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iPhone SE durability

J

jcorbin

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Oct 18, 2011
1,135
259
D.C.
how durable is the iPhone SE? Ive tried a few cases and haven't liked any of them and am going naked right now. I have a desk job and am very careful with my phone. The only hazard is my toddler.

Could putting a case (tech21 Eco mesh) on and removing it several times stress the frame or glass at all?
 
jcorbin said:
how durable is the iPhone SE? Ive tried a few cases and haven't liked any of them and am going naked right now. I have a desk job and am very careful with my phone. The only hazard is my toddler.

Could putting a case (tech21 Eco mesh) on and removing it several times stress the frame or glass at all?
Click to expand...

It'll be fine :)
 
What kind of case are you looking for? I use a TPU case from Diztronic and for $10 I don't think there's a better case out there. It's grippy, fits well, and looks innocuous. Good for protection against minor drops, dents, and scratches.
 
Retired Cat said:
What kind of case are you looking for? I use a TPU case from Diztronic and for $10 I don't think there's a better case out there. It's grippy, fits well, and looks innocuous. Good for protection against minor drops, dents, and scratches.
Click to expand...

I really dislike cases. Only trying to use one because I feel like I should given that the phone isn't rugged.

I do have insurance so that's a bonus.

So the installation and removal of cases shouldn't stress the phone at all?
 
The SE is essentially the same as a 5s, and I've had the case off of mine literally dozens of times. The phone doesn't bend. My favorite case is the Magpul Bump case.
 
wproct said:
The SE is essentially the same as a 5s, and I've had the case off of mine literally dozens of times. The phone doesn't bend. My favorite case is the Magpul Bump case.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I've been worried after "bendgate"
 
jcorbin said:
I really dislike cases. Only trying to use one because I feel like I should given that the phone isn't rugged.

I do have insurance so that's a bonus.

So the installation and removal of cases shouldn't stress the phone at all?
Click to expand...

I don't know about all cases, but TPU cases are made of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane and I've never thought that my case would damage my phone while being installed or uninstalled.

The 5/5s/SE aluminum unibody is pretty strong. I think it can take a fair amount of punishment, though it will scratch and dent like any aluminum object.

A case for these phones is mostly for ergonomics and scratch/dent prevention. I use a case mainly to make the phone easier to hold.
 
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Thanks for the replies. I always feel like smart phones are more fragile nowadays. Always worried I'm going to stress something too much.
 
wproct said:
The SE is essentially the same as a 5s, and I've had the case off of mine literally dozens of times. The phone doesn't bend. My favorite case is the Magpul Bump case.
Click to expand...

Wow that case looks pretty...robust. Does it take a bit of effort to get on and off?
 
jcorbin said:
Anyone going naked?
Click to expand...

I carry my SE naked 95% of the time. I hate cases and never really wanna put one on my phone. Funny thing is I have the Tech21 Eco Mesh in clear that looks really nice on the iPhone, but I don't really like putting it on the phone...
 
I think my significant other has cracked about 10 iPhones of the 5/5s/5c models.
Durability was probably not a priority when Apple designed the form factor..

It´s not the Nokia 3310 :)
 
Wahlstrm said:
I think my significant other has cracked about 10 iPhones of the 5/5s/5c models.
Durability was probably not a priority when Apple designed the form factor..

It´s not the Nokia 3310 :)
Click to expand...

This means nothing without knowing how your SO treats their phone in general.
 
I always been fond of the otterbox defender series. I've always had one on my phones. Seems like the iPhone version of otterbox has been the best in my opinion, far as the way it fits and the way it's designed. Dropped my iPhone 6 many of times and not a scratch. It's perfect for the 4.7 inch and smaller version of the iPhone... Fits right in my side pocket no problem. Plus I like the built in screen protector it more or less never wears out... Eye glass cleaner works great for cleaning the entire case to...

image.jpeg
 
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jcorbin said:
Wow that case looks pretty...robust. Does it take a bit of effort to get on and off?
Click to expand...

No, the Magpul Bump is very easy to install and remove from the phone while it's fit is very snug and secure. What I really like about it is that it offers very good grip while at the same time it is smooth enough to easily slip in and out of a pocket.
 
I never carry my SE caseless but carried my 5S caseless all the time and even had it survive a fall off the bathroom sink vanity onto hardwood floors twice. I now use a tempered glass screen protector on my SE and a variety of name brand and off brand cases I buy dirt cheap from Amazon Slickdeals discount codes.

If you're worried about the toddler you can try a clear case and a tempered glass screen protector. I simply never left my stuff where a toddler could get at it.
 
jcorbin said:
how durable is the iPhone SE? Ive tried a few cases and haven't liked any of them and am going naked right now. I have a desk job and am very careful with my phone. The only hazard is my toddler.

Could putting a case (tech21 Eco mesh) on and removing it several times stress the frame or glass at all?
Click to expand...
Taking it on and off should not affect the structural integrity of the phone.
 
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To those that went naked, did you baby your phone or treat it like the tool it is?
 
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