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I'm going to buy the 5 soon regardless, but this was an interesting read.

as for the "unsubstantiated claims" brought up earlier:

It does make sense doesn't it? I don't mean "oh my god, they don't bend/scratch anymore!" I mean, to tweak and perfect manufacturing/assembly processes as production rolls on. Personally, I find it hard to believe that Apple wouldn't do that. "antennagate" was a design flaw, not materials/manufacturing.
 
Fact is, the iPhone 5 back cover is VERY easy to scratch, so you must use a case from day one in order to prevent cosmetic damage. The odds of getting a "good" iPhone would be pretty hard to gather, but I would think the chances are pretty good for you to get a mint iPhone if you ordered again.
 
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