanks, not figurative ones! ?
Now, had someone written, “My phone is literally a tank” or “My iPhone works like a literal tank”, we'd have ample grounds for smiley faces and bringing up the usual figurative vs. literal distinction.
In any case, it's sad to read about the iPad Air 5 having some quality control or build issues.
They do NOT sound as if they were built as well as tanks — however, tanks do have creaking noises, so maybe they are built literally as well as tanks! ?
