AirPod 2nd gen - Build quality

[Superman041]

My left AirPod series 2, fell out onto the road and I noticed when picked up there is a lot of nicks etc that can be seen under light.

is there a protective case that can be put on them? Or is that just really OCD problems?

Surely they should hold up in better condition for a product advertised to be used in the gym etc?

 

[LordJabun]

Only AirPods Pro are marketed as work out earphones as they carry they IPX4 rating.

 

[Itinj24]

You can get skins for the stems and/or ultra thin silicone covers for the ear part that still fit in the case. They sell them on Amazon.
Surely you cant be serious expecting plastic to look perfect after a drop on a road...
The plastic casing is just that. A casing to protect the guts. If it still works, the casing did its job.

 

[Superman041]

That’s like saying the glass on the iPhone and Apple Watch is to protect the internals?

Surely a product sold at this price point should be more resistant and better quality.

 

[JBGoode]

That’s like saying the glass on the iPhone and Apple Watch is to protect the internals?

Surely a product sold at this price point should be more resistant and better quality.

Your phone would probably fare worse if dropped on the ground so I’m not sure what your point is. If dropped in the road, pretty much any product will be nicked or scratched. They’re not magic.

 

[Itinj24]

That’s like saying the glass on the iPhone and Apple Watch is to protect the internals?

Surely a product sold at this price point should be more resistant and better quality.

Yes, it is absolutely there to protect the internals. Slap a seal around it and you got protection from water damage. It’s made of glass because you need a transparent material to show the display and for wireless charging. Can’t cover the display with titanium... Manufacturers structure the casing to have form utility (shape of AirPods to fit in the ear), be able to encase the shape of the internal components and to be visually appealing (subjective). In the end, it’s casing. No different than the body of a car meant to look nice, seat and protect its passengers comfortably. Hit it hard enough and it changes shape.
You’re on the wrong planet if you’re looking for a material that doesn’t scratch, bend, nick, chip, etc...