YouTuber Zach Nelson Tests iPhone 16 Pro Max: Durability and Features Under Scrutiny
Popular YouTuber Zach Nelson, known for his channel JerryRigEverything, recently put the iPhone 16 Pro Max through a series of rigorous tests, revealing both impressive features and some unexpected disappointments. Nelson's detailed analysis began with a comparison between the new titanium frame of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and its predecessor, the iPhone 15, noting the similarities in design.
One of the first points of contention for Nelson was the USB-C cable included with the device, which he criticized for being a USB-C2 type, despite the phone being equipped with a USB-C3 port. This discrepancy raised questions about Apple's accessory compatibility and user experience.
Moving on to the innovative camera button located on the right side of the phone, Nelson highlighted its pressure-sensitive technology, allowing users to zoom in and out by touch. This button, coated with a layer of sapphire, is designed for durability and thermal conductivity, boasting a conductivity rating of 35 watts/meter/kelvin, significantly higher than that of glass. However, Nelson's scratch tests revealed that the button scratched at levels 5, 6, 7, and 8 on the Mohs scale, indicating that the sapphire may not be as resilient as expected due to microscopic cracks from the manufacturing process.
In terms of screen protection, Nelson examined the new Ceramic Shield layer, which Apple claims is 50% stronger than the previous version and twice as strong as typical smartphone glass. His tests indicated that the screen scratched at level 6, with deep lines forming at level 7, while the flame test showed no adverse effects on the display.
Finally, Nelson conducted a bend test, concluding that the iPhone 16 Pro Max demonstrated significant durability, with no cracks or bends observed even after removing parts of the titanium frame. This performance marks a notable improvement over the iPhone 15, solidifying the iPhone 16 Pro Max as a robust option for users seeking a reliable smartphone.
