Other Pristine or Practical: which camp are you in?

[grammatica]

Sometimes, I share the same sentiments, but that’s because I grew up in poverty. I never owned a game console, and if I wanted to use a computer, I would visit the public library. Although I can now afford it, that mindset persists, and I baby my devices. It also makes sense to take care of these devices since they carry so much of our data.

That said, I don’t have a case on my Apple Watch or MacBook. The Watch is secure on my wrist, and the MacBook is secure on a desk. I believe it makes the most sense to use a case if you use your iPhone in risky environments, such as the gym or a construction site. However, I think office workers are fine. Ultimately, it’s up to you to consider your risk and take precautions accordingly. For example, I back up my data frequently and only use a case at the gym.

Now, I mostly agree with the argument that these items are tools that can be replaced and will eventually lose value. I really liked the comparison from another commenter about not worrying about the condition of shoes or one’s car. Just use it.

 

[Cayden]

Practical, which is a big reason I’m a part of the iPhone upgrade program. My phone is a tool that I’m using very frequently, more than almost any other device. I don’t want to have to worry about keeping it in good condition or worrying about resale value like I did when I sold my old phone each year. I also go entirely case less and don’t want to have to worry about it. If I get some scratches or nicks, I don’t care

 

[Nudelpalm]

For me, a phone is a tool, but I also want to keep it for as long as possible so I put on a screen protector and case to make it last as long as possible.

 

[stanza.richi]

I agree strongly with most of the arguments of eyoungren. I hate to use my iPhone with a case because I hate the feeling of silicone or plastic. I generally bought three or four cases (most of the time, apple original) that finished to be unused.

I’m using my 14 PM since december 2022 most of the time caseless, with few and basic rules to try to “preserve” it. The main one is try to avoid dangerous situation: while went in/out car, while moving it in/out from my pocket. If you manage in the right way this moments, using iPhone caseless is only a pleasure.

I’m still trying to find a good leather sleeve to manage bettere this moments, but with PM dimensions everything seems too bulky.

PS I use a privacy glass screen protector.

 

[sunapple]

That's a good question for Apple designers.
Let's talk about the AirPods case. Beautiful when pristine, impossible to keep scratch-less (even with a case).

It infuriates me when designers choose the wrong materials for a product. Or low quality ones.
When a product is well designed and with the correct materials, it will be in a pristine state if used with normal care.

I don't really agree that they chose the wrong material, polycarbonate itself is high quality and strong. Maybe they could have applied some coating or other finish, but I suppose they chose this polished glossy finish because it looks high quality. They probably don't care about the scratches after use, you might be more inclined to buy a new one

I thought my previous AirPods case looked fine after five years of use, it did its job. iPods scratched, plastic MacBooks scratched, it's a deliberate prioritisation of aesthetics. I don't think Apple is in camp practical.

 

[TechRunner]

I've had the opposite experience, OP. I used to obsess over keeping my devices as flawless as possible, but that ruined much of the enjoyment of them for me. Now, I practice some level of mindfulness when using my devices (my MBP sits on a stand on the opposite side of the desk from my beverage; I'll put my phone down on the couch instead of a table, as examples) and don't concern myself with minor flaws, using my devices pretty freely.

I also keep all boxes from my major purchases, and I've given away devices to people boxed with any manuals that came with them who've commented on their like-new appearance.

 

[geta]

I have dropped exactly two phones sufficiently to merit replacement within the last 13 years. Both times it was because I was not paying attention.

Every phone I have right now is in good condition with no nicks, dents, scuffs, cracked or broken screens or any other physical damage except for normal wear and tear (like microscratches).

There are case users who can't match this.

So, it may be ridiculous to you, but it's working for me. And it's automatic now. I just do it. I don't have to think about it anymore.

Lastly, I was asked. I don't force my rules on anyone else other than myself.

I’m aware that you've been asked, and I appreciate your detailed answer, but since I don’t change my phone every year and I always do sport activities I’d rather have a thin case and a screen protector while using the phone, than to go without and constantly to think how to hold it, when and how I'm “allowed” to use it or if its safe to put it on a certain surface…

 

[jclardy]

I just go caseless. Modern iPhone's rarely crack now, but even still over 15 years I've broken only one iPhone screen, and I think it was a 6S Plus, so quite a while ago.

My main annoyance now is that Apple has gone so far in the "attempt to never crack" direction that every piece of dust in the world has a chance at making micro scratches on the screen. And the only way to prevent that is via a screen protector. I've tried so many screen protectors - I've only found one that was nice, it had edges that curved down...but I haven't found that for the 16 Pro and I've tried a few, including the brand that had the curved edges for the 15 Pro. No luck, everything is sharp and flat, so it both looks bad and feels bad.

So that means I go with no case, no screen protector and just live with the scratches.

 

[Flamingdeathbolts]

I remember the day I dropped my company issues 5S and it shattered the screen. Thankfully my boss was cool about it and she told me she breaks her screen every 6 months or so too. Since then I at least rock a slim case. Wish I could go bare but too afraid as I drop my phone constantly

 

[maflynn]

My phone is a tool, a means to an end. While I love the look and features of the iPhone, at the end of the day, its communication device, not something like a ming vase that needs to be revered

 

[fatTribble]

When I was lucky enough years ago to buy my dream car I wanted to park it in my living room and dust it daily. The first mark on a wheel hurt but made me realize I can park it or drive it. No matter how carefully I drive, there will be wear and tear.

Like many have said, I’m careful with my iPhone. I’ve never cracked a screen or had a scratch that was obvious. For years I never used a case but once the X came along with the glass back I knew I’d sleep better with some protection. I like the rules that @eyoungren lists. It made me realize that I do have my own many of which overlap. My Day 1 rule from 2007 has always been keys do not get near the iPhone. Many of the others could be described as just being careful. I’ve never used a screen protector. That would be too much for me.

 

[xXRainKingXx]

I usually intend to sell phones when I replace them so I try to keep them pristine.

 

[eyoungren]

iPhone 5 was more than a decade ago. Modern iPhones are tough enough even to do without cases. iPhone 5 badly needed a case.

Yes it was a decade ago. But that wasn't my point. My point was that I learned my rules on that iPhone. Just like I learned all the rules I made for myself about jailbreaking on an iPhone 3GS, prior to getting my iPhone 5.

If it wasn't for the fact that my iPhone 5 got replaced four times because of battery swelling, I'd still have the original.

 

[eyoungren]

I’m aware that you've been asked, and I appreciate your detailed answer, but since I don’t change my phone every year and I always do sport activities I’d rather have a thin case and a screen protector while using the phone, than to go without and constantly to think how to hold it, when and how I'm “allowed” to use it or if its safe to put it on a certain surface…

Use your phone how you like. It doesn't affect me one way or the other.

PS. My current primary iPhone is the 11 Pro Max. We don't change phones every year either.

 

[eyoungren]

When I was lucky enough years ago to buy my dream car I wanted to park it in my living room and dust it daily. The first mark on a wheel hurt but made me realize I can park it or drive it. No matter how carefully I drive, there will be wear and tear.

Like many have said, I’m careful with my iPhone. I’ve never cracked a screen or had a scratch that was obvious. For years I never used a case but once the X came along with the glass back I knew I’d sleep better with some protection. I like the rules that @eyoungren lists. It made me realize that I do have my own many of which overlap. My Day 1 rule from 2007 has always been keys do not get near the iPhone. Many of the others could be described as just being careful. I’ve never used a screen protector. That would be too much for me.

Yes, my iPhone always goes in a pocket by itself.

I had a laptop once, the one model of 17" PowerBook I'd always wanted (like you and your dream car). I got it cheap, years after the Intel transition and over the course of two or three years I replaced many parts. Including the logicboard, twice.

In my last part replacement the lid wouldn't close correctly and it was then that I realized - I had a broom. How many times in replacing parts do you end up with the original thing you had? It was that realization that caused me to just start using my stuff and not worrying about it. Of course, I still followed the rules I detailed, I don't want cracked screens or dents, etc.

But a tool is made to be used - not admired.

 

[Unami]

Practical. I do like my tools shiny, but it's not worth the effort to keep them that way. Apart from treating them in a way that they stay functional as long as possible.

So, no phone-throwing in anger, charging mostly between 20%-80%, rinsing after exposure to salty water, and not letting them dangle by the charging cable.

 

[sifpilsen]

Pristine for my first use, cover and glass protector. I am not the only user, my wife and mother are next in line when I get a new one. My father recently announced he'd like to join the line. Downside is, by the end of 6-8 years of use, the battery is always bad. Currently the line looks like this: iPhone 16 Pro - iPhone 13 - iPhone 11 Pro - iPhone 8. Resale value comes second with this kind of setup, the value is very low at the end.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Practical. I buy a phone, put a case and screen protector on it and then forget about it until something comes up. My phones have always been in a case, as I don't like the feel of a naked phone...aluminum, titanium, whatever; they just don't feel good in the hand and durability > aesthetics, always.

Additionally, I'm an very active person and spend the majority of non-working time outside, and I'm constantly running (actual running) around at my job, a trauma hospital, as well as just general working in kinda rough conditions for a phone. I don't want to think or care about it.

I have a pretty extensive tool collection in my workshop, and I clean and polish them more than my phone.

 

[MarkX]

If you're buying a phone and worrying about how it's going to look for the next owner then is it really your phone?

I treat mine well. With a case and screen protector on it's pretty hard to destroy with general day to day use so by default my phones always look decent when I'm done with them.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I look after all of my stuff, but I have clinical OCD.

I have eyes like lasers, and notice any imperfection.

It’s a horrible sensation, which controls my life.

I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

 

[ZiBart]

If Im selling the phone privately on a social marketplace and within two years of ownership, keeping it pristine will bring more interest, sell quicker and possibly for more. If im keeping it longer then 3 years, practical as can be. Probably still wearing a case half the time to avoid major drop damages and expensive repairs. Although i do love using my phone case-less in its purest form and tend to in safe environments often. I do find them slippery without case so often i use a case just for the grip.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Both?
When I first get a new device, of course it gets overprotected during the first couple weeks when it’s fresh and new.
Eventually, it just becomes the new normal and I stopped thinking about it. I still try to keep my devices in decent condition, but at the end of the day, they are going to get used. A ten dollar case and AppleCare is fine enough piece of mind, the things gets totally broken and it can be fixed. These devices are expensive, but they aren’t appreciating in value. They are just one in over 2 billion, they aren’t some luxury one of a kind watch.

 

[stocklen]

I remember a time when I didn’t obsess over keeping my phone flawless. Back then, it was just a tool — practical, essential, and bound to pick up its share of scratches and dings. I’d throw on a case, sure, but screen protectors? Never felt necessary.

Somewhere along the way, though, a switch flipped. Now, I catch myself obsessing over keeping my gadgets pristine, especially my electronics. Reading through MacRumors threads lately, I realize I'm not alone. It feels like a lot of us here share that mindset — wanting perfect devices, noticing every tiny scratch, chip, or imperfection.

Then there’s my wife. For her, devices are purely tools. A slightly uneven display? A scratch or dent? She barely notices, let alone cares.

Which category do you fall into? Sometimes, I wish I could be a little more like her — less worried, more free.

EDIT: I couldn't find a more appropriate place to post this than in the iphone subforum but request mods to move it where they deem fit.

As pristine as possible but, I have passed the days of a case.

I realised that the titanium build of the iPhone pro is very hard wearing and I never put my phone through any stress so I opted for an 'arc pulse' case and a screen protector.

I do still keep it pristine because I will always trade it in for the next model. Too many marks and it will be less valuable.

 

[acblue94]

Practical. A "pristine" used iPhone 12 is worth the same as one with normal/moderate wear.

Your car is not flawless, nor are your shoes. Why would a $1K phone be any different?

I’ll pay more for a flawless phone.

 

[AlixSPQR]

I remember a time when I didn’t obsess over keeping my phone flawless. Back then, it was just a tool — practical, essential, and bound to pick up its share of scratches and dings. I’d throw on a case, sure, but screen protectors? Never felt necessary.

Somewhere along the way, though, a switch flipped. Now, I catch myself obsessing over keeping my gadgets pristine, especially my electronics. Reading through MacRumors threads lately, I realize I'm not alone. It feels like a lot of us here share that mindset — wanting perfect devices, noticing every tiny scratch, chip, or imperfection.

Then there’s my wife. For her, devices are purely tools. A slightly uneven display? A scratch or dent? She barely notices, let alone cares.

Which category do you fall into? Sometimes, I wish I could be a little more like her — less worried, more free.

EDIT: I couldn't find a more appropriate place to post this than in the iphone subforum but request mods to move it where they deem fit.

I put on a case and a screen protector, since glass is glass, but after that I don't really care. But, sometimes I do remove the case and clean my 13 mini, since dust and grime get into its ports and holes. So, which category do you think I'd fit into?