Though Apple claims it designed the iPhone 4 and with strong aluminosilicate glass “comparable in strength to sapphire crystal,” there have been no shortage of reports over the years that after just a single fall on the pavement, the glass had shattered to pieces. Now that the iPhone 5 has replaced most of the glass on the back with aluminum, it’s time for a new series of drop tests to see just how durable the sixth-generation handset is.
iFixYouri in partnership with 9to5Mac did just that. After quickly putting it through a scratch test in the beginning, which it passed, the iPhone 5 was dropped exactly 12 times from various heights and positions. It survived the first 11 times with minor damage, but the 12th time the guy from iFixYouri practically threw it at the ground and alas, the display did crack. Even then, the device was still fully functional.
Compare that to the iPhone 4 and 4S, which typically lasted for no more than 3 or 4 falls before shattering.
Take a look at the video below to see the painful torture for yourself.
Update: Android Authority has a drop test up on YouTube that pits the iPhone 5 against the Samsung Galaxy S III. Spoiler alert: iPhone wins for the first time ever. Check that video out here.