Why Mobile Phones Aren't Made with More Durable Materials

The question of why mobile phones are not constructed with more robust materials is often mistakenly directed at manufacturers. While it's true that manufacturers focus on the aesthetics and feel of the device, there are practical limitations and considerations that make it impractical to incorporate materials that offer extreme durability without compromising other important aspects of the phone.

The Blame Game

It's a common misconception that manufacturers are to blame for a phone breaking when it is accidentally dropped. However, the responsibility lies with the user more than with the product. A smartphone, costing between $600 and $700, is a valuable gadget, and handling it with care can prevent damage. If the manufacturer were to use materials like metal for increased durability, the phone would likely face several significant drawbacks:

Reduction in Antenna Signal: Using metal would obstruct the signal from the phone's antenna, making it largely inoperable. Heaviness and Clunkiness: The added durability would make the phone much heavier and less comfortable to hold and use. Attractiveness: Metal and other heavy-duty materials typically do not enhance a phone's aesthetic appeal. Increased Cost: These materials would significantly increase the phone's price, making it even more expensive than current models.

A Balance Must Be Maintained

Manufacturers design smartphones to withstand the everyday wear and tear that most consumers encounter, such as accidental drops during the manufacturing process or during transportation. They perform rigorous tests to ensure that the phones can handle these scenarios without failing. These tests include drop tests from a height of about three feet, which is more than sufficient to protect the majority of users from minor mishaps. For extremely rare and extreme scenarios, like dropping a phone from 100 feet, resources would be wasted and the cost beyond what consumers would find acceptable.

Practical Considerations in Smartphone Design

In my previous experience overseeing the mechanical reliability of tablets and other electronics, the philosophy was clear: design and test to common, real-world scenarios rather than preparing for extremely improbable events. By focusing on standard testing conditions like three-foot falls and vibration stresses during transportation, manufacturers strike a balance between durability and cost. This approach ensures that phones can handle the day-to-day handling, accidental drops, and other normal stresses without the need for unbreakable materials that would come at a significant price premium.

Additional Insights

Phone manufacturers have to consider the practicality and cost-effectiveness of durable materials. It is more important to provide reliable performance and coverage in everyday use rather than catering to rare edge cases. This aligns with the principles of engineering that emphasize cost, performance, and practicality over theoretical extremes.

Conclusion

While it is understandable to desire a phone that is unbreakable, the realities of design and manufacturing dictate that durability must be balanced with other factors such as cost, performance, and consumer expectations. Manufacturers carefully design and test their phones to meet the needs of the majority of users, ensuring that the devices can withstand common mishaps without compromising their functionality or cost. By doing so, they provide a practical and reliable product that meets the demands of everyday use.