Robustness Test Results: iPhone 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Pixel Fold

Allstate Protection Plans, known for its annual series of robot-powered drop tests on expensive smartphones, recently conducted tests on the latest high-end models. According to a recent survey, US consumers spent a massive $17 billion on smartphone repairs and replacements in the past year, with damaged screens being the most common issue. Recognizing this, Allstate decided to subject the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Pixel Fold to a range of tests, including a dunk test.

Results of the Dunk Test

All five phones successfully passed the rigorous dunk test, proving that they still functioned after being submerged in water for 30 minutes. Impressive, right?

Face First Drop Test

The first test involved dropping the phones face first from a height of six feet onto a sidewalk. Unfortunately, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra suffered cracked screens and became unusable after this initial drop. Additionally, dropping the phones on their back panels resulted in shattered glass. The Galaxy S23 Ultra required extra protection in the form of a case, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s main and ultra-wide cameras were completely shattered.

Six-Foot Fall Test

In a separate test, the internal tablet-sized displays on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold survived a six-foot fall onto the sidewalk with only minor damage to the frame. Allstate attributed this to the raised lip around the interior edge of both foldable screens. Thankfully, despite the exterior displays shattering upon impact, the internal displays remained intact and usable.

Importance of Phone Protection

Allstate emphasizes the necessity of protecting smartphones with cases and screen protectors. Shockingly, 93 million Americans experienced smartphone damage within the past year. While many think smartphone repairs cost $150 or less, the average cost is actually $209. High-end phones like the ones tested by Allstate often have even higher repair and replacement costs. Interestingly, 27% of individuals who broke their screen had it repaired in just one day, likely due to their heavy phone usage and the unwillingness to experience smartphone withdrawal.

Allstate’s Recommendation

Jason Siciliano, Vice President of Marketing and Global Creative Director at Allstate Protection Plans, advises all smartphone users to invest in cases and screen protectors. Despite advances in smartphone durability, drop-related damage is still a significant concern, as evident from the survey results.

Siciliano went on to praise smartphone manufacturers for their improvement in water resistance, noting that liquid damage no longer ranks in the top five causes of smartphone repairs.