The Remarkable Difference of Using Titanium Frame on iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Roland Moore-Colyer, a commentator at TechRadar, used to be skeptical about titanium being just a marketing gimmick rather than actually useful. However, after having the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in his hands, Roland realized that titanium truly makes a noticeable difference. Here is his perspective.
“I Used to Think Titanium Was Nonsense”
When rumors about the iPhone 15 Pro featuring a titanium frame surfaced last year, I wasn’t convinced.
It’s not that I doubted the accuracy of the rumors, but rather I thought that using titanium might be a marketing ploy and a way to increase the price of the next generation iPhones and subsequent devices.
But I was wrong.
Nothing compares to the experience of physically holding everything and when I touched the iPhone 15 Pro Max, my perspective on this phone and the use of titanium completely changed to the point where I didn’t want to go back to Android at all.
Simply put, using titanium on the frame of the largest iPhone not only significantly lightens the phone compared to the iPhone 14 Pro with a steel frame, but also transforms the oversized iPhone into a much easier-to-use device. Suddenly, I became a fan of the Max series.
Initially, I thought I would miss the solid feel of steel on the iPhone Pro, but this perspective has changed to the point where I now prefer gently swiping the soft edges of the iPhone 15 Pro Max made of titanium.
Together with the four color options, Apple has created an attractive phone that retains the best elements of the previous generation’s design while refining it excellently.
Of course, the skillful use of titanium on this phone does not mean it will have the same effect on other phones. But everything has convinced me once again.
I also have the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to try out – and like Apple’s rival, this product also uses a titanium frame.
Samsung’s new flagship hasn’t reduced much weight compared to its counterpart, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, when compared to the corresponding previous generation device, but it still provides a slightly easier one-handed use.
Combined with the new flat screen edges and gently curved titanium edges, the 6.8-inch phone gives a soft and comfortable feel when held, with the bezels seemingly integrating well with the overall body.
A Sturdy Toy
I had a real experience of how lightweight and yet strong titanium is.
A few days ago, while sitting at a local bar, my Galaxy S24 Ultra fell out of my pocket and hit the hard floor.
While my colleagues laughed at the awkwardness, I was surprised because I thought the phone would be seriously damaged. But instead, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was unscathed.
This impressed me, especially when the Galaxy S23 Ultra inexplicably suffered scratches even when it was in a pocket, let alone the impact of falling face down on a floor like that. It can be said that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a sturdy toy and can set a standard for other phones to follow.
Don’t get me wrong, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still a good phone that can withstand daily life collisions. However, the S24 Ultra is evidence that the iterative process can ultimately lead to a great overall hardware like this.
However, I also hate myself for saying that because I want Samsung to push innovation further.
Although I currently believe that titanium is suitable for top-of-the-line phones and should be used on the next generation Pixel and OnePlus phones, it will have an even greater advantage for foldable devices.
I like using foldable phones, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 within reach as I write this article. But they never become my main phone because of the weight issue.
Now, if the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses a titanium frame, it could become a foldable phone that provides a much better pocketable and everyday use experience. I hope that by using a more robust metal, the next generation of the Fold will also be slightly thinner.
In conclusion, I have switched to phones that use titanium materials. Even if it means manufacturers will raise the price, I feel that the increased durability, lightweight, and overall sensation are worth it.
And now, I will wait to see if future versions of some of the best Android phones will follow in the footsteps of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2024 or not.
