Phil Schiller Says iPhone 5 Scratching 'Normal' for Any Aluminum Product

[MuddyPaws1]

Ha, ha… I wish mate. I'm still sporting an iPhone 3G! Remember those? It looks like rubbish, with a fair amount of dust now creeping in between the screen and front glass panel. And I wouldn't have a clue as to how to get the glass off and clean it up, or in the case of the iPhone 4 how to replace it. Nor would most iPhone owners. So I think a phone which survives a drop, albeit with a little superficial scratch or dent, is preferable to a shattered (and potentially dangerous) glass back. You say it can be replaced in 'a few minutes', but I'm sure you're not factoring in the time to source and purchase the glass, general downtime of your broken phone and associated inconvenience, etc. Then there's the investment of time associated with selling on eBay or wherever and trying to get that good resale price you're after. If you added all that up, I reckon I might still be ahead of you when I give or throw my iPhone 3G away.

If you do not, and have not owned either phone....then why the hell are you commenting on what is better or easier?

As for selling on ebay, it takes about 10 minutes to list the device, then pop it in the mail when it sells. It's not a big deal. I sell my iPhone on ebay every time a new one comes out.

 

[SprSynJn]

There are so many crybabies on the net these days. It's quite astonishing.

 

[rbrian]

My new iPhone 5 had a small scratch right out of the box, before I had even had a chance to drop it. I didn't pay full price for it though, so I can live with it.

 

[kalsta]

If you do not, and have not owned either phone....then why the hell are you commenting on what is better or easier?

I don't have to buy an iPhone 4, drop it on the floor, and replace the shattered glass, to know that I have other things I'd rather be doing! It was one of the reasons I skipped that model. I also don't need to drop my iPhone 5 repeatedly in order to determine whether I'm satisfied with its durability, because other people have already done that for me. It's called online research, and some of us use it to make educated purchase decisions before we buy.

As for selling on ebay, it takes about 10 minutes to list the device, then pop it in the mail when it sells. It's not a big deal. I sell my iPhone on ebay every time a new one comes out.

10 minutes… Pfft. Keep a time sheet next time and get back to us. Don't forget to include the time you spend (1) setting up and taking the photos of your iPhone (2) writing your ad (3) answering any buyer questions (4) backing up and resetting the iPhone (5) gathering all components and packaging them safely (6) driving or walking to the post office, paying for postage, addressing the package and (7) leaving feedback. If you keep a record of all your incoming and outgoing money as I do, you'll have to factor in time for that too. I think you'd be surprised how much that all adds up to in total. I don't know, maybe I'm just slower than you.

 

[Bubba Satori]

Can't they add a protective layer?

Yes.

 

[delbrasil]

Premium??

For a Premium Product. I pay a Premium Price and I can expect Premium Quality and no dumb answers. If they can't control Quality, they should quit with phones.
Will I buy one. Yes, if they can sort out this problem. Otherwise no.

 

[bmwhd]

It really is amazing how fast we jumped to the conclusion that the anodizing on the black iP5s is flawed.

We have a real, known problem with damaged phones in the box. Not disputing that at all but we have a much smaller number of folks claiming their phones scratch easily once out of the box. We also have a huge number (myself included) that have had no issues.

Based on what I see and read it looks to me like a case of there being a batch of phones (albeit a very large batch) that were damaged during manufacturing and/or have some sort of issue with the anodizing that leads to scratching.

What I don't see yet is any evidence that all black iP5s will scratches easily.

In fact the 3 I've seen (my 2 plus a per-production test mule) have survived routine handling just fine without a scratch.

I may well have to eat crow (won't be the first time) but I'm betting this is an issue of limited scope that will be addressed to everyone's satisfaction in time.

 

[3282868]

Can't they add a protective layer?

Yup, for just $19.99 you can have Apple's new "iProtectit" bumper. A "magical" product that keeps that new iPhone from looking like it lost a fight with Bon Qui Qui at "King Burger".

(or wait until next year for Apple's new iPhone 5S, S for "Shield")

 

[Shade12]

who knows

they should used glass instead i dropped my iphone 4 over 20 times and last drop screen cracked but i replaced

 

[69650]

what is unbelievable is people expecting this material to be impervious to cosmetic scratches. looking at the iPhone5 makes ME wonder why this thread even exists in the first place. it is anodized Al- not scratch resistant, coated ballistic military grade stainless steel.

if cosmetic scratches bother so many people the answer is simple: spend your 700 quid on something else that CAN be used without a case.

Well they shouldn't be using anodized aluminium if it's so crap. They should use something more suitable for a mobile phone. Non of my other mobile phones have this problem, presumably because they're built to last.

I agree with you on the second point. I've no intention of buying the iPhone 5 with all its problems which is a shame as other my other kit is Apple. I suspect a lot of other people will do the same.

 

[Machiz]

Distressed iPhone upgrade

In the furniture business it is called "distressed." Hit it with a hammer, make a dent, charge $500 extra! Just look at it as an upgrade and pay Apple a little extra for the privilege.

 

[Cyberius11]

This is why I got the white this time around - scratches less visible than the black. However, it was slightly scuffed out of box which irritated me - my other phones haven't been.

I put a case on it which will basically protect it for resale, and I'm still happy with the purchase. I couldn't see using it without a case though as otherwise it would look horrible.

 

[Gav2k]

Scratches and dents out of the box is unacceptable. However durability is another thing.

How many people run a set of keys over there cars paint job and expect it to hold up? Or over there sgs3 and expect that not to mark! It's aluminium it's a softish workable metal! Expect it to become marked if you mistreat it!!

I look at it this way. Apple sorted me out with a new ip4 because the bumper caused pitting. The bumper was free given due to the antenna issue. They made good! If my phone had have arrived dented they would swap it. What more can I ask for?

 

[LordVic]

What more can I ask for?

A phone that arrives without any dents or scratches?

 

[dennislaska]

We also have a huge number (myself included) that have had no issues.

iphones are coming out of many different China factories.

The quality won't be the same for all.

Some with have a better more durable finish that was made and applied correctly.

Some will have a crappy treatment from a lax QAQC team.

Why does this surprise anyone?

That's what happens when you make millions of devices from different factories. They won't all be the same.

That's why there were so many problems with the new ipad screens.

just sayin

 

[MuddyPaws1]

I don't have to buy an iPhone 4, drop it on the floor, and replace the shattered glass, to know that I have other things I'd rather be doing! It was one of the reasons I skipped that model. I also don't need to drop my iPhone 5 repeatedly in order to determine whether I'm satisfied with its durability, because other people have already done that for me. It's called online research, and some of us use it to make educated purchase decisions before we buy.

I can research how to install a jet engine, doesn't mean I really know how hard it is to do. I would imagine it would take me considerably longer than a friend of mine that has done many of them. She can do it in less than a day. Difficulty is relative.

10 minutes… Pfft. Keep a time sheet next time and get back to us. Don't forget to include the time you spend (1) setting up and taking the photos of your iPhone (2) writing your ad (3) answering any buyer questions (4) backing up and resetting the iPhone (5) gathering all components and packaging them safely (6) driving or walking to the post office, paying for postage, addressing the package and (7) leaving feedback. If you keep a record of all your incoming and outgoing money as I do, you'll have to factor in time for that too. I think you'd be surprised how much that all adds up to in total. I don't know, maybe I'm just slower than you.

You obviously don't sell much on ebay. I never go to the post office. Here in the civilized world they come to us...at our house. How long does it take to click the print label button on ebay and have a label in hand? Maybe 10 seconds from the time you click to the time you have the label. Leaving feedback for a buyer takes about another 15 seconds. Did they pay? Yup, ok good feedback. Click. Write the add and upload pictures takes the longest and that still is under 5 minutes. When I sold my 4S, I did it all from my wife's phone. Took pics, upload, type 2 sentences. Click, done. I didn't have any questions on the phone. Pics speak for themselves. No scratches, comes with case and box and all cords and unused headphones. Click done. It was gone buy it now the night I listed it. Then I take that money and get the newest phone. Do it every year (or 18 months).

 

[kalsta]

I can research how to install a jet engine …

Fine, you win. I couldn't possibly argue the relevance of that analogy.

You're right… I've never tried replacing shattered glass on an iPhone, and who knows, I might actually enjoy it if I tried it—like green eggs and ham. Mind you, I have replaced a glass window on a car, spray painted aluminium window frames, removed asbestos sheeting, done structural building repairs, and all manner of other jobs that might be considered more difficult than replacing iPhone glass. But for some strange reason I just don't fancy it.

I won't plan on dropping my iPhone 5, but if I do, I think I'll live with the superficial dent/scratch on the aluminium and move on.

 

[maccompatible]

...because it's plastic.

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if a rock chipped the windshield or paint in the first week, would you call that normal?

Of course I'm kidding! Sheesh. That's the last time I make a joke on macrumors..

 

[MuddyPaws1]

I won't plan on dropping my iPhone 5, but if I do, I think I'll live with the superficial dent/scratch on the aluminium and move on.

Again, that's you. If you are going to keep your phone until it isn't worth the price of scrap, then that's fine. For people that resell to get the next one a "superficial" dent becomes a damaged phone when trying to resell. As an example, I got 425 for my 4S a week before the 5 was released. It was flawless.

 

[kalsta]

Again, that's you. If you are going to keep your phone until it isn't worth the price of scrap, then that's fine.

In other words, 'to each their own', which I said about three days and four pages of comments ago.

For people that resell to get the next one a "superficial" dent becomes a damaged phone when trying to resell. As an example, I got 425 for my 4S a week before the 5 was released. It was flawless.

Look, I can appreciate your strategy, and $425 sounds like a good price. I've done that with my kids' iPods each time they want to upgrade, but mostly because it's their own money which they worked to save, and I want to encourage them in that. If I added up the time it takes to sell them, and what I could be earning at my normal hourly rate, it's not really the best way to be earning money. Yes, here in 'uncivilised' Australia, I have to walk to the post office. Plus, if I sell any Macs or iPhones which are used for business, I'm supposed to charge GST, generate a tax invoice, declare as taxable income any amount above the current value (after calculating depreciation), yada, yada… Sometimes it's easier just to give stuff away to friends or family… which is something I like to do when I can afford to.

Anyway, sorry the discussion got a bit antsy there… I hope your wife enjoys her iPhone 5, and that she can hold onto it and not add any more dings! (Pays to remember though, that it's only a phone, and it's only money. Be grateful that you have a wife… even one who is a bit rough on iPhones!)

 

[dennislaska]

My 13 year old palm V

No case ever, has a dent but NO scratches or scuffs

"Phil Schiller Says iPhone 5 Scratching 'Normal' for Any Aluminum Product"

Not any aluminum product phil!

 

[MuddyPaws1]

Anyway, sorry the discussion got a bit antsy there… I hope your wife enjoys her iPhone 5, and that she can hold onto it and not add any more dings! (Pays to remember though, that it's only a phone, and it's only money. Be grateful that you have a wife… even one who is a bit rough on iPhones!)

No hard feelings on my part. We all do things differently. Wife decided not to keep the 5. Instead had me put her 4S back on the account and now she wants to sell the 5 on ebay.

 

[kalsta]

No hard feelings on my part. We all do things differently. Wife decided not to keep the 5. Instead had me put her 4S back on the account and now she wants to sell the 5 on ebay.

Mind me asking why? Because of the scratch resistance, or for some other reason?

If you were to ship to Australia at the right price, that would test whether I'd put my money where my mouth is, and purchase your slightly dented iPhone!

 

[MuddyPaws1]

Mind me asking why? Because of the scratch resistance, or for some other reason?

If you were to ship to Australia at the right price, that would test whether I'd put my money where my mouth is, and purchase your slightly dented iPhone!

You would have to see my other posts. (Clif's notes) She sent one that got scuffed in a hospital scrub pocket back, got another that was damaged right out of the box, took that one to an apple store 3 hours away and opened up a few more boxes before she got a good one. Never activated it. Just brought it home and had me put the 4S back on the account. So the one she has is new in the box. She also doesn't like the maps thing so she wants to keep her Jailbroken 4S on iOS 5 for now. She wants a bigger screen like my phone but likes iOS and is heavily invested in iTunes with medical apps.

 

[Mrg02d]

Every time there is a defect in its products, Apple call it a feature.

#iLost with Apple Maps is a feature. It will improve over time.
Antenagate is a feature; you're holding it wrong.
Aluminum back is easily scratched, it's normal.

Apple would never apologize, just like obama.

I agree, 100%