Does the iphone 12 scratch easily?

I have more bad news to add to this discussion-

I bought the new iPhone 12 in Pacific Blue (was impossible to find!) I’ve owned multiple iPhones over the years without even a worry about scratching. I’m still very careful to keep my iPhone(s) out of harms way, but I don’t obsess over them either. I’ve NEVER put a screen protector on ANY of my many previous iPhones ....and I never got a single scratch.... until now.

My new iPhone 12 doesn’t have a mere scratch- it’s got a fingernail-deep GOUGE. I’ve had the phone for 30 days. And I’ve been so careful, as always. I have NOT A CLUE how this happened either. I was so upset that I immediately called in to the Genius Bar for an appointment to get it repaired or replaced. Whatever material they’ve switched to, it’s awful. I can’t avoid the gouge and use the phone properly either. This is a complete shock- makes me want my old iPhone back.😢

Well due to the fact the only thing in my pocket with the phone was lip balm and the closest thing to phone that was harder was the copper rivet in my pants seam..... 3 to 3.5 is the hardness of the copper rivet. Add to that, there are absolutely zero scratches on the case side of the phone. You can believe what you wish, but I know what my evidence is, I have a soft screen. You arguing other wise is like arguing what the weather is today and being in a different city. From the other statements here and on other sites, I find it very hard to believe there is not a problem with some of the screens on the 12.

I wish that either Apple or the supplier would have said that this phone needs an obligatory screen protector. Then it would have been my choice to make if I would buy the iphone or not. And not hide behind some mumbo jumbo surveys.

Thanks Dogcow.

I am glad that you let me feel free to make my own choices to buy any brand I like.

You can find it hard to believe, but until someone posts a video with scientific proof that the screen is too soft, that's where the situation lies.

Mohs picks exist for a reason, and were this widespread or even common, someone who had them or knew someone with access to a set would have posted a video by now showing the screen scratching at a level below 5.

Certainly the Android web sites and Apple rumor sites (and Forbes, who hates Apple) would love to post such a video, yet they have not.

That's not conclusive, but it's certainly telling, and would be evidence it would be hard for Apple to refute of a manufacturing issue.

Mines the same! Mine had awful scratches less than one day after taking it out of the box. After a week I’ve an absolute mess. I’m taking it up with Apple because I feel like they’re falsely advertising it as having a strong screen when this isn’t true at all. I’ve had my iPhone 7 two years & the screen on that is amazing! Still no marks on it. This 12 is a total waste of money if this is what the screen is meant to be like. I’m assuming it’s a manufacturing fault, if not I’m sending it back, no much worse quality than much older phones.

I’ve had an issue in the past with a screen protector actually causing scratching one of my phones - when a piece of sand got caught in the edge and the “protector“ kept it in place so wonderfully it scratched the crap out of the corner of my android phone. I forgot to inform you all that I have to wear protective cotton gloves for a skin condition, and screen protectors make it even harder for me to use my phone as it’s not as responsive. Also, screen protectors get scratched and look awful after awhile. And lastly- I switched to Apple specifically so I could avoid using screen protectors for the above stated reasons. I’ve never EVER had a single scratch on any of my previous iPhones (7, 8, or XSMx). Why now, a newer stronger screen on the iPhone 12 should mean superior performance compared to previous models.... the $-tag says it all...

🙄sheesh

Btw- Apple fixed my phone free of charge. They’ve admitted to seeing more customers come in with screen-scratch issues with the iPhone 12, but would not agree that the screen is substandard to previous models. They assured me that my new screen should not scratch easily. So far it seems stronger... here’s to hoping it lasts!

I’m glad they took care of you.

Screen protectors are recommended for all premium smartphones.

Apple leaves you free to purchase the screen protector of your choice; Samsung Galaxy phones to name one come with a screen protector preinstalled from the factory.

Apple could do that too, but I prefer not to pay for the protector the manufacturer chooses.

I wonder if newer batches have a stronger screen because I ordered mine on launch date and first day had a couple of scratches with just sitting in my pocket alone. My wife got one recently that was manufactured Feb 14th and she throws her in her purse with keys and isn't as careful as I am and she has zero scratches of blemishes.

Amyleigh23 wrote:

I’m going to go with Samsung.

Your prerogative, of course.

But be aware that the Samsung forums are full of customers complaining how easily their screens scratch, and Samsungs come with a screen protector preinstalled from the factory.

Corning, and the industry as a whole, worked together to move to a glass that is somewhat easier to scratch but is much more shatter-resistant.

You can add a screen protector to protect against scratches; there’s nothing you can apply to a screen to meaningfully protect it from shattering.

It's not easy to scratch, but if you're a cautious person you would have applied a screen protector as the first action you took when you took it out of the box, even before turning it on for the first time.

I thought mine was a manufacturing fault but Apple wouldn’t do anything about it. False advertising with all this rubbish about how good the screen is! I’ve sent mine back, no idea what to go for now I’m totally put off Apple products x

I applied a screen protector and it still scratched, it’s so weak the screen even a screen protector doesn’t keep it from scratching. Worst phone I have ever had, sent I back, I refuse to pay what I was spaying for such a low quality phone

I have (& always get) AppleCare. I recommend it - they’ll fix anything within reason. You can’t go in for a repair every month, but when you have an issue it’s fantastic- I showed them the scratch and literally waited (2 hours) while they replaced my screen at the Apple store. No questions asked, and they listened to my rant as I explained how I’ve never had this problem on ANY other Apple product.

Basic coverage is 5.99 a month. Theft protection is double that. I have Basic.

I believe they’re trying to rectify this very bad situation- as I said, once I had my screen replaced I was told that this scratch incident should no longer occur.🤔

I’m being very careful, thoughts it seems this screen is of a better quality material. It’s smoother and more glass-like than the screen that came with the phone that scratched. We shall see. I’ll definitely post a comment here if my new screen ever incurs such serious damage a second time.