Durability Comparison: iPhone 17 Pro Max Aluminum Design vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra Titanium Alloy in Drop Tests

This year, Apple made a significant shift for its flagship devices, opting for aluminum in the construction of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This change is expected to enhance heat dissipation as well as offer various advantages over materials like titanium alloy or stainless steel. One intriguing question remains: Did Apple prioritize durability with this switch? To provide some clarity, a series of six drop tests pit the iPhone 17 Pro Max against the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which features a robust titanium alloy chassis.

Exploring the Durability of Aluminum and Titanium Alloy in Drop Tests

PhoneBuff conducted these drop tests with an aim to ensure accuracy in their methodology, articulating the new testing protocols used for both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The tests included six iterations, with the initial three focused on different sides, followed by three drops from greater heights. For comprehensive insights, viewers can check out the complete video below or delve into the specifics for each drop test.

1-Meter Back Drop: The iPhone 17 Pro Max exhibited some rear glass cracking, although it was less severe compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The damage was notably concentrated around the telephoto camera, which appeared caved in. Meanwhile, the Samsung flagship’s laser autofocus unit also sustained cracks, with both of its telephoto lenses suffering significant damage.

1-Meter Corner Drop: While the iPhone 17 Pro Max remained relatively unscathed from the back impacts, the results changed dramatically for corner impacts. This test revealed visible scuffs and a dent, highlighting the malleability of aluminum compared to titanium alloy. Conversely, the Galaxy S25 Ultra demonstrated exceptional durability during corner drops.

1-Meter Front Drop: In this test, the OLED display of the iPhone 17 Pro Max showed cracks extending to the front camera, resulting in lens flares, although Face ID functionality remained unaffected. The Galaxy S25 Ultra experienced similar issues, yet its fingerprint sensor continued to perform reliably.

1.5-Meter Back Drop: Here, the unibody aluminum design of the iPhone 17 Pro Max played a crucial protective role, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra suffered severe damage, with all rear camera lenses shattered. The ultrawide-angle camera was especially compromised, leading to substantial degradation of image quality. Fortunately, the iPhone’s rear camera sensors appeared to be intact and operational.

1.5-Meter Corner Drop: The iPhone 17 Pro Max showcased significant wear, with the iconic orange paint suffering noticeable stripping and its 1x camera losing its focusing ability. In stark contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s structure remained impressively robust.

1.5-Meter Front Drop: Both devices sustained comparable damage, prompting the YouTuber to conclude the drop test with a tie. The results underscored how each material possesses its unique advantages and vulnerabilities, particularly depending on the angle and side from which they are dropped.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV41TkYvQoE

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra Drop Test! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV41TkYvQoE)

Surprisingly, the overall findings resulted in a tie, showcasing that both flagship devices have areas where they excel and falter. If Samsung decides to make the switch to aluminum for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, it may inherit some aspects of the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s durability profile.

For more information, tune into the full analysis on PhoneBuff.

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