Is the iPhone 7 Shatterproof?

The biggest selling points of the iPhone 7 when it came out was that it was splash, water and dust resistant; with an IEC rating of IP67. Specifically, this means that the iPhone 7 is impenetrable by dust and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This was made possible when Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 line of devices.

 

Another selling point of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices was that they were crafted with “7000 series aluminum alloy,” the same alloy used in the aerospace industry. It is noted that the unique composition of the 7000 series aluminum alloys contains copper, and that the “7000 series aluminum alloys may provide aluminum alloys with high tensile yield strength, high extrusion speed, and/or low thermal conductivity. In certain variations, the alloys are press quenchable, allowing processing without additional subsequent solution heat treatment while not compromising the ability to form an aluminum alloy having a high tensile yield strength.”

 

Simply put, this alloy is designed to be 60% stronger than other forms of aluminium; and reportedly comes with one-third the density of stainless steel to maintain a light weight. However, Apple makes no claims about drop or shatter performance.

 

Drop Tests

In SquareTrade's water/bend/drop video, the screens of both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus still cracked when dropped on cement without a case on. However, EverythingApplePro’s durability test of the iPhone 7 against the iPhone 6S showed different results. These two videos will prove that there is no actual science in predicting whether your screen will crack or not when dropped or subjected to impact. It often just comes down to luck whether the device survives or breaks.

Even so, going back to EverythingApplePro’s drop test video, it appears Apple has improved the durability of the iPhone 7 compared to the iPhone 6s. The iPhone 7 was able to sustain ten-foot, face-down and side drops with only minor scuffs to the chassis, without cracking the screen, while the iPhone 6s was completely shattered at five-foot drops. The iPhone 7’s rear camera was damaged but the device could still be used to take photos.

 

The video shows that the general durability of Apple’s iPhone 7 range is very good. The device should still work even if you accidentally drop it once or twice. And even when the front glass gets cracked from an impact, in many cases, the touch screen will still work and the phone will still be usable.

In the real world, most drops happen at lower heights. Not to mention, before the ten-foot drop, the devices had already been dropped at waist level and head level. But, if you are still worried about damaging your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, then do not use it naked. Protect your smart phone with an iPhone 7 case that is designed for impact protection. There are also tempered glass screen protectors that offer enough protection to avoid catastrophic cracks.

Catalyst offers superior, military standard, shock and drop protection with its impact protection case for the iPhone 8 and 7. The Catalyst Impact Protection Case for iPhone 7 and 8 possesses the brand’s signature features: a grippy rubber bumper, a free lanyard attachment, their distinctive, patented rotating mute switch and a clear back casing to showcase the style and color of the iPhone. The design of this protective case has an angular modern form for the iPhone, maintaining the slim and sleek feel and appearance of the protected device and at only 29 grams, keeping the weight of the device and case light. Also, the added impact protection from its innovative truss cushioning system combined with a premium rubber polymer blend to increase the corner drop threshold to 3 meters or 9.9 feet. It also has a 1mm raised lip so that when you rest your phone face down, the touch screen glass is protected. The case comes in four color variants: Blue Ridge/Sunset, Stealth Black, Army Green and Coral.

 

 

Catalyst also offers a high definition, clear, tempered glass screen protector for iPhone 8, 7 and 6/6s compatible with their impact protection case. The Catalyst Tempered Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 6, 7, and 8 is a high-performance screen protector, designed to the highest standards for your device. It is absolutely case-friendly and shatter resistant. With industry leading glass strength of 9H hardness, it provides one of the highest rated scratch protection for your device. An oleophobic coating repels oil leaving the surface fingerprint free. And application is fast and easy, making sure it is bubble-free, with included cleaning cloth, dust remover sticker and alcohol cleaning pad.

 

 

Catalyst also has the Impact Protection Case and Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the Apple iPhone 7 Plus (also compatible with the iPhone 8 Plus).

 

YouTube channel TabTimes also conducted their own iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus drop tests. TabTimes dropped each phone repeatedly, recording footage of the drop test with the phones’ camera. The iPhones continue to record during and after the drop, and the phones were fully functional. The metal scratched depending on where it hit the concrete but the screen survived each time.

 

Similar to the results of EverythingApplePro’s results, what cracked in Tabtimes video is the glass cover on the rear camera. But if you plan on using protective cases and screens with the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, your device might withstand drops even better than the units in this video.

 

To summarize, TabTimes dropped the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus from over seven feet and the phones survived. Not without a few scuffs and scratches, but the screens did not crack.

 

Many iPhone 7 and 7 Plus users have also reviewed Catalyst’s iPhone cases and glass screen protectors. BeyCinema Youtube channel tested the Impact Protection Case for the Apple iPhone 7 Plus /8 Plus. However, there are more reviews done on Catalyst’s Waterproof Case than on their Impact Protection variant. Either way, users have come to recognize Catalyst cases as the ultimate cases for the ultimate devices.