The iPhone 12’s Ceramic Shield will not save your screen from scratches, according to new durability test

iPhone 12 Pro has been put to a durability test by YouTube channel JerryRigEverything. The video includes multiple rounds of testing to determine the resistance of the latest iPhone from scratches, flames and bends.

However, the main focus of the test is the Ceramic Shield glass that Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 series to provide better durability. Apple claims that “it’s tougher than any smartphone glass.” But is it good enough to withstand scratches? The durability test video revealed some details.

iPhone 12’s Ceramic Shield will not give your phone better protection than regular glass

The over nine-minute video posted by JerryRigEverything channel shows that despite having better drop protection, the Ceramic Shield glass on the more expensive iPhone is just as susceptible to scratches as any regular glass protection. Zack Nelson, the narrator, demonstrates that the new iPhone started getting scratches at hardness level six of the Mohs scale and the marks get even deeper at level seven.

“Ceramic Shield is not the product that will bring us to the next level of Mohs hardness,” said Nelson “A piece of glass has six sides: front, back, and all four edges,” he added. “And with five of those six sides protected by this phone frame in a way that most smartphones are not built, it really does make this iPhone 12 Pro more shatter-resistant.”

Apart from the front glass, the video also tests the durability of the iPhone 12 Pro frame that is made of stainless steel. It is found to be quite hard to scratch, though the paint on top of the frame is easy to remove.

For the rear camera setup of the smartphone, Apple has retained its sapphire crystal lens cover. This also receives scratches at levels six and seven of the Mohs scale.

Lastly, Nelson tested the resistance of the smartphone against fire. He used his lighter to put some heat on the OLED display of the iPhone 12 Pro to see whether it gets any impact through flames. The test resulted in “zero damage”, presumably due to Ceramic Shield glass protection.