Nokia 5 Survives Scratch Burn Bend Test?

The Nokia 5 survives a scratch, burn, and bend test with mixed results: it resists scratches and bending well for its price class, but its plastic body will melt and discolor under direct flame. The phone’s aluminum frame and reinforced chassis provide solid structural integrity, while the polycarbonate back and 2.5D glass screen hold up to everyday wear.

Formula

The calculator works out your average pace and speed for a run, walk, or ride. You enter the finish time in minutes and the distance in kilometers. The pace is the time divided by the distance (minutes per kilometer), and the speed is the distance divided by the time in hours (kilometers per hour).

Pace = t / d
Speed = d / (t / 60)

Where:
t = finish time in minutes
d = distance in kilometers
Pace is in minutes per kilometer
Speed is in kilometers per hour

Worked Example

Using the default values: t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km.

Pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km
Speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So the average pace is 5 minutes per kilometer, and the average speed is 12 kilometers per hour.

Background: The Nokia 5 and the Durability Test Format

The Nokia 5 is a budget Android smartphone released in 2017, part of Nokia’s revival under HMD Global. It features a 5.2-inch 720p IPS display, a Snapdragon 430 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 3000 mAh battery. The body is a unibody aluminum frame with a polycarbonate (plastic) back cover, which is removable in the same way as many mid-range phones of that era.

The “scratch, burn, bend” test is a popular durability benchmark popularized by tech YouTubers like JerryRigEverything. It subjects a phone to three common real-world hazards: scratching the screen and body with picks of increasing hardness (Mohs scale), applying a direct flame to the screen for about 30 seconds, and attempting to bend the phone with bare hands. The test is not scientific, but it gives a practical idea of how a phone will hold up to keys, coins, heat from a lighter, and accidental pressure.

Scratch Test Results: Glass and Plastic Behavior

The Nokia 5’s screen uses Gorilla Glass 3, a common toughened glass on budget phones of that generation. In the scratch test, it typically starts showing visible scratches at level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, with deeper grooves at level 7. That means everyday items like keys (around level 4-5) and coins (around level 3-4) usually won’t damage it, but sand and harder minerals will.

The back cover is plastic, so it scratches much more easily. A level 2 or 3 pick will leave permanent marks. However, because the back is replaceable and inexpensive, many owners accept this trade-off. The camera lens, made of glass, resists scratches at the same level as the screen.

Burn Test: Flame Exposure and Screen Damage

When a lighter flame is applied to the Nokia 5’s screen for about 30 seconds, the LCD panel underneath the glass will permanently turn black and the touchscreen will stop working in that area. The glass itself does not melt, but the heat damages the liquid crystal layer. This is typical for any phone with an LCD screen; OLED screens often recover after a burn test, but LCDs do not.

The plastic back cover, if exposed to flame, will melt and warp. The polycarbonate is not fireproof, and the heat will cause discoloration and deformation. The metal frame, however, can withstand brief flame exposure without structural damage, though the paint may discolor.

Bend Test: Structural Integrity

The Nokia 5 performs well in the bend test for a budget phone. The aluminum frame and internal metal plate give it enough rigidity to resist bending under moderate hand pressure. In the popular video test, the phone does not snap or permanently deform when bent from the front and back. It flexes slightly but returns to shape. The weak point is the top and bottom edges, but the design holds together better than many other budget phones of its time.

This is partly due to the phone’s relatively small size (5.2 inches) and the use of a solid metal chassis. Larger phones with more plastic tend to flex more. The Nokia 5’s construction is a point in its favor for durability.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Nokia 5 has a metal back. It does not; the back is plastic, which is why it scratches easily. Another misconception is that the screen is unbreakable. Gorilla Glass resists scratches, but it can still crack if dropped on a hard surface.

Another issue is that the removable back is not meant to be taken off frequently. The clips can wear out, and the back may become loose over time. Also, the phone is not water-resistant, so exposure to moisture can damage the internals.

Some users also worry that the burn test indicates the phone will overheat in normal use. That is not the case. The flame test uses direct heat far beyond what the phone would experience in a pocket or during charging. The phone’s thermal management is adequate for normal operation.

How to Choose a Durable Budget Phone

When looking for a durable phone in the budget range, consider these factors:

• Frame material: Aluminum or steel frames bend less than plastic ones.
• Screen glass: Gorilla Glass 3 or newer offers better scratch resistance.
• Water resistance: Look for IP67 or IP68 ratings if you need protection from water.
• Replaceability: A removable back or battery makes repairs easier.
• Case availability: A good case can protect against drops and scratches.

The Nokia 5 offers a decent balance, but newer budget phones like the Nokia G series or Moto G series often have similar or better durability features.

Safety and Real-World Durability Tips

To keep your Nokia 5 or any phone in good condition:

• Use a screen protector to prevent scratches from sand and dust.
• Use a case, especially one with raised edges to protect the screen when dropped.
• Avoid exposing the phone to direct heat sources like car dashboards on sunny days.
• Do not attempt to bend or twist the phone to test its strength; it is not designed for that.
• If the back cover gets scratched, you can replace it for a few dollars.

Remember that the burn test is destructive and not a realistic simulation of everyday use. No phone is meant to withstand a flame, and doing so will void any warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nokia 5 scratch easily?

The screen resists scratches from keys and coins, but the plastic back scratches easily. A case or skin is recommended to protect the back.

Will the Nokia 5 bend in my pocket?

No, the aluminum frame is rigid enough to withstand normal pocket pressure. The bend test shows it can handle significant force without permanent damage.

Is the Nokia 5 waterproof?

No, the Nokia 5 has no official water resistance rating. Avoid exposing it to water or high humidity.

Can I replace the back cover of the Nokia 5?

Yes, the back cover is removable and can be replaced easily. You can find replacements online, and they are inexpensive.

What is the Mohs scale hardness of the Nokia 5 screen?

The Gorilla Glass 3 screen scratches at level 6 on the Mohs scale, which is typical for most smartphones. That means it will resist scratches from common metals but not from sand or harder minerals.

Does the burn test damage the phone permanently?

Yes, applying a flame to the screen will permanently damage the LCD and the touchscreen. The plastic back will also melt. The burn test is destructive and should not be performed on a phone you intend to keep using.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2