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I find the Leather cases better. Silicone is trash. This years has better buttons but still leather is better if you’re going first party.
I've had one of the leather cases in the past. I did like it. It wasn't near as grippy as the silicone case, and I found it a beast to keep clean. I used leather saddle soap and the likes to clean it. It was kind of a pain.
 
Here's my almost new iPhone 12 silicone case. I love the feel and look of it, but it is NOT durable. This goes in an out of my pocket and onto my car magnetic holder. It hasn't been dropped on concrete (as one ignorant commenter suggested regarding another post) but has seen regular, normal use. It's a quality problem pure and simple. Now I'm out $50.
Yikes, that's bad and way too soon to see that type of wear.
 
Do you find that sanitizing the leather with clorox wipes dries it out?
So I used to follow up with an armor all leather wipe. Noticed no degradation. Alcohol wipes weren’t good. Took off color.
 
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I've had one of the leather cases in the past. I did like it. It wasn't near as grippy as the silicone case, and I found it a beast to keep clean. I used leather saddle soap and the likes to clean it. It was kind of a pain.
I’m going caseless this season, leather is a pain to keep clean along with making sure it stays away from water but the silicone case has trash buttons and feels too heavy. I have one, barely use it. If you have to buy an apple case the leather is the way to go. Thin, light, and proper buttons.
MagSafe wallet & bare iPhone is a good combo.
 
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It is what it is.
6EF8E472-D0E6-46FC-8619-B185F5DD4F3E.jpeg
 
I’m going caseless this season, leather is a pain to keep clean along with making sure it stays away from water but the silicone case has trash buttons and feels too heavy. I have one, barely use it. If you have to buy an apple case the leather is the way to go. Thin, light, and proper buttons.
MagSafe wallet & bare iPhone is a good combo.
May I suggest some weights if a silicon case is too heavy for you
 
At first, I really liked the silicone case. I like the smoothness and look. But after only 4 days, the top-left corner (where I never touch) is already peeling!
I've used many of their silicone cases for a full year without them showing any wear whatsoever, but I did have one that peeled, and rather quickly. I brought it back to the Apple store and they replaced it on the spot.
 
I wonder is a lot of the problems with the iPhone 12 Silicon and Leather cases caused by the squared off design of the iPhone 12, which causes more physical stress on the case?
 
I wonder is a lot of the problems with the iPhone 12 Silicon and Leather cases caused by the squared off design of the iPhone 12, which causes more physical stress on the case?
That would be correct, Much can be learned by looking at how the 5s cases aged.
 
Anyone noticed a drop in speaker quality output with this case? This never happened before as the silicone/leather cases of last year were open at the bottom, but now they decided to cut holes.. (but maybe the leather one is better as it has a cut vs small holes). I noticed that now the stereo effect and front projection of the speaker is weaker, plus at high volume, the sound is muffled and prone to resonating/distorting. Check yours by taking the corner off while playing music...
 
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Anyone noticed a drop in speaker quality output with this case? This never happened before as the silicone/leather cases of last year were open at the bottom, but now they decided to cut holes.. (but maybe the leather one is better as it has a cut vs small holes). I noticed that now the stereo effect and front projection of the speaker is weaker, plus at high volume, the sound is muffled and prone to resonating/distorting. Check yours by taking the corner off while playing music...
No one tested or noticed a difference? To me it is obvious..
 
I've had this case since November and within the first week this happened:
Screen Shot 2021-03-18 at 5.52.54 PM.png


Might have been a drop, I can't remember. I was disheartened, the thing was brand new. But whatever, I just forgot about it.

This morning, another drop while walking the cat--this time on cement:

Screen Shot 2021-03-18 at 5.52.44 PM.png


This one, unfortunately is a problem. There is some skeletal plastic that is very rigid and from the impact the plastic is now ragged and sharp. (iPhone remains free of visible damage)

Apple will not replace the case. I was honest and said the damage was due to falls. They looked at these same photos.

They said this simply wouldn't be covered by the warranty.

I went through four levels of support, two chat and two on the phone before I had some guy who literally sounded like Tim Cook. This final persons was patient but wouldn't budge. They seemed to suggest I might have more luck getting someone at the Apple store to replace it.

On one hand, I get it--I dropped the phone. On the other hand:
  1. The case cost $50, its a premium product, it should handle falls exceptionally well and if for some reason it doesn't, it should be a small thing to replace.
    1. If the product is designed to protect against "normal" falls and during a fall is damaged in a way that makes it reasonably unfit for use, have I used this product incorrectly?
    2. If I am using the case wrong, what is the purpose of the case?
  2. The iPhone 12 Pro is on the iPhone upgrade program and is covered by Apple Care+.
    1. It is $29 to replace the entire screen due to a fall on cement. I will be returning this phone to apple at the end of the year for my annual upgrade I've done for many years now in exchange for the 13.
    2. Doesn't Apple want the iPhone to be always be protected in one of their own cases so it is in the best possible shape for refurbished sale?
    3. Why would Apple not extend some kind of leniency or major replacement subsidy on their own case to Apple Care+ users if it reduces the likelihood of having to perform a highly-subsidized screen replacement?
  3. This shouldn't matter, but I have a universe of Apple products. I don't know if I'm a whale or not, but I'd guess I'm in some smaller percentage of users with vast buy-in to the Apple ecosystem. APMs, XDR Pro, AW, Homepods, etc
    1. All of this equipment should be easily seen to be attached to my Apple ID. Why doesn't Apple support its a customer as bought in as I am with a little leeway on this relatively minor, low cost to handle support request? Am I being tested for my loyalty in some way?
    2. I've bought two magsafe chargers and the magsafe wallet attachment.
      1. A magsafe case is sort of required to protect the phone and buy in to this new direction for iPhone.
      2. I'd presume Apple would want to provide extra incentive to try and like magsafe. Like idk, maybe going overboard to make sure early adopters are very well taken care of.
 
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I've had this case since November and within the first week this happened:
View attachment 1745753

Might have been a drop, I can't remember. I was disheartened, the thing was brand new. But whatever, I just forgot about it.

This morning, another drop while walking the cat--this time on cement:

View attachment 1745754

This one, unfortunately is a problem. There is some skeletal plastic that is very rigid and from the impact the plastic is now ragged and sharp. (iPhone remains free of visible damage)

Apple will not replace the case. I was honest and said the damage was due to falls. They looked at these same photos.

They said this simply wouldn't be covered by the warranty. I had to go through four levels of support before I had some guy who literally sounded like Tim Cook. The final person was patient but wouldn't budge. They seemed to suggest I might have more luck taking it into a store.

On one hand, I get it--I dropped the phone. On the other hand:
  1. The case cost $50, its a premium product, it should handle falls exceptionally well and if for some reason it doesn't, it should be a small thing to replace.
    1. If the product is designed to protect against "normal" falls and during a fall is damaged in a way that makes it reasonably unfit for use, have I used this product incorrectly?
    2. If I am using the case wrong, what is the purpose of the case?
  2. The iPhone 12 Pro is on the iPhone upgrade program and is covered by Apple Care+.
    1. It is $29 to replace the entire screen due to a fall on cement. I will be returning this phone to apple at the end of the year for my annual upgrade I've done for many years now in exchange for the 13.
    2. Doesn't Apple want the iPhone to be in one of their own cases so it is in the best possible shape for refurbished sale?
    3. Why would Apple not extend some kind of leniency or major replacement subsidy on their own case to Apple Care+ users if it reduces the likelihood of having to perform a subsidized screen replacement?
  3. This shouldn't matter, but I have a universe of Apple products. I don't know if I'm a whale or not, but I'd guess I'm in some smaller percentage of users with vast buy-in to the Apple ecosystem.
    1. Why isn't this taken into account on something like this?
    2. Am I being tested for my loyalty in some way? It feels strange only because I want to believe that if Apple was looking at the products, services and subscriptions hooked up to my Apple ID, there wouldn't even be a conversation about this.
    3. I've personally bought two magsafe chargers and the magsafe wallet attachment.
      1. A magsafe case is sort of required to protect the phone and buy in to this new direction for iPhone.
      2. I'd presume Apple would want to provide extra incentive to try and like magsafe. Like idk, maybe going overboard to make sure early adopters are very well taken care of.
I agree with Apple. Your case shouldn't be covered, even though it was accidental on your part. Accept the blame instead of expecting Apple to pay for your mistake.
 
I agree with Apple. Your case shouldn't be covered, even though it was accidental on your part. Accept the blame instead of expecting Apple to pay for your mistake.
That’s a position.

Looking at it from that point of view: do you see any conflict between drawing a hard line on case replacement, while also being responsible for the heavily subsidized screen replacement?
 
OP here. It's been almost 5 months and I am afraid my speculations were not true. I toss the phone around a lot on the tables and such, work in healthcare, so cases get a fair amount of disinfectants on them.

Case looks exactly the same as it did on day 1. Lining defects remained the same. The exposed bottom does not seem to be a problem. The case appears to change to a bit more "sticky" feeling the same way as older ones did.
The only thing still bothering me is the camera bump. On a phone, ok, but on a case I hate it. Does make it a bit easier to pick up the phone, since it is slightly elevated in the front.


tempImaged2kwEA.jpg


tempImagec8sMjZ.jpg
 

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Can't say got any issues with my navy blue. always stays on for one and don't change cases often
 
I've had this case since November and within the first week this happened:
View attachment 1745753

Might have been a drop, I can't remember. I was disheartened, the thing was brand new. But whatever, I just forgot about it.

This morning, another drop while walking the cat--this time on cement:

View attachment 1745754

This one, unfortunately is a problem. There is some skeletal plastic that is very rigid and from the impact the plastic is now ragged and sharp. (iPhone remains free of visible damage)

Apple will not replace the case. I was honest and said the damage was due to falls. They looked at these same photos.

They said this simply wouldn't be covered by the warranty.

I went through four levels of support, two chat and two on the phone before I had some guy who literally sounded like Tim Cook. This final persons was patient but wouldn't budge. They seemed to suggest I might have more luck getting someone at the Apple store to replace it.

On one hand, I get it--I dropped the phone. On the other hand:
  1. The case cost $50, its a premium product, it should handle falls exceptionally well and if for some reason it doesn't, it should be a small thing to replace.
    1. If the product is designed to protect against "normal" falls and during a fall is damaged in a way that makes it reasonably unfit for use, have I used this product incorrectly?
    2. If I am using the case wrong, what is the purpose of the case?
  2. The iPhone 12 Pro is on the iPhone upgrade program and is covered by Apple Care+.
    1. It is $29 to replace the entire screen due to a fall on cement. I will be returning this phone to apple at the end of the year for my annual upgrade I've done for many years now in exchange for the 13.
    2. Doesn't Apple want the iPhone to be always be protected in one of their own cases so it is in the best possible shape for refurbished sale?
    3. Why would Apple not extend some kind of leniency or major replacement subsidy on their own case to Apple Care+ users if it reduces the likelihood of having to perform a highly-subsidized screen replacement?
  3. This shouldn't matter, but I have a universe of Apple products. I don't know if I'm a whale or not, but I'd guess I'm in some smaller percentage of users with vast buy-in to the Apple ecosystem. APMs, XDR Pro, AW, Homepods, etc
    1. All of this equipment should be easily seen to be attached to my Apple ID. Why doesn't Apple support its a customer as bought in as I am with a little leeway on this relatively minor, low cost to handle support request? Am I being tested for my loyalty in some way?
    2. I've bought two magsafe chargers and the magsafe wallet attachment.
      1. A magsafe case is sort of required to protect the phone and buy in to this new direction for iPhone.
      2. I'd presume Apple would want to provide extra incentive to try and like magsafe. Like idk, maybe going overboard to make sure early adopters are very well taken care of.
Are you not familiar with warranties? They’re all pretty much the same regardless of manufacturer. It’s a blanket statement that says if there’s a “manufacturer defect” key words, the warranty covers it. Here you admitted and reconfirmed you admitted to them and us it’s YOUR FAULT?!? Not the manufacturers, therefore why is it their responsibility? It’s your mistake, be responsible own up to it. If they take yours back, they’d have to take everyone else’s that did the same or it wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. If you paid $50 for it, why not treat it better than you do? Are you not able to look at an object and tell whether it’s built for ruggedness or not? This certainly wasn’t, it shouldn’t require an engineering degree to establish this. A bit of common sense, yes. Sometimes it’s good to see others points of view instead of being blinded by your own. You clearly lack analytical skills, lucky for you it’s not hard to start developing them. Familiar with critical thinking? You can start by thinking to yourself what it’s like being the other party in the situation and think thru what you would do if it was you. Hardest part is withdrawing yourself from the situation, so you’re not influenced by your own self centered thoughts. They taught us this the first week of college, but it certainly doesn’t require thousands in tuition to master this. Just some discipline really, you proved you have an imagination so we his might be easier than we all thought. Give it a shot
 
Are you not familiar with warranties? They’re all pretty much the same regardless of manufacturer. It’s a blanket statement that says if there’s a “manufacturer defect” key words, the warranty covers it. Here you admitted and reconfirmed you admitted to them and us it’s YOUR FAULT?!? Not the manufacturers, therefore why is it their responsibility? It’s your mistake, be responsible own up to it. If they take yours back, they’d have to take everyone else’s that did the same or it wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. If you paid $50 for it, why not treat it better than you do? Are you not able to look at an object and tell whether it’s built for ruggedness or not? This certainly wasn’t, it shouldn’t require an engineering degree to establish this. A bit of common sense, yes. Sometimes it’s good to see others points of view instead of being blinded by your own. You clearly lack analytical skills, lucky for you it’s not hard to start developing them. Familiar with critical thinking? You can start by thinking to yourself what it’s like being the other party in the situation and think thru what you would do if it was you. Hardest part is withdrawing yourself from the situation, so you’re not influenced by your own self centered thoughts. They taught us this the first week of college, but it certainly doesn’t require thousands in tuition to master this. Just some discipline really, you proved you have an imagination so we his might be easier than we all thought. Give it a shot
Wow. So much criticism of this poster. I may or may not agree with some of it. "Lack analytical skills"? How about you take a step back newb and analyze the fact that you are replying to a year old post.
 
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I agree with Apple. Your case shouldn't be covered, even though it was accidental on your part. Accept the blame instead of expecting Apple to pay for your mistake.

You got lucky that the phone has no visible damage. I don’t mind paying for another case, but it’s bs that it can’t protect the phone from minor drops.

I bought the plum silicone case 2 months ago and also dropped it on the sidewalk lightly; the phone just slipped out of my hand.

To my surprise, after having plenty of the same Apple silicone cases over the years suffering the same, the top corner lip peeled off and the bezel got scraped as well. I was mortified because I’ve dropped my phone before in the silicone case in this manner without the phone getting damaged. I thought the silicone may have been dried out but the case is only a couple of months in use. Garbage protection.

Apple should replace phones damaged from light drops with this ****** case. They certainly have become less durable. A two foot not forceful drop shouldn’t cause the case to fail so easily.
 
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You got lucky that the phone has no visible damage. I don’t mind paying for another case, but it’s bs that it can’t protect the phone from minor drops.

I bought the plum silicone case 2 months ago and also dropped it on the sidewalk lightly; the phone just slipped out of my hand.

To my surprise, after having plenty of the same Apple silicone cases over the years suffering the same, the top corner lip peeled off and the bezel got scraped as well. I was mortified because I’ve dropped my phone before in the silicone case in this manner without the phone getting damaged. I thought the silicone may have been dried out but the case is only a couple of months in use. Garbage protection.

Apple should replace phones damaged from light drops with this ****** case. They certainly have become less durable. A two foot not forceful drop shouldn’t cause the case to fail so easily.

there's no such thing as a "light drop on a sidewalk." Gravity is gravity and a sidewalk is concrete.
 
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This isn't really a new problem unfortunately, and isn't even unique to Apple's cases. My wife has an Otterbox on her 12 Pro Max that is very similar in construction to the Apple silicone case, and it wears in the same way (though I think just in the form of bald spots, which isn't as bad as what Apple's cases do). My Apple case wore the same way on my 7 Plus. That velvet touch finish is just like that.

I think your best bet is to cut your losses and just go with something else. I personally had been going with Speck for the last few years, but Otterbox's Symmetry+ stuff is so nice and I've become a huge fan. The one I have on my 13 Pro Max is probably the most perfectly fitted/constructed case I've ever had. It's a bit flimsy near the charge port, but I've had it since day 1 of the phone being available and that spot hasn't stretched or broken yet. In fact, the case still looks brand new, save for the MagSafe line that's sort of worn in to the back.

There are tons of options out there that are really great. If you stay away from the cheapo stuff on Amazon and go with the known brands that specialize in device cases (Speck, Otterbox, Incipio, Tech21, etc) you will find there are some great choices. You may not pay less, but you'll get a better experience. Apple has never been good at making durable cases. They look and feel nice, but they don't stand up well to going in and out of your pockets or being dropped.
 
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