iPhone 12 Pro Iphone 12 Easily Scratchable Screen

[soulreaver99]

Apple has advertised 4x better drop resistance, but it's not any better scratch wise. I've picked this phone for 8 hours, used it with Apple's Magsafe case, and out of nowhere, I saw this under my desk light.
I'm pretty sure I used it normally all the time I used it.

Think of it this way, if it wasn't for the ceramic shield, that would have been 4X worse

 

[NotApplicable]

I hate screen protectors so I just make sure to always put the phone in a pocket alone (and make sure to clean lint and other debris out of my pockets on the reg).

I’ve literally owned every single iPhone released (except for the more midrange line e.g. 5c/SE/XR etc.) and have only had significant scratching when I dropped the phone on concrete and it slid.

My 12 Pro has no fine scratches at this point that I can see...

 

[chadmclark]

Annnnd another year of the same old lol

 

[Royksöpp]

Every year Apple claims that the current iPhone has the strongest glass ever and every year we get this thread. I believe that people become more careless when they hear that claim. It's still glass and it WILL scratch when not taken care of properly. Apple doesn't claim that it's scratch proof, and they never have. It's less prone to shattering, NOT scratches. Common sense and a good screen protector is all it takes to keep our little iPhone babies pristine!

 

[8ght]

I have been using my 11 pro since the release without case or screen protector and I have no visible scratches on the front glass. I take care when I handle it but I also carry it in my front pocket.

MKBHD got a scratch on his review iPhone 12 (3:20 in for scratch):

 

[Metrosey]

mobilereviewseh (the monty channel) seemed impressed with the scratch resistance - v.high 7/8 on the mohs scale.

Would stacking phones expose the sapphire glass of the cameras to the front of the screen below (shouldn’t I guess)?

I would be shocked if jerryrigeverything came up with this result.

The thing is with those is that they aren’t actually accurate. There’s a specific machine that can accurately measure the scratch resistance of an object to a more refined result. Would be great if we could get a scientist to do these tests in a lab with various types of machines.

 

[ian87w]

Screen protectors. Never go without them.

I wish Apple would just do what Android OEMs are doing, pre-install a screen protector on the phone so users won't have some issues like this. In the Android camp, even if the OEM claim gorilla glass whatever, many of them still pre-install screen protectors out of the box. It's a courtesy and value-added service. Like including chargers and... oh wait, never mind then.

 

[qap]

I hate screen protectors ? I've never used one on my iPhones, but all was fine with iPhone (3/3G)4/4S/5/5S. This mess came up after Apple has used the curved screens after iPhone 6.

I was waiting for iPhone 12 only to (finally) don't have "hairline scratches" on the new screen because I though "it's flat, so more resistance, like the iPad from model 1"... but looks like no changes from the iPhone 10/11... damn!

It's a shame that only put your phone in the pocket can produce this hairline scratches on it, it wasn't there with iPhone 4 and 5, so I was wondering why the hell Apple is using this soft displays only to save it from big falls, but I think is bettere to use a rear cover to protect it from the falls and use a harder screen on front, so it will not have tons of hairlne scratches on the front that is where you look all the time.

...and all the iPads still have a strong display like the iPhone 4/5! This thing is driving me crazy!

 

[qap]

I hate screen protectors so I just make sure to always put the phone in a pocket alone (and make sure to clean lint and other debris out of my pockets on the reg).

I’ve literally owned every single iPhone released (except for the more midrange line e.g. 5c/SE/XR etc.) and have only had significant scratching when I dropped the phone on concrete and it slid.

My 12 Pro has no fine scratches at this point that I can see...

I had every iPhone and the fault is not how we use it, but Apple that has changed something in the display after iPhone 5s. I never put my phone in the pocket with other things, never used dirty lint, etcc... but it's impossible to don't make some tiny scratched on these displays, just look it in backlight and you will see tons of them! It's not a big damage but it hurts me... for other opnions read my post above.

 

[pdxmatts]

Definitely have the store install the protector, unless you are excellent doing it. Their machine does a perfect job and there is no extra cost to install.

I also never had the need to use a screen protector, but after seeing how easily the screen scratches, I think I am definitively going to get one asap.
Another trick back to the app store for a belkin one I guess.

There is a thread HERE saying that the Apple store screen protector machine scratched the stainless steel sides when they installed it.

 

[Toonartist]

I hate screen protectors so I just make sure to always put the phone in a pocket alone (and make sure to clean lint and other debris out of my pockets on the reg).

I’ve literally owned every single iPhone released (except for the more midrange line e.g. 5c/SE/XR etc.) and have only had significant scratching when I dropped the phone on concrete and it slid.

My 12 Pro has no fine scratches at this point that I can see...

Hey... I used to be the same with the iP X, XS & 11 Pro with the curved screen. But, with the iP 12 the screens are completely flat and the screen protector can go right to the edge. About 1mm gap for the case.

I fitted the ESR one and it feels really smooth, goes right to the edge, doesn't leave finger marks and the cameras and Face ID all work perfectly. Going from the "Hell No" Belkin massive gap screen protectors to these is a no brainer. I went back and bought a second pack as they had them reduced. Scratch phone screen or £6 for a perfect fitting screen protector ?

 

[ian87w]

I hate screen protectors ? I've never used one on my iPhones, but all was fine with iPhone (3/3G)4/4S/5/5S. This mess came up after Apple has used the curved screens after iPhone 6.

I was waiting for iPhone 12 only to (finally) don't have "hairline scratches" on the new screen because I though "it's flat, so more resistance, like the iPad from model 1"... but looks like no changes from the iPhone 10/11... damn!

It's a shame that only put your phone in the pocket can produce this hairline scratches on it, it wasn't there with iPhone 4 and 5, so I was wondering why the hell Apple is using this soft displays only to save it from big falls, but I think is bettere to use a rear cover to protect it from the falls and use a harder screen on front, so it will not have tons of hairlne scratches on the front that is where you look all the time.

...and all the iPads still have a strong display like the iPhone 4/5! This thing is driving me crazy!

Well, I see it this way.
A scratch is easily preventable with a screen protector (money for Apple if customer buys it from Apple). Also, it doesn't affect the use of the device. Meanwhile, a crack screen means a repair for Apple (cost), and it can affect the use of the phone (make it unusable). So I'm thinking that's the reason Apple is inclining towards shatter resistance rather than scratch resistance.

 

[C. Robert]

I have been using my 11 pro since the release without case or screen protector and I have no visible scratches on the front glass. I take care when I handle it but I also carry it in my front pocket.

MKBHD got a scratch on his review iPhone 12 (3:20 in for scratch):

Takes my $1200 and puts it back in my packet.

 

[appelei]

Maybe the screen scratches during production

 

[LongWayHome]

The more hardened a screen is to avoid cracking (drop protection), the easier the screen will be to scratch. They go hand in hand. A more scratch resistant screen will be easier to crack when dropped. The anti smudge coating also can easily scratch showing little micro scratches under a bright light.

This is exactly what Marques Brownlee discusses in his iPhone 12 review video. He states the exact same and he also developed a big scratch on his iPhone 12.

 

[izzle22]

Forgive my ignorance here (I am male I can’t help it ) but, how do earrings scratch the front of the phone? Are ladies placing the earrings on the phone after taking them off?

My wife’s iPhone 6 became scratched way back with Her diamond earrings. When you talk on your phone you put the screen to your ear. Earrings are in your ear. Phone to ear which include earrings in them = contact and scratches. How is this hard to understand?

 

[Nozuka]

My iPhone 7 and X had microscratches after a very short time. (a few weeks)

Never any deep scratches and only visible if the light shines on to the display the right way. and impossible to see when the screen is running.

but still annoying.

so i might try a ESR screen protector for the first time.

 

[mrklaw]

My wife’s iPhone 6 became scratched way back with Her diamond earrings. When you talk on your phone you put the screen to your ear. Earrings are in your ear. Phone to ear which include earrings in them = contact and scratches. How is this hard to understand?

these days nobody talks to anyone and if they do, they hold the phone like they’re eating a damn cracker

now everyone get off my lawn..

 

[Apple_Robert]

My wife’s iPhone 6 became scratched way back with Her diamond earrings. When you talk on your phone you put the screen to your ear. Earrings are in your ear. Phone to ear which include earrings in them = contact and scratches. How is this hard to understand?

Being a guy it didn’t occur to me at the time of my post, that diamond earrings and the like were in play.

I make mistakes sometimes when posting. And unlike you, I am not rude to people. Go be condescending to other members. I am done replying to any more condescending posts from you.

 

[izzle22]

Being a guy it didn’t occur to me at the time of my post, that diamond earrings and the like were in play.

I make mistakes sometimes when posting. And unlike you, I am not rude to people. Go be condescending to other members. I am done replying to any more condescending posts from you.

I was not being condescending, I was simply explaining how earrings could scratch a phone. I asked how it was hard to understand as it is common sense. Has nothing to do with being a guy. No need to respond as you will probably take this as condescending as well. No need to be so sensitive.

 

[qap]

My iPhone 7 and X had microscratches after a very short time. (a few weeks)

Never any deep scratches and only visible if the light shines on to the display the right way. and impossible to see when the screen is running.

but still annoying.

so i might try a ESR screen protector for the first time.

Yes same on my iPhones after the 6: some micro scratches visible only in certain light condition but this is never happened with iPhone 4/5 and all the iPads.

Using a screen protector is like having sex with a condom. Without is a lot better, but with is more safe.

I don’t think I will use a screen protector, like I’ve never done, it’s not terrible but I feel it when in use, and it’s a shame have a fabulous display with another crap display above it. Fortunately there is no more the 3D Touch.

 

[internetrando]

It is glass. It scratches when it meets something harder than it.

I would also argue that a majority of the "microscratches" and scuffs that people see are actually in the oleophobic coating (which is much softer) than in the glass itself.

 

[K4VKS]

MKBHD did a video where he mentions drop strength is inversely proportional to scratch resistance. I guess that's what we're seeing.

 

[johannnn]

MKBHD did a video where he mentions drop strength is inversely proportional to scratch resistance. I guess that's what we're seeing.

Still. There are multiple scratch reviews of the iPhone 12 on YouTube. It does NOT scratch easier than the iPhone 11.
I have a hard time believing the “I unboxed the 12, did nothing, and now it has a scratch” people.

 

[Stan.06]

What did you tell them?

I went back to the apple store the next day, told them I didn't do anything special with it, it was just out and I never had it in my pocket or anything like that. Maybe it came out like this from the box, maybe not, I can't verify because this is pretty much only visible under bright light. Even from my home to the apple store, I put it back in the box just in case.

I really dislike screen protectors, they feel uncomfortable to use, and on my Iphone 7+ I never had any major issue with the screen like this.
I like this analogy that I saw in this forum from another thread. A screen protector is like a condom, it is uncomfortable but it helps avoid disaster.
But after seeing how easily the iPhone 12 gets scratched from youtube reviews (Dave 2D, MKBHD...) I bought a Belkin screen protector that I will pick up tomorrow morning in the App Store. They have never mentioned a scratched iPhone screen in their reviews before.

The apple store where they helped me looks gorgeous, had this whole room for me and the store employee, it was definitely a great experience.

There is a thread HERE saying that the Apple store screen protector machine scratched the stainless steel sides when they installed it.

Now I don't know if I should let them install it or not, it seems like that guy is pretty unlucky having 3 phones scratched in different stores, but new comments popped out saying their phone went in it fine.