Malcolm Owen
The third-generation iPhone SE is almost as durable as the iPhone 13, drop tests reveal, with the low-cost smartphone surviving face-own and side drop tests to the same level as its stablemate.
When Apple introduced the third-generation iPhone SE, it offered a series of claims about its ability to survive "stumbles" and "spills," using the "toughest glass in a smartphone." In testing, it appears the claims are pretty true.
The series of Allstate Protection Plans Breakability Tests took the iPhone SE and placed the smartphone in danger. In three tests covering face-down, back-down, and side-down drops, the iPhone SE was dropped onto a sidewalk from a height of six feet.
It survived the face-down test with "only minor scuffing," which Allstate said was "impressive" considering the iPhone 13 uses Ceramic Shield protection on the front panel. The iPhone SE uses hardened glass, but the Ceramic Shield treatment isn't applied to it.
For the side-down test, it again only suffered minor scuffing similar to tests for the iPhone 13.
Three iPhone SE units tested by AllstateThe back-down drop test did see the iPhone SE crack its glass. It is reckoned that the lack of protective flat aluminum siding made the glass back panel more vulnerable.
To test its IP67 rating, it went through a 30-minute dunk test, placed in 1 meter of water. The iPhone SE survived without issue, though there was some audio muffling for an hour after being pulled from the water.
"With the 3rd generation iPhone SE, Apple has created a truly durable phone that doesn't break the bank," said Allstate Protection Plan VP of marketing and creative director Jason Siciliano. "While its $429 price point makes the new iPhone SE a more affordable option, it can cost up to $299 to repair. That's why a case, screen protector, and protection plan are always good ideas."
AppleInsider has compiled a list of our favorite iPhone SE cases to protect the new 3rd Generation model.
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Charles Martin
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
3 Comments
From first iPhone to iPhone 13 to rest of phones on market are venerable to get screen, back cracked including portion of body dent/damaged when falls on ground. So why we have article like this ? Makes me vomit. Everyone knows that having case on any phone( not just iPhone/s) helps tremendously from most damages when falls on ground, hard surfaces..
I personally find it helpful to have tests like this, however very few people don’t use a case
So it isn't only the A15 processor upgrade with 5G and 4GB ram instead of 3GB, the screen also got stronger. And the battery improved significantly vs the SE 2020 (that was its weakest point). These are all really important for users wanting low cost/year and longevity. The price raise from $399 to $429 is about in line with inflation. The more expensive regular iPhone (mini) is still the much better device of course.