iPhone Air Proves Surprisingly Durable, Nearly Matches iPhone 17 Pro in Tests
Apple’s latest lineup brought two very different devices: the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm, and the powerful iPhone 17 Pro. While sleek design often comes at the cost of durability, recent drop and bend tests conducted by Allstate Protection Plans show that the iPhone Air is sturdier than expected — almost rivaling its Pro counterpart.
Bend Test Results
In the controlled bend tests, the results were impressive:
iPhone 17 Pro: Withstood more than 90 kg of pressure before bending.
iPhone Air: Withstood 86 kg of pressure, despite its ultra-thin profile.
Both phones remained fully functional after bending, and testers noted that these stress levels far exceed everyday use scenarios. The takeaway? The titanium frame on the iPhone Air delivers serious durability.
Drop Test Results
Things changed when the tests shifted to drop resistance:
Face-down drop (1.8 meters): Both devices survived functionally, but their Ceramic Shield 2 displays shattered, leaving edges too sharp for bare-hand use.
Back-side drop (1.8 meters):
iPhone 17 Pro: Only minor scuffs, no serious damage.
iPhone Air: Back glass completely shattered, highlighting weaker protection compared to the Pro.
Repair Costs Remain High
Durability aside, damage repairs on these devices come at a steep cost. For instance:
Screen replacement: Around $329.
This reinforces the continued recommendation to use a protective case and screen protector — no matter how strong your iPhone is.
Conclusion
The iPhone Air has surprised many with its durability, holding its ground against the iPhone 17 Pro in bend resistance. However, it still falls short in drop protection, making accessories essential.
Allstate Protection Plans concluded that both devices surpass industry durability standards compared to older iPhones, but real-world users should remain cautious. After all, repair costs are higher than ever.
Image Credit: Image credit: Majin Bu via X/Twitter
