Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Is your black iPhone 5 scuffed, chipped or scratched?

  • Flawless

    Votes: 1,158 46.1%
  • Flawless because I put a case on it.

    Votes: 198 7.9%
  • Scuffed out of the box

    Votes: 820 32.7%
  • Scuffed/scratched shortly after

    Votes: 334 13.3%

  • Total voters
    2,510
So if Apple is so hesitant to replace a phone that is scuffed out of the box, then the chances of my getting a new one that didn't have one out of the box, but does a week and a half later is basically zero?

I'm wondering this, too. Mine has been in my pocket (with absolutely nothing else) or sitting, gently, on the table next to me, since I've had it. And it already has two chips. My iPhone 4 has zero cosmetic wear, after two years of much more "normal" usage.
 
Only Apple would attempt to lay any "ground rules" where a faulty product is concerned.

Their professionalism has decreased rapidly over the last year. They aren't far off being a shiny version of Dell.

This is really concerning for me to hear, but it may be becoming true, I think that when these companies get too big, especially with so many loyal followers, they think that they can get away with this, every product I have gotten this year has problems (iPad 3rd Gen, rMBP and now the iPhone 5, all i've had to deal with) I'm sorry, this phone cost me $500 on a contract ($950 without), this should not happen out of the box:
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2012-10-02 at 7.15.28 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2012-10-02 at 7.15.28 PM.png
    887.8 KB · Views: 341
Received my Verizon 32GB iPhone 5 today. No scuffs, no scratches, no rattles, no wifi issues, no LTE issues and no yellow screen. Flawless so far. Will see how the battery life is over the next few days.

You probably bought the wrong device. iPhone 4S? Re-check and come back later...
 
This is really concerning for me to hear, but it may be becoming true, I think that when these companies get too big, especially with so many loyal followers, they think that they can get away with this, ....

I don't think Apple is purposely trying to get away with delivering nicked and scuffed iPhone 5 out of the box. Rather, someone at the factory is screwing them by allowing these predamaged iPhones to slip past QC to meet Apple's demand under a time gun. Ultimately, however, Apple is responsible and they will do something about it.
 
I don't think Apple is purposely trying to get away with delivering nicked and scuffed iPhone 5 out of the box. Rather, someone at the factory is screwing them by allowing these predamaged iPhones to slip past QC to meet Apple's demand under a time gun. Ultimately, however, Apple is responsible and they will do something about it.

However, the person I quoted said that apple should not be laying down guidelines on replacements like they are doing, and it still doesn't explain the other problems i have had with other products, but as for what you said, i agree too, but it still does seem like they are pushing it under a rug in some ways
 
Really unhappy with Apple right now. Aside from my phone being scuffed out of the box, I've been getting about 3 to 4 hours from a full charge on my new 5.

Called Apple support. The girl didn't have anything to suggest other than setting up as a new phone (which I've done twice) and killing background apps. She said it sounds like a hardware problem. When she found out that I'm 3 hours round-trip from an Apple Store, she started arranging for mail-in but told me that they'll return it to me and charge me full price for a new 5 if they don't find anything wrong with the battery!

Obviously, I put that on hold right there. I told her I'll mess with it more and maybe find some help on a forum or blog somewhere.

Before I hung up, I said I wanted to get it on record that mine was one that came scuffed/scratched out of the box. She had no idea what I was talking about and asked me to explain it again. She said she would make a note, but I have no idea what she put in the record because she was supicious and didn't believe me.
 
Last edited:
Before I hung up, I said I wanted to get it on record that mine was one that came scuffed/scratched out of the box. She had no idea what I was talking about and asked me to explain it again. She said she would make a note, but I have no idea what she put in the record because she was supicious and didn't belive me.

She's obviously stupid or lying. I called Apple support to inform them of my intention to replace one of two iPhone 5 that arrived nicked and scuffed out of the box. They offered to make an appointment at a local Apple store but I declined saying I'll have my sister who's an Apple store manager replace it in a couple months or so once they've worked out the QC issues. The rep didn't hesitate to make notations on my account about the issue I called about and assured me that Apple is addressing this issue. I even received a follow up email from him:

Your support Advisor, John, has a follow-up message for you:

xxxxxx,

I wish to apologize again for this troubling experience in receiving the damaged phone and was to reassure you that Apple is addressing the issue.

Thank you again for calling and I hope you have a good afternoon.

John
 
The rep didn't hesitate to make notations on my account about the issue I called about and assured me that Apple is addressing this issue. I even received a follow up email from him:

I logged into my support profile and looked at the limited information available for the case. Only thing that I can find is "My device has short battery life". So wasted my breath mentioning the scuffs.

The idea of having to pay $650 if their testing doesn't find a battery problem is what infuriates me.
 
Last edited:
First iPhone 5 had a faulty screen and a scuff on one of the antenna bands. The replacement has a nice visible scratch mark on the right chamfer. Call Apple again and its a guilty until proven innocent dance. Add to that the Maps fiasco and i'm really starting to wonder...

I had a feeling i would regret selling my 4S and lo and behold.

Apple is starting to wear me out as a whole and i'm starting to get sick of all these nonsense.

I would get a Windows Phone 8 device but none are on the market. I refuse to get an Android device because i hate they way they treat customers after-sale...that and i hate Samsung's plasticky products in general.

In essence i am stuck with stupid (Apple).

Well...its my fault.
 
I had a feeling i would regret selling my 4S and lo and behold.

At this point, I'd like to just return my 5 and switch back to my 4.

My order status in my Apple online store account shows the phone as ineligible for return, though.

Is buying from Apple such a priviledge that luxuries like returns aren't allowed?
 
You probably bought the wrong device. iPhone 4S? Re-check and come back later...

It's later and still perfect. Even the battery is doing better than expected. Still on first charge. 30 hours later and still at 50%. That includes 1 hour of streaming music over LTE, watching a 2 hour movie via netflix over LTE, and several text messages. Plus screen brightness is set at 75%.
iPhone 5=WINNER
 
iPhone 5=WINNER

Maybe true in most cases, but not in mine. Scuffs from the box and 4 hours of usage (browsing on wifi) with brightness at 25%.

My iphone5 = CRAP.

Afterthought: It feels like I bought a cheap, low-quality knock-off of an iphone 5.
 
Last edited:
Can't believe how quickly some are giving up on this amazing device. Vast majority are fine and the thing flat rocks. Hang tough and get it replaced.
 
Can't believe how quickly some are giving up on this amazing device. Vast majority are fine and the thing flat rocks. Hang tough and get it replaced.

That is why I called Apple this evening. I can't afford to send it in to be tested, though, when they'll charge me $650 if they don't find a problem with the battery.

I just committed to a two-year contract and paid $200. I can't risk being out $850 and being stuck with a phone with 4-hour battery life.
 
That is why I called Apple this evening. I can't afford to send it in to be tested, though, when they'll charge me $650 if they don't find a problem with the battery.

I just committed to a two-year contract and paid $200. I can't risk being out $850 and being stuck with a phone with 4-hour battery life.

Call them back, dont use the same case number, you will find someone that would do an advanced replacement eventually.
 
This is really concerning for me to hear, but it may be becoming true, I think that when these companies get too big, especially with so many loyal followers, they think that they can get away with this, every product I have gotten this year has problems (iPad 3rd Gen, rMBP and now the iPhone 5, all i've had to deal with) I'm sorry, this phone cost me $500 on a contract ($950 without), this should not happen out of the box:

You are kind of right. However, the reason QC has gone down isn't because apple is big headed and think they can get **** by the customer. Well maybe they do think that but really what makes more sense is that sense demand is so damn high and you are paying 100K workers in China to put millions of phones together it's kind of hard to make sure all are 100%. I mean I was pretty pissed too when I got my 4s and it had light leaks and dust under the glass but I mean apple is more then generous to just give me a brand new phone. If they were as malicious as you think they would just tell you tough luck and move on as companies such as Motorola and Samsung tend to do with their products.
 
You are kind of right. However, the reason QC has gone down isn't because apple is big headed and think they can get **** by the customer. Well maybe they do think that but really what makes more sense is that sense demand is so damn high and you are paying 100K workers in China to put millions of phones together it's kind of hard to make sure all are 100%. I mean I was pretty pissed too when I got my 4s and it had light leaks and dust under the glass but I mean apple is more then generous to just give me a brand new phone. If they were as malicious as you think they would just tell you tough luck and move on as companies such as Motorola and Samsung tend to do with their products.

I guess your right in a way, i really like my apple stuff, and i hope one day the QC is better, for right now, i just want a phone free of any flaws, especially for $500
 
Call them back, dont use the same case number, you will find someone that would do an advanced replacement eventually.

So that's what it was all about? An express replacement? But isn't the deal with that you get charged if you don't return the defective one?

She insisted (even when I asked twice) that, if the battery in my phone tested ok, they would return my phone to me and charge me the full price of the phone.
 
So that's what it was all about? An express replacement? But isn't the deal with that you get charged if you don't return the defective one?

She insisted (even when I asked twice) that, if the battery in my phone tested ok, they would return my phone to me and charge me the full price of the phone.

I would say, wait til your 30 days is almost up and return it (assuming you bought from Apple directly, I don't know the other carriers' return policy). Then buy a new one. By that time, they should have new ones in stock. This is all IF you can manage with your current battery life for a couple weeks.

Edit: sorry, I didn't see the part about the 3 hour trip to the Apple Store. Then I agree with the other poster, call back, talk to a new rep and don't give them the old case number.
 
Wow I feel bad for anyone who has to go through this. My launch day iPhone had no scuff or nicks but had a huge dust in the camera. Went to the genius bar and had that switched and prayed the replacement had no scuff or scratch. Opened the box examined everything and was perfect. So ecstatic but then when I got home noticed wifi had issue. Would fluctuate and when I went upstairs I would get no signal while my wife's 4S and my iPad 2 had perfect signal. Tried resetting network and wifi router to no avail. Took another trip to the genius bar and was given another replacement. Prayed again and next replacement came out perfect. Thought I was in the clear until I started playing at home and noticed the glass creaks on the bottom like it's loose. You can feel the glass go up and down. Also I noticed the anodized band on the side where the plastic splits shows silver like the anodizing didn't get coated all the way. Embarrassed about showing up at the apple store I decided to call apple care and have replacement sent. Just received it today after examine everything I can finally say this one is perfect so far. No scuffs, discoloration, wifi issue, dust in camera or loose glass. I also noticed the screen color is much better than my previous one compared side by side. It's not just better color but much brighter. Mine latest replacement serial starts with F if anyone was wondering. I can now go enjoy the phone like its meant to be pray no other issue comes up. Good luck to everyone else.
 
Wow I feel bad for anyone who has to go through this. My launch day iPhone had no scuff or nicks but had a huge dust in the camera. Went to the genius bar and had that switched and prayed the replacement had no scuff or scratch. Opened the box examined everything and was perfect. So ecstatic but then when I got home noticed wifi had issue. Would fluctuate and when I went upstairs I would get no signal while my wife's 4S and my iPad 2 had perfect signal. Tried resetting network and wifi router to no avail. Took another trip to the genius bar and was given another replacement. Prayed again and next replacement came out perfect. Thought I was in the clear until I started playing at home and noticed the glass creaks on the bottom like it's loose. You can feel the glass go up and down. Also I noticed the anodized band on the side where the plastic splits shows silver like the anodizing didn't get coated all the way. Embarrassed about showing up at the apple store I decided to call apple care and have replacement sent. Just received it today after examine everything I can finally say this one is perfect so far. No scuffs, discoloration, wifi issue, dust in camera or loose glass. I also noticed the screen color is much better than my previous one compared side by side. It's not just better color but much brighter. Mine latest replacement serial starts with F if anyone was wondering. I can now go enjoy the phone like its meant to be pray no other issue comes up. Good luck to everyone else.
are u sure? post pics! i bet you are missing the scuffs.............
 
I call BS. Call Apple support again and get a different rep.

I'll read some more on the various forums to see if anyone has any tips that work. If not, I'll take your (and others') advice and see if I can get further with someone else.

edit: Thought about this more, and you have to be right that this girl was completely off. What she was essentially saying is that sending my new iphone in to be checked out is likely going to result in a $650 charge just to be told they didn't find anything and be sent the same unit back.

If that's the case, I'd be better off to just buy a new one outright and not even send the messed up on in. I'd be out the same $650 but would have two iphones rather than just one defective one.

I just can't believe the ridiculous things some support people (not just Apple) will say seemingly with no basis in reality at all. Do these people just make this stuff up? Are they really that confused or misinformed about policies? Do they just enjoy messing with people?
 
Last edited:
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.