Recently, I found myself contemplating the iPhone 17's impressive 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, thinking it might compensate for the absence of the high-end specifications of my iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Even the new Fusion main camera seemed promising enough to distract me from my fondness for telephoto lenses. Everything appeared to be going well until I accidentally dropped the iPhone 17.
The first drop resulted in a noticeable dent on the lower frame, while the second incident left the device with shattered glass in the corners and hairline fractures connecting them.
Of course, this was due to my own clumsiness, which seems to have worsened over time. I prefer not to use cases that might detract from the sleek designs of premium smartphones, leaving my devices vulnerable to mishaps.
Previously, I had no such worries with the last two generations of Pro iPhones, which featured a titanium chassis that could withstand my occasional mishaps.
However, the iPhone 17, along with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, has switched to an aluminum frame to reduce weight, which I find disappointing.
At its current price point, I believe the standard iPhone should incorporate titanium. While I understand that titanium is more challenging to work with, Apple promotes sustainability, so stronger devices could potentially reduce energy and repair costs.
In terms of durability, I feel there is still room for improvement, particularly for flagship models.
While Gorilla Glass is resilient against scratches, and Apple's Ceramic Shield is effective for displays, I have yet to encounter a glass or coating that truly enhances the durability of iPhones, Pixel phones, or Galaxy S-series devices.
Perhaps I'm just trying to deflect blame for my own clumsiness, possibly exacerbated by the holiday festivities. Here's hoping for tougher, more resilient phones by 2026.
What do you think? Should phones be made tougher, or are you a case user? Share your thoughts in the comments below.