Is the iPhone XR Shatterproof?

Is the iPhone XR Shatterproof?

The Apple iPhone XR is, in Apple’s own words, made with exceptional materials. It has the most durable front glass ever in a smartphone. It is precision-machined and uses surgical-grade stainless steel and aerospace-grade aluminium bands. Not to mention, it has remarkable water and dust resistance.

The Apple iPhone XR was tested under controlled laboratory conditions and has received a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529 which means it can be submerged up to a maximum depth of 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. However, Apple makes it clear that the phone’s splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.

The new iPhone’s camera also boasts a sapphire crystal lens cover.

Apple iPhone XR Reviews:

However, a review on the Washington Post said, “the XR’s body isn’t quite as sturdy (compared to the Apple iPhone XS). Apple says it has the newest, most shatterproof glass on the front, though not on the back. And its frame is made of aluminum, not steel. I didn’t have any damage when I (accidentally) dropped the XR on hardwood and carpeted surfaces or (on purpose) into a toilet. A drop onto concrete or from on high could be more of a problem.”

Cnet.com also discussed in another review the shatter-resistance of older Apple iPhone models and wondered what to expect when the Apple iPhone XR first came out.

“Back when the iPhone 6 came out in 2014, there was talk that it would sport a shatter-resistant sapphire screen, but that never came about. Last year, we managed to crack the iPhone X's screen with just one drop. The back of the iPhone X, which is also made of glass, didn't fare any better.

For 2018, Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, announced on stage at the Steve Jobs Theater that the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max use the "most durable glass ever in a smartphone." Apple hasn't said whether it's Gorilla Glass 6, but Corning is an Apple partner.

Does "most durable" mean "shatterproof"? We're guessing not, because Apple would've undoubtedly given that a fancy new name and highlighted it accordingly. We'll be drop-testing the new iPhones once they're released, so we'll see how they fare.”

Here’s what Michael Simon at Macworld had to say about the Apple iPhone XR: “The XR is easily the most unique iPhone since the iPhone 5c, and I suspect most people are going to opt to use it without a case. Apparently Apple does too, so much so that it’s not selling a first-party case for the XR. To that end, Apple claims that the glass covering the display is stronger than any iPhone that came before, and the rear glass, while not as shatter-resistant as the iPhone XS, is at least as good as the iPhone 8.”

And according to drop test results from warranty company SquareTrade, it appears that the Apple iPhone XR is just as breakable as the iPhone XS and XS Max. In their video, the iPhone XR was subjected to the same tests that SquareTrade did for the iPhone XS and XS Max in September. When the device was dropped face down, from a height of six feet, onto concrete, the iPhone XR's LCD display shattered after the first drop. The drop was serious enough that the XR's screen malfunctioned and became unusable, which was the same thing that happened to the Apple iPhone XS during its own drop test. When the device was dropped with the back down, from six feet, it also shattered on the first drop, resulting in loose glass right around the camera.

Which brings us back to the question, is the iPhone XR Shatterproof? Based on the above reviews, the answer is a clear no. So how should you protect your Apple iPhone XR?

This issue can easily be solved with the help of the Catalyst Impact Protection Case for the iPhone XR. The Catalyst Impact Protection Case for iPhone XR stays true to the brand’s signature features. It has a grippy rubber bumper, a free lanyard attachment, its patented rotating mute switch and a clear back case to showcase the classy Apple logo of the iPhone XR. The design on this case has an angular modern form. It provides added drop protection from an innovative truss cushioning system combined with a proprietary rubber polymer blend that allows to increase the drop spec to 9.9 feet or 3 meters. The design also features a raised bezel that protects the device’s screen. Even with all the added protection, the case sports an open port that gives unobstructed access to the charging port. The rear camera is also sealed and protected to keep out dust and debris. The slim, protective case protects your iPhone from scratches and drops and still keeps the device fully compatible with Wireless Charging. This variant is available in three colors: Stealth Black, Clear and Blueridge Sunset. This Catalyst case is designed to be your iPhone XR’s best defense for everyday urban adventures.

Catalyst also offers other lines of defense for the Apple iPhone XR aside from the Impact Protection Case. They also have a Waterproof Case which is available in Stealth Black. The Waterproof Case, on top of a 33 feet (or 10 meter) depth waterproof protection, it also lends the smartphone 6.6 feet (or 2 meter) drop protection. Inside the box of the waterproof case kits are the following: one front case, one back case, one O-ring, one wrist lanyard and a plug.

Another protective smartphone accessory that they have is Tempered Glass. Their glass screen protector is compatible with the Impact Protection Case. It provides industry leading glass strength of 9H hardness. This means that it has one of the highest rated scratch protection for your device. Catalyst claims the only thing more protective than their glass is diamonds. The screen protector kit comes with a cleaning cloth, dust remover sticker and alcohol cleaning pad.