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iPhone 14 Pro Max Should I exchange my iPhone 14 Pro Max for a new one?

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Original poster
Oct 5, 2022
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Hello. I desire for some advice on wether or not having an exchange for my newly purchased iPhone 14 Pro Max is worth it. I noticed a small minuscule scratch on the bottom left curve of the body. I’m not sure if it was there before I received it in-person at an Apple store or I had done it myself. The only incident I can remember is taking the device in and out of the clear protective case (also purchased from an official Apple store) to clean it. Mind you, I never bumped the phone into anything let alone had any sharp objects nearby (I only handled it softly in my hand). This incident occurred after owning the iPhone for literally two hours, I am not exaggerating. I have an OCD issue that has been giving me immense trouble knowing it is on the phone. I caused much stress for everyone around me because of myself becoming frustrated over it.

I purchased the iPhone on September 28th, 2022. Meaning I am under the 14-days-return-policy.

Below are attached screenshots of a conversation I had with an Apple specialist via iMessage. This person stated I could have the possibility of exchanging the phone for the exact same model in perfect pristine quality.
 

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I wouldn't return it myself, but I accept the only way to keep these devices pristine is to not take them out of the box. Meaning I accept scratches as normal and inevitable. I understand my tolerance to such might be higher than yours, and yes, as you are under the return window, if I were you I would just return it so you can sleep. Do check it out before leaving the store.
 
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I personally wouldn’t return/exchange for this especially since you described it as a small minuscule scratch. Unfortunately these things will happen over time. My guess is that Apple would probably return/exchange it for you and would likely let you inspect the replacement before you leave. Since it seems like it’s giving you (and those around you) stress then you probably should get it replaced.
 
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Reactions: willchris, NoGood@Usernames, The.Glorious.Son and 3 others
Some of you guys need real help, seriously. This is an every day, functional item. It is not a heirloom piece. It does not increase in value.

I honestly can't imagine how you could ever purchase a car, new or used. A car is much more expensive than an iPhone. A used car surely has wear when you get it, and even brand new ones come off the factory floor with imperfections greater than what you're describing here with an iPhone.
 
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Reactions: Ankush Goyal, G5isAlive, janeauburn and 22 others
We all hate when we get them on a device we just bought, but scratches are inevitable. It’s not like the screen is cracked or the usability is diminished. Do what you want, but I’d live with it.
 
I would probably live with it, at least with this device you know exactly what you have and who knows what you may receive as a replacement. Would it help if you put a skin onto the device so it is more hidden at all?
 
I wouldn’t return it. A lot of cases will create scratches just from putting them on and taking them off. I imagine you would’ve caught the scratch when you first unboxed it if it were OOTB.
 
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Reactions: Sammy in SoCal
If you are happy with EVERYTHING else about the phone (especially the screen) do not return for another one as the replacement mag have some other problem.

A minor scratch is not worth going through iPhone lottery.
 
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Reactions: Zanton68, Srao1982, Harthag and 3 others
Contrary to the general advice here, honestly if you are unhappy now with your purchase because of the scratch and if Apple are willing to exchange, then I would exchange it. Just make sure you check the device you get in exchange at the store and are happy with it.

Many countries including my own, we likely wouldn’t get the exchange option for a scratch that is unclear whether was user induced, without having Apple Care + and paying the accidental damage fee.
 
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Reactions: bevsb2, TracerAnalog and onenorth
Upto you if your phone screen is clear white no yellow screen, no dust or dead/stuck pixels keep it trust me iPhone lottery screen panel isn't worth all the hassle and stress....

Had to exchange my launch iPhone 14 Pro Max with dust under screen the replacement device arrived was flawless.....

Good luck whatever decision you make
 
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kenzoskow said:
I have an OCD issue that has been giving me immense trouble knowing it is on the phone. I caused much stress for everyone around me because of myself becoming frustrated over it.
Click to expand...
^ Here is your answer. Return it. Just be aware it may be difficult to get a new one right away. Stock is in extremely limited supply lately, and the phones are backordered to November (though it may still come earlier).
 
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Classic case of “only you can decide.”

But speaking for myself, I would:

maybe not have noticed? Hard to say without seeing a pic. But . . .

if I could see it, probably assume that I was responsible, so I . . .

almost certainly would not have started a chat with Apple about it. But . . .

having started a chat with Apple, and gotten the ok to grab a new one . . .

absolutely follow through and get the new one. Then pretty soon . . .

scratch the damn thing.
 
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xxray said:
^ Here is your answer. Return it. Just be aware it may be difficult to get a new one right away. Stock is in extremely limited supply lately, and the phones are backordered to November (though it may still come earlier).
Click to expand...
100% agree with this.

I believe the OP came here for validation to do a return.

Many of us likely wouldn't deal with the hassle or find the scratch in question a big deal, but they clearly do. Otherwise they wouldn't have chatted with an Apple rep about this.
 
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davedvdy said:
100% agree with this.

I believe the OP came here for validation to do a return.

Many of us likely wouldn't deal with the hassle or find the scratch in question a big deal, but they clearly do. Otherwise they wouldn't have chatted with an Apple rep about this.
Click to expand...
@kenzoskow
Also, the replacement you receive will not technically be a new-in-box iPhone. It will be a refurb. Unless you're going to do a full-on return and repurchase, but that most likely means you'll be without a phone while you order a new one.
 
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Reactions: Shirasaki and iHeartsteve
It’s not a scratch it’s “patina”.


Seriously, keep it and in a couple of days the feeling will go away and you won’t have that complex about getting that first scratch anymore.
 
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