World's most expensive smartphone drop test: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Z Fold 5 vs S23 Ultra vs Pixel Fold

In an effort to assess the durability of some of the most expensive smartphones in the market, SquareTrade's All State Protection Plans recently conducted robot-powered drop tests on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Pixel Fold.

These tests aimed to mimic real-life scenarios and provide insights into the resilience of these high-end devices.

Front-Down Drop Test Results

The test commenced by dropping each phone from a height of six feet onto a concrete sidewalk.

Starting with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the front-facing drop resulted in a shattered display with raised and loose glass. Similarly, the Galaxy S23 Ultra suffered the same fate, with a severely damaged screen upon impact.

Partial Relief for Foldable Phones

Next, the focus turned to the foldable options. When the Galaxy Z Fold 5 was dropped with the main screen facing down, it sustained minor screen dents, frame damage, and scuffed corners.

The Pixel Fold exhibited similar damage when dropped in the same manner.

Back-Down Drop Test Results

During the back-facing drop test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max once again suffered substantial damage. Not only was the display shattered, but the camera lenses also sustained cracks.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra experienced a similar fate with raised and loose glass, although its camera lenses remained intact.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5, when dropped with the cover screen facing down, suffered from shattered and missing glass on the display. Similar damage occurred to the Pixel Fold, which also had loose glass and missing components.

Based on these findings, it is clear that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold demonstrated superior durability when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra.

However, it is important to note that these results were achieved through controlled scientific experiments and may not fully represent real-life scenarios.

While the drop tests provided valuable insights into the potential damage these high-end phones may sustain, users should remain cautious when handling their devices.

Dropping any smartphone on concrete from a height of six feet can result in significant damage, both to the device and one's wallet.

Ultimately, it is advisable to take necessary precautions such as using protective cases and handling devices with care to minimise the risk of accidental drops and subsequent damage.

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