More iPhone 5 problems: scuffed out of the box

iFixit

(MoneyWatch) Apple's (AAPL) release of a new iPhone model has become a (mostly) annual ritual. Now it is time for the follow-up ritual: the inevitable complaints about perceived flaws in the product. The iPhone 5 has been no exception, with the widespread criticism of Apple's Maps app, which replaced Google Maps on the latest version of the phone.

Now come reports that the iPhone 5 scratches and scuffs more easily than previous models. In fact, some customers have found scuffs on their new phones when they took them out of the box. If the number is as significant as one online poll suggests, Apple might have to find some way to satisfy customers, the way it did with the antenna and signal loss issues of the iPhone 4.

A poor person is worth 18 iPhones
Apple maps bomb with fans
iPhone 5: Not that innovative, but hot, hot, hot

There have been multiple complaints appearing online that the iPhone 5 case easily scratches and scuffs, leaving marks on otherwise new phones. DIY repair site iFixit, which does gadget teardowns to see what is inside, did a demonstration video, showing how easy it is to mar an iPhone 5 compared with the iPhone 4S:

Although you're unlikely to give a 2-year-old permission to smack a smartphone with a set of keys, it shows that the glass-encased 4s is considerably more resilient to the damage that inevitably happens over time.

It seems that some users don't even have to wait, however. Many purchasers have complained that their new iPhones were already scuffed in the box before being used, including three staff members at the AllThingsD blog.

The number of people affected may be significant. MacRumors ran an online poll to see what percentage of iPhone 5 owners had case problems. Although not necessarily statistically representative, out of 1631 responses, more than a third said that their phones were scuffed right out of the box. Another 10 percent reported scuffing or scratching shortly after starting to use it.

Apple senior vice president of marketing Phil Schiller has reportedly said, according to a 9to5 Mac blog report, that such damage is normal for products made of aluminum, which is far more malleable and prone to damage than stainless steel. (Or, apparently, the Corning Gorilla Glass that covered the front and back of the iPhone 4S.)

Aluminum also has advantages -- as 9to5 Mac notes, an aluminum case is much more likely to stand up to damage if dropped. Where glass could crack, aluminum might just sport a dent. Then again, stainless steel might well do better than aluminum. In the case of f the iPhone 4's antenna problems, Apple gave away cases that solved the problem of users' fingers interfering with reception. Well see if the company eventually offers a fix for scuffgate.

[Senti-x]

iPhone5 was such a disappointment. But I try to look at the bright-side, no more spending on over-priced product. lol

[darknight111]

Yes but dropping the glass will cause A LOT more damage than the aluminum as seen in the iphone 5 drop test. the glass will spiderweb when the iphone 5 back will just scuff

[Kevin3379]

The iPhone is one of the best phone in the market many people said but many are reporting different kind of issues with the new iPhone 5 - http://www.featuresiphone5g.com/videos/34918/apple-responds-to-iphone-5%80%26sup2%3Bs-purple-flare-camera-issue.html

[jhuibs]

wonder what happens when you scratch the plastic case of any other phone?

[jsutphin1]

Dang, seems as if only the apple staff responsible for developing this phone made comments. I found this story very objective. The comparison was between two products made by one company - in fact the comparison was between a product that was supposed to be superior to it's predecessor - "The Next Big Thing" I think apple is calling it... You apple fans are too quickly offended. Because of this story, I now know I will need to purchase a protective case if I purchase the new iPhone - which I am considering - Thanks CBS

[Osprey4]

Why should Apple make a better case when they've spawned an entire market in protective cases?

[bobnjersey]

[Although you're unlikely to give a 2-year-old permission to smack a smartphone with a set of keys, it shows that the glass-encased 4s is considerably more resilient to the damage that inevitably happens over time.]
-----------------------------------------
oh no ... scratching metal w/ metal causes the softer metal to scratch and mar?

what happens if did this to my brand new car? would the much more expensive shiny car fair any better?

apple should have known better ... and should be making all their products out of tungsten carbide from now on.

[jsutphin1]

I know all these complaints seem petty - but, to the same point you're making BOBNJERSEY, I wouldn't expect my new shiny car to be delivered scratched. I think this is the bigger issue.