Apple increased the durability of the iPhone 12 last year with a ceramic shield on top of what is likely custom Gorilla Glass. It has been proven to be very durable and now in a detailed drop test we’ve taken a look at how Samsung’s latest flagship Galaxy S21 Ultra compares to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Samsung’s latest version was unable to withstand drops like the 12 Pro Max and may be even less durable than its S20 Ultra predecessor.
PhoneBuff is out today with a detailed drop test of Samsung’s new Galaxy S21 Ultra versus the iPhone 12 Pro Max. While smartphone makers are always perking up durability claims, Apple has really delivered the iPhone 12 series and the new ceramic shield, along with truly durable glass and a steel frame (for the Pro and Pro Max). Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus and an aluminum frame.
The test caused both smartphones to fall from the back, corner and face. And then a bonus round of another 10 drops – 14 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Both the 12 Pro Max and the S21 Ultra got through the first two drops well, but the S21 Ultra saw a shattered screen after the face fell while the 12 Pro Max went unscathed.
After the bonus round, the Galaxy S21 was increasingly damaged, with PhoneBuff noting that even the back of the coating appears to scratch more than the S20. He said it could just have been bad luck on the S21 damage, but it could also have been the weight and new design (rounded edges) compared to the S20 Ultra.
After the first three rounds plus 14 additional drops, the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s screen had its screen completely intact with only minor scratches. PhoneBuff called it the “clear winner” and it remains the drop test champion on YouTuber’s smartphone.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 Ultra still worked but had a shattered screen in several places and noticeable scratches on the back. Check out the full drop test below:
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