How scratched is your series 7 aluminum glass?

[thadoggfather]

Seeing some complaints on Reddit and apple discussion board that series 7 seems much more scratch prone than previous series aluminum models after even a day or two of use.. hope this isnt the case!

People are saying it scratches the oleophobic coating possibly or the coating itself is softer now and are getting scratches without banging it against a wall or dragging it across a surface. Or that the durability increase means scratch resistance decrease (this has been the trend with recent iPhones )

Also even if true do you really care? My series 4 is in pretty good shape for being pretty good with it overall but at the same time I’m seeing a Ton of hairline scratches on my unit for that and it never affected visibility or anything

Thx

I guess first couple scratches are the worst to cope with then it’s a badge of pride to have battle scars but Im curious how it compares to previous aluminum scratch resistance.

 

[JBinPDX]

I've worn my S7 aluminum every day since 10/15/21, and it doesn't have a scratch on either the case or the screen. I don't go out of my way to be rough with it, but I don't baby it, either. I've dropped it a couple of times, and hit it on something now and then.

For what it's worth, my exercise is mostly walking my dog and strength training via Fitness+. I had an SE previously. It did have scratches on one corner from a fall when it was scraped along the side of an asphalt path.

 

[OldITGeek]

Wearing mine all the time, including woodworking and not a scratch on it.

 

[thadoggfather]

now when you guys say no scratches are you looking with a bright light or just a cursory glance?

 

[iStorm]

I’m somewhat curious if the size makes a difference. I don’t see why it should, but maybe? The reason I’m curious is because I tried both sizes for a couple weeks or so, trying to decide which one I wanted. The 45mm one ended up having a few micro scratches when looked at closely. The 41mm had none, even after having worn it longer. I’ve been super careful, so I really have no idea how they got there. It was cold here and I’ve been wearing sweatshirts, which would have covered them up and protected them from accidental scrapes and bangs against stuff. Both watches got subjected to the same sweatshirts. I was on vacation recently with my brother, and noticed his 45mm had quite a few scratches too.

I ended up keeping the 41mm since it was more comfortable. I wasn’t planning on using a screen protector, but I did get some after seeing how easily the 45mm got some scratches when I’ve been so careful. I’m impressed with them…can hardly tell there’s a screen protector on. I’m usually not one to baby my devices, so I’ll probably stop using a screen protector on my S7 once it’s not quite so new anymore. My S2 watch had some scratches that didn’t bother me.

 

[acorntoy]

Apple advertised the screen of the 7 is harder to crack than previous models. Making glass harder to crack will usually lead it to be easier to scratch. Cheap screen protectors will do better with scratches than cracks. anyways so id just slap one on.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

now when you guys say no scratches are you looking with a bright light or just a cursory glance?

To be fair if someone is looking for hairline scratches on an Apple Watch under bright lights, there’s probably bigger problems going on than hairline scratches on a watch lol.

There’s probably tiny scratches on my Series 5 if I look hard enough, but it looks scratch free and I’d imagine it’s no different to the series 7 in that regard.

 

[thadoggfather]

To be fair if someone is looking for hairline scratches on an Apple Watch under bright lights, there’s probably bigger problems going on than hairline scratches on a watch lol.

There’s probably tiny scratches on my Series 5 if I look hard enough, but it looks scratch free and I’d imagine it’s no different to the series 7 in that regard.

thats true I’m just trying to figure out if when people say no scratches it’s in a literal sense or perceptual from screen being on / glancing and not REALLY look as if an appraiser or jeweler lol

its probably column A for some and column B for others

 

[Howard2k]

thats true I’m just trying to figure out if when people say no scratches it’s in a literal sense or perceptual from screen being on / glancing and not REALLY look as if an appraiser or jeweler lol

its probably column A for some and column B for others

It's a forum - I'd guess the pendulum swings pretty far both ways with people over exaggerating or being overly critical about scratches too.

It would be good to see some real world pictures.

 

[bukalemun]

I have worn it since October and it has one minor hairline scratch from bumping into a metal desk which is not visible at all if I don't go looking for it. Other bumps did not result in any scratches. I had a similar experience with series 6. It also had a few minor scratches because of some metal scrapes. More visible too. Interestingly its most prominent scratch was from bumping its corner into the glass of my washing machine. It looks like that machine has a tougher glass than Apple Watch. ?

 

[thadoggfather]

im anti screen protectors but felt like trying the LK ones due to all the 'hub Bub' that its the best and not that visible

I really can barely even tell its on, I really have to look. Even more discrete than amazon photos let on in user reviews to my eye its impressive. well see how it holds up with scratches (I heard they start tearing) or maybe lifting/peeling on its own

this will be good while in the honeymoon phase with my series 7 maybe in time ill move on at least,

 

[Howard2k]

im anti screen protectors but felt like trying the LK ones due to all the 'hub Bub' that its the best and not that visible

I really can barely even tell its on, I really have to look. Even more discrete than amazon photos let on in user reviews to my eye its impressive. well see how it holds up with scratches (I heard they start tearing) or maybe lifting/peeling on its own

this will be good while in the honeymoon phase with my series 7 maybe in time ill move on at least,

That’s the film ones? I used those for the first 12 months and no scratches to date.

I’m 2 months into my second year and I’m going to go without for my second year to see how it fares.

 

[thadoggfather]

That’s the film ones? I used those for the first 12 months and no scratches to date.

I’m 2 months into my second year and I’m going to go without for my second year to see how it fares.

Yeah they’re film/ no moisture needed not a wet install

They’re TPU and adhere shockingly
Well to the curved display

Even looking at it In blasting sunlight I see that it’s on but seriously barely

Remarkable

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

My wife’s Apple Watch has quite a few scratches on it whereas I can’t see any on mine. She’s doesn’t care though and when I’ve said to her about it she’s says ‘it’s a watch’. I do think many of the people who participate here are very different in terms of the way they view these devices. Her watch has scratches but you’d never know unless you were up very close and looking for them. It doesn’t affect the functionality or look of the Watch in normal circumstances.

 

[thadoggfather]

How old is that watch and what series is that ?

yeah I think it is a subjective matter

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Seeing some complaints on Reddit and apple discussion board that series 7 seems much more scratch prone than previous series aluminum models after even a day or two of use.. hope this isnt the case!

People are saying it scratches the oleophobic coating possibly or the coating itself is softer now and are getting scratches without banging it against a wall or dragging it across a surface. Or that the durability increase means scratch resistance decrease (this has been the trend with recent iPhones )

Also even if true do you really care? My series 4 is in pretty good shape for being pretty good with it overall but at the same time I’m seeing a Ton of hairline scratches on my unit for that and it never affected visibility or anything

Thx

I guess first couple scratches are the worst to cope with then it’s a badge of pride to have battle scars but Im curious how it compares to previous aluminum scratch resistance.

Your take on iPhones isn’t accurate IMO. The ceramic shield or whatever it’s been called since the 12 models is insanely good for scratches. I had the 12PM and now 13PM with no screen protector or case and never had a micro scratch let alone anything bigger.

Here’s what folks need to remember…don’t treat your stuff carelessly. Of course accidents happen but don’t put your phone in your pocket with keys, don’t set it screen down on pavement, don’t use paper towels or rough items to wipe your screen, etc. When people use screen protectors/cases they become complacent and will continue to buy them because they feel they’re prone to damaging a device so it’s an endless cycle. Take all that stuff off and I guarantee you’ll be handling your device differently.

Example; my wife’s brand new phone had all the safety stuff and the same day she got it we were out eating and she tried to do some weird balancing act on our table and it fell off onto the concrete not once but twice after multiple attempts. The screen protector did it’s job but she said its not a big deal because it had all the safety stuff. I’ve never dropped my phone once because I know it’s a $1K device and use a death grip when I use it.

 

[thadoggfather]

Your take on iPhones isn’t accurate IMO. The ceramic shield or whatever it’s been called since the 12 models is insanely good for scratches. I had the 12PM and now 13PM with no screen protector or case and never had a micro scratch let alone anything bigger.

Here’s what folks need to remember…don’t treat your stuff carelessly. Of course accidents happen but don’t put your phone in your pocket with keys, don’t set it screen down on pavement, don’t use paper towels or rough items to wipe your screen, etc. When people use screen protectors/cases they become complacent and will continue to buy them because they feel they’re prone to damaging a device so it’s an endless cycle. Take all that stuff off and I guarantee you’ll be handling your device differently.

Example; my wife’s brand new phone had all the safety stuff and the same day she got it we were out eating and she tried to do some weird balancing act on our table and it fell off onto the concrete not once but twice after multiple attempts. The screen protector did it’s job but she said its not a big deal because it had all the safety stuff. I’ve never dropped my phone once because I know it’s a $1K device and use a death grip when I use it.

to be fair havent used an iPhone without a screen protector for a while. I thought my Xr and X were getting scuffed quick so ended up putting one on for my Xr at least and I think X but cant truly recall...

only going off word of mouth for 12/13

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

How old is that watch and what series is that ?

yeah I think it is a subjective matter

It’s a series 4 and just over 2 years old. She scratched it pretty early on though.

I’d never put a screen protector on a watch personally as I’m not in the habit of hitting things with it. The iPhone is a different story. I found the iPhone 12 screen to be pretty soft and quite scratch prone. I had a screen protector that didn’t cover the notch for the first 3 weeks I owned it and there’s some deep scratches in just that area, none on the protector funnily enough. I suppose I’m happier taking the risk with the watch because they aren’t worth a lot anyway after a few years whereas the iPhone retains good value and especially if it’s scratch free.

 

[thadoggfather]

It’s a series 4 and just over 2 years old. She scratched it pretty early on though.

I’d never put a screen protector on a watch personally as I’m not in the habit of hitting things with it. The iPhone is a different story. I found the iPhone 12 screen to be pretty soft and quite scratch prone. I had a screen protector that didn’t cover the notch for the first 3 weeks I owned it and there’s some deep scratches in just that area, none on the protector funnily enough. I suppose I’m happier taking the risk with the watch because they aren’t worth a lot anyway after a few years whereas the iPhone retains good value and especially if it’s scratch free.

Nah that makes perfect sense

Screen protector is a requirement for me with an iPhone. Not just scratch obsession but general protection

 

[iStorm]

im anti screen protectors but felt like trying the LK ones due to all the 'hub Bub' that its the best and not that visible

I really can barely even tell its on, I really have to look. Even more discrete than amazon photos let on in user reviews to my eye its impressive. well see how it holds up with scratches (I heard they start tearing) or maybe lifting/peeling on its own

this will be good while in the honeymoon phase with my series 7 maybe in time ill move on at least,

I'm using the LK ones too. The first one did tear/peel off after a couple months (just happened to get snagged on a very rough burlap-like couch I was sitting on during vacation). The current one has been on four months now without any issues so far. Any scratches to the protector do self-heal. They are really great!

 

[Tdude96]

My launch day S7 45 Aluminum is holding up well. Even on close inspection I'm not noticing any scratches or microscratches on the screen, and the case is pristine. I feel like I've abused it more than my S4, which after the same amount of time had a decent scratch on the screen from bumping it into a doorknob, and a very small chip in its case that I don't know the origin of.