The smartphone world is buzzing after Apple’s September 9th event, but not just about the revolutionary slim design of the iPhone Air. For many potential buyers, a pressing question remains: how durable is the new iPhone 17 Pro Max now that Apple has swapped last year’s titanium for an aluminum unibody frame? The immediate and obvious comparison is to Samsung’s flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which proudly retains its titanium armor.
Theoretical debates are one thing, but concrete evidence is another. Thankfully, the wait for answers is over. The renowned testing channel, PhoneBuff, has released a definitive drop test, pitting these two technological titans against each other in a series of controlled, cringe-worthy impacts. The results provide a clear, and sometimes surprising, look at how Apple's aluminum and ceramic shield strategy holds up against Samsung's titanium and Gorilla Glass.
The Test Setup: A Machine of Mayhem
To ensure scientific accuracy, PhoneBuff used a specialized drop machine. The tests began with both phones being dropped from a height of one meter (about 3.3 feet) onto a hard surface, simulating common real-world accidents. The drops were conducted in three critical orientations: flat on the back, flat on the screen, and directly on a corner. The test was then repeated from a more dangerous 1.5-meter (about 5 feet) height.
The fundamental difference in their construction is key:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Features an aluminum unibody frame. Its back is made of a new textured glass with a significant portion protected by Apple’s latest Ceramic Shield.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Boasts a titanium frame, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. The entire back is covered by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
You can watch the entire, dramatic test unfold in the video below
Round-by-Round Results: The Battle of Durability
1-Meter Back Drop: A Cracked Start
The first test set the tone. Both phones suffered cracked back glass, but the damage was more extensive on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is partially due to its larger glass surface area. The iPhone’s segmented back design, with a sizable ceramic portion, seemed to limit the spread of cracks. Notably, the S25 Ultra’s camera lenses also showed hairline fractures, though functionality was unaffected.
1-Meter Corner Drop: Titanium’s Triumph
This was the round where material science took center stage. The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s aluminum corner sustained significant scuffing and a visible dent. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s titanium frame showed only minor, superficial scratches. This result strongly supports the claim that titanium offers superior impact resistance on the most vulnerable part of a phone.
1-Meter Face Drop: A Draw, But an Improvement
Dropped face-down, both phones’ screens cracked. However, PhoneBuff noted that the damage on both models was less severe than on previous generations, crediting advancements in Apple’s Ceramic Shield and Samsung’s glass technology. It was a painful draw.
The 1.5-Meter Tests: Pushing the Limits
When the drop height increased, the existing damage worsened considerably. The back of the Galaxy S25 Ultra was largely shattered, and all camera lenses were cracked. The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s back, however, showed only a moderate increase in cracking. The same pattern repeated with the face-down drop.
The most dramatic moment came with the final 1.5-meter corner drop. The aluminum frame of the iPhone 17 Pro Max was crushed further, and the impact appeared to cause temporary focusing issues with the primary camera—a worrying sign of internal damage. Surprisingly, PhoneBuff later noted that the camera issue seemed to resolve itself after a short time. The titanium-framed S25 Ultra, while scuffed, remained structurally solid.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Philosophies
So, who wins the drop test? It’s not a simple answer. This test reveals a clear trade-off:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Titanium): The titanium frame is the undisputed champion for protecting the phone’s structural integrity, especially from corner impacts, which are most likely to cause catastrophic damage. However, its larger glass panels appear more susceptible to shattering.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (Aluminum): While the aluminum frame is more prone to denting, Apple’s segmented back design with Ceramic Shield seems better at containing glass damage. The phone maintained its screen and back appearance better in flat drops, but suffered more structurally on corner impacts.
This battle echoes other recent findings. While the iPhone 17 series has shown mixed results in drop tests, the slimmer iPhone Air has surprisingly excelled in bend tests, demonstrating that Apple is prioritizing rigidity in new ways.
For those looking to protect their investment in either of these fragile flagships, a good case is non-negotiable. You can check out the latest protective cases for both models on Amazon.
Ultimately, the "winner" depends on your typical type of accident. But one thing is certain: both of these $1,200+ devices are incredibly vulnerable without proper protection.
What do you think? Is a stronger frame or more shatter-resistant glass more important to you? Let us know in the comments below.
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