A good case will be pretty much required...

[mb25667]

A lot of people rock cases anyways...but you're going to NEED one for this phone. It might be more structurally sound with the aluminum plate, but that plate is going to scratch like crazy...even easier than the glass of the 4/4S. (though not as easy as plastic)

I've been using a mophie juice pack air on my iphone4 and my antenna bands have scratches on them just from taking the case off and on.

The black phone you might be able to get away with a sharpie to cover up scratches...but the white and raw aluminum....ouch. One drop, even minor ones, you're going to have scratches all over that thing.

Not being negative...I'm definitely buying one...big jump over my 4. Just going to be overly-protective till a good case comes out.

 

[boomhower]

Hopefully it won't be that bad. After the nightmare of the chrome backs on the touches you wouldn't think they'd do that again.

 

[klamse25]

You won't be able to notice any scratching to be honest.
My aluminum macbook is tossed around and you can barely notice.

 

[iapplelove]

I will not be using a case,not for this phone or any other iPhone I had

 

[busterbluth]

I plan on using a clear protector like bodyguardz. I have used them for all my iphone and find them essential.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

Otterbox Defender for the win

 

[Muscle Master]

damn.. your right

Wonder is I an find a nice bumper

 

[b_scott]

You won't be able to notice any scratching to be honest.
My aluminum macbook is tossed around and you can barely notice.

same. I've had my macbook pro for 2.5 years and nary a scratch.

 

[bmwhd]

I got to examine a pre-production unit (black) that's been in the field for testing for a couple of months. No visible wear on the back or sides which surprised me.

Now granted, it's been in what they call a 'stealth' case while in the wild but still, I was surprised by the lack of wear.

 

[felixroqu3]

I ordered 2 FREE cases that ZooGue is giving out for the new iPhone 5. You only pay for shipping.

Heres a link:http://www.zoogue.com/free-iphone-5-social-shell-case/

 

[SouthsideJohnny]

Has anyone thought that maybe the alumineeum case also acts as a heatsink and putting it in a case of any type will impede heat dissipation (cue the 'ow, mine's really hot' complaints).

 

[Benenstein]

I've had good luck with my Lifeproof case for my 4s; I plan on ordering one for the 5 when the case becomes available.

 

[FSMBP]

No case required for me. I have an old 5th Gen iPod (never used a case). It works perfectly still (battery life isn't too great though) & it has scratches.

It's just a phone. You might as well walk around with a helmet (kidding, but seriously, scratches aren't a big deal unless you purposely want to resell it).

 

[jeremiah239]

My iPad is naked and I sit it down everywhere, at home, at Starbucks, at work. Not a mark on it, and it's the same material and finish as the iPhone 5 back so it shouldn't be a problem.