How scratch resistant is the sapphire camera lens

[Neebee]

My previous case, Griffin Survivor had a camera lens cover which I liked. Unfortunately, they haven't made a case like that for the iPhone since the 5S.

It seems every case on the market has the lens unprotected, but as I have seen with other phones, the lens is scratched. It would be a shame not to protect the camera lens from keys, scratches, etc.

 

[rKunda]

Sapphire lenses are amazingly scratch resistant.

 

[Alvi]

The sapphire lens is basically scratch proof I wouldn't worry about that, but I would also appreciate cases with lens covers.
Lately I keep wiping my lens every time I take a picture in order to make sure I take a picture as clear as possible.

 

[redman042]

As far as I can tell, nearly 100% scratch proof. I wipe mine with any old cloth or shirt because I know it won't scratch, unlike a traditional camera lens.

 

[bchreng]

As far as I can tell, nearly 100% scratch proof. I wipe mine with any old cloth or shirt because I know it won't scratch, unlike a traditional camera lens.

This!

 

[johannnn]

I keep my 6S+ in a back case, mainly so that I don't scratch the camera glass.
They said the Apple Watch was very scratch resistent, yet I have a scratch on the glass.
So I really don't want to get scratches on the camera glass, since I use the phone a lot for taking pictures and I assume a scratch on the lens will lead to poor images.
So, how strong is that glass? For example if I keep the phone on a table and push it back & forth, and let's say that there happens to be some tiny crumbs/sand below the phone.

Thanks!

 

[Nozuka]

Sapphire glass is extremely scratch resistant. Shouldn't be a problem.

Some apple watches do have sapphire glass too, but i think the Apple Watch Sport doesn't.. which is why it is easier to scratch.

 

[krizko]

It's pretty darn scratch resistant as shown.

 

[willmtaylor]

As others have said, it's sapphire, which has is extremely high on the mohs scale of hardness. Very resistant to scratching.

Don't think I've ever seen a thread on here complaining about it. Could do a forum search though.

 

[HEK]

Only thing that can scratch it something of equal hardness or more. Saphire is 9 on MOHs hardness scale. Diamond is 10, hardest substance. So another piece of Saphire or a diamond will scratch it. Knives, metals other than tool steels or tungsten are about 4 - 6 on MOHs scales. Impossible to scratch Saphire. Tungsten carbide, ceramic cutting tools and a few grades of quartz approach 9 so might scratch. Sharpness of a knife has nothing to do with it.

 

[willmtaylor]

Only thing that can scratch it something of equal hardness or more. Saphire is 9 on MOHs hardness scale. Diamond is 10, hardest substance. So another piece of Saphire or a diamond will scratch it. Knives, metals other than tool steels or tungsten are about 4 - 6 on MOHs scales. Impossible to scratch Saphire. Tungsten carbide and a few grades of quartz approach 9 so might scratch.

I'd throw in that most scratches to watch displays and (if ever) on iPhone camera lenses are from quartz, etc. from materials such as sand, concrete, cinder blocks, etc.

 

[HEK]

I'd throw in that most scratches to watch displays and (if ever) on iPhone camera lenses are from quartz, etc. from materials such as sand, concrete, cinder blocks, etc.

Have a Rolex Sea Dweller with Saphire Crystal. Concrete, cinder blocks didn't scratch it. Something to look out for are diamond rings and earrings. They will definitely scratch Saphire. If you accidental brought phone to ear the diamond stud ear ring will scratch the display for sure and if accidentally reversed will scratch the Saphire covering on camera. For sure! An easy mistake to make. Or reaching into pocket wearing diamond ring and hitting the display or camera covering. Also an easy mistake to make.

Diamonds are a phone's worst enemy.

 

[johannnn]

Thanks everyone, guess I shouldn't worry too much keeping the phone naked.

but i think the Apple Watch Sport doesn't.. which is why it is easier to scratch.

Ah, that makes sense then (I have the Sport edition)

 

[willmtaylor]

Thanks everyone, guess I shouldn't worry too much keeping the phone naked.

Ah, that makes sense then (I have the Sport edition)

Keep in mind, scratch resistance has ZERO to do with drop protection. If you drop it on the edge, corner, or face down, it will most likely shatter the screen. That's a $29 repair plus deductible with AC+ or $129 without AC+.

 

[Steve686]

Was the 7Plus actually confirmed to have a sapphire cover?

 

[HEK]

Thanks everyone, guess I shouldn't worry too much keeping the phone naked.


Ah, that makes sense then (I have the Sport edition)

The display glass is harder than the anodized aluminum case. Easiest thing to scratch is the aluminum. Then the display, then the Saphire covering cameras.