iPhone X Iphone X Space Grey flaking! Thank you Otterbox defender

[fischersd]

While travelling abroad this past week, I took off my Otterbox Defender case to pop in a new sim card and discovered a series of blemishes on my phone. It has since gotten significantly worse as shown in the photos. My guess is the inner hard plastic chassis of the otter box repeatedly rubbed the phone until the finish came off. The PVD finish on the iPhone X is not abrasion resistant

Sorry to knit-pick, but were there flakes of the PVD material in your case when you removed the phone?

We had another thread where someone said pics posted online from someone abusing an SG phone were clear evidence of "flaking" - like paint flakes off of an old house. (the pics looked like they were implemented with a bench grinder or a Dremmel)

That's right up there with people using the term "waterproof" when referring to electronics.

"Scratched by debris inside case" would likely be more accurate?

Edit: "Flaking" suggests defects in manufacturing - that the material is separating from the underlying stainless steel.

 

[MH01]

That's why I returned my grey for silver . Cape cod and you are good

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Not trying to dis your idea, but there's a good chance the OB case is fitted tight enough that it would just scrape the nail polish off.
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I've had a leather case on my Jet Black iPhone 7 for 14 months and the sides are as undamaged as the back. I think a lot of the reason the Apple cases work so well is that they really =fit right=. They're not so tight that they scrape the phone, and not so loose that dirt and crud get into the case and scratch the phone. The Apple cases are (my opinion) clearly worth their extra cost, as long as they fit in your use profile. If I were working on construction sites, I'd need something different, but then I'd probably have different expectations about what my tools looked like.

My 7+ Jet Black has been in a tech21 case for 14 months, and it's also unscratched and quite well preserved. Very good fit and no rubbing of the case against the phone, but it also protects the bottom of the phone better than the Apple case.

I'll have to check my son's Jet Black 7+ that's been in the most protective version of Otterbox for the past 8-9 months.
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I’ve used Apple cases with the 6 and 7 iPhones, and the exposed bottom has never been an issue. It’s such a small opening relative to the rest of the sides that are covered, and since the corners are adequately protected, there’s really minimal chance the exposed area will get damaged. Plus since openings would be necessary for the speaker, mic, and lightning port, those cut outs could get easily ripped or torn off, so one big opening is actually better, IMO.

But it definitely happens, as it doesn't protect the front bottom edge of the phone. My daughter's sister's dog jumped up and knocked her iPhone 6 out of her hand this summer while it was in an apple case. They were eating on the outside patio near the garden, and it hit the ground on a small rock in such as way as to make a dent right around the headphone jack and microphone, breaking both the microphone and the screen.

The circuit board at the bottom of the phone had to be replaced at a 3rd party repair shop, and they had to push the small dent out to even fit the new board into the iPhone.

I've never seen the smaller openings on those cases that are more protective cause any issues, and that protective band going 360 degrees around the front edge of the phone is important in protecting the screen as well. If it had been in the tech21 case that I'd given her, the screen and microphone would have likely serviced, based on my inspection of the phone.

 

[44267547]

The only potential issue with that is that the edges of the case may inadvertently scratch the stainless steel you are trying to protect. Even the Apple leather/silicone cases, their edges are soft but if there is micro grit in there when you prise it off, scratches!

The surgical stainless used on the silver bands is literally identical to the same stainless used on the Apple Watch stainless model. You can actually scratch the stainless on the Apple Watch just by rubbing it on a pair of jeans, which if you look close enough, they're very fine micro scratches. So there's not much somebody can do to prevent scratches on stainless steel like this, except for polishing every so often.

 

[newellj]

The surgical stainless used on the silver bands is literally identical to the same stainless used on the Apple Watch stainless model. You can actually scratch the stainless on the Apple Watch just by rubbing it on a pair of jeans, which if you look close enough, they're very fine micro scratches. So there's not much somebody can do to prevent scratches on stainless steel like this, except for polishing every so often.

Not disagreeing, but has Apple published which stainless steel they're using for these?
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My 7+ Jet Black has been in a tech21 case for 14 months, and it's also unscratched and quite well preserved. Very good fit and no rubbing of the case against the phone, but it also protects the bottom of the phone better than the Apple case.

I'll have to check my son's Jet Black 7+ that's been in the most protective version of Otterbox for the past 8-9 months.

The Jet Black would be an excellent test. I love the Tech21 cases. They're really good protection as long as you can deal with the display side and don't need waterproofing. Several of my family have those on their phones, with a glass screen protector. I have the same on my iPod touch.

 

[44267547]

Not disagreeing, but has Apple published which stainless steel they're using for these.

Yes, the Apple Watch uses 316 L stainless. And the iPhone X uses surgical stainless for the bands, which has been heavily discussed.

"All-New Design
The most durable glass ever in a smartphone, front and back. Surgical‑grade stainless steel. Wireless charging. Water and dust resistance."

https://www.apple.com/iphone-x/


Apple Watch 316 L stainless.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204665

 

[newellj]

Yes, the Apple Watch uses 316 L stainless. And the iPhone X uses surgical stainless for the bands, which has been heavily discussed.

"All-New Design
The most durable glass ever in a smartphone, front and back. Surgical‑grade stainless steel. Wireless charging. Water and dust resistance."

https://www.apple.com/iphone-x/


Apple Watch 316 L stainless.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204665

That watch page is fabulous, thank you; I hadn't seen that. My footnote on the X bands would be that "surgical" can refer to 400-series stainless as well. However, having read the other page, given Apple's discussion about skin sensitivities, it doesn't seem like a stretch to figure they're using 316L for the bands as well. (Seems like overkill, but makes for good marketing?)

 

[44267547]

That watch page is fabulous, thank you; I hadn't seen that. My footnote on the X bands would be that "surgical" can refer to 400-series stainless as well. However, having read the other page, given Apple's discussion about skin sensitivities, it doesn't seem like a stretch to figure they're using 316L for the bands as well. (Seems like overkill, but makes for good marketing?)

That's likely what it is, marketing for the Apple Watch saying 316 L stainless. Because Apple wants you to think that you're receiving a higher-end, more premium watch with the stainless, which it is. Watches are usually also associated with type a steel they have.

 

[newellj]

That's likely what it is, marketing for the Apple Watch saying 316 L stainless. Because Apple wants you to think that you're receiving a higher-end, more premium watch with the stainless, which it is. Watches are usually also associated with type a steel they have if they're more expensive.

But with the watch there's at least a rationale. I'm not saying it's actually compelling, since I have several watches with stainless steel bracelets and cases that are nowhere near "surgical" and not only do they not cause me problems, I've never read of anyone complaining about adverse skin reactions. Nevertheless, my current eyeglass frames are all stainless, no plastic at all, so the saddle bridge and ear pieces are in contact with my skin 16 hours or more a day, and you can understand why manufacturers would choose (and advertise) using surgical-grade stainless.

 

[BrittWentz]

What about the presidio clear speck case? Can anyone comment on quality? Want a case that protects the entire phone, and the otterbox is just too slippery, dropped it from my lap three times yesterday.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

What about the presidio clear speck case? Can anyone comment on quality? Want a case that protects the entire phone, and the otterbox is just too slippery, dropped it from my lap three times yesterday.

The Presidio Clear is like the rigid Candyshell cases. I handled one just this am at Best Buy. It's a hard plastic bar of soap. Believe it has just the 8 foot drop protection rating. The Speck Presidio show is also clear, but is slightly more grippy on the edges--which are colored. It also uses the Impactium barrier and has 10 foot drop protection.

 

[Archer1440]

My footnote on the X bands would be that "surgical" can refer to 400-series stainless as well.

No. The phone frame is paramagnetic, as anyone can check for themselves. That indicates a 300 series (Austenitic) alloy.

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That's likely what it is, marketing for the Apple Watch saying 316 L stainless. Because Apple wants you to think that you're receiving a higher-end, more premium watch with the stainless, which it is. Watches are usually also associated with type a steel they have.

Among mainstream, consumer-attainable brands, only Rolex was previously known for pushing a specific alloy (904L). By way of comparison, Omega uses 316L, same as Apple.

 

[Royksöpp]

Note to self: Never buy an Apple product that is darker than the lightest Space Gray. It's painted on, and it will chip and scratch!!! The finishes on the 5 and the 7 are more than proof!

 

[FelixDerKater]

Clean it before you encase it.

 

[fischersd]

Note to self: Never buy an Apple product that is darker than the lightest Space Gray. It's painted on, and it will chip and scratch!!! The finishes on the 5 and the 7 are more than proof!

Huh? We've seen no evidence of chipping with either of the Apple products that have PVD coatings. The DLC coating on the Space Black Apple Watch is highly resistant to everyday abuse (with many of us having flawless watches after more than 2 years of everyday use).

Given what happened to the OP's phone in the case, I'd suggest that the PVD coating on the X is less durable than the DLC coating on the watch, but without someone actually doing a comparative test, we can't state that. Maybe the watch would get just as beaten up if you put a case on it and let particulates grind away at the surface for a couple of weeks?

Edit: Oh...and the PVD process results in something that has nothing in common with paint.

 

[newellj]

Note to self: Never buy an Apple product that is darker than the lightest Space Gray. It's painted on, and it will chip and scratch!!! The finishes on the 5 and the 7 are more than proof!

Well, you can make a note like that, but you'd be wrong.

The iPhone 5, 5S, 6, 6S, 7 and 8 are anodized, which is very durable and changes the surface of the metal itself. It can be scratched but it cannot be chipped. The Jet Black showed scratches easily because it was so highly polished, not because it's "painted on."

The iPhone X Space Gray is finished using a process known as Positive Vapor Deposition, which does involve a layer deposited on the metal surface and, as the photos show, it is possible to chip it off under the right (or wrong) circumstances.

Jet Black was beautiful, but not a great choice for something like a cellphone if people feel their possessions must remain pristine.
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Huh? We've seen no evidence of chipping with either of the Apple products that have PVD coatings. The DLC coating on the Space Black Apple Watch is highly resistant to everyday abuse (with many of us having flawless watches after more than 2 years of everyday use).

Given what happened to the OP's phone in the case, I'd suggest that the PVD coating on the X is less durable than the DLC coating on the watch, but without someone actually doing a comparative test, we can't state that. Maybe the watch would get just as beaten up if you put a case on it and let particulates grind away at the surface for a couple of weeks?

Edit: Oh...and the PVD process results in something that has nothing in common with paint.

I am with you on this, but the photos do appear to show the finish coming off the bands. I guess there's room to figure out what the right word is, but "chipping" doesn't seem out of place. I think it has to be emphasized that putting phones into those cases very often results in finish wear and tear. The PVD coating just shows it a little more. I'm making a distinction that may not come across well on a forum like this.

 

[fischersd]

I am with you on this, but the photos do appear to show the finish coming off the bands. I guess there's room to figure out what the right word is, but "chipping" doesn't seem out of place. I think it has to be emphasized that putting phones into those cases very often results in finish wear and tear. The PVD coating just shows it a little more. I'm making a distinction that may not come across well on a forum like this.

Yeah...the verbiage is the problem here. No-one's arguing that the particulates didn't grind off the coating on the OP's phone, but "chipping" and "flaking" should not happen with PVD coated surfaces. This isn't paint. The material is bonded to the surface...it can be filed or ground off, but the other verbs are to suggest a weakness or defect in that bond.

 

[Royksöpp]

Well, you can make a note like that, but you'd be wrong.

The iPhone 5, 5S, 6, 6S, 7 and 8 are anodized, which is very durable and changes the surface of the metal itself. It can be scratched but it cannot be chipped. The Jet Black showed scratches easily because it was so highly polished, not because it's "painted on."

The iPhone X Space Gray is finished using a process known as Positive Vapor Deposition, which does involve a layer deposited on the metal surface and, as the photos show, it is possible to chip it off under the right (or wrong) circumstances.

Jet Black was beautiful, but not a great choice for something like a cellphone if people feel their possessions must remain pristine.
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Blah Blah Blah. It still looks terrible, and is simply unacceptable. I've owned every generation of the lighter Space Gray and have never had this problem.

 

[Dark Shines]

Does anyone here recommend putting a Dbrand skin to protect the band on SG iPhone X ?
My concern is that the space grey band might flake when removing the adhesive skin... You even have to use a hairdryer to make it adhere perfectly.

 

[44267547]

Does anyone here recommend putting a Dbrand skin to protect the band on SG iPhone X ?
My concern is that the space grey band might flake when removing the adhesive skin... You even have to use a hairdryer to make it adhere perfectly.

I personally wouldn't recommend it. Over time, I don't know what the potential outcome and how that would affect the physical Vapor deposition coating on the space gray bands. You're essentially adding a layer protection with the Dbrand on a layer of protection with the PVD coating. I don't think it's necessary.

 

[N54TT]

Does anyone here recommend putting a Dbrand skin to protect the band on SG iPhone X ?
My concern is that the space grey band might flake when removing the adhesive skin... You even have to use a hairdryer to make it adhere perfectly.

If you want the feel of being caseless but want to help protect the band from being scratched or chipped....skins are a good solution. I don’t think there is concern of the coating flaking when removing it. It’s just a sticker. hairdryer is only used to soften the skin and help it stick around the corners/edges. I have some skins waiting to be put on when the nostalgia of the new phone wears off for me

 

[Caesars]

I learned my lesson with OtterBox and LifeProof with my jet black iPhone, never again

 

[Dark Shines]

If you want the feel of being caseless but want to help protect the band from being scratched or chipped....skins are a good solution. I don’t think there is concern of the coating flaking when removing it. It’s just a sticker. hairdryer is only used to soften the skin and help it stick around the corners/edges. I have some skins waiting to be put on when the nostalgia of the new phone wears off for me

I personally wouldn't recommend it. Over time, I don't know what the potential outcome and how that would affect the physical Vapor deposition coating on the space gray bands. You're essentially adding a layer protection with the Dbrand on a layer of protection with the PVD coating. I don't think it's necessary.

thanks for your replies. I've sent an email to dbrand regarding this. I was wondering the same thing for the back of the phone because it is also covered by an oleophobic coating according to Apple's website. Probably my OCD... But I'd like to be sure before applying this on my shiny phone...
I remember horror stories from people applying skins on their Nintendo Switch. Not the same materials but still.

 

[PhillyGuy72]

You think silicone case and a tempered glass protector for the screen would be decent protecting (barring the exposed bottom of course)?

No, I'm doubting that also. Especially dropping with the all glass back, far more fragile. So far I've been pretty good in NOT dropping my iPhones. (Knock on wood)

Last time I dropped my iPhone, was Aug 2016 (I only know the time because where I was during an insane thunderstorm). Silicone case..it hit the top left corner on the pavement. Made a nice nick in the silicone case, but the phone was fine thankfully. I DONT think the result would be the same with this current phone.

I'm going to look for an all black thicker case with better corner protection. Just for piece of mind.

 

[Dada916]

https://imgur.com/gallery/hyRyO

While travelling abroad this past week, I took off my Otterbox Defender case to pop in a new sim card and discovered a series of blemishes on my phone. It has since gotten significantly worse as shown in the photos. My guess is the inner hard plastic chassis of the otter box repeatedly rubbed the phone until the finish came off. The PVD finish on the iPhone X is not abrasion resistant

My iPhone X is also flaking bad. Not using any case and never dropped. This is with around 30 days of normal usage. Received around Thanksgiving, it is now 12/30/17. I have owned ever iteration of iPhone since the 2G and this is probably the biggest quality issue that I have seen