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1SquareTrade Tests Prove Protective Cases a Wise Choice for iPhone 8s
Apple’s new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus come with a similar design to last year’s iPhone 7 line. But with the addition of wireless charging, Apple was forced to shift from a sturdy metal case in favor of one with a glass back panel. While that panel adds an element of beauty, a new study from extended warranty service provider SquareTrade indicates that it can break if the iPhone is dropped. This is a problem for iPhone 8 users who don’t want to use a protective case. It can cost as much as $99 to replace the iPhone 8’s back panel, even under warranty. Just how fragile is the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus compared to earlier models? SquareTrade tested the handsets to learn how durable they really are. This slide show summarizes the results.
2Watch Out for That Display
3The Rear Glass Panel Is Vulnerable
SquareTrade also determined how much damage could be done to the iPhones’ back panels. The back panel of the iPhone 8, which earned a risk score of 90 on this test, shattered and large chunks of glass were shaken loose. The iPhone 8 did a bit better, only losing one chunk of glass at the corner. It scored a 40.
4Apple’s ‘Aerospace-Grade Band’ Holds Up
In the side drop, SquareTrade tested how well the iPhone 8 line’s “aerospace-grade band” would hold up on impact. Both devices held up quite well with only minor damage, but the cosmetic damage was a problem. The iPhone 8’s breakability risk rated 80 in that test, compared to 30 for the iPhone 8 Plus.
5Don’t Leave Your iPhone 8 on the Car Roof
6iPhone 8s Are Water Resistant, but Not for 30 Minutes
7There Was a Moderate Risk of Bending
8Keep Your iPhone 8s Out of the Dryer
SquareTrade tested to see how the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus might hold up if tumbled, such as in a dryer. It was bad news for the iPhone 8, which suffered cracked and loose glass during the 60-second test, earning a damage risk score of 80. The iPhone 8 Plus also had some cracked and loose glass, but its damage was not nearly as bad, earning a score of 60.
9Exposure to Various Materials Will Damage These Handsets
10Their Repairability Score Was Disappointing
11Just How Breakable Are the iPhone 8s?
Ultimately, SquareTrade rated how breakable the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are. It found the iPhone 8 has a “medium risk” of breaking, with a score of 67 out of 100. The iPhone 8 Plus had a “medium high risk” and scoring 74 out of 100. They both beat their arch-rival, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which has a “high risk” and score of 80.