iPhone 16 Mod NX Black vs iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX: which is safer?

iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Rhinoshield

iPhone 16 Mod NX Black

PFAS grade

B 85/100

Overall grade

C 73/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Silicone and thermoplastic case

Confidence

72%

PossibleSilicone degradation over time

PossibleThermoplastic brittleness at low temperature

PossibleBacterial growth in case crevices

Why this gradeBuy

Our pick

Rhinoshield

iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

B 88/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

TPE/thermoplastic elastomer protective case

Confidence

72%

PossibleVolatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing

PossibleThermal instability and leaching

PossibleDegradation and microparticle shedding

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More waterproof personal electronics cases: see the full ranking