iPhone X That polished stainless steel.....yikes.

[spiderman0616]

So I love that Apple switched their antenna bands to stainless steel instead of aluminum on the iPhone X. If I had the choice, I would have chosen the same. It is structurally sound and virtually unbendable in most situations. And it does look nicer.

BUT

I have the white model iPhone X. I have it in a Speck Presidio Grip case (which I love). I have taken it out of the case two or three times since launch just to clean gunk out of it and get pocket lint out of the speaker grills and things like that. As I suspected would be the case the second they launched this phone, that polished stainless finish gets micro scratches all over it. Seems that they can accumulate a little even inside a case, and wiping the phone down with a clean microfiber cloth, even gently, seems to add some too.

(And to the people who I see often claiming that their stainless band is in perfect condition, I call BS. Look at it in direct sunlight.)

So, I don’t actually mind the scratching. I knew going in that it would happen eventually and it really doesn’t look too bad—the finish on my phone still looks polished and shiny. My question is if it’s possible to do something similar to what they do on the aluminum bands with the bead blasting, but keep the stainless steel material. Or maybe a brushed stainless finish of some kind? Any metallurgists out there? What do you think?

 

[barkomatic]

You can essentially restore that silver band to new by polishing it which is an advantage the silver color has over space gray. Cape Cod polishing cloths are good but there are others.

 

[spiderman0616]

You can essentially restore that silver band to new by polishing it which is an advantage the silver color has over space gray. Cape Cod polishing cloths are good but there are others.

Yeah I know. That’s partially why I’m not bothered by it. (And chances are I’ll never attempt to polish it anyway—I trade my iphones in and upgrade yearly). I’m just wondering if a more bead blasted or brushed finish would be more resiliant on stainless steel or if it would have the same problem.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Yeah I know. That’s partially why I’m not bothered by it. (And chances are I’ll never attempt to polish it anyway—I trade my iphones in and upgrade yearly). I’m just wondering if a more bead blasted or brushed finish would be more resiliant on stainless steel or if it would have the same problem.

It might work if you completely disassemble the phone down to the frame. If you’re talking about using a bead blaster, the glass and all the components that aren’t stainless would be damaged by the blasting media... If you’re talking about just brushing the edges with the phone completely assembled, I don’t think it would look very good as it would probably just make the phone look worn out. I’d rather just polish it back up to its original finish

 

[spiderman0616]

It might work if you completely disassemble the phone down to the frame. If you’re talking about using a bead blaster, the glass and all the components that aren’t stainless would be damaged by the blasting media... If you’re talking about just brushing the edges with the phone completely assembled, I don’t think it would look very good as it would probably just make the phone look worn out. I’d rather just polish it back up to its original finish

This is not something I personally want to do to the phone. I’m just kind of wondering aloud what the other finish options could be for this type of material in the future for APPLE to consider.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

This is not something I personally want to do to the phone. I’m just kind of wondering aloud what the other finish options could be for this type of material in the future for APPLE to consider.

It would definitely be cool, I’d like to do it so it looks like a factory finish though. I saw an iPhone X advertisement where the phone was disassembled and plated in gold. It looked nice, too gaudy for me but they did a nice job..

 

[eyoungren]

I’m just kind of wondering aloud what the other finish options could be for this type of material in the future for APPLE to consider.

That is probably all you can ever do is wonder.

Apple was criticized for the finish of the iPhone 5 when launched because it scuffed and chipped. It was reasonably argued here on MR that had Apple bothered using a more durable but more expensive process that the anodized aluminum of the iPhone 5 could have been more durable because it would have infused deeper into the metal.

When the 5s launched, rather than follow that more expensive but durable process Apple chose to eliminate black and create a new color they labeled Space Gray. Space Gray is the color it is because the anodization process is shortened. Gray hides scuffs and scratches better than black. So essentially Apple chose not to fix their problem, but to hide it.

I bring this up because that is typically Apple's choice when presented with issues like this. More than likely there is some sort of process that would prevent microscratches to the iPhone X frame. But it's probably more expensive. Aside from the fact that the X is expensive anyway and resulted in a price increase, that would cause Apple to have less profit per device. And compromising on their profit margin is one thing Apple won't do.

 

[now i see it]

The satin bead blasting of the previous aluminum iPhones made them the most slippery metal object on earth. Insanely slippery. What a horrible design choice. I wonder how many iPhones Jony Ive dropped before he said enough is enough- but maybe that was part of the planned obsolescence- dropping phones.

You're never going to get satin metal on an iPhone again. Anyway- you're using it in a case (as everyone should). Does it really matter what the band looks like if you can't even see it? (inside the case).

 

[spiderman0616]

The satin bead blasting of the previous aluminum iPhones made them the most slippery metal object on earth. Insanely slippery. What a horrible design choice. I wonder how many iPhones Jony Ive dropped before he said enough is enough- but maybe that was part of the planned obsolescence- dropping phones.

You're never going to get satin metal on an iPhone again. Anyway- you're using it in a case (as everyone should). Does it really matter what the band looks like if you can't even see it? (inside the case).

Nah—doesn’t matter to me really. Just thinking about stuff, getting opinions, etc. Again, I knew going in what would happen to this polished stainless steel. I was mentally prepared for it.

 

[44267547]

Yeah I know. That’s partially why I’m not bothered by it. (And chances are I’ll never attempt to polish it anyway—I trade my iphones in and upgrade yearly). I’m just wondering if a more bead blasted or brushed finish would be more resiliant on stainless steel or if it would have the same problem.

The Surgical stainless steel bands that are used on the iPhone X scratch so easily, it would be a complete Chore to even try to polish it regularly. I think the scratches give it a nice patina if you will. But I also would like to see a brushed stainless, that would blend in the hairline scratches somewhat better, similarly how I would like to see a brushed stainless offered for a casing in the stainless Apple Watch versus the high shine of the 316L regular stainless.

 

[Eggtastic]

I agreed with the brushed / matte finish in other forums. However as someone pointed out it is more slippery. I have the space gray finish with a $10 anker matte case on it. I've taken the case off several times and cannot for the life of me find any micro scratches on it so I guess that case design nailed it (I also take my phone out once a week to clean it and run the case under water to get any particles out).

The tin-foil hat wearer in me thinks that apple does this on purpose as to annoy people like me with OCD enough to upgrade to the next model when your current phone gets too dinged up.

 

[davidmartindale]

That is probably all you can ever do is wonder.

Apple was criticized for the finish of the iPhone 5 when launched because it scuffed and chipped. It was reasonably argued here on MR that had Apple bothered using a more durable but more expensive process that the anodized aluminum of the iPhone 5 could have been more durable because it would have infused deeper into the metal.

When the 5s launched, rather than follow that more expensive but durable process Apple chose to eliminate black and create a new color they labeled Space Gray. Space Gray is the color it is because the anodization process is shortened. Gray hides scuffs and scratches better than black. So essentially Apple chose not to fix their problem, but to hide it.

I bring this up because that is typically Apple's choice when presented with issues like this. More than likely there is some sort of process that would prevent microscratches to the iPhone X frame. But it's probably more expensive. Aside from the fact that the X is expensive anyway and resulted in a price increase, that would cause Apple to have less profit per device. And compromising on their profit margin is one thing Apple won't do.

The iPhone 7 used the straight black and had no issues with the durability of the finish so obviously there are other factors at play

 

[Boostedhatch]

So I love that Apple switched their antenna bands to stainless steel instead of aluminum on the iPhone X. If I had the choice, I would have chosen the same. It is structurally sound and virtually unbendable in most situations. And it does look nicer.

BUT

I have the white model iPhone X. I have it in a Speck Presidio Grip case (which I love). I have taken it out of the case two or three times since launch just to clean gunk out of it and get pocket lint out of the speaker grills and things like that. As I suspected would be the case the second they launched this phone, that polished stainless finish gets micro scratches all over it. Seems that they can accumulate a little even inside a case, and wiping the phone down with a clean microfiber cloth, even gently, seems to add some too.

(And to the people who I see often claiming that their stainless band is in perfect condition, I call BS. Look at it in direct sunlight.)

So, I don’t actually mind the scratching. I knew going in that it would happen eventually and it really doesn’t look too bad—the finish on my phone still looks polished and shiny. My question is if it’s possible to do something similar to what they do on the aluminum bands with the bead blasting, but keep the stainless steel material. Or maybe a brushed stainless finish of some kind? Any metallurgists out there? What do you think?

Aside from the iPhone 7 jet black this iPhone X silver or I would call it white is COMPLETELY Awful with scratches I was incredibly pissed within a day with a case it was covered but I got over it quickly. I will try to polish sometime and see what happens
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The iPhone 7 used the straight black and had no issues with the durability of the finish so obviously there are other factors at play

Jet black was the worst iPhone with scratches known to man.

 

[spiderman0616]

I agreed with the brushed / matte finish in other forums. However as someone pointed out it is more slippery. I have the space gray finish with a $10 anker matte case on it. I've taken the case off several times and cannot for the life of me find any micro scratches on it so I guess that case design nailed it (I also take my phone out once a week to clean it and run the case under

Aside from the iPhone 7 jet black this iPhone X silver or I would call it white is COMPLETELY Awful with scratches I was incredibly pissed within a day with a case it was covered but I got over it quickly. I will try to polish sometime and see what happens
[doublepost=1523233597][/doublepost]
Jet black was the worst iPhone with scratches known to man.

I don’t think I want to get on a polishing kick. I like that I got the model that CAN be polished, but I don’t necessarily want to do it, if that makes any sense. Just the fact that it can be done puts my mind at ease, but for a phone I’ll be upgrading in a few months anyway, I probably won’t do it.

My 7 Plus (the matte black) was super durable. I had it in the Apple silicone case most of its life, and even the bottom of it was still flawless when I traded it in.

 

[Boostedhatch]

I don’t think I want to get on a polishing kick. I like that I got the model that CAN be polished, but I don’t necessarily want to do it, if that makes any sense. Just the fact that it can be done puts my mind at ease, but for a phone I’ll be upgrading in a few months anyway, I probably won’t do it.

My 7 Plus (the matte black) was super durable. I had it in the Apple silicone case most of its life, and even the bottom of it was still flawless when I traded it in.

Ya I got the jet black 7 cause it looked dope but very very shortly after it was destroyed with scratches

 

[davidmartindale]

Aside from the iPhone 7 jet black this iPhone X silver or I would call it white is COMPLETELY Awful with scratches I was incredibly pissed within a day with a case it was covered but I got over it quickly. I will try to polish sometime and see what happens
[doublepost=1523233597][/doublepost]
Jet black was the worst iPhone with scratches known to man.

I was referring to the matte black. Though the Jet Black scratched it was light scratching like an old iPod. Not chipping and full loss of color like the black iPhone 5

 

[44267547]

Unrelated: The Jet black scratch should not be a surprise to anybody, especially given that Apple even had a disclaimer stating that due to the anodizing process, the high shine will show Micro-abrasions. It’s inevitable, you can’t prevent the Jet black from scratching, even with the most minute hairline scratches.

 

[spiderman0616]

I was referring to the matte black. Though the Jet Black scratched it was light scratching like an old iPod. Not chipping and full loss of color like the black iPhone 5

My iPhone 5 had issues right out of the box when I got it—had a nick on that polished metal edge. I put it in a case and didn’t worry about it knowing I’d probably have the same problem with replacements.

Was the 5s better in this regard? I never had one and don’t remember if those wore better.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I would ignore the micro scratches on your stainless band unless you are getting ready to sell.

 

[spiderman0616]

I would ignore the micro scratches on your stainless band unless you are getting ready to sell.

I am. I have no interest in slathering it in polishing compound at this point. I will probably send it in to Verizon as-is in the fall when I trade up. I plan on downgrading in storage next time, so if they take money off the value for scratches, I’ll still be ok.

 

[nordique]

My iPhone 5 had issues right out of the box when I got it—had a nick on that polished metal edge. I put it in a case and didn’t worry about it knowing I’d probably have the same problem with replacements.

Was the 5s better in this regard? I never had one and don’t remember if those wore better.

Yeah the 5s was much better in that regard.

At the time, space grey was new so it was refreshing to have a dark colour like that that also didn't scratch. The champhered edges was really nice and the space grey was a darker finish than the current SE. It was a very pleasant phone that was durable and didn't pick up scratches like the black 5 did. I understand why apple stuck with that space grey finish (even if they did change the colour dozens of times)

 

[wolfedude88]

I always liked the look of the stainless steel of the iPhone 4

 

[spiderman0616]

I always liked the look of the stainless steel of the iPhone 4

Loved my iPhone 4. Do you remember the bumpers though? Everyone who got an Apple bumper case ended up with ruined antenna bands. It would make black marks all over the bands and they could not be wiped off.

 

[BarracksSi]

Threads like this (and many of the comments) make me wonder if people own any polished metal objects anymore. Do you guys have homes containing only plastic things?

OP, no, you don't have to "slather" the phone in polishing paste. Use a rag with some leftover dried polishing compound if you have to.

I'm on the fence about blasted/brushed finishes, though. They hide scratches up to a point, but they'll still show up eventually (my wristwatches with brushed finishes show scuffs), and how successful you are at restoring the finish depends on what you have access to. It's easiest to restore a polished finish -- that's just how it is. Restoring a brushed finish means finding a material of a similar grit to the original -- but if you can't, then you'll need to redo the entire object. Restoring a blasted finish means having access to a bead-blasting machine and, like I said about brushed finishes, finding the same material that was used before.

The complaints about the jet black coating getting scratched.... JFC, have any of you ever owned a coated metal object that didn't scratch?

I should post photos of the scratches and dents on my tuba. Sounds like some of you will weep over them.

#GetAGripOnYourselves
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Loved my iPhone 4. Do you remember the bumpers though? Everyone who got an Apple bumper case ended up with ruined antenna bands. It would make black marks all over the bands and they could not be wiped off.

"Everyone"? Didn't happen to mine.

 

[tkukoc]

I've never understood the scratches issues with phones. If they are on the front screen where it effects use, totally understand that. But if they are on the side or back, as long as you can't see the inside of the phone I never see it as a problem. Essentially people want their iPhone to be all pretty, all the time.. with regular use it's not really possible unless you're babying it constantly. I put my devices in cases, the bottom of my X has some micro scratches, never concerns me. Same with when I choose to sell it.. they don't effect usage so no biggie. I get the same amount of money back as the other guy.

I personally love the look of the X with stainless steel edging, which is the reason I got that one over Space Grey which I've had since they started offering that colorway.