iPhone SE: The Toughest Glass

Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure as we drop the latest iPhone SE on the ground! Apple has boldly claimed its new device is equipped with “the toughest glass in a smartphone,” a statement that piqued our curiosity. Join us as we put the iPhone SE’s glass to the ultimate test.

Despite its familiar design and economical price point, the iPhone SE boasts significant improvements within its unassuming exterior. The glass, renowned for its exceptional durability, has been employed on both the front and back, promising to withstand even the most forceful drops. But is it truly as invincible as Apple claims?

Stay tuned as we embark on this fascinating journey and discover the limits of the iPhone SE’s “toughest glass.” Together, we’ll unravel its secrets and witness firsthand how it fares against the relentless force of gravity.

Drop 1

As you prepare for the inevitable, you grasp the iPhone SE firmly at waist height. With a swift motion, you release the device, sending it plummeting screen-first towards the unforgiving pavement.

Initial examination reveals the devastating impact of the fall. The glass protecting the screen has shattered into a web of cracks, extending from the top to the bottom. While the screen miraculously remains operational, the jagged shards pose a significant safety hazard. One wrong move and you could find yourself with a nasty cut.

Your attention then turns to the back of the phone, which has somehow managed to escape unscathed. Despite the catastrophic damage to the front, you resolve to continue the trial, eager to witness the device’s resilience.## Drop 2

In this Drop 2 assessment, the device was intentionally dropped from a constant height of 36 inches (91.44 centimeters).

Drop 2a

During the first attempt, the phone landed on its aluminum frame and tumbled towards the observer. Despite this unfortunate landing, only minor scuff marks were visible on the frame, and the back glass remained intact.

Drop 2b

In the second attempt, the phone landed on its side, absorbing the majority of the impact. The back of the phone sustained a small crack near the camera lens and some minor scuffing around the edges.

Drop 2c

The front of the phone, however, exhibited significant cracking over the entire screen. Small pieces of glass began detaching from the bottom right corner, but the screen continued to function normally.

Findings

Based on these observations, it can be concluded that the iPhone SE’s back is relatively resistant to damage from drops, while the front screen is more susceptible to cracking.## Drop 3

Background:

Following standard procedure, the initial drop was executed from a height of 6 feet. However, unforeseen circumstances led to the phone landing on its corner rather than its back. This resulted in a thin crack on the upper section of the back glass.

Drop 3a (or Technically No. 5):

Determined to achieve a successful drop, a second attempt was made. The phone was again dropped from 6 feet, this time on its back. Despite not being a flawless execution, the drop was deemed acceptable.

Consequences of Drop 3a:

The lower half of the back developed a network of cracks that extended from left to right. Two prominent cracks intersected at the upper-right corner. While a sturdy case could conceal the damage, the phone’s front presented a different story.

Front Screen Damage:

To the right of the home button, a sizable hole had emerged in the front glass. Fragments of glass had been dislodged, exposing the phone’s internal components beneath the black bezel. Remarkably, the Retina HD display remained functional and responsive. However, excessive swiping was inadvisable.## FAQs

1. What is the iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE is an updated version of the 2020 iPhone SE, featuring the same body design, but with enhanced internals like the A15 Bionic processor and tougher glass.

2. How durable is the iPhone SE’s glass?
The iPhone SE’s glass is claimed to be the “toughest glass in a smartphone,” but it is not indestructible and is still susceptible to cracking under significant impact.

3. How did the iPhone SE perform in the drop tests?
In CNET’s drop tests, the iPhone SE’s screen cracked significantly after the first drop from 3 feet, despite the tougher glass. The back glass remained mostly intact until a drop from 6 feet, but developed cracks and a hole in the front glass.

4. Does the iPhone SE have Face ID or MagSafe?
No, the iPhone SE does not have Face ID or MagSafe, unlike newer iPhone models.

5. What is a notable difference between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13?
The iPhone SE’s front glass does not have the Ceramic Shield coating found on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, which offers increased scratch and impact resistance.

6. What is the recommended protection for the iPhone SE?
To ensure the best protection for the iPhone SE, it is advisable to use a durable case, as even the toughest glass can be damaged in certain circumstances.

7. Why was the iPhone SE not tested from a height of 9 feet in the drop test?
The drop test was halted at 6 feet due to the severe damage sustained to the iPhone SE’s screen after the previous drops.

8. Does the iPhone SE have the same processor as the iPhone 13?
Yes, the iPhone SE uses the A15 Bionic processor, which is the same chip found in the iPhone 13 lineup.

9. What is the home button on the iPhone SE used for?
The home button on the iPhone SE serves as a navigation tool, allowing users to return to the home screen, access recent apps, and use the Touch ID fingerprint sensor for authentication.

10. What is the difference between Retina HD display and other types of displays?
Retina HD display is a high-resolution display with a high pixel density, resulting in sharp and vivid visuals. It is typically used in Apple devices.

11. What is the difference between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 8?
The iPhone SE shares the same body design as the iPhone 8, but offers upgrades such as the A15 Bionic processor, 5G connectivity, and a single-lens rear camera with better computational photography capabilities.

12. What is the advantage of the iPhone SE’s smaller size compared to larger smartphones?
The smaller size of the iPhone SE makes it more compact and easier to handle, providing a more comfortable fit for those who prefer a smaller phone or have difficulty using larger devices.

Summary

The new iPhone SE is an affordably priced option that offers a familiar design with upgraded internals, including the A15 Bionic processor and toughened glass. While the glass is not indestructible, it provides good protection against accidental drops and scratches. However, it is still recommended to use a case for maximum protection.

Despite its durability claims, the iPhone SE’s screen can still crack significantly after the first drop from a height of 3 feet. The back glass generally holds up better, but may develop cracks under higher impacts.

Ultimately, the iPhone SE is a good choice for users seeking a compact, budget-friendly iPhone with solid performance and features. Its durability is comparable to previous iPhone models with similar designs, and the use of a case is highly advised to enhance its longevity.