Destructive Mobile Device Testing
As part of Group O’s mobile device lifecycle management services, our expert technicians perform destructive testing on thousands of mobile devices each year. Destructive testing is designed to give both carriers and OEMs the confidence that their mobile devices will withstand the typical wear and tear of everyday use.
The Importance of Destructive Testing
Throughout a day, mobile devices tend to be dropped, fall off surfaces, or get dinged up and scratched. It is vital that mobile devices come equipped with the ability to continue functioning properly even when put through the wringer. Destructive testing is an important part of mobile device testing as it puts mobile devices through a series of tests that mimic the typical damage a device may face in the hands of end users.
All destructive tests are performed by trained technicians and recorded with a camera that captures 2,500 frames per second. This allows technicians to review the testing footage and note specific areas of concern that may not be visible to the human eye.
Drop Test
The drop test is designed to test a mobile device’s ability to withstand falling from a distance. In this test, mobile devices are dropped onto a variety of surfaces and any damage from the drop is recorded for further analysis. As part of the drop test, mobile devices are dropped onto a rough surface. This test is specifically designed to note how the mobile device’s display screen reacts to damage. If any damage or breakage occurs during the drop test or rough surface drop test, technicians are better able to understand why it occurred.
Tumble Test
The tumble test is performed in an automated machine that constantly rotates to simulate the end user’s experience with repetitive freefalls. Mobile devices are rotated 200 times but checked by operators every 25 rotations to note any severe damages. 
Impact Test
The impact test involves dropping a ball bearing onto a mobile device 10 separate times on nine different areas of the mobile device. The impact test tests the device’s liquid crystal display (LCD). Each impact is recorded for further analysis.
Submersion Test
Next, mobile devices are submerged in water during a live call for 30 minutes. This is to test the usability of a mobile device even after damage has occurred.
Once mobile devices have gone through Group O’s first article inspection (FAI) destructive testing process, they are retested using the non-destructive testing procedures. Units are tested using radio frequency testing and functional testing. Retesting is done in order to compare the mobile device to its initial baseline results.
Tear Down Process
Finally, mobile devices go through a tear down test. During the tear down process the mobile devices are disassembled and inspected for workmanship and noncompliance. Technicians pay special attention to non-OEM parts and components. The tear down process further validates that the mobile device meets the product quality and compliance requirements of the carrier or OEM.
An Essential Component of Mobile Device Lifecycle Management
Destructive testing is an essential component of the mobile device lifecycle management process. Group O tests thousands of mobile devices each year to ensure standards are met. Group O’s testing process also qualifies remanufacturers to continue their partnerships with OEMs.
To learn more about Group O’s extensive mobile device testing process, visit our website or contact us for more information.