iPad Mini Survives Dunk Test, Cracks in Drop Tests but Still Functions

As is always the case with new iOS device launches, some early purchasers are interested in putting the products through drop tests and other experiments in order to test their durability. The iPad mini is no exception, and several drop and dunk test videos have already been posted.

Android Authority has a comparison between the iPad mini and Nexus 7 tablets, putting each device through a series of three drops from approximately chest high.

ipad mini cracked
While the iPad mini did suffer a fair amount of damage, including a cracked screen, it did outperform the Nexus 7 in that it continued to function after being dropped.


Warranty company SquareTrade has also performed its own drop and dunk tests comparing the iPad mini to the Nexus 7 and the third-generation iPad. In the drop tests using a dedicated rig, the iPad mini held up well in a corner drop, but the screen did shatter on a face-down drop. In the dunk test, which involved placing each device in a tub of water for ten seconds, the iPad mini continued to function normally, while the iPad appeared to develop a sluggish home button and the Nexus 7 reset itself and became non-responsive.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
maxresdefault

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The third-party Apple retailer said that MacBook Pro stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with...

Top Rated Comments

notjustjay Avatar
173 months ago
Breaking news: electronic devices made of glass break if you drop them!

:confused:
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Les Kern Avatar
173 months ago
$1,000 worth of useless reporting.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jabingla2810 Avatar
173 months ago
I wish somebody dropped him face down...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Krazy Bill Avatar
173 months ago
Breaking news: electronic devices made of glass break if you drop them!

:confused:

And... probably won't work if you take them in the shower with you. :eek:
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Born Again Avatar
173 months ago
Well not scientific but still a decent example of durability.

----------

Personally I'd kick my device on the way down to break the fall
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MonkeySee.... Avatar
173 months ago
These people are idiots. This doesn't make me want to drop my devices any more or any less.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)