- Apple iPhone 17 series just launched and we got our hands on EU's labels on the durability and repairability.
- Nothing much has changed compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max although the competition might have taken a leap ahead.
- It is worth noting that having these indications in place help users make informed decisions.
Apple’s latest iPhone 17 Series made its debut at the “Awe Dropping” event, led by CEO Tim Cook and Apple’s executive team. While the launch drew significant acclaim for design and performance upgrades, early testing results highlight ongoing concerns around durability and repairability, two areas where competitors like Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL appear to hold an advantage.
EU durability testing: where iPhone 17 Pro Max stands
According to the EU’s mandate, smartphones sold in the region must undergo standardized testing, called ERPEL, for battery scores and durability. Each model attracts an indicative label, allowing users to make better purchasing decisions.
Image Credits: EPREL
Apparently, the latest flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max may fall a bit below Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL in terms of fall damage. For the unversed, the EU label mentions iPhone 17 Pro Max has a Class B rating in the fall test, i.e., it withstood 180 falls during a standardized test. For context, both the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra were able to attract Class A certification with more than 270 falls. This underpins Apple’s attention to durability on a top-ranking smartphone that costs $1,149 (INR 1.49 Lacs).
Repairability scores: mixed results for flagships
Moving forward, we have a Class C repairability score on the iPhone 17 Pro Max compared to Class B on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. I have to mention that Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the same repairability score of Class C.
Last year, the iPhone 16 Pro Max received a durability rating of Class C and repairability of Class C. We could say Apple made a few amendments to yank the figures, although there’s still room for more.
Related
iPhone Air took the EU durability test as well
Image Credits: EPREL
iPhone Air was tested on similar benchmarks as well. The phone saw a repairability score of Class B, i.e., it withstood 180 falls, while the repairability on the device was at Class C. Apple could do better on the Air next year. Turns out Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge takes the same repairability score of Class C, although the durability benchmark sees a majestic uptick to Class A.
I am quite sure we will have hands-on durability and repairability tests on the iPhone 17 series once the models officially arrive in the market next week.
