My plastic case has more give now. Either the case has bent, or the iphone 5 has bent in the month that I've had it. I have to adjust the case to fit into the phone now and then it pops back out slightly now.
They should have used steel like they did last time. iphone 5 feels more fragile than the iphone 4. The glass in the iphone 4 is misleading. The back plate is EASILY replaceable in under 5 minutes. And costs like $7 shipped. I broke it once in 2 years. We'll look back on the 4/4s design as the right balance b/w robustness and great looks.
How long did it take to loosen? This would be a good indicator of the actual strength of the aluminum. You probably got it in October? Less than 2 months? Or was it a few days? I get a feeling the only thing holding the integrity of the iPhone 5 is the glass itself, NOT the aluminum. The aluminum will bend at will, and its only purpose is to cover up the internal electronics, not hold it in shape. If yes, this is the most delicate phone I have ever seen.
Sorry to the Apple fans. I am one also, but what I see is a repeat of what happened a long time ago (Apple II and Macintosh both dying because they couldn't keep up with what people really want). They both died because the creators couldn't keep up with changing trends. Now I see Windows and Android phones coming in strong, filling the gap that Apple neglects to address itself. I could not believe the speed that Samsung released that video about SitGate (sitting on phone with jeans testing machine). If Google releases Android+, moving the Java layer to the apps layer (for compatibility with old apps), and allow future apps directly access to the linux layer operating system (which will take over OS duties), it would be the end of Apple. Or if Windows Phone has lots of pure C apps that rival the Apps store, THAT will also be the end of Apple. So a hardware problem is definitely not a good thing to have and must be addressed immediately.
Yes, I know I stepped into a warzone with this thread. Both sides (maybe more) are now doing mind games on each other (all these new registered people). I think I am being dragged into it too. I assure you I am neutral (except for a good 1080p phone, high technology, with good structural integrity, fast operating system, non-buggy, good for developers to create software on, low cost for the masses). I only have one account, don't post often, so I would appreciate if I am not dragged into the mud slinging. I try to make my posts to the point, and factual.
So I agree with this poster, steel or a high grade tempered aluminum for the back.