Which case to prevent scratches? (OtterBox vs Speck)

Macdude2010 · Feb 5, 2013

I have a OtterBox Commuter and a Speck Candyshell for my iPhone 5. My main concern is which one has more of a risk of scratching the phone from dust getting inside, people with the candyshell or the commuter, please comment on the condition of the chamfered edges on your phone.

Update:

So today I was cleaning a replacement phone that I got about a week ago from the Genius Bar, and I noticed a small dent/chip on the side (not on the chamfer, on the actual side and not more then a mm in size, probably less) however, it is still anodized over, I looked at my case (speck candyshell) and I saw something that is around the same size and in around the same place, but I think it is just a defect in the rubber. My question is, could the case have caused this, or was it out of the box like this but I didn't notice? I've only had it for a week.

Bugeyeblue · Feb 5, 2013

Macdude2010 said:
I have a OtterBox Commuter and a Speck Candyshell for my iPhone 5. My main concern is which one has more of a risk of scratching the phone from dust getting inside, people with the candyshell or the commuter, please comment on the condition of the chamfered edges on your phone.

My brother and I both have a cnadyshell with no scuffs or scratches anywhere on the phone including the chamfered/beveled edges. I also have an otterbox defender that I use from time to time. I have no screen protector or skin on the phone. Can't say for the commuter though.

As long as you take the phone out every few days or once a week to clean out the dust and lint, you shouldn't get any scratches.

Macdude2010 · Feb 5, 2013

Anyone with a commuter care to tell me how the case is treating the phone?

cole01 · Feb 5, 2013

Macdude2010 said:
Anyone with a commuter care to tell me how the case is treating the phone?

I just took my commuter off my iPhone 5 after having it on for month or so and there has been no damage to the phone. I'm very happy with the amount of protection it's given me.

cole01 · Feb 5, 2013

cole01 said:
I just took my commuter off my iPhone 5 after having it on for month or so and there has been no damage to the phone. I'm very happy with the amount of protection it's given me.

P.S. I also use a back screen protector in addition to the front one just to be safe as the Commuter has an Apple logo cutout through which a sharp object could potentially scratch your phone.

HiddenPuppy · Feb 6, 2013

Macdude2010 said:
I have a OtterBox Commuter and a Speck Candyshell for my iPhone 5. My main concern is which one has more of a risk of scratching the phone from dust getting inside, people with the candyshell or the commuter, please comment on the condition of the chamfered edges on your phone.

I used the commuter for 2 weeks and did not have any problem with damage to my phone, but just did not like it, then I tried the Incipio Dual Pro and that one was the winner. Since then I have moved on as I like a belt holster and got the Siedio Obex and love it.

P.S. I am sorry I know you did not ask about other brands than Otterbox and Speck, but thought I would just give a little more info on my experience

saporiti · Feb 6, 2013

I used to have the Speck Candyshell on the iPhone 4S, and I'm currently waiting for my Speck Candyshell Grip for the iPhone 5.

For me, there is no better brand for iPhone cases then Speck

RichardC300 · Feb 6, 2013

I would say the Speck has better protection against the problems you have describe. For one, the commuter has the opening in the back, and also the silicone is very loose, which could let dust in.

Macdude2010 · Feb 10, 2013

So today I was cleaning a replacement phone that I got about a week ago from the Genius Bar, and I noticed a small dent/chip on the side (not on the chamfer, on the actual side and not more then a mm in size, probably less) however, it is still anodized over, I looked at my case (speck candyshell) and I saw something that is around the same size and in around the same place, but I think it is just a defect in the rubber. My question is, could the case have caused this, or was it out of the box like this but I didn't notice? I've only had it for a week.

RichardC300 · Feb 10, 2013

Macdude2010 said:
I have a OtterBox Commuter and a Speck Candyshell for my iPhone 5. My main concern is which one has more of a risk of scratching the phone from dust getting inside, people with the candyshell or the commuter, please comment on the condition of the chamfered edges on your phone.

Update:

So today I was cleaning a replacement phone that I got about a week ago from the Genius Bar, and I noticed a small dent/chip on the side (not on the chamfer, on the actual side and not more then a mm in size, probably less) however, it is still anodized over, I looked at my case (speck candyshell) and I saw something that is around the same size and in around the same place, but I think it is just a defect in the rubber. My question is, could the case have caused this, or was it out of the box like this but I didn't notice? I've only had it for a week.

No. Rubber is not harder than aluminum.

docprego · Feb 10, 2013

My black iPhone 5 was a week old and mint. I tried a Speck Fabshell on it and when I removed the case there was a tiny scratch in the chamfered edge at the bottom of my phone. I'm absolutely certain the Speck caused it yet I saw no imperfections inside the case when I inspected it.

Macdude2010 · Feb 11, 2013

RichardC300 said:
No. Rubber is not harder than aluminum.

But could something have gotten in, damaged the rubber, as well as put an indent in the phone while keeping the anodizing?

RichardC300 · Feb 11, 2013

Macdude2010 said:
But could something have gotten in, damaged the rubber, as well as put an indent in the phone while keeping the anodizing?

If it's still anodized over, it's probably a defect from the factory. I have one right beside the sim tray.

Macdude2010 · Feb 11, 2013

Here is a quick pic off my other iphone, I'll try to get one with my DSLR later

Macdude2010 · Feb 12, 2013

UPDATE:
Much better pictures from my DSLR

Abarth1200 · Feb 12, 2013

Seriously are you seriously posting on a forum about a speck yes a SPECK! of a smudge that might even be dirt, I certainly cant even see anything on the inside lip of your case other than the rough edge to the left of your 'mark'

People like you really get on my nerves, I fit windows and doors and pretty much everything in between and sometimes there is a small defect, like a pin head sized ding in the uPVC frame and a customer decides to hold back 8K of payment becasue of this 20 GBP problem, its a wonder how the population hasnt killed itself off

ProudLoz · Feb 12, 2013

Macdude2010 said:
UPDATE:
Much better pictures from my DSLR

That little scratch is pretty small and hardly looks like a scratch from the pic, but if I were you, I'd just get a side skin from sticker boy.net and then put on whatever case you want. Would add just a bit of extra protection.

Macdude2010 · Feb 12, 2013

ProudLoz said:
That little scratch is pretty small and hardly looks like a scratch from the pic, but if I were you, I'd just get a side skin from sticker boy.net and then put on whatever case you want. Would add just a bit of extra protection.

I already ordered one, but i want to know if the case caused this, or it came like this

naths · Feb 12, 2013

Abarth1200 said:
Seriously are you seriously posting on a forum about a speck yes a SPECK! of a smudge that might even be dirt, I certainly cant even see anything on the inside lip of your case other than the rough edge to the left of your 'mark'

People like you really get on my nerves, I fit windows and doors and pretty much everything in between and sometimes there is a small defect, like a pin head sized ding in the uPVC frame and a customer decides to hold back 8K of payment becasue of this 20 GBP problem, its a wonder how the population hasnt killed itself off

+1....sad world when people havn't got anything better to worry about than a piece of overpriced aluminium!!!!...very very sad!!!...thought forums were for serious things???

Rocko1 · Feb 13, 2013

That case did not dent your phone. It came that way. The Real-not-fake-Candyshells are very gentle on the finish but I always put a rear protector on my phones.

Which case to prevent scratches? (OtterBox vs Speck)

macrumors 65816

Attachments

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 65816

macrumors 6502

macrumors 6502

macrumors 6502

macrumors regular

macrumors 65816

macrumors 65816

macrumors 65816

macrumors 65816

macrumors 65816

macrumors 65816

macrumors 65816

Attachments

macrumors 65816

Attachments

macrumors regular

macrumors regular

macrumors 65816

macrumors 6502

macrumors 68020

Our Staff