iPhone X and the risks of going case-less

[Nimoy]

I'm considering going without a case and want to get some some feedback about what others are planning on doing and the perceived risks involved in going case-less.

When I had my iPhone 4/4s (both black and white) I never used a case. I'm very careful with my iPhones and never once damaged them. When the 6 came out, the protruding camera and slippy aluminum convinced me to get a case. I tend to place my phone on any table surface that I'm sitting at and I was worried that the camera lens would eventually become scratched because it seems to be more vulnerable than the flush lens of the older iPhones. I don't need my iPhone to be completely flawless, but major scratches annoy me and I certainly want to make sure the camera lens is never damaged.

Now we've got a new iPhone that's gone back to the more grippy glass back but is still retaining the protruding camera.

So I've got some questions:
-have you used iPhone 6-8 without cases? If so, how has the camera lens held up?
-for the iPhone X, do you think the silver or the space grey would hold up better without a case?

 

[Ntombi]

I’ve had every iPhone since the 3G (minus the 6S), and only ever had a case for the 6. It was just too darned slippery, so I couldn’t risk it.

I’m back using my jet black 7 naked, and I have had no issues with visible scratches, none at all on the camera lens. There are micro scratches on the phone, but you have to look for them.

I’m careful with my phone, but not anal about it. I never put it in a pocket with keys, but I do put it down on hard surfaces, and I also live within walking distance of the beach, so sand is a part of the environment.

A year in, I have no regrets about not using a case. I’m on AT&T Next, and I’ll likely be trading the phone in for the X, but I could reasonably sell it in excellent condition.

 

[Hater]

Never used a case.

Had multiple broken screens, I don't mind having a broken screen, I don't know why. I've only had screens replaced if it impedes the functionality of the phone.

I had my 6 for about 3 days before shattering the entire right hand side of it, it was funny how "upset" people got over a phone that wasn't even theirs...

Haven't ever had a problem with the rear facing camera, had have glass cracks go through the iSight camera but again, not something I really care about, I never take selfies and when using FaceTime it's the other persons problem, not mine.

 

[blairh]

I have always used a case with my iPhone with the exception of the 3G model. I found that hard plastic easy to grip. Otherwise I have never felt comfortable with the grip provided by naked iPhone's and I've owned most of the past models including jet-black.

I am hoping to get a silver X and I have already purchased a thin case for grip. If by chance the X is easy to handle naked I will do so but I seriously doubt that. I have never found glass a good material for gripping. It's always slippery IMO.

 

[FunkyTang]

It looks like the iPhone X is the phone with the screen closest to the body's corners. The screens are going to crack at the corner.

I say go naked until you do two screen replacements.

 

[MacDevil7334]

I’m using an 8 naked and it has been great so far. The glass back really helps with grip. The aluminum on the sides is as slippery as ever but I’m guessing the polished stainless steel on the X will be a bit grippier. I did try to go naked on both the 6S+ and regular 7 and dropped those phones more than all my previous iPhones combined. The aluminum was just way to slippery and I finally broke down and got cases for both after a few months. The glass on the 8 has been much better.

I wouldn’t be concerned about the camera if you decide to go naked though. The cover lens is made of sapphire so it is VERY resistant to scratches. My 6S+ did have a little of the finish on the metal ring around the camera wear off from its time naked (had the space gray version) but the camera itself was pristine. I did manage to have a tiny nick in the cover lens on my 7 as the result of a drop from when I was still using it naked. But it was at the very edge and did not affect photos at all. Bottom line, normal use like putting the phone down on tables will not hurt the camera a bit. If you drop the phone, it might chip or crack the sapphire cover lens. But at that point, you’ll probably also have shattered the glass back of the phone too.

 

[TravisPNW]

Case all the way... and a glass screen protector.

The case is clear, thin, bumpered corners and a raised edge keeps the phone from landing on its face. Dropped my iPhone 5/6/8 on concrete floors at work many times with this type case... never any damage or cracked screens.

Screen protector keeps the screen flawless and is invisible.

All of this for about $25. I can't figure out why more people don't do this. Aesthetics? Ok, to each their own. At any rate, at the end of the day I'll have a flawless phone with a higher resale value.

 

[DNichter]

I always use a case, but usually one of those very slim ones. I prefer Caudabe if you want an option, relatively cheap, feel nice, and last. I posted pictures of the X case compared to my 7 Plus in another thread.

 

[Newtons Apple]

With the thin bezels I would think it will not take much of a bump to damage the screen.

Apple must think the same with the increased cost of AppleCare for the X was bumped to $200

 

[xsimplyjosh]

I'm considering going without a case and want to get some some feedback about what others are planning on doing and the perceived risks involved in going case-less.

When I had my iPhone 4/4s (both black and white) I never used a case. I'm very careful with my iPhones and never once damaged them. When the 6 came out, the protruding camera and slippy aluminum convinced me to get a case. I tend to place my phone on any table surface that I'm sitting at and I was worried that the camera lens would eventually become scratched because it seems to be more vulnerable than the flush lens of the older iPhones. I don't need my iPhone to be completely flawless, but major scratches annoy me and I certainly want to make sure the camera lens is never damaged.

Now we've got a new iPhone that's gone back to the more grippy glass back but is still retaining the protruding camera.

So I've got some questions:
-have you used iPhone 6-8 without cases? If so, how has the camera lens held up?
-for the iPhone X, do you think the silver or the space grey would hold up better without a case?

Will need a case esp with the protruding back camera... Too OCD for that matter. Despite the glass adding some grip I rather still play safe and destroy a 10-40$ case over the glass back which would cost 100s+$ to replace ._.
If it was like the iPhone 4/4s/5/5s/SE series then maybe I would have gone caseless. but also note that the iPhone 4/4s/5/5s/se are relatively cheaper.... the iPhone X here is almost DBL the price.

 

[TravisPNW]

With the thin bezels I would think it will not take much of a bump to damage the screen.

Apple must think the same with the increased cost of AppleCare for the X

I'd agree. Good luck to the X buyers that go caseless.

Play with fire long enough eventually you get burnt.

 

[vannix]

Too risky this time with the new design.
I’ll be rocking an apple black leather case

 

[44267547]

Too risky this time with the new design.
I’ll be rocking an apple black leather case

I think it's a risk anyone takes without using a case, but then again, I would highly suggest AppleCare for those who are considering it, as the out-of-pocket expenses will not be cheap.