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HTC Sensation Durability & Protection

Hello, I'd like to collect some opinions here about the durability of the Sensation and whether you have a case/screen protector on it.
I just want to know if it is worth putting a case on, because I didn't have one on the desire and I dropped it one good time in the middle of the road and a whole piece came off the top right edge so I wish I had a case on it.
However, my friend has dropped his Wildfire (without case or screen protector) like 150 times in every place you can imagine and it has almost no signs of abuse!
So, if anyone has managed to drop it completely bare rolleyes, please reply here and say if you got any scratches etc...

I've got a couple of nicks on the paintwork of the case, around the edges where it meets the screen. The fact that I've not exactly been heavy handed with the thing leads me to believe that it's going to flake away in those places over time.
I've ordered an official case however so should get that soon and will let you know. I want a bit more grip/grrrrr to the phone so will be happy with that as I'm always scared of dropping the thing at the moment. It's so nice, but so smooth!!

I dropped the Sensation onto tarmac while out on a bike, CardioTrainer reports 30km/h. A day before the case arrived of course.
It bounced a few times, the teflon coating took some grazes on the 4 corners, the screen and back was untouched, the phone was still working, totally unaffected. I touched up the corners with some pewter coloured Plasti-Kote paint, you'd have to look close to notice anything.
If I had a gel-case I think there'd have been no damage at all, the unibody is really strong.
The nice thing is the cover surrounds the entire screen, and can be replaced. I may do this when the cost drops below £45.

mkrl said:
I dropped the Sensation onto tarmac while out on a bike, CardioTrainer reports 30km/h. A day before the case arrived of course.
It bounced a few times, the teflon coating took some grazes on the 4 corners, the screen and back was untouched, the phone was still working, totally unaffected. I touched up the corners with some pewter coloured Plasti-Kote paint, you'd have to look close to notice anything.
If I had a gel-case I think there'd have been no damage at all, the unibody is really strong.
The nice thing is the cover surrounds the entire screen, and can be replaced. I may do this when the cost drops below £45.
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Ouch, that was pretty hard but it seems that the phone's pretty well built if you fixed it with some painting. Btw, that's how I fixed (somehow) my Desire after that drop. Anyways, I won't be putting a case or screen protector on it because I've seen a lot of videos and proof of how strong the Gorilla Glass is and if I get any scratches on the rest of the phone I can just replace the whole cover (on ebay you can find it pretty cheap).
PS: How that damn multi-quote works?! I still haven't figured it out

I have already without dropping I must add scuffed the screen a little bit, dont even know how given it has just been going into my pocket, I have emailed a couple of the premium screen protector suppliers zagg and wrapsol and they are going to produce a screen protector that accommodates the curved edges of the screen which should be interesting.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

dragonglance said:
I have already without dropping I must add scuffed the screen a little bit, dont even know how given it has just been going into my pocket, I have emailed a couple of the premium screen protector suppliers zagg and wrapsol and they are going to produce a screen protector that accommodates the curved edges of the screen which should be interesting.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
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Did you put keys with it or anything? I thought it was difficult to scratch Gorilla Glass

Case-mate are making a Case-mate Tough case for the sensation. I have one on my DHD and will get one for the sensation without question.
Adds absolutely no bulk but adds plenty of protection and better grip because of the texture.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Screen protector or not?

I was checking to see how many people do not use screen protectors and how many people do use screen protectors? I am just seeing if anyone is not using the screen protectors. I was wondering because I am having to change mine and it is clear as hell with it off. With it on it is kinda fuzzy. Anyone experiencing scratches in their screen without the screen protectors?

It was the first thing I did to the phone. No need for a screen protector. I have trained myself to carry the phone in my left pocket and keys in the right.

Mine came with a screen protector from the t-mobile store. It seemed pretty smooth, and clear, so I decided to leave it on. About a week after buying the phone, I noticed that the screen protector had gotten scratched, most likely from keys in my pocket. So I removed it and cleaned the glass.
I've been without a screen protector for weeks now, and I like it much better. It is so smooth when I use swype, and obviously the clarity is unmatched. With that being said, I am much more careful about what I have in my pocket along with my phone.
Judging by the lameness of the original screen protector, and what I've read about the GorillaGlass, I have a feeling that whatever was jagged enough to scratch the GorillaGlass, would have gone right through the protector anyway...so I'm going without one.
But I guess I have to be prepared for the consequences if I do mess it up.

I don't use a screen protector and I don't have any scratches. Its gorilla glass so its a lot more durable than ordinary glass.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Yea man I had them stupid T-Mobile anti smear screen protectors on and they sucked Aldo had a body glove case on... well guess what I keep both off the body glove scratched the sides of my phone a little and with the screen protection off its so much clearer and beautiful the screen just pops I love it had it off now for a month and not one scratch not even the tiniest scratch. So I guess the gorilla glass works and when I go out I'll throw a gel case on around the phone

I've kept the screen protector that originally came installed on the phone on it. Its not the greatest and is pretty scratched up now, but I'm not going without one. I've had a vibrant and sgs4g, both with high quality gorilla glass, both ended up getting tiny hairline scratches all over them. I only noticed the scratches at certain angles in certain light, but that's enough for me to not be foolish and think I should have to baby my phone. I shouldn't have to think alot about how I set my phone down or which pocket I put it in and "I hope the coins, keys, pens, etc don't scratch it ". I'd rather just keep a screen protector on and forget about it.
I've decided for now though to not worry about a case. They add too much bulk in my pocket and I'm not too concerned about the condition on the body. That may change if I find a slim case that doesn't hang in my pocket when I try pull I out.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

I have a few tiny scratches you can't feel it tho cause you have to look at just the right angle at perfect lighting to just barely notice it. my wife claims she doesn't see it but I can
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

First thing I do with a new phone is put a zagg Invisible shield screen protector on. I like the grip and I'm never worries about what else I have in my pockets. Tough stuff.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

No screen protector. Minimal case. Nothing goes in my pocket with my phone, except paper.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I am going to go without one until I make it to T-Mobile to get another one. Thanks everyone!!

wallybarto said:
First thing I do with a new phone is put a zagg Invisible shield screen protector on. I like the grip and I'm never worries about what else I have in my pockets. Tough stuff.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
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Same here, I have an invisible shield on and a cheap case I got off of Amazon, the screen feels awesome with the invisible shield on, definite plus.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

tidewaterns said:
Thanks everyone for your responses. I am going to go without one until I make it to T-Mobile to get another one. Thanks everyone!!
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Not to sound x-rated, but going without a screen protector is like not using a condom. You'll love the feel of not using one, but you may possibly pay in the long run by not using one. To me its just a phone and I know it will be replaced by the Samsung Hercules or the next Nexus phone whenever that comes out. Also I am pretty careful about where I place my phone so I never get scratches or dents. If your a landscaper or mechanic then I can understand the use of a screen protector.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

No screen protector here and it's awesome. I have used them on all previous phones.
The phone always gets its own pocket or I just hold it. No scratches at all.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

those screen protectors you see on amazon or wherever are freaking impossible to get on perfectly without bubbles from little specs of dust

I don't personally use a screen protector but I've installed about 60 invisible shields on G2x's and they look and feel great. If someone installs a screen protector for you and you get bubbles from dust specs or lint then the person who installed it failed.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Yeah mines just about perfect, the key is to keep your fingers wet.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

sarni84 said:
Yea man I had them stupid T-Mobile anti smear screen protectors on and they sucked Aldo had a body glove case on... well guess what I keep both off the body glove scratched the sides of my phone a little and with the screen protection off its so much clearer and beautiful the screen just pops I love it had it off now for a month and not one scratch not even the tiniest scratch. So I guess the gorilla glass works and when I go out I'll throw a gel case on around the phone
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Same here Bro well I do have a Skinomi carbon fiber wrap on the back and a screen protector from them love it but when I go out I throw on a tpu case or something gel like.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I left the factory one on because it's the only one that I've seen that covered the (almost) entire screen. I'm still looking though

I install the zagg universal screen protectors at work. Since they are so tough I wouldn't reccomend trimming it with a pair of scissors but rather a razor blade. Works great.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

I'm using the Clarivue anti-glare SP on mine -- not for protection, since I keep the phone in a belt case, but to reduce fingerprint smudges and glare. It really helps with those things and doesn't degrade the image quality much at all. I also really like the feel -- on the bare screen, my finger would drag and stick a little on the smooth glass, but the screen protector has just enough texture so it's like moving my finger over paper, no sticking or dragging.

[Q] OK with no screen protector or case?

I've had my Infuse for 4-5 days and really love the design and all the cool stuff here on xda (as usual). Does Gorilla Glass mean that I don't need a screen protector? I've never been a fan of them. Also, I'm pretty gentle with my phones and would like to keep the stock look with no outer case. What do you guys think, am I flirting with disaster?
EDIT: bought a case-mate pop case in white/gray. Very happy with case and still no screen protector.

seano666 said:
I've had my Infuse for 4-5 days and really love the design and all the cool stuff here on xda (as usual). Does Gorilla Glass mean that I don't need a screen protector? I've never been a fan of them. Also, I'm pretty gentle with my phones and would like to keep the stock look with no outer case. What do you guys think, am I flirting with disaster?
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The glass is extremely hard. There are videos of people online taking razor blades to it. The plastic on the outside, however, will be more prone to scratches. It's really up to you, but I've had mine for a few weeks, and there are no visible signs of use. I don't baby my phones, but I also am not too tough on them.
There's my 2¢. I hope it helps.

I like using my phone naked because I haven't found any screen protectors that I really like yet, and I like the device without a case. That being said, I bought the moshi screen protector and casemate pop case, mostly for when I am going to be somewhere or doing something that could put my phone in danger...like when I'm drinking and prone to dropping my phone haha. Gorilla glass is scratch resistant, not scratch proof, so it's a good idea to have a screen protector in some situations.
The moshi screen protector is a tad expensive, but I think it's totally worth it for high risk situations. You can take it off and reuse it as many times as you want, and it's really easy to do so. That allows me to put it on quick when I need it, and take it off when I know it's safe. I don't like using it day to day because I love the screen on this phone, and the matte finish on the moshi makes it a bit pixilated. However, it's a life saver in many situations, and I can stand it being on there for the peace of mind while I'm doing something that requires it.
And it's always a good idea to have a case on hand just for rugged situations, and I find the pop to be very nice. It provides a ton of protection in not so huge of a package. While it's not as rugged as an otterbox or ballistic case, my phone has taken quite a few spills from 4+ feet off the ground in my case, and it still fits in my pockets just fine. Another good case that I would recommend is the body glove mirage case. It's a rubbery tpu case that is very pocketable and also provides a lot of protection. All of the accessories I've mentioned can be found at At&t stores, but you can find them cheaper elsewhere, as they mark them up a bit.
Hope I helped!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997R using XDA Premium App

I'll take a look at those cases, thanks! I don't do anything that drops my phone from 4+ feet off the ground, I'd have a freaking heart attack!
What are you doing with your phone up that high?

my plastic is all in perfect shape, but my screen has a couple of scratches on it
i try to keep it nice, but it's not easy with this big of a screen..

I didn't think you could scratch the Gorilla Glass unless under extreme punishment, what did you do to scratch it?

seano666 said:
I'll take a look at those cases, thanks! I don't do anything that drops my phone from 4+ feet off the ground, I'd have a freaking heart attack!
What are you doing with your phone up that high?
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I'm 6'2", 4 feet off the ground is standard usage height for me while I'm standing. Haha. And gorilla glass can be scratched, I have a micro scratch on my screen from throwing my keys in my pocket.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997R using XDA Premium App

welchertc said:
I'm 6'2", 4 feet off the ground is standard usage height for me while I'm standing. Haha. And gorilla glass can be scratched, I have a micro scratch on my screen from throwing my keys in my pocket.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997R using XDA Premium App
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Oh ok, that makes sense. I think I'm still going to go bare for now, I'm pretty anal about treating it right. Thanks for the advice!

seano666 said:
I didn't think you could scratch the Gorilla Glass unless under extreme punishment, what did you do to scratch it?
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it likely rubbed against the keys in my pocket, doesn't bother me though. just letting you know that gorilla glass is not invulnerable

docodine said:
it likely rubbed against the keys in my pocket, doesn't bother me though. just letting you know that gorilla glass is not invulnerable
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We must have different glass or something for our screens. I took a razorblade to my old nexus one which was sporting gorilla glass, and there was no visible sign that anything had even happened to it. There are also videos of people online going absolutely nuts on their screens with the same results.

seano666 said:
I didn't think you could scratch the Gorilla Glass unless under extreme punishment, what did you do to scratch it?
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just need something harder than gorilla glass to scratch it. a diamond or maybe some other jewels will easily scratch as well as concrete and maybe some hard steels. keys or gold aren't likely to scratch but some key rings are made from a hard spring steel and might scrach. there is also a coating of some type on the glass that may show scratches.
the plastic definately needs protection. it is break resistant but it is way soft and the lame shiny coating can scratch off.

Scratched my screen with something. Always in its own pocket. Get a screen protector.
From XDA App on Infused v2.1.0 OCed to 1.6 GHz

For myself I don't use a screen protector (had the phone since it came out). The Infuse's screen behaves just like my ole iphone4, if not better.
As others have said, the side chrome plastic will scratch easily so a case is warranted.

I actually have never dropped my phone or anything and I have two micro scratches. Samsung is willing to fix it for free the problem is you have to send them the phone and be without one for 7 days.

I work in construction, I use the Ballistics case and a screen protector on the phone, I dropped it from 10ft off a ladder onto concrete, no damage to phone or case. Best money I ever spent

No screen protector or case on my Infuse, and it's been that way since I bought it two months ago. I have one tiny, tiny scratch on the far left side of the front, but it's so far over that it isn't actually on the screen. I have no idea how it got there, I think there must have been a tiny rock or something in my pocket at one point the scratched it. Who knows. My phone has unfortunately been dropped maybe 5 times, and this never caused any damage. I think your phone will be just fine naked.

I decided to get the Case-Mate Pop case. It makes my phone look like a stormtrooper! Still no screen protector tho.
Sent from my home phone

I'm using a body glove, no screen protector.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

Hi guys im debating weather to put a screen protector on this baby or not, just got her yesterday. Has anyone experienced scratches? Also would someone recommend a good screen protector other than Zagg or invisishield. I'm done with those types. Also I got a casemate today but it kinda sucks, gonna return it tomorrow. Any recommendations on cases? Thanks.

I've heard from a few people on here that they've experienced scratches. I think if you are really careful you can get away with it. Some of the better cases have a lip which will protect it from falling flat on the screen.
Sent from my home phone

[Q] Are You Using a Screen Protector?

Hi
New - just got my G2x
Are U guys using a screen protector?
I think it's a Gorrila Glass, so I am not sure if this means I don't need a screen protector. They usually suck so I would probably prefer not to have one.
What do you think?
Thanks

Dad bought my G2x for me as a surprise early birthday present. He went and got the Invisible Shield screen protector from one of those booths at the mall installed before he gave me the phone. Also got me a dark gray hard cover case.
The screen protector and case (although bulky) has done my phone well. Better to be safe than sorry.

I used to use Invis. Shield, but it greatly degraded the quality of the screen IMO. And it's expensive as hell for what it is. So I went and ordered some cheap ones from Amazon. 10 for 1 buck. It covers the whole screen and doesn't look like my screen has a protector. It does its job so I'm happy with it.

Stealth shieldz is a good screen protector can't tell I even have one on and there cheap via Amazon

Same day I picked up my g2x I put a screen protector on it, a universal one I cut down to size. I ordered the stealth shieldz from amazon after reading alot of good things about them. Should be in in the next couple days

Unless you do what I did and STAND on the screen grinding it into rocks, it won't scratch. Of you do, a little piece of plastic sheeting isn't likely to help much.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

With the gorilla glass, it will resist scratches from metal very well.
Other minerals however will scratch it. Sand in your pocket, rocks, stuff like that.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

I don't use a screen protector. I really don't see why it would be necessary for me. The phone sits in my pocket, and I rarely have rocks and gravel in there.

I just left the plastic cover that came new with the phone. Never remove it, six months already my phone look new...
G2x Weapon 3.0 R1

I hate screen protectors. They take your beautiful screen and reduce the visible light output and often makes the text harder to read. The Gorilla glass is incredible. I have never scratched any phone with Gorilla glass. You really don't need a screen protector for these phones. I bought mine second hand and it had a perfect screen. I have had it about four months and it still has a perfect screen. If a phone doesn't have Gorilla glass I put a screen protector on it. But if it has Gorilla glass I happily do not use one.

I've never dropped my phone and and I still got a small scratch. It's not noticeable unless you look very closely, but I've been using a screen protecter ever since, just to be safe.
Sent from my MIUI G2x using XDA Premium App

Didnt feel like reading all the post but i always use a protector on all touch screens. Dont care what the glass is made of it can be scratched. Gorilla glass can be scratched. I have 2 small very light scratch on my phone because i used it the day before my protectors gave in the mail.

I don't. There's a small scratch from being kicked across concrete. It's barely noticeable, not at all when the screen is on. Plastic just doesn't have the same smoothness as the glass does.

I use a Clarivue anti-glare screen protector, not because I'm afraid of the screen getting scratched but because I can't stand the reflections and fingerprint smudges on the bare glass. The Clarivue protector does not degrade the image quality much (about the minimum possible for an anti-glare protector, based on my experience) and makes the phone MUCH easier to use in the car when it's not acting like a mirror.
After six months of using a Swype-style keyboard (SlideIt), the keyboard area was getting polished and shiny, but the Clarivue protectors come with a lifetime warranty, so I got a new pack for just the price of shipping ($3.00, if I recall) and the phone is back to its non-reflective self again.
The only downside to the Clarivue protectors is that they're very tall, so you have to be extremely precise in positioning when you're installing one.
---------- Post added at 01:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:59 PM ----------
King-Nai said:
Plastic just doesn't have the same smoothness as the glass does.
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Actually, I forgot to mention it in my immediately-preceding comment, but smoothness is one of the reasons I use a screen protector, too: with the bare screen, unless my finger is perfectly dry, trying to slide it over the glass is difficult; it keeps sticking and jerking. With the Clarivue antiglare protector, it's like sliding your finger over a very smooth piece of paper -- no sticking and no jerking, much more comfortable than the bare glass.
This varies with different protectors. Before I remembered the Clarivue lifetime warranty, I bought some cheap antiglare protectors from Amazon. I installed one and threw it away after about 30 seconds, because it was really hard to slide my finger across it -- no comparison in any way with the Clarivue.

Screen protectors were originally made for resistive touch screens because of how delicate their screens were. They've continued making them for capacitive screens because they follow the older saying "there's a sucker born everyday".
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Better to be safe than sorry! I'd say use a screen protector no matter what.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

Honestly I haven't even worried about where I put my phone or in my pockets with my keys, etc. I don't have a single scratch. Any even if I did, it's so unnoticeable that I can't tell you with 100% certainty that I do have a scratch.
That being said, screen protectors don't let your fingers slide as nicely.

wmm said:
Actually, I forgot to mention it in my immediately-preceding comment, but smoothness is one of the reasons I use a screen protector, too: with the bare screen, unless my finger is perfectly dry, trying to slide it over the glass is difficult; it keeps sticking and jerking. With the Clarivue antiglare protector, it's like sliding your finger over a very smooth piece of paper -- no sticking and no jerking, much more comfortable than the bare glass.
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Ah, so it may have been the ones I've tried. I'll look into that brand. But for me it's the exact opposite. My finger doesn't stick to the glass at all, but catches on screen protectors. Kinda weird how that works.

I used to have the one that came with the phone on there until a couple weeks ago when it developed a little bubble at the edge which got bigger and bigger 'til I peeled the whole thing off. The G2x screen is fantastic without it. Very happy with the way it looks, and I trust jboxer so I'm gonna keep in as is.

Every touch screen phone Ive ever had I order screen protectors and put them on.I wont use the phone until I get one on.Well besides around the house.

Protected or naked?

Do you have your blaze covered with screen protectors and a case or you like and feel safe enough to use it naked?
Just curious need some opinions I feel like removing my screen protector.
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda app-developers app

Normally I buy a screen protector and case before even receiving a phone, but in this case I purchased the phone before there were many accessories available for it. After having it for nearly 3 months without a screen protector or case, it has not accumulated any scratches on the screen and only has one tiny scratch near the top of the chrome bezel.
I have yet to find a case I like, one that doesn't have a cutout for the MicroSD card slot.

These are the droids you're looking for:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1621222
I've always wanted to say that.

I would use a screen protector, but I really suck at the installations... so whatever. My phone still hasn't any scratches. As for the case... I just LOVE the feel and grip of the Blazes' own back cover. Can't get enough of it.

I've had several devices that feature Gorilla Glass, just like the Blaze. When I water damaged my Droid 1, I purposely took a pocketknife, keys, etc. to the screen to see if i could scratch it, with essentially no results (very very light scratching with ridiculous amount of pressure). The stuff is EXTREMELY scratch resistant. The only times I've heard of appreciable scratching on a GG screen is if you get sand rubbing against it (say you were careless when you took it to the beach), which is extremely hard. You should be just fine protector-less.

I bought a D3O screen protector for it along with a nice screen protector. It wasn't cheap, but it was well worth he investment.
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda app-developers app

Blaze does not use Gorilla Glass, although it uses something just as strong.
I would highly recommend a screen protector. It can crack and scratch. Trust Me.

I made sure to purchase an InvisibleShield prior to ordering the phone and then apply it immediately out of the box before initial startup. Whether or not that's necessary I can't say (I can really only imagine it being 'necessary' to customers that admit to being accident-prone), but the added assurance doesn't hurt.

I did the same. I took it off though and the naked feeling with only a case is much worth an accidental scratch or two, which I still have none
Sent from my SGH-T769

I've tried a few different things since I got this phone a couple months ago. I've had a screen protector on it since day one. I don't remember the brand, it was one of those "cut to size"ones. Apparently I had bought it from the T-Mobile store several years ago with my blackberry curve.
I'm currently using the Prozkin case which was discussed and reviewed in the accessories section. Solid case that adds minimum bulk.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S Blaze.

I've had my blaze naked since fathers day. Dropped it pretty hard a couple of times and only got minor scratches and chips on the chrome strip. No screen scratches at all either.
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda app-developers app

Naked
I don't have a screen protector or case on it. I have dropped it several times and it has a few little scratches on the bezel. Normally I have my phones protected to the max, this one not so much..I kinda miss my Vibrant