iPhone Air Durability test -- I AM SHOCKED

Summary

In this detailed review of the iPhone Air, the host tests its durability, design, and features with humor and insights. The iPhone Air is praised for its lightweight, titanium body and improved Ceramic Shield 2, though concerns about button placement and slower charging speed are noted. The review includes a series of tests, including scratch and bend tests, with the iPhone Air impressively withstanding substantial pressure. While it lacks the Pro models’ wide-angle and telephoto lenses, it shines in durability, making it a solid choice for those valuing toughness over advanced features. The host also highlights Apple’s strategic moves to avoid tariffs, saving consumers money.

Takeaways

• 📱 The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet, measuring just 5.6 mm thick and comparable in size to an Oreo wafer or three toothpicks.
• 🛡️ The phone uses a new Ceramic Shield 2 from Corning, which is significantly more scratch-resistant than previous models.
• 🔧 Titanium is used in the iPhone Air’s construction, making it lightweight, strong, and 80% recycled.
• 💪 The phone passed extreme durability tests, including bending, showing that titanium allows it to snap back to shape without permanent deformation.
• ⚡ Battery performance is slightly compromised: smaller capacity and slower charging (50% in 30 minutes versus 20 minutes on Pro models).
• 🔊 The iPhone Air has a mono speaker in the earpiece and no lower stereo speaker, impacting sound experience compared to Pro models.
• 📸 The rear camera is a single 48 MP lens without wide-angle or telephoto lenses, and the front-facing camera is 18 MP with a new square sensor.
• 🪙 Button placement slightly compromises the structural integrity of the titanium frame, though overall durability remains high.
• 💰 Tim Cook’s negotiation with tariffs helped keep the iPhone Air’s price lower for consumers.
• 🛡️ Accessories like Dbrand’s Prism screen protector and Ghost case are recommended for extra protection against scratches and damage.
• 🌍 The iPhone Air includes thoughtful design touches such as the polished titanium edge reminiscent of the original iPhone and a soft-touch back with an etched Apple logo.

Q & A

What makes the iPhone Air so thin and light?

The iPhone Air is made from **Grade 5 Titanium**, a lightweight and strong material. This helps reduce its overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.

How does the durability of the iPhone Air compare to other phones?

The iPhone Air passed several durability tests, including a **216 lbs pressure test** where the screen cracked only under extreme pressure. Its **Ceramic Shield 2** and **titanium build** make it more resistant to scratches and damage than typical smartphones.

What are the potential concerns regarding the iPhone Air's design?

A notable concern is the **button placement**, which might compromise the structural integrity of the titanium. Removing too much material around the buttons could make the phone more prone to failure, similar to a Jenga game.

What are the advantages of the Ceramic Shield 2 in the iPhone Air?

The **Ceramic Shield 2** is said to be **three times more scratch-resistant** than its predecessor, offering better protection against everyday scratches from keys, coins, and other objects.

How does the iPhone Air's camera compare to the Pro models?

The iPhone Air has a **48 MP camera**, but it lacks the **wide-angle** and **telephoto lenses** found in the Pro models. It's a solid camera for everyday use but not as versatile as the Pro versions.

What makes titanium an ideal material for the iPhone Air?

Titanium is **lightweight**, **strong**, and **biocompatible**. It is commonly used in medical devices like artificial joints and screws. Its strength-to-weight ratio is ideal for a durable yet thin smartphone design.

How does the iPhone Air perform in terms of charging speed?

The iPhone Air charges at **50% in 30 minutes**, which is slower compared to the Pro models that charge at the same percentage in just **20 minutes**. While the charging speed is slower, it's a trade-off for the phone's thin design.

What’s the significance of the titanium's elasticity in the iPhone Air's durability?

Titanium is about **60% more elastic than aluminum**, meaning if the phone bends, it will likely snap back into its original shape. This elasticity makes the iPhone Air more resistant to permanent bending, unlike previous iPhones with bend issues.

Why is the iPhone Air not recommended for users who prioritize battery life and stereo sound?

The iPhone Air has a **smaller battery** and charges **slower** than the Pro models. It also lacks stereo speakers, only offering a **mono speaker** in the earpiece, making it less suitable for those who need long battery life and enhanced sound quality.

How did Tim Cook play a role in making the iPhone Air more affordable?

Tim Cook **saved iPhone prices** from steep **tariffs** by personally negotiating with the U.S. government. He reportedly walked into the Oval Office with a **$150,000 gold bar** to secure the removal of tariffs, saving consumers a significant amount on their iPhone purchases.