When I first saw Apple’s iPhone 5 demo video, no doubt I was extremely impressed with the kind of engineering techniques they have used to achieve those shiny edges on the new iPhone. However, the thing that instantly came to mind after watching that video was the scratch prone nature of the new anodized aluminum. Looks like I was right to be worried as a new post by MacRumors seems to indicate some wear around the edges of the iPhone 5 after some early usage.
The source notes that many of its forum readers have shown concerns over how well the anodized aluminum back and edges of the black iPhone 5 would hold up over time. The same issue has also been highlighted by Pocket-lint in their iPhone 5 review.
Ditching the glass back and reducing the thickness of the glass panel on the front has affected the design of the metal band around the edge of the iPhone. It is now chamfered and while that looks pretty, we’ve already noticed that on the black model the edge has started to wear, revealing the shiny silver aluminium metal underneath the “slate” coloured coating and, indeed, we’ve witnessed it on two separate models, ruling out a fluke manufacturing error.
One person has even posted a photo (shown above) after using keys and a SIM card tray pin to scratch the back and edges of an in-store iPhone 5 unit. What do you say guys, is this gonna be a big concern for iPhone 5 owners?
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This will be a huge issue for me. But then again it’s better than having a plastic phone.
I’m going to have screen protectors on my iPhone 5, front and back. It’ll go case-free as usual, but it won’t be scratched.
And yeah…better than a cheaply made plastic phone.
Zig Zagg…
I’ve never been a fan of screen protectors, I find they ruin the feel of your phone.
Try Wrapsols. Feels like glass and is super clear.
Do you know what stores carry them? I was hoping to get an Invisible Shield, but they only have front protectors right now! I’m looking for a complete solution (front and back)
If you use this product, would love to see a full review on the site with photos. Used a gelaskin on my iPhone 4S, no screen protector, and no issues, but looks like the new phone could definitely use some coverage, especially on the sides.
And which one did you use? The Ultra version?
Search for our iPhone 4S review. It’s going to be the same. We will have a review coming.
Gary did you get your phone? I think Zagg has to do a lot of work to make their shield stick to the back.
Well… if you try to scratch it chances are you will scratch it.
Especially with…KEYS!
Exactly, keys! Is the guy retarded or did he actually just say he’s surprised that metal on metal will cause scratches lol
Yup, it’s an issue. That’s why I always have my iPhones in a case. These handsets need to last almost as long as the 3 yr contact they come with.
For my money, iSkin Solo does the best job of protecting the phone while still allowing the beautiful design to be seen.
uglly, sory dude.
Do you guys care more about the beauty?! Pathetic. It’s just a phone
If people didn’t care about beauty they wouldn’t buy iPhone lol. That what’s apples all about and what they’ve always been about. Design over functionality. Somebody didn’t do his homework.
Good ol Zagg should come to mind. I already have the max kit waiting.
Saved my 1st gen back and doesn’t scratch like a case after some dirt finds its way in.
I think it’s the way to go with this back.
Hmmm, let’s see: glass was hard to scratch, but people complained about cracks and breaks. Aluminum doesn’t crack, but scratches easily. Titanium is too expensive. Perhaps Apple can talk to Marvel Comix and find out how they can find and mine Duranium and Admantium for their next gen iPhone! Heck, Wolverine probably owns a iPhone, look him up and ask where he got his skeleton from!!!! Aside from jokes, there’s no perfect material that’s scratch and break proof. I personally prefer a phone that doesn’t break, even if I have to deal with a few scratches.
as far as I know wolverine was not GAY so I am sure he didnt own an iPhone
I was at futureshop this morning and the guy next to me has two differents Iphone out of the box which the side was already scratched. Mine was okay but I was able to clearly see that the side metal was scratched and that make me fear that this material is really fragile…
Does the white one has a same issue? I do not thinks so, but I am just asking.
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Scratching a phone leaves scratches on the phone.
Tune in tomorrow for our story on how WATER IS WET!!!
I think we will have to learn to love the scratches. The iPhone 5 will acquire a patina over time. (or maybe that’s what they were hoping we would think!) But on reflection isn’t it odd that when Steve Jobs was introducing the iphone originally one of the things that delayed the launch was the fact that he found the scratches acquired when the iPhone was in his pocket with his keys to be a deal breaker. How quickly his successors have forgotten this.
Just saw someone comment plastic over metal wtf, this is aluminum, and is proven to not be as durable as plastic… I’ve been an apple consumer for 3 years now but I think this just cut it. I’m tired of being part of a collective that is ignorant. Smh!