How does the white iPhone hold up if you don't use a case?

I have googled for the last few days looking for pictures or articles/posts about how the white 5 looks after several months caseless. I really, really want to go caseless with the phone, I don't generally drop my phones , and I know the white doesn't show damage like the black, but all the postings I can find about wear and tear seem to only be about the black phones. I found one in regards to the white and dude had dropped it so it had more than just wear and tear.

Does anyone have a white 5 that has been naked for the last few months and has been handled somewhat carefully that can give me an idea of discolouration, finish, how it's holding up?

I googled and binged and I gave up finding something I'd hoped was helpful and have it turn out to be about the black one. I don't care about the black one. It's why I didn't get the black one. Heh.

I have had my white iPhone 5 for about 3 months now, and I too have gone completely caseless. I hate the feel of cases and I'd much rather go naked, it just feels more natural (no pun intended).

With that being said, I have experienced some minor wear and tear. It's never been dropped, but there is a scratch on the left side aluminum strip just below the volume buttons. I also have some small chipping on the silver band that runs around the edges of the phone, located just below the headphone jack. There's also a couple of very minor scratches on the Apple logo on the back (those are probably the most noticeable out of everything).

So far, it's all very, very minor and stuff that doesn't really bother me, but it is cause for a little concern. I never had this issue with my 4 or my 4S until I actually dropped them. I don't have my camera available at the moment, but later today I'll try and post a few photos for you.

My white iP5 has been about 50% case-less and 50% in case since I got it...this is a replacement I received earlier this year (because of a faulty power button), but the previous one had about the same treatment. No discoloration or anything, it's in flawless condition (glass and frame).

Now watch...I'll drop the damn thing today and shatter it or something, lol!

My brother has a white 5 and I have a black 5 we both grabbed them on release day. He works construction and I work in an office. My black that was even replaced around late December, early January looks like it has been to hell and back. The black paint isn't holding up well at all. I've not dropped it or anything mainly goes from my pocket to the desk or pocket to the cup holder in my car. Now his looks like he just unboxed it this morning, which I thought was surprising since he works in the construction industry. We both use our devices about the same his is in and out of his pocket all day on construction sites calling contractors and supply centers.

I even teased him a little while we were picking them up with a little "I cant believe you're getting a white one working on construction sites, that thing is going to look like crap in a month."

Boy was I wrong

Thanks guys! I am usually a case ***** (I had a case for my iPhone 4 cases) but this phone is so pretty...I have a white Moshi iGlaze and a Speck Fabshell but I keep taking it out of the case to look at it. Heh.

And now I'm taking it out to start just enjoying the phone.

It has an amazing form...and it's so light it's insane. If I wasn't on my feet or dealing with people physically in my job, I'd probably use it with no case.

Why not just get Zagg to cover it? This is what I'm contemplating for my next iPhone. I usually put my iPhones in cases from day one either Lifeproof or Otterbox. So when I get the new one the old one looks like I just took it out of the box. The problem is that means nothing by then, I always skip a model before getting a new one, because the resale value is what it is. No one is going to give me more money just because it is almost brand new. At over a year there's no warranty so I'm like what is the point of buy a $100 case. The next one I'm going to cover it in Zagg and get Applecare.

I loathe Zagg, iShieldz, all those protectors. Hate them. They feel sticky, look awful, discolour...I don't resale my iPhones though. I keep them as media players.

I have not resold one yet, so that part doesn't play into it for me. My white iPhone 5 has been caseless for a few months. The shiny apple logo on the back is quite scratched on the surface, but the edges have the deeper nicks and scratches. They can't really be noticed from 2 feet away though since the scratches are the same color as the metal. I worried a little about the scratches at first, bit it doesn't bother me as long as the screen is ok. My phone has taken a couple of tumbles also.

Originally Posted by reeneebob

Thanks guys! I am usually a case ***** (I had a case for my iPhone 4 cases) but this phone is so pretty...I have a white Moshi iGlaze and a Speck Fabshell but I keep taking it out of the case to look at it. Heh.

And now I'm taking it out to start just enjoying the phone.

You're killing me.....you know that.....you're killing me talking about that beautiful phone.....

Originally Posted by qbnkelt

You're killing me.....you know that.....you're killing me talking about that beautiful phone.....

It's so freakishly pretty, you should get one. 😁

I have several deep nicks around the edges and some minor scratching on the back of mine. It's been in an Otterbox Defender since I got it in October. I'm sure it would be in better condition had I not used a case at all. That said, for the debris floating around in my case causing large marks on the edges not to scratch the rest of the phone significantly should say a lot about the durability of the white iP5.

Originally Posted by reeneebob

It's so freakishly pretty, you should get one. 😁

Ha!!!! Halfway there in my cookie jar stash towards an unlocked 32G!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

I've been on my white iPhone 5 for almost a year without a case. The phone won't show scratches and scuffs at all. Not unless you drop it. Even the anodized back which is thought to be prone to scratches is still in perfect condition. The phone won't take drops lightly though, holes and dents shows up easily on the back..

I have had my Black iPhone 5 since launch. I have never experienced the chipping and scratching some seem to have experienced. It is perfect!

I think it'll be fine without a case but at this point I use a snap on the back case for the added grip ONLY! This thing is friggin slippery.

This is a pretty minimalist case if anybody is interested.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

*duplicate*

It holds up just like any other phone without a case. It gets scratched, the glass chips and possibly shatters, it easily takes on damage. If you're fine with all that, go ahead and go without a case. Otherwise, put it in a good case like an Otterbox, and you'll never need to worry about how the phone holds up.


Tappin and Talkin from my iPhone 5

Originally Posted by jclisenby

It holds up just like any other phone without a case. It gets scratched, the glass chips and possibly shatters, it easily takes on damage. If you're fine with all that, go ahead and go without a case. Otherwise, put it in a good case like an Otterbox, and you'll never need to worry about how the phone holds up.


Tappin and Talkin from my iPhone 5

I will never put an otterbox on any of my phones.

Ew.

Originally Posted by reeneebob

I will never put an otterbox on any of my phones.

Ew.

Agreed the otterbox cases are just too bulky and ugly. I understand their purpose but like you would never put one on my sexy phone!


Sent from Jack Bauer's PDA.

Originally Posted by swarlos

Agreed the otterbox cases are just too bulky and ugly. I understand their purpose but like you would never put one on my sexy phone!


Sent from Jack Bauer's PDA.

It's fine for people who's affraid of damaging the phone, or someone who fears dropping it from a 20 story building, they are just too big.

I prefer using a case. It makes my phone different from the others and keeps it intact :)

White iPhone 5 since release day. Never a case. You'd have to use a magnifier to see the scratches. Phone gets its own pocket with nothing else.

I have my iPhone since Dec. 2012 and keep it in a case. I bought a really cheap transparent case. So that its protected without sacrificing the beauty of this phone. I clean my phone once every 3 months though. :) I didn't like white at first but when i saw the chipping issues. I was thankful to my sister to buy it in white and in 64gb since I put a lot of media on it :)


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

Well considering that I wasn't able to wait until the iPhone 5s came out and ended up moving on an iPhone 5, in white, I might be able to answer this EXCEPT for the fact that I IMMEDIATELY put it in an Otterbox.
No way. Can't risk my new baby.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Originally Posted by qbnkelt

Well considering that I wasn't able to wait until the iPhone 5s came out and ended up moving on an iPhone 5, in white, I might be able to answer this EXCEPT for the fact that I IMMEDIATELY put it in an Otterbox.
No way. Can't risk my new baby.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Congratulations, how do you like it compared to your previous iPhone.

Originally Posted by qbnkelt

Well considering that I wasn't able to wait until the iPhone 5s came out and ended up moving on an iPhone 5, in white, I might be able to answer this EXCEPT for the fact that I IMMEDIATELY put it in an Otterbox.
No way. Can't risk my new baby.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

I KNEW you wouldn't be able to wait. Lol

Originally Posted by FFR

Congratulations, how do you like it compared to your previous iPhone.

FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much smoother. The camera is JUST BEYOND AMAZING. Beyond that, I thoughT I was going to hate the elongated device but I've taken to it quite readily. The battery is still breaking in but I've managed over 8 hours of heavy use (whatsApp, messaging, music, FB) pretty consistently.

And the device is even more gorgeous than the 4S. It is just gorgeous.

Get me BBM quickly and this device will become my daily driver 98% of the time.

i just picked up a white 5 and have no plans on covering it - with anything. AND i work in the construction industry

needless to say my OCD has reached an all new level - YOLO!

I don't use a case 24/7 with my White iPhone 5 and it still looks as good as the day I took it out of the box. There isn't a scratch on it and there is also no yellowing on the white front which some people worry about.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk 2.

Originally Posted by BLiNK

i just picked up a white 5 and have no plans on covering it - with anything. AND i work in the construction industry

needless to say my OCD has reached an all new level - YOLO!

Congrats on your new iPhone 5 purchase! I assume one of your CL adventures was finally successful?? How do you like it so far?

Originally Posted by 03_CTD

Congrats on your new iPhone 5 purchase! I assume one of your CL adventures was finally successful?? How do you like it so far?

thanks! pretty sweet actually! i've messed around with a few to see what the LTE speed was like but, as you know, it's different when you have the leisure to constantly fiddle with your own

the battery life is amazing compared to my 4S, which wasn't bad to begin with.

in regards to the CL transaction i am still unsure why the guy was selling it. he was acting really funny at times but everything i did to check the device came out fine so i went for it. this should hold me over until March 2014 when my upgrade is due!

do you have a 5 as well?

no issues here and I've hardly ever used a case w any iphone I've ever had

I'm not sure if anyone has suggested this (to lazy to read through all of the responses right now), but I have a black iphone5 and I use the Ghost Armor on mine. It works great and keeps it scratch free. Go to Ghost Armor and check it out.

Originally Posted by BLiNK

thanks! pretty sweet actually! i've messed around with a few to see what the LTE speed was like but, as you know, it's different when you have the leisure to constantly fiddle with your own

the battery life is amazing compared to my 4S, which wasn't bad to begin with.

in regards to the CL transaction i am still unsure why the guy was selling it. he was acting really funny at times but everything i did to check the device came out fine so i went for it. this should hold me over until March 2014 when my upgrade is due!

do you have a 5 as well?

Yep. I've had my white 5 since October. It still amazes me to this day how fast and reliable it is! Glad to hear you're enjoying yours so far!!

I've had very similar experiences with CL/kijiji myself so I understand your frustration. Good honest deals with a safe transaction are almost impossible to accomplish. You got a great price on that device though!

Are you using any kind of holster/pouch/belt clip with your 5 or just in your pocket? I work construction myself and have always used a Defender which I loathe with a passion!!
It's way too nice of a phone to be buried in that brick of a case. It's also way too nice of a phone to break due to a multiple story drop! Lol......decisions..........

I prefer the shell because bumber protect the sides only

Traded recently for the white (2nd time) and can't imagine putting a case on this beauty...

You will switch again lol :)

There's no way I'd go naked with my iphone, I'm way too clumsy. My shocksuit from bodyglove is just as protective as a super expensive and bulky otterbox and it still looks pretty slick, at least I think it does

I have the iPhone 5 in white with 64gb of storage. I bought the white for that reason, very glad I did. My phone is flawless, use screen protector all the time, must say I do take very good care of it. The white version IMO is the best for not showing wear and tear. Love it. Good Luck, Vinny


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Mine has been in a case since day one. I'm in the "way too clumsy" club. My Lupus gives me very dry hands and if I use it naked I can't hold on to it. I went naked once (ONCE) with my 4 and dropped it and chipped the glass. Sadly I deciced I can't be trusted without a case. I would love to use it without a case because it's thin and light. I have the Speck candy shell grip. It's small enough to keep the lightweight feel. I also have a Griffin Survivor case but only use that when I know it's going to be rainy or I know it could get bumped around (like the fair or Disney). I tried an Otter Box but it rattled in the case so I was worried it would scratch it up like it did for my daughters iPhone 4.

I'm using my summery Speck Fabshell Megaplaid spectrum case for now but as soon as fall hits, naked baby.


Shhhh qbknlt and I are secretly the same person, both using Tapatalk 2

I have never put a case on my White iPhone 5 and I got it when they first came out. Mine looks like it did the day it came out of the box. Perfectly fine. Same with my old iPhone 4S

I don't use a case on mine unless I need a Mophie for a particular occasion. Got it on launch day and dropped it numerous times on a variety of dangerous surfaces including concrete, gravel, dirt, etc. Although it is both scuffed and scratched, it doesn't really show either unless you're looking. It's not nearly as bad as a slightly scuffed or scratched black iPhone 5. That's one reason I love the white, it hides all of the wear. The only noticeable issue is the plastic rim around the front glass can get dirty when it gets dinged which can be mildly distracting. It's definitely worth going caseless however, the phone is beautiful.

Threads like this torture me because there is such a large part of me that wants to go case-less. I do worry about dropping it, but also about times where i just toss it on the counter, desk, etc. I worry about the back or sides scratching. Partly because, I always sell my year old device to put toward purchasing the newest release. Wish I could get past it lol. It's such a sleek and sexy device!
​

Rule of thumb for me is I pop a case on when I go out but at home I go ceaseless. I've dropped and cracked too many devices on the sidewalk without a case. Even with the insurance this is like 150 to replace.

I'm going to order a case this week from Amazon,I scared I'm going to drop it.

Originally Posted by bberrynewbie84

I'm going to order a case this week from Amazon,I scared I'm going to drop it.

this is a perfect example of someone who needs a case on their phone. if you "think" you're going to drop it, then you most likely will

as each day passes with my naked White iP5 the more i feel compelled to Not cover up this thing of beauty!

Originally Posted by BLiNK

this is a perfect example of someone who needs a case on their phone. if you "think" you're going to drop it, then you most likely will

as each day passes with my naked White iP5 the more i feel compelled to Not cover up this thing of beauty!

When I was running caseless I never dropped it.

Put the speck on and dropped it within the hour.


Shhhh qbknelt and I are secretly the same person, both using Tapatalk 2

Originally Posted by reeneebob

When I was running caseless I never dropped it.

Put the speck on and dropped it within the hour.


Shhhh qbknelt and I are secretly the same person, both using Tapatalk 2

Hahaha is it just a coincidence that you've spelled Q's name wrong twice now?

Originally Posted by 03_CTD

Hahaha is it just a coincidence that you've spelled Q's name wrong twice now?

Ugh my latent dyslexia strikes again!


Shhhh qbnkelt and I are secretly the same person, both using Tapatalk 2

My white one started getting too dirty even while on a case so I ended up trading it for a black one.

Originally Posted by jrdnlc

My white one started getting too dirty even while on a case so I ended up trading it for a black one.

Apple lets customers do that? trade for another color??

I don't think so, but I'm new the Apple so I might be wrong

I just got an iPhone 5 today and they said I have 14 days if I didn't like color I could trade it in, but then again I got it for tmobile, idk if that is carrier specific.
Btw, this thread actually made me feel better for not buying a case. Lol

Originally Posted by BLiNK

Apple lets customers do that? trade for another color??

The only time I have heard of Apple doing this when a person is past the point of return is when the color the person should receive is out of stock.

Originally Posted by reeneebob

I have googled for the last few days looking for pictures or articles/posts about how the white 5 looks after several months caseless. I really, really want to go caseless with the phone, I don't generally drop my phones , and I know the white doesn't show damage like the black, but all the postings I can find about wear and tear seem to only be about the black phones. I found one in regards to the white and dude had dropped it so it had more than just wear and tear.

Does anyone have a white 5 that has been naked for the last few months and has been handled somewhat carefully that can give me an idea of discolouration, finish, how it's holding up?

I googled and binged and I gave up finding something I'd hoped was helpful and have it turn out to be about the black one. I don't care about the black one. It's why I didn't get the black one. Heh.

Here you go: got it on the first day and naked since then. Dropped a few times on cement. A few small dents on the edge.
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Originally Posted by Ipheuria

Why not just get Zagg to cover it? This is what I'm contemplating for my next iPhone. I usually put my iPhones in cases from day one either Lifeproof or Otterbox. So when I get the new one the old one looks like I just took it out of the box. The problem is that means nothing by then, I always skip a model before getting a new one, because the resale value is what it is. No one is going to give me more money just because it is almost brand new. At over a year there's no warranty so I'm like what is the point of buy a $100 case. The next one I'm going to cover it in Zagg and get Applecare.

Plus one on the Zagg. I have a white 4s and a white 5. My 5 went into a Zagg on the date of purchase, and I never have an issue when I decide to go caseless for the day or week. Definitely worth the money that was spent on it.

Originally Posted by Eric Ton

Here you go: got it on the first day and naked since then. Dropped a few times on cement. A few small dents on the edge.
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Wow it looks great!

Feeling better about things. Thank you so much. I'm off to run naked.

The white iPhone holds up a lot better than the black, that's for sure. I have the white and I've dropped it once, but other than that it looks like the day I bought it. I do have a Caudabe Veil on it which is good for scratch protection and a screen protector I bought on Amazon for cheap. But that's all I really need.

I always had a case on it the one time I didn't I drop it and this happen luckily I had a screen protector if I didn't I couldn't use it at all so if I where you buy a case and a screen protector

i'd rather use nothing than a shattered screen like that. my OCD would reach the outer limits of the universe

Originally Posted by John Yester

You will switch again lol :)

A month later and I'm ready to have my black back... again :)

My white held up well for 10 months till I shattered the screen this week. There was a speck of dirt that entered the edge of the home button though.

I'd say if you have AppleCare+, easy access to a store and haven't relocated countries as I did :( - it's safe enough to go caseless.

Originally Posted by BLiNK

i'd rather use nothing than a shattered screen like that. my OCD would reach the outer limits of the universe

I'd rather carry around my iPad with cell data. Even take it to the gym.

Originally Posted by Heisenberg

I'd rather carry around my iPad with cell data. Even take it to the gym.

I've only taken my iPad Mini to the gym once and it didn't go to well. It fell from the treadmill face down. Luckily it had a Speck CandyShell case on so it didn't get damaged at all.

I've had the black iPhone for about two and a half weeks and been going naked with it. Already noticed a scuff on the back and I've never dropped it. However, my dad has had his white one naked since November and his looks darn near perfect still

i dont always use a case for my white iphone and so far it is still white shining and fresh minus the dent in the corner that i caused from dropping the phone but phone still stays white

Originally Posted by BLiNK

Apple lets customers do that? trade for another color??

Most of the time you can find someone on craigslist who wants to trade for the color you have.

I recently got a brand new iPhone after dropping my last one in the toilet, ended up buying a black speck case for it but I'm itching to use it naked. But I film videos with my iPhone and set my phone down on tables and pavements from time to time why risk getting it sticky or scuffed up? But ahhhh! I miss rocking a naked iPhone.

I always, Always go naked with my phones. I stronly dislike the feel of cases and screen protectors.

And I witnessed something "funny" or interesting you might say last week at work with a friend that has a case for his iPhone 4. The case had collected so much dust and small grain of sand etc inside of it so when he took the phone out of the case it was scratched a lot! More so than going caseless.

Originally Posted by dannejanne

I always, Always go naked with my phones. I stronly dislike the feel of cases and screen protectors.

And I witnessed something "funny" or interesting you might say last week at work with a friend that has a case for his iPhone 4. The case had collected so much dust and small grain of sand etc inside of it so when he took the phone out of the case it was scratched a lot! More so than going caseless.

How has your experience been with foregoing a screen protector? I hate the screen protectors I use because they eventually get scratches in them and take away a degree of screen quality to. Part of me thinks "hey dummy, that is why you are using a screen protector, so 'it' takes on the scratches instead of your screen". But another part me thinks that the glass itself might not have necessarily scratched in those situations given its resistence compared to a plastic sheething.

Originally Posted by finn5975

How has your experience been with foregoing a screen protector? I hate the screen protectors I use because they eventually get scratches in them and take away a degree of screen quality to. Part of me thinks "hey dummy, that is why you are using a screen protector, so 'it' takes on the scratches instead of your screen". But another part me thinks that the glass itself might not have necessarily scratched in those situations given its resistence compared to a plastic sheething.

In my experience screen protectors get scratched very easily. Scratches that would not happen if you didn't have a screen protector. Once I tried that STK glass shield on an iPhone ($30 about). It was nice and looked like the real phone almost but boy the first day it got many small scratches. I have never ever gotten a scratch on any on my phones that has bothered me in years. Sure a few of these micro scratches I have got that you have to hold the phone in a specific angle in the light to see them. Those ones I have gotten a few but those are never visible in real life usage.

I am always very careful with my phones. I rather take some small scratches rather than using a protector that not only destroys the image slightly, but they take away the good feel of the touchscreen too. I want to enjoy my phones naked and see and feel the beauty of them! What's the point of having a beautiful phone if you hide all of it. It's just a phone!

Does anyone else black iphone 5 black paint chip off on the side?

Originally Posted by rjkgr

Does anyone else black iphone 5 black paint chip off on the side?

Yes it seems to come off easily. Even if you are careful with it.

Originally Posted by finn5975

How has your experience been with foregoing a screen protector? I hate the screen protectors I use because they eventually get scratches in them and take away a degree of screen quality to. Part of me thinks "hey dummy, that is why you are using a screen protector, so 'it' takes on the scratches instead of your screen". But another part me thinks that the glass itself might not have necessarily scratched in those situations given its resistence compared to a plastic sheething.

Ive had the 5 since September last yr. never put a screen protector on it. Not 1 scratch yet. This screen is pretty tough against scratches based on my experience so far.

Originally Posted by dannejanne

In my experience screen protectors get scratched very easily. Scratches that would not happen if you didn't have a screen protector. Once I tried that STK glass shield on an iPhone ($30 about). It was nice and looked like the real phone almost but boy the first day it got many small scratches. I have never ever gotten a scratch on any on my phones that has bothered me in years. Sure a few of these micro scratches I have got that you have to hold the phone in a specific angle in the light to see them. Those ones I have gotten a few but those are never visible in real life usage.

I am always very careful with my phones. I rather take some small scratches rather than using a protector that not only destroys the image slightly, but they take away the good feel of the touchscreen too. I want to enjoy my phones naked and see and feel the beauty of them! What's the point of having a beautiful phone if you hide all of it. It's just a phone!

I agree about some screen protectors, but I have found, IMO, that the Zagg HD is great. It is really "invisible" on the phone, doesn't affect image quality, and doesn't affect the feel of the touchscreen. Just my $.02.