Is the iPhone 16e durable? Here’s how it fared in the dreaded bend test
The iPhone 16e has proven to be durable in terms of both scratches and resistance to bending. Here’s how it performs.
Apple launched the iPhone 16e last month in February, with availability starting on February 28. Since then, people have had mixed reactions to the phone. Some really like its minimalist look and the performance it offers. Priced at ₹59,900, the phone features a single-camera setup and lacks the Dynamic Island, among other omissions. For the most part, the device delivers a flagship-grade experience. But how does it fare in terms of durability? That question remained unanswered, until now.

iPhone 16e Passes Durability Test
Popular YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, known for its smartphone durability tests, has done an in-depth test on the iPhone 16e. According to the video, the iPhone 16e passes, though with some caveats.
In the scratch test, the iPhone 16e develops very light scratches at level 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness and slightly deeper grooves at level 7. Zack also praises the Ceramic Shield glass, stating that it does feel superior to regular tempered glass. However, the aluminium sides do pick up scratches from a stainless steel blade, meaning you'll need a case if you want to keep them pristine in the long run—especially if you drop the phone.
The matte back on both the white and black models also resists scratches quite well.
Also Read: Infinix Note 50 Pro Plus launching on March 20 with a 50MP periscope camera and JBL audio
Did It Bend?
As for the bend test, the iPhone 16e passes with flying colours, too. When Zack bends the phone, there's hardly any flex, and the phone neither shatters nor bends, which should reassure those concerned about its durability, particularly since it comes at a lower price point than its flagship counterparts.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge price tipped, may cost more than expected
ABOUT THE AUTHORShaurya SharmaShaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers. He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey. Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol carsRead More

E-Paper

