Each year, Apple emphasizes the durability and resistance of its devices, claiming to reduce the likelihood of breakage from falls, bumps, and scratches. To assess this claim, I have conducted a two-year analysis on my father’s iPhone 12 Pro, which he uses daily without a protective case. The following are the results of my assessment.
Is an iPhone fragile?
Apple has introduced the Ceramic Shield technology in the iPhone 12 which has made the device less prone to damage, breakage, and scratches due to falls or bumps. This technology has undoubtedly improved the device’s durability as compared to its predecessors such as the iPhone X and XS, which were commonly observed to have broken backs.
Although the construction materials of the devices vary, they serve as a clear example of how Apple has evolved over the years in terms of chassis and screen durability. It is uncommon to see iPhone 12 devices with a broken back and screen, further proving the efficiency of the Ceramic Shield technology.
Bad points
Not using a case for your iPhone can have consequences for the device, as it is used on a daily basis. One of the first noticeable effects is the accumulation of a greasy layer on the sides of the chassis due to constant use. However, even after cleaning the device, this layer may not be completely removed, indicating the wear and tear that occurs as a result of everyday use.
The everyday use of volume buttons, power button, and vibration switch can cause normal wear and tear on the device over time. This is expected with average use by any user.
Lightning connector and speakers
The Lightning connector is more susceptible to damage than the aforementioned sections, as it tends to accumulate more dirt and dust. Therefore, we have had to clean the connector from time to time to ensure that the device charges properly.
Similar to the Lightning connector, the music and call output speakers of the iPhone can also accumulate dirt and dust over time, leading to a decrease in audio quality. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a cleaning every six months or once a year to ensure that the audio and call quality remains clear and without noise.
Screen and back
Although using the iPhone without a case exposes the back and screen to potential damage, it does not necessarily mean that they will break. After being dropped multiple times, the screen may not show any visible cracks, but it may have scratches that a case would not have prevented.
Although scratches may not affect the user experience, they can be a source of annoyance for some users. However, as you mentioned, it’s important to note that this is a device that is two years old, and newer devices may have better scratch-resistant technology. Additionally, some users may prioritize the aesthetic appearance of their device, so they may choose to use a case or take other precautions to prevent scratches from occurring.
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone has proven to be durable and able to withstand regular use without a case or screen protector. However, it ultimately depends on how the device is used and how well it is taken care of. The iPhone 12 Pro analyzed in this case belonged to a typical user who was reasonably cautious but not excessively so.
While there were visible signs of wear and tear, such as scratches and a fatty layer on the chassis, the device remained fully functional and did not exhibit any major damage to the screen or back. Overall, Apple’s efforts to improve the durability and resilience of its devices through technologies such as the Ceramic Shield have been effective and can provide peace of mind for users who choose to use their iPhones without additional protection.
That’s absolutely right. While the iPhone has proven to be durable and resistant, it is important to remember that accidents can happen at any time and to anyone. Even the most careful users can experience accidental drops or bumps that result in damage to their device. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a protective case and screen protector to minimize the risk of damage.
