Drop tests show that the new iPhone XR breaks as readily as the more expensive iPhone XS if you drop them 6 feet onto concrete. Note: don’t try this at home.
But Apple’s latest is slightly more resistant to bending.
iPhone XR: no “bendgate” here
SquareTrade put both an iPhone XR and the more expensive iPhone XS series models into a machine that tests their resistance to bending. Handsets go though similar pressure when someone sits on them.
The iPhone XR began bending at 260 pounds of pressure, but the screen didn’t break. The device continued functioning as normal. That’s the same result as the iPhone XS Max, but the iPhone XS suffered broken glass at 250 pounds of pressure.
A questionable drop test
SquareTrade dropped both an iPhone XR and XS six feet facedown onto a sidewalk The display in each shattered to the point where they became unusable. The glass backs of these devices also shattered when when they landed with that side downward.
That said, this is a somewhat extreme test. It’s not often someone is going to be in a position where they can drop their iPhone six feet. So keep in mind this test was done by a company that offers phone insurance plans with a vested interest in demonstrating that iPhones are breakable.
A video shows the iPhone XR undergoing both tests:
iPhone XR still the cheaper option
As SquareTrade points out, “With the iPhone XR, you’re getting a more affordable phone with about the same level of durability, and it cost less repair.”
It’s $199 to replace an iPhone XR display if you don’t have AppleCare+ coverage.It’s $279 to repair an iPhone XS screen, and $329 for an XS Max one.