To Those Who Buy Those Leather/Silicone/Not too Protective Cases

[LongWayHome]

Phones today are a lot more durable than the iPhone 4 was. I don't use a case and have dropped my 12 Pro Max a couple of times and there isn't a scratch on it. I also run and workout a lot as well. Going case-less isn't for everyone, but the leather cases of today offer more than enough protection for your phones. Cases like Otterbox and massive overkill in my opinion.

For reference I also dropped my 4 back in the day and it shattered the screen as well. It was a very fragile device.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I usually put on a silicone case and a screen protector. I like the feel of silicone better than the leather. I like using a screen protector mainly to get that new oleophobic feel when I change it few months.

I have dropped my phones mainly from the pocket of my pants. No damage to the phones or screens.

I do also get the AppleCare but I think next time I won’t.

One of these times, I’m going to go without a case

 

[naturalguy]

All it takes is one drop to ruin your phone which is why I always use a Defender. Who wants to deal with the hassle of Apple care when a case will protect your phone

 

[Smigit]

Never damaged a phone via dropping it in 17 years, so it’s not something I’m bothered about. I have dropped an iPhone a few times but the leather case has always been sufficient. I have warranty in case too.

The only iPhone I’ve damaged wasn’t a drop but a 5 that I left in my pocket of some jeans I threw in a washing machine. Realised too late and it was water damaged so I needed to replace with a refurb.

 

[SisterBlue22]

I've had every iPhone since the original in 2007, and I've dropped my phone exactly one time. I was at work, and my Xs Max slid off my laptop as I was walking to a meeting, and landed flat on it's face on the floor. No damage. I've always used Apple Silicone cases and love how they look and feel. I'm not going to put my phone in a bulky case that I don't like the look or feel of. However, if I was a person that routinely dropped phones, I'd probably have a different view.

 

[5105973]

you do not fear that when you drop the phone, those cases wont be enough? How do you deal with that fear? Just YOLO?

No hate. But just curious. I dropped my iPhone 4 before with a leather case, and the screen cracked in many places. Since then I am hesitant to really use those fancy but not too protective cases. I really wanna get a leather case again but just hesitant cuz I go to the gym and run a lot. So I just get Otterbox Symmetry, Pursuit and now Defender.

I do not drop my phone a lot but you know, accidents happen.

Well I suppose you could do what I’ve done in the past and have multiple cases for different occasions. I had some nice leather cases for my iPhone 7 Plus but I also had a UAG folio case for it for when I was hiking. I lost my footing on a particularly rocky path and that folio case saved my iPhone from damage as it slid down that rocky path with me. I think it started in my pocket but fell out along the way. I don’t quite remember but I remember it ended up sliding a few feet.

But that case was much too fug to use on a regular basis. Inside the house or out on the town I was not going to need a rugged folio and Apple Leather or Silicone was just fine.

 

[Apple_Robert]

haha i used to think and feel the same way as you. ive had iphones since the 3gs and my go-to is always rhinoshields (ive literally dropped my pervious phone in a rhinoshield probably 6,785 times on gravel and concrete and had NO DAMAGE to the phone). i purchased an apple silicone and leather case for my new iphone 12 pro with the intention of returning both while i wait for my rhinoshield, but i fell in love despite the ugly price. anyways, i returned the leather and the rhinoshield and kept the silicone. im willing to risk any potential damage from this less protective case simply because of how GREAT it looks and feels holding this phone with the case on. plus the screen on the ip12 is apparently stronger anyways so im not too worried about damage.

With some hard work and persistence, I think you have a chance at hitting the 7K drop mark before the end of January.

I agree about the silicone case. It does feel great in the hand. Apple also makes some really nice colors, compared to the leather.

 

[Apple OC]

Dropped my iPhone 7 down a flight of approx 12 stairs once... watched it bounce all the way to the bottom... the glass screen protector broke, however the Apple leather protected the phone perfectly.

 

[Pepperfection]

THANKS GUYS!

No AppleCare in my country, so yeah, I guess I will just switch case. Otterbox Defender when I am out hiking and running, then a nice leather/clear case when Im off to the city.

I still cannot dare do nude(even for my self, not the phone). The camera bump will put me in anxiety. lol

 

[DianaMR]

you do not fear that when you drop the phone, those cases wont be enough? How do you deal with that fear? Just YOLO?

No hate. But just curious. I dropped my iPhone 4 before with a leather case, and the screen cracked in many places. Since then I am hesitant to really use those fancy but not too protective cases. I really wanna get a leather case again but just hesitant cuz I go to the gym and run a lot. So I just get Otterbox Symmetry, Pursuit and now Defender.

I do not drop my phone a lot but you know, accidents happen.

I’ve used the Apple cases for years and drop my phone regularly. Never had damage to the phone. The cases have gotten scratched up, but that’s all. I also always get Apple Care+. I just dropped mine a couple days ago in my pretty red leather and it scratched one corner of the case.

 

[titans1127]

Ive dropped my XR in a Bullstrap leather case a couple of times on the concrete with no screen protector and the case took all the damage and the phone stayed pristine. Now with the 12 Pro, I have an Apple leather and silicone case as my main cases and a Speck case for those times where I might need extra protection. No screen protector on the 12 Pro as well.

 

[1rottenapple]

you do not fear that when you drop the phone, those cases wont be enough? How do you deal with that fear? Just YOLO?

No hate. But just curious. I dropped my iPhone 4 before with a leather case, and the screen cracked in many places. Since then I am hesitant to really use those fancy but not too protective cases. I really wanna get a leather case again but just hesitant cuz I go to the gym and run a lot. So I just get Otterbox Symmetry, Pursuit and now Defender.

I do not drop my phone a lot but you know, accidents happen.

Phone screens are more crack resistant that old phones. I for one don’t see as many broken phone screens. Get a leather case with a screen protector and you should be good.

 

[mamalig]

I get 20% off apple care plus and just pay monthly, I do it mainly as it’s my business phone so it’s easy/fast to get a replacement as I live 6 hours from a apple store.
I can do insurance but takes longer and there is a excess to pay too, and they put your policy up every time you claim.
Have made good use of both ways with my kids phones, a good case and screen protector won’t stop a dumbbell in a gym haha. 17 year old girl too lol.

To solve problems with the integrity of the phone when falling, many different modifications of cases have been invented. For every taste. There are by the way not only shockproof but also water-resistant and even fireproof.

 

[DanTSX]

Phone is big enough as it is.

Get Apple care + and a thin/minimal case.

No Duplo / Playskool cases unless it’s for kids.

 

[ScreenSavers]

I use the Apple clear case. And I don’t drop my phone… No dropping = no problem.

(By don’t drop, I mean I don’t drop it regularly. In the past I drop it about once a year if even that. That’s not to say I won’t drop it as soon as I’m done typing this though…)

 

[DanTSX]

Phone screens are more crack resistant that old phones. I for one don’t see as many broken phone screens. Get a leather case with a screen protector and you should be good.

I have read that while the new screens are more crack resistant, they may be more scratch prone. Of course that may mean it is only slightly less scratch resistant than before. But it is in line with hardness/brittleness curves I of other materials. No free lunch.

That is why I like very thin folio cases. I’ve been using Tumi luggage folio cases for over 5 years on my recently replaced iPhone 6S. It did a great job keeping the screen absolutely mint, without adding any bulk to the phone. Great sophisticated look too.

I hope their version for the 12 is as good.

 

[shr631]

I have read that while the new screens are more crack resistant, they may be more scratch prone. Of course that may mean it is only slightly less scratch resistant than before. But it is in line with hardness/brittleness curves I of other materials. No free lunch.

That is why I like very thin folio cases. I’ve been using Tumi luggage folio cases for over 5 years on my recently replaced iPhone 6S. It did a great job keeping the screen absolutely mint, without adding any bulk to the phone. Great sophisticated look too.

I hope their version for the 12 is as good.


View attachment 1700372

Tumi do make very nice products. Never tried their phone cases but I’m sure it’s nice. I’d be interested to hear your impressions when you get it. Love the disclaimer ‘iPhone sold separately’...I’m now going to find every company that doesn’t have this and demand my iPhone which wasn’t included in the box 😂🤣

 

[1rottenapple]

Ugh i don't like the idea of having to flip a case open all the time.

Why not use a screen protector?

I'm using my mini without protection since i'm going to get apple care anyways.

 

[shr631]

Ugh i don't like the idea of having to flip a case open all the time.

Why not use a screen protector?

I'm using my mini without protection since i'm going to get apple care anyways.

I hear that, although I was surprised how much I’ve come to prefer a folio style case when I’m out and about. Cards, ID, a little cash, and screen protection all included. Plus with a magnetic clasp, you can fold it back and have it stay ‘open-screen’ if you want. Most also have a kickstand function so you have that option too. Of course it’s bulkier but there are different materials that can make them lighter. And they’re available at budget and high-end price points. I’m not employed by the folio case industry, just a customer 😉

 

[s66]

I just want an Apple case. I have a leather one on my X from the moment I got the phone.

Something one the front would remove part of the instant on experience and the flap is always in the way on a phone.
Without anything ("naked") the camera bump is unsightly IMHO, and the phone won't lay flat on a table, so that's why I feel the leather or silicon cases from Apple are essential.

I completely refuse screen protectors: IMHO they do not make the screen better. They make it FAR worse.
I've used other people's phones that had them on over the years: it really makes phones worse, a lot.
And I've also seen screen protectors with more scratches over a much shorter time than my phone would collect over it's lifetime. So, it might sacrifice itself, but you'll have far more scratches all the time, even if you replace it regularly.

IMHO those selling the screen protectors are selling snake oil: it's not needed, but it earns them a lot of money if they manage to convince you that you need one.

The leather case -and I guess the silicon one just as well- does more than protect the back and sides of the phone: it also protects the screen itself from drops with that thin ridge on the front.

I've dropped my X a few times over the years: never a problem.
I've kept my X in my pocket with keys etc and while the leather has earned a lot of patina from that, the screen is just fine after all these years with no significant scrathes at all and just a very few minuscule ones only somebody obsessed with a new screen would see (for an X being used all the time since it was originally released -I ordered it on launch day- ...) .

OH BTW: Apple doesn't offer Applecare for iPhone out here. So if and when it happens: I'm ready to pay the screen replacement and/or the "repairable damage" fee to get a new one when it's still newish - or to replace it should it come to that when it's as old as it is now.

 

[1rottenapple]

I hear that, although I was surprised how much I’ve come to prefer a folio style case when I’m out and about. Cards, ID, a little cash, and screen protection all included. Plus with a magnetic clasp, you can fold it back and have it stay ‘open-screen’ if you want. Most also have a kickstand function so you have that option too. Of course it’s bulkier but there are different materials that can make them lighter. And they’re available at budget and high-end price points. I’m not employed by the folio case industry, just a customer 😉

do you take it out when your home? I can see where that might be good to have when out and about with cash and ID and cards plus phone in one package.

 

[ericg301]

I just want an Apple case. I have a leather one on my X from the moment I got the phone.

Something one the front would remove part of the instant on experience and the flap is always in the way on a phone.
Without anything ("naked") the camera bump is unsightly IMHO, and the phone won't lay flat on a table, so that's why I feel the leather or silicon cases from Apple are essential.

I completely refuse screen protectors: IMHO they do not make the screen better. They make it FAR worse.
I've used other people's phones that had them on over the years: it really makes phones worse, a lot.
And I've also seen screen protectors with more scratches over a much shorter time than my phone would collect over it's lifetime. So, it might sacrifice itself, but you'll have far more scratches all the time, even if you replace it regularly.

IMHO those selling the screen protectors are selling snake oil: it's not needed, but it earns them a lot of money if they manage to convince you that you need one.

The leather case -and I guess the silicon one just as well- does more than protect the back and sides of the phone: it also protects the screen itself from drops with that thin ridge on the front.

I've dropped my X a few times over the years: never a problem.
I've kept my X in my pocket with keys etc and while the leather has earned a lot of patina from that, the screen is just fine after all these years with no significant scrathes at all and just a very few minuscule ones only somebody obsessed with a new screen would see (for an X being used all the time since it was originally released -I ordered it on launch day- ...) .

OH BTW: Apple doesn't offer Applecare for iPhone out here. So if and when it happens: I'm ready to pay the screen replacement and/or the "repairable damage" fee to get a new one when it's still newish - or to replace it should it come to that when it's as old as it is now.

Apple would love nothing more than to take your money to replace your screen.

I prefer to spend $12 or so a year for a pack of 3-6 screen protectors and have the extra piece of mind. I’ve never felt like my phone has been limited in any way. Maybe you’ve had some bad installs.

 

[1rottenapple]

I just want an Apple case. I have a leather one on my X from the moment I got the phone.

Something one the front would remove part of the instant on experience and the flap is always in the way on a phone.
Without anything ("naked") the camera bump is unsightly IMHO, and the phone won't lay flat on a table, so that's why I feel the leather or silicon cases from Apple are essential.

I completely refuse screen protectors: IMHO they do not make the screen better. They make it FAR worse.
I've used other people's phones that had them on over the years: it really makes phones worse, a lot.
And I've also seen screen protectors with more scratches over a much shorter time than my phone would collect over it's lifetime. So, it might sacrifice itself, but you'll have far more scratches all the time, even if you replace it regularly.

IMHO those selling the screen protectors are selling snake oil: it's not needed, but it earns them a lot of money if they manage to convince you that you need one.

The leather case -and I guess the silicon one just as well- does more than protect the back and sides of the phone: it also protects the screen itself from drops with that thin ridge on the front.

I've dropped my X a few times over the years: never a problem.
I've kept my X in my pocket with keys etc and while the leather has earned a lot of patina from that, the screen is just fine after all these years with no significant scrathes at all and just a very few minuscule ones only somebody obsessed with a new screen would see (for an X being used all the time since it was originally released -I ordered it on launch day- ...) .

OH BTW: Apple doesn't offer Applecare for iPhone out here. So if and when it happens: I'm ready to pay the screen replacement and/or the "repairable damage" fee to get a new one when it's still newish - or to replace it should it come to that when it's as old as it is now.

I had the same feeling about screen protectors until I got my Ipad pro. I forget about it and there no loss in clarity or scratches. I also put a screen protector on my 12 Max but I returned it. NO screen protector on the mini for now...

My XS Max was BEAT TO HELL with so many micro scratches (xray incident at the airport) and then a chip on the glass that I change my stance on screen protectors lol

 

[shr631]

do you take it out when your home? I can see where that might be good to have when out and about with cash and ID and cards plus phone in one package.

Yep, exactly. I switch it out to another case at home and for things like jogging and going to the park.

 

[s66]

Apple would love nothing more than to take your money to replace your screen.

The whole point is that I have NEVER damaged any screen on any of my iPhones - well not if you don't start to look for minuscule scratches using a magnifying glass - but I could not care less about those that I can't see anyway.
I've dropped them plenty of the years. I also keep them for a long time as I have no need for the latest, greatest iPhone anyway.
And I only ever had any case on any of them since they have the camera bump/lens that sticks out.

Had I spent 12$ (or 12 EUR - and I doubt those that sell out here go for that low to be fair) every single year: I'd have had a worse product all the time and I would have spent much more than even for a single screen replacement (that I never needed).
The only way to improve on this would be that the screen protector vendor would insure you would the screen on the phone break nonetheless. But they won't do that (certainly not at that price point).

The screens of an iPhone are NOT fragile at all.

Those pushing the screen protectors ...

I prefer to spend $12 or so a year for a pack of 3-6 screen protectors and have the extra piece of mind. I’ve never felt like my phone has been limited in any way. Maybe you’ve had some bad installs.

You mean like people getting it installed at an Apple Authorized Reseller, ... (my sister had one of those), I've also seen that location pushing people into buying the screen protector with their iPhone using guilt and FUD. It's an outright disgrace to see how they badmouth the screen of the phone they're selling in favor of the obvious profit they make by installing these glass screens. If I were doing an audit of such a chain of stores for Apple: they'd lose their authorized status pretty quickly: you do not badmouth the product you sell in your store.

In the end there's 2 possible materials they can use: a plastic layer or a thin piece of glass.
Plastic: yuck. The big improvement apple did with the original iPhone was exactly that: a glass screen! Not goign to revert back to the dark ages out of fear.
The glass is not going to be better than what apple puts in the phone itself already. Neither with reflections, nor with strength. And certainly not when it comes to the precision of the digitizer. esp. not at the very edge of the phone.

I've also seen cracked screens underneath a perfectly intact screen "protector"... on phones that got dropped badly on an edge. So what are they protecting from anyway: they scratch more easily than the screen and can't protect it from fall damage that is unlucky or bad enough to damaging the screen anyway.