iPhone 13 Models Have Same Durability as iPhone 12 in Drop Tests

[MacRumors]

Apple made few design changes to the iPhone 13 lineup and the new devices continue to feature a durable Ceramic Shield front to protect the display, a glass back, and flat edges at the side.

Allstate Protection Plans conducted one of its annual drop tests on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and found that due to the similar designs, the iPhone 13 models are comparable to the iPhone 12 models when it comes to durability.

In a face-down drop test without a case, the iPhone 13 survived a single drop with only minor damage, but it cracked at the top and bottom corners in the second drop test. The iPhone 13 Pro cracked across the bottom in its first drop test, and these are the same results seen with the iPhone 12 models.

In a back-down drop test the iPhone 13 survived with hardly any damage, showing only minor cracks along one of the cameras and the corner. The iPhone 13 Pro shattered after one drop, and again, these results mirrored the results Allstate Protection Plans saw with the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.

This year, Allstate Protection Plans added in-case drop tests to see how well protected the iPhones are in Apple's Silicone and Leather MagSafe Case options.

With the Silicone Case, the iPhone 13 survived three back-down drops in a row with only a small scratch on a camera lens. In a face-down drop, the iPhone 13 cracked on its second drop.

In the Leather Case, the iPhone 13 Pro survived three drops with no damage when dropped back-down, but it cracked on its first drop when dropped face-down.

"The Apple iPhone 13 series has been viewed as a product evolution rather than a revolution, and we've found that to be true when it comes to durability as well," said Jason Siciliano, Allstate Protection Plan vice president of marketing and creative director. "In our first test of an Apple case with MagSafe, we found that both silicone and leather did a great job of protecting the phones when dropped on their backs, though not as much when dropped face down. With back panel repairs costing as much as $549 for iPhone 13 Pro, a case is a must."

As with any drop test, what happens to an iPhone 13 model when dropped in the real world is going to depend on the height that it's dropped from, the material that it falls on, where the iPhone takes the hit, and other factors, so these demonstrations aren't necessarily indicative of what's going to occur when your phone is dropped.

Apple sells AppleCare+ for the new iPhones, which covers two incidents of accidental damage each year for a $29 deductible. AppleCare+ is often worth purchasing for those who have concerns about device durability and want peace of mind about any potential accidents.

Article Link: iPhone 13 Models Have Same Durability as iPhone 12 in Drop Tests

 

[kguay]

I took a big fall onto concrete yesterday. My 2-day old iPhone 13 Pro was in my pocket and I fell directly on it (after my back broke the fall). Fractured a rib, but the phone is fine

(It does have Apple's leather case on it)

 

[haunebu]

Apple really did do the bare minimum with this year's release, didn't they?

 

[nutmac]

Basically what I figured.

Regarding AppleCare+ for iPhone, at $149 for iPhone 13 and 13 mini and $199 for 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, it should include a discount toward the purchase of any case sold at Apple Store.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I don’t think so. According to Everything Apple Pro this is the most durable iPhones that ever been made. You can check out the drop test. It took him many times for the screen to shattered. It’s worth checking out.

 

[Mdracer]

"Case" in point.

 

[dapa0s]

Shocking news? We were expecting this, the design did stay basically the same.

 

[Christoffee]

I have had one broken screen since 2009. But I am always so nervous when I get a new phone!

 

[SactoGuy18]

The reason why there are a lot of case makers is simple: iPhones are very costly nowadays. As such, a good case to protect it is a must.

 

[HiVolt]

Anyone notice they never tout the glass being stronger than before, etc, etc?

Probably to sell the AC+ hehe...

That said, I've not broken a single iPhone glass, and I'm on my 9th iPhone. All of them in a case of course, with a decent lip around the edge.

 

[Analog Kid]

Anyone notice they never tout the glass being stronger than before, etc, etc?

Probably to sell the AC+ hehe...

I’d say calling it a Ceramic Shield is touting the strength, no?

 

[WaterOz]

Anyone notice they never tout the glass being stronger than before, etc, etc?

Probably to sell the AC+ hehe...

That said, I've not broken a single iPhone glass, and I'm on my 9th iPhone. All of them in a case of course, with a decent lip around the edge.

Yeah, despite many drops, with cases / bumpers throughout the years, I've never broken the glass on mine. Still always get AppleCare, especially when it's bailed me out when my wife has broken her screen (she's broken 3 at this point in the last however many years?)

 

[RigoStar]

I'm kinda disappointed.. actually really.. I dropped my iPhone 13 Pro 256GB that I bought full price (never purchased such an expensive phone), the very first day, with a brand new Apple Silicone Case on it. I have dropped a few times my iPhones since 3GS, but I haver never broke any glass or metal since. And this one, supposed to be stronger cracked and even the metal got scratched (I don't know how, may e the silicone moved during the impact).. I'm not sure what are my best options now... 🤔

 

[BornAgainMac]

It would be nice if it was made of rubber and when you throw it down on the pavement, it bounced back up to your hand.

 

[WaterOz]

I'm kinda disappointed.. actually really.. I dropped my iPhone 13 Pro 256GB that I bought full price (never purchased such an expensive phone), the very first day, with a brand new Apple Silicone Case on it. I have dropped a few times my iPhones since 3GS, but I haver never broke any glass or metal since. And this one, supposed to be stronger cracked and even the metal got scratched (I don't know how, may e the silicone moved during the impact).. I'm not sure what are my best options now... 🤔

I think you're still in the "add AppleCare window" without having to bring it in (at least, I think that's how it still works). I'd add it at the monthly rate and then repair it for $29.

I'm not 100% sure on if that's how it works; I've always purchased it with the device, but I think they have the window where you can add it.

 

[macduke]

Not sure how much I believe this. My wife drops her iPhone 12 mini several times per week in the Apple silicon case, and with the iPhone 13 mini she has it in the Apple leather case. And that's just what I have personally observed. No cracks or other damage to be found.

Remember, Allstate has an incentive to get you to buy their insurance for your iPhone.

 

[Taz Mangus]

 

[mi7chy]

Little incentive to make it more durable when repair is profitable at up to $599 for backglass and $329 for screen replacements.

 

[dannyyankou]

I don’t think so. According to Everything Apple Pro this is the most durable iPhones that ever been made. You can check out the drop test. It took him many times for the screen to shattered. It’s worth checking out.

Chance is a big factor in these drop tests. Also, Allstate's tests were a lot more scientific, they had the rig set up and everything.

But also, it's the same screen. Apple didn't highlight any changes to the durability.

 

[jazz1]

Well after seeing this and other drop videos I think I'll be replacing the clear Apple Case with the Nomad leather case. As at least online the Nomad case looks a little beefier. I've got a Nomad on the way. I've got a 13 Pro Max so while I want protection, I don't think I could hold a full on protective case due to smallish hands.

These videos make me cringe

 

[Cyber_Mango]

I have always bought AppleCare+ with all my Apple devices and I've luckily never had to use it. The peace of mind is priceless however 👍

 

[Sir_Macs_A_Lot]

Basically what I figured.

Regarding AppleCare+ for iPhone, at $149 for iPhone 13 and 13 mini and $199 for 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, it should include a discount toward the purchase of any case sold at Apple Store.

It really should because it would reduce the amount of repairs Apple has to make.

 

[AgentElliot007]

I'm kinda disappointed.. actually really.. I dropped my iPhone 13 Pro 256GB that I bought full price (never purchased such an expensive phone), the very first day, with a brand new Apple Silicone Case on it. I have dropped a few times my iPhones since 3GS, but I haver never broke any glass or metal since. And this one, supposed to be stronger cracked and even the metal got scratched (I don't know how, may e the silicone moved during the impact).. I'm not sure what are my best options now... 🤔

Similar thing happened to me. Brand new 13 Pro Max in Apple Leather Case. I’ve had a X, XS Max, 11 Pro Max, and 12 Pro Max all in Apple Leather Cases, and they were dropped many times on many surfaces and I never broke a screen. One small drop yesterday, and it was an honest small drop, even going by negligible case scuff compared to falls taken in the old cases, but the screen cracked in the top-left corner. I can’t tell if it’s pressure from the stainless band or if something actually hit it in just the right spot, but I’m really not thrilled to say the least. My other phones have been through far worse in the same line of cases and came out unscathed.

 

[WWPD]

It would be nice if it was made of rubber and when you throw it down on the pavement, it bounced back up to your hand.

It could be made of the same rubber as those bouncy balls, Apple could call it Bouncy Shield.

 

[Sir_Macs_A_Lot]

The reason why there are a lot of case makers is simple: iPhones are very costly nowadays. As such, a good case to protect it is a must.

And that's another reason I don't get so caught up in the "design" debate. Will the iPhone 14 look like the iPhone 4? I'm slapping that expensive baby in an armored case anyway...so why should I care?