Consumer Reports Debunks iPhone 6 Bendgate [Video]

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Posted September 27, 2014 at 3:15am by Shalom Levytam

Consumer Reports has announced the results of its 'authoritative test' to determine if the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus suffer from bendability issues.

The company used a "three-point flexural test" which supports the device at two points on either end and then applies force using a high-precision Instron compression test machine. They tested the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPhone 5, LG G3, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and HTC One (M8).

At first, 10 pounds of force was applied for 30 seconds, then released. They increased the force in 10-pound increments, noting when the phones first started to deform and when they saw the screen come loose from the case.

Results:
The iPhone 6 Plus, the more robust of the new iPhones in our testing, started to deform when we reached 90 pounds of force, and came apart with 110 pounds of force. With those numbers, it slightly outperformed the HTC One (which is largely regarded as a sturdy, solid phone), as well as the smaller iPhone 6, yet underperformed some other smart phones. Throughout most of our test, the LG G3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 bent, then recovered completely from each step up in force. But at 130 pounds, the case of the G3 fractured. At 150 pounds of force, the Note 3's screen splintered and it stopped working.

Conclusion:
Consumer Reports concluded that "While nothing is (evidentally) indestructible, we expect that any of these phones should stand up to typical use."

Take a look at some video and photos of the tests below!

Consumer Reports Debunks iPhone 6 Bendgate [Video]

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Nathillien - September 29, 2014 at 8:30am

The nature of bending is that occurs around the weakest spot and the weakest spot in iPhone 6 is not in the middle but around the volume button. Because of this structural design defect of the new iPhone,s they will bend under much smaller force that shown here (70lbs). They will not bend around the middle but around the weakest point.

iLost - September 28, 2014 at 9:18pm

Please wait couple of days more. Apple will have many bend gate refurbished phones for sale very soon. You can expect a good bargain.

gamerscul9870 - September 28, 2014 at 9:37pm

Yeah many phones checked and fixed to be straight.

Techno - September 29, 2014 at 4:56am

I just came back from Las Vegas AT&T store and they had a line like the day Apple started to sell their iPhone 6. I found out it was a line for RETURNS on GALAXY S5 so the customers can get a new iPhone 6. The line was pretty long and I barely escaped the angry Samsung customers.

iLost - September 28, 2014 at 6:17pm

Thanks to iClarified for keeping us updated with latest news. I have used my i6 for a week. Infact I didn't check for bend issues yet. But after reading article here I just checked and realized that there is a bend. It's not visible bend but it's not straight anymore. I was shocked. Just went to the place where I bought from and got the refund. The sales guy wasn't so happy to take it back as he said there are around 10 people complained today and few of them returned also. I could have kept with me for few more days to see how it goes but I wasn't so comfortable that I spent this much money and in a week it got bent for nothing. Couldn't accept that. Thanks once again iClarified. Saved my $$$$.

Zirh - September 28, 2014 at 4:46pm

I love my iPhone 6 screen is insane. Highest contrast ratio of any smartphone. iOS8 runs incredibly smooth. Phone is light and thin. I keep it in my handbag when traveling. On my dresser when at home. It runs incredibly fast. Thanks Apple for making this device. :-)

gamerscul9870 - September 28, 2014 at 3:30pm

The only thing you lost here was your mind. When I picked up the 6 and used it felt like more than an upgrade compared to the worthless s5 which to me feels way different compared. Besides if it's that slippery to you then either dry your hands or buy a case. #satisifed

JuergenWest - September 28, 2014 at 9:24am

Makes one wonder, who starts these unfounded rumours bashing each iPhone release from antennae gate to bend gate. Always disproven, never affects sales. Has there ever been any excitement for a Samsung or android release? Ever? Imitation is the first form of flattery. Can't we just keep it at that?

Mike Power - September 28, 2014 at 1:03am

I think apple paid them good money, thinking that people will listen to them. My iphone 6 plus is all bend out shape at the top. I put in my front pocket and whe in my car and guess what it got bent. Well I'm 6'5" what am I supposed to do, go back to Samsung note 4. This company apple is a mess, cause now my fingerprint is not working and I am not getting signal. I must go back to Samsung, never had a problem with Samsung until I change to Apple.

TheDean - September 28, 2014 at 12:21am

Samsung and HTC beats out the iphone6/+ because they're significantly thicker. It's only logical.

Techno - September 28, 2014 at 1:25pm

Yes Samsung and Htc beats out iPhone 6plus...on integrity strength. Now how about, customer satisfaction, quality in integration of software to hardware, benchmark test, resell value, functionality? Yes Apple Wins!

iphone user - September 27, 2014 at 11:57pm

The force was applied half way the length of the phone. Of course it will hold up! The problem is around the volume buttons.

tmel4198 - September 28, 2014 at 12:00am

Did you have issues? Because according to apple only 9 people out of probably a million had the issue with bending

tmel4198 - September 27, 2014 at 9:30pm

Heres an answer. Buy a case!

farpthor - September 27, 2014 at 9:25pm

Well, 70 pounds vs 130 pounds, that's almost 100% more fragile for the new iPhone compared to the previous one. Therefore, I don't understand why people are defending Apple on this one. The test clearly shows the new iPhone is way more prone to deformation than the previous models, so we should be more careful about it.

Erikddddd - September 27, 2014 at 9:57pm

My friend, thats 50% more fragile than the previous one. On the other hand the iPhone 5S is 100% more durable than iPhone 6

Jon - September 27, 2014 at 7:03pm

Now thats a test I consider valid. it shows that my iPhone 5 is stronger than the LG G3 and HTC One, AND the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus only the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is stronger than the iPhone 5 the most suprising result is that the iPhone 6 Plus is stronger than the iPhone 6

SaveUsBatman - September 27, 2014 at 7:40pm

Exactly, thank you.

Amen! - September 27, 2014 at 6:26pm

And the powers that be fired Scott Forstall who many believed was closest thing to Steve in terms of vision and leadership. Cook fired Scott allegdly over the 3D map fiasco, I believe it's time for Cook to "lead" by example and resign now it's clear that he has no leadership skills whatsoever.

Onnier - September 27, 2014 at 11:52am

Apple make a test 3 or 4 hr after people start use the iPhone .The state of the iPhone is not the same . All of you know that any phone cool is more strong . The question here is physically all body after some period of use are warmer and then are more flexible. And they Know that . Make this test when all those phone has 60F or more after people used for hrs .

DoomLord - September 27, 2014 at 11:34am

I don't understand what the fuss is about or why people are so obsessed with trying to bend their new iPhone 6 just to show the world. People are just trying to get hits and make money; it has already been proven that everything bends at a certain point. I just don't get this craze.

ImHuman - September 27, 2014 at 9:05am

The fault was discovered in the real world, not in a lab using machines.

Nuck Chorris - September 27, 2014 at 11:35am

"In the real world" as in my work place I know 3 people that the phone has bent on the top from being in a front pocket, one had a cracked screen from being sat on in back pocket and another shattered from a drop. Is that real world enough for ya?

justabrake - September 27, 2014 at 8:43am

Scientific lab not in the real world test, we'll see in a couple of months from the public !

vueapp - September 27, 2014 at 7:45am

this is stupid because they are pressuring a specific point. i need them to move that 3rd point around the phone for every and each one of these manufacturers. the middle isn't the weak spot of the iPhone 6 plus! of course this is the result. this is also why the apple internal testing is flawed. they need that 3rd point pressuring the whole back at specific points of each phone. then and only then is it a comprehensive test. consumer reports shame on you. all this proves is that the phone can withstand 110pounds at exactly the center of the phone. they need a rolling pressure barrel to move the pressure. think how a phone is in your pocket. the location of the pressure is not at an exact spot. I'm sure the 6s will be adjusted to reinforce the phone properly but still i feel i need to argue for the iPhone 6 and 6 plus people who are getting a not well tested phone. apple IMO should offer a free case or extra warranty to compensate for the flaw. treat your customers right.

Great! - September 27, 2014 at 8:49am

And you think that spreading the same load over a broader area will equal more likelihood to bend the phone?

Me - September 27, 2014 at 8:55am

You do not have much of an engineering background, do you? Here comes the hint: Momentum equals Force times Distance. Apply, compare with limits and you will find your agument invalid.

1manWarMachine - September 27, 2014 at 9:27am

I guess your saying HTC should offer a case with the M8 as well? Good luck with that nonsense.

sillydrew - September 27, 2014 at 6:12am

They were actually trying to make if comfortable to use as a daily phablet which is what they achieved unlike the other joke I mean note.

JD - September 27, 2014 at 11:11am

Priorities being the ones that people have been demanding every day. Give us a bigger screen, give us a bigger battery, make the phone thinner, include jailbreak features... The list can go on and on for what people demand every day, and now they just gave in with these two and did it. So either people have to like it or stop complaining.

Samsung Best - September 27, 2014 at 4:59am

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has great build quality; it can even withstand a human standing on it. It is a very durable phone.

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