iPhone SE 2020: How Durable Is Apple’s New Smartphone?

Several tests aimed at determining the new iPhone SE's durability were recently conducted to see just how much the device can withstand. The tests involved several ways of beating the device up, sometimes in ways that reflect everyday use. Here's what the tests revealed.

Drop Test

EverythingApplePro got his hands on a new iPhone SE and subjected it to one of the most common mishaps that could happen to it on a daily basis: being dropped. But instead of just dropping it from a height of four to five feet, the YouTuber dropped the iPhone SE from a height of 50 feet – twice.

The test involved putting a thin plastic case on the iPhone SE. The case, however, didn't cover the sides of the phone; the case, however, covered the corners as well as the top and bottom sides of the handset.

After the first 50-foot drop, the iPhone SE managed to hold itself really well. There were no cracks on the screen, and the device appears to work fine. However, there was a slight bend and a little gap formed from a separation between the front glass and the frame.

After the second 50-foot drop, the case was removed from the iPhone SE. The device, however, didn't suffer from any additional damage. There was no crack, dent or scratches.

The JerryRigEverything Test

Famed YouTuber Zack Nelson, more known as JerryRigEverything, also got his hands on an iPhone SE an subjected it to the kind of tests he usually does. He scratched the different areas of the device, subjected it to fire using a lighter, and bends with his bare hands.

First, he found that the screen started showing scratches using a material with a Mohs level 6 hardness. He then saw deeper grooves appear when a level 7 object scratched the screen. This shows that the screen is tougher than regular glass, which scratches at level 5. He wasn't able to make any permanent mark on the Home Button, but he was able to scratch the sides of the device.

Second, the camera lens started showing signs of damage at level 6. This is odd, as Apple claims the camera lens is made of sapphire glass, and sapphire glass tends to start showing grooves at around level 9.

Third, the display started showing a black patch after being subjected to flame for 16 seconds. The display returned to normal after cooling down, however. Lastly, he was able to bend the device, albeit a slight warp only. The device is built well, and continues to function even after being put under pressure.