The Turing Phone Stronger Than Steel, But What About Bendgate?

The Turing Phone’s Strength Claims: The Turing Phone Claims To Be Stronger Than Steel What Bendgate

The Turing Phone, launched in 2015, garnered attention for its bold claims of being stronger than steel. This claim was based on the phone’s unique construction, featuring a material called Liquidmetal. The company touted the phone’s ability to withstand extreme conditions, including bending, drops, and scratches.

Liquidmetal and its Strength Properties

The Turing Phone’s construction used a proprietary material called Liquidmetal, an amorphous metal alloy. This material was advertised as being significantly stronger and more durable than traditional metals like steel. Liquidmetal’s atomic structure is different from crystalline metals, resulting in a higher tensile strength and resistance to scratches.

The Turing Phone’s Resistance to Bending

The Turing Phone’s marketing campaign focused on its resistance to bending, a concern that emerged with the “Bendgate” incident involving the iPhone 6 Plus. Turing Robotics Industries (TRI), the company behind the Turing Phone, claimed that its phone was virtually impossible to bend. This claim was based on Liquidmetal’s high tensile strength, which was said to be significantly higher than that of steel.

Independent Tests and Certifications

While TRI emphasized the phone’s strength, there was limited independent verification of these claims. While the company conducted internal tests, they did not release the results publicly. There were no independent certifications or third-party tests that confirmed the Turing Phone’s advertised strength.

The “Bendgate” Controversy

The “Bendgate” controversy emerged in 2014, shortly after the release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. It involved reports of the devices bending under pressure, particularly the larger iPhone 6 Plus. The controversy quickly gained traction, sparking widespread debate about the durability of smartphones and the quality control standards of Apple.

While the Turing Phone wasn’t released until 2015, the “Bendgate” controversy had a significant impact on the perception of the Turing Phone’s strength claims. The Turing Phone was marketed as being extremely durable and resistant to bending, and the “Bendgate” controversy led to skepticism and scrutiny regarding these claims.

User Reports and Media Attention

Numerous user reports surfaced online, claiming that their iPhone 6 Plus devices had bent after being placed in their pockets or subjected to other seemingly normal use scenarios. These reports were widely publicized by tech blogs, news outlets, and social media, fueling the controversy and amplifying concerns about the phone’s durability. The controversy reached a point where it became a significant public relations challenge for Apple, prompting them to issue statements and conduct investigations.

Technical Explanations for the iPhone 6 Plus’s Susceptibility to Bending

The iPhone 6 Plus’s design, particularly its thin profile and use of aluminum in the chassis, contributed to its susceptibility to bending. While aluminum is a strong metal, it can be prone to deformation under pressure, especially when the phone’s structure is thin and the material is used in a large, continuous sheet. This was particularly problematic for the iPhone 6 Plus, as its larger size and thinner profile made it more susceptible to bending forces.

Comparison with the Turing Phone, The turing phone claims to be stronger than steel what bendgate

The Turing Phone, in contrast, was marketed as being significantly more durable than the iPhone 6 Plus. It was constructed using a proprietary material called “Liquidmorphium,” which was claimed to be stronger than steel. However, the “Bendgate” controversy led to increased scrutiny of the Turing Phone’s claims. Users and critics questioned whether the Turing Phone could truly withstand the bending forces that had been reported to affect the iPhone 6 Plus. Ultimately, the Turing Phone’s strength claims were tested, and it was found that the phone could indeed bend, although it was generally more resistant to bending than the iPhone 6 Plus.

The Turing Phone’s Design and Materials

The Turing Phone’s strength claims were largely attributed to its unique design and material choices. The phone’s construction involved a combination of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, aiming to achieve a level of durability exceeding that of traditional smartphones.

Materials and Construction

The Turing Phone’s design incorporated a combination of materials that were claimed to contribute to its strength and resilience. The phone’s exterior featured a Liquidmorphium™ shell, a proprietary material developed by Turing Robotics Industries. This material was described as a “liquid metal” alloy, offering a combination of strength and durability. Additionally, the phone’s internal frame was constructed using a hardened titanium alloy, further enhancing its structural integrity. The Turing Phone also incorporated a graphene-infused polycarbonate back panel, which provided additional protection against scratches and impacts.

Trade-offs in Durability

While the Turing Phone’s design prioritized strength and durability, these features came with certain trade-offs. The use of heavy materials like titanium and Liquidmorphium™ resulted in a relatively heavier phone compared to its contemporaries. The phone’s thickness was also increased due to the robust construction, impacting its overall ergonomics. Furthermore, the complex manufacturing processes required for the phone’s materials and design contributed to its higher price point.

Similar Design Approaches in Other Phones

Several other smartphones have adopted similar design and material approaches to enhance their durability. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ featured a reinforced aluminum frame, contributing to its structural strength. The Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus also incorporated a 7000 series aluminum alloy for increased durability. These phones, while not claiming to be as strong as the Turing Phone, showcased the trend of incorporating robust materials into smartphone designs.

The Impact of “Bendgate” on the Turing Phone

The “Bendgate” controversy, which involved reports of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus bending under pressure, had a significant impact on the Turing Phone’s reputation and sales. The controversy raised questions about the durability of smartphones, particularly those with premium materials, and highlighted the importance of strength and resilience in a device.

The Controversy’s Effect on Public Perception

The “Bendgate” controversy had a mixed impact on the Turing Phone’s public perception. On one hand, the controversy heightened awareness of the phone’s strength claims and its unique liquid-metal alloy construction. Many saw the Turing Phone as a potential solution to the “bendgate” problem, particularly given its marketing emphasis on its durability. On the other hand, the controversy also led to skepticism and doubt about the phone’s strength claims. Some questioned the company’s claims of superior durability, given the iPhone’s issues. This skepticism was further fueled by the lack of independent testing and verification of the Turing Phone’s strength.

The Evolution of Smartphone Durability

The quest for a rugged and resilient smartphone has been a continuous evolution, driven by the desire for devices that can withstand the rigors of daily use and accidental drops. This pursuit has led to significant advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and design philosophies, shaping the modern smartphone’s ability to endure.

Material Advancements

The materials used in smartphone construction have undergone a dramatic transformation to enhance durability. Early smartphones primarily relied on plastic, which, while affordable, lacked the strength and rigidity to withstand bending forces. The introduction of aluminum and glass ushered in a new era of design, offering improved strength and a more premium aesthetic.

• Aluminum: Aluminum’s lightweight, yet robust nature, made it a popular choice for smartphone frames, providing a balance between strength and portability. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung embraced aluminum extensively, crafting sleek and durable devices. However, aluminum’s susceptibility to scratches and dents remains a concern.
• Glass: Gorilla Glass, developed by Corning, revolutionized smartphone displays. Its scratch-resistant and impact-absorbing properties significantly improved screen durability. Subsequent iterations, like Gorilla Glass 5 and 6, further enhanced its resistance to scratches and drops, becoming an industry standard.
• Composite Materials: To address the limitations of traditional materials, manufacturers have explored composite materials that combine the strengths of multiple components. Carbon fiber, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, has been incorporated into smartphone designs, particularly for back panels, offering both rigidity and a lightweight feel.

Manufacturing Techniques

Manufacturing techniques have played a crucial role in enhancing smartphone durability. Precise engineering and advanced manufacturing processes have enabled manufacturers to create devices that are not only strong but also aesthetically pleasing.

• Unibody Construction: Unibody construction, where the phone’s frame and back are made from a single piece of material, eliminates weak points and improves overall structural integrity. This technique, widely adopted by manufacturers, has significantly enhanced smartphone durability.
• Anodizing: Anodizing, a process that creates a protective oxide layer on aluminum, enhances the material’s resistance to scratches and corrosion. This technique, commonly used in smartphone frames, adds a layer of protection and enhances the device’s overall durability.
• Reinforced Glass: Manufacturers have implemented techniques to reinforce glass displays. Strengthening the glass through processes like ion exchange or chemical tempering enhances its resistance to bending and shattering.

Design Innovations

Design innovation has played a significant role in addressing bending concerns and improving smartphone durability. Manufacturers have explored various design approaches to minimize stress points and distribute forces evenly.

• Curved Designs: Curved designs, like those seen in Samsung’s Galaxy Edge series, can distribute stress more evenly across the device, reducing the likelihood of bending. However, these designs can increase the risk of screen damage if dropped from a height.
• Reinforced Corners: Strengthening the corners of a smartphone, where bending forces are typically concentrated, can significantly improve its durability. Manufacturers have employed various techniques, like using reinforced materials or thicker frames, to reinforce these critical points.
• Internal Bracing: Internal bracing, often incorporated into the phone’s chassis, provides additional structural support and reinforces the device’s internal components. This technique helps to prevent bending and protect delicate components from damage.

Successes and Failures

The quest for durable smartphones has seen both successes and failures. Some manufacturers have successfully implemented innovative design and material solutions, while others have faced challenges in addressing bending concerns.

• Apple: Apple, known for its sleek designs, has consistently incorporated durable materials like aluminum and reinforced glass in its iPhones. However, the iPhone 6 Plus faced “Bendgate” controversy, highlighting the challenges of achieving both thinness and strength.
• Samsung: Samsung has implemented robust designs in its Galaxy series, utilizing aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass. The company has also experimented with flexible displays, offering a new approach to durability.
• Motorola: Motorola’s Moto X series introduced a unique “shatterproof” display, a significant step in addressing screen durability. However, the phone’s overall build quality remained a concern for some users.

The turing phone claims to be stronger than steel what bendgate – The Turing Phone’s saga serves as a cautionary tale for both manufacturers and consumers. While the pursuit of durability is admirable, the balance between strength and design is a delicate one. The “Bendgate” controversy not only exposed the shortcomings of the Turing Phone’s design but also highlighted the importance of independent testing and realistic marketing claims. As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, manufacturers must prioritize both strength and functionality while maintaining a transparent and honest approach to product development and marketing. The Turing Phone’s story reminds us that even the most ambitious technological advancements can be susceptible to the realities of the real world, and that ultimately, the proof of a product’s strength lies in its ability to withstand the test of time.

Remember the “Bendgate” fiasco with the iPhone 6 Plus? Well, the Turing Phone claims to be stronger than steel, boasting a “liquidmorphium” alloy body that can withstand even the most aggressive pocket pressure. While that might be a little overkill, it’s clear people are looking for durability, as evidenced by the galaxy s6 pre orders reportedly doubling than that of the galaxy s5.

Maybe Samsung’s focus on premium materials is what people want, or maybe they just want to avoid another “Bendgate” moment. Either way, it’s a sign that phone durability is a major selling point these days.