Is the backplate prone to scratching off the grippy-gummy substance it's covered with - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I don't really know how to call that coating and am not even sure if it's a coating or the whole backplate is made of the material that gives the grip. I just want to know if it's going to get scratched/scraped off by usage because this will pretty much determine if I'll get a case for the phone or not. I never had a case on my phone before and I don't really want one unless I'll need one. And I'll need one if it's required to keep my phone in perfect condition.

I assume it will, but covered it with a silicone case an ghost armor on the front.
The camera bulge made case necessary for my usage.
Of course YMMV some, but it seems the front glass likes to shatter easy on side hits, at least from what I've read.
So back plate scratches would be the least of my concern with that camera glass bulge.
Don't know if that helps, but it didn't cost you anything to read it ?
WR
Sent from my Nexus 5

I got mine at launch and never put a case on it. Mine is scratch free on the back and the glass. Just don't put it in your pocket if its full of diamonds.

The soft touch plastic can get scratched by keys or even coins. Same can be said for the white glossy sides.

bblzd said:
The soft touch plastic can get scratched by keys or even coins. Same can be said for the white glossy sides.
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The white and black versions are a bit different. As far as i have heard the black one is harder to scratch. And it has the same material all around. As opposed to the white one with gloss added.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

El Daddy said:
I got mine at launch and never put a case on it. Mine is scratch free on the back and the glass. Just don't put it in your pocket if its full of diamonds.
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Well, it's always sitting in my pocket alone, but I also dealt with some other stuff that was covered in this substance and by normal usage the substance scratched off so that's why it raised my concern. Plus I had HTC HD2 which also had it's backplate covered in something (not this substance though) and it also got scratched up pretty badly by daily use (I really care about my phones) and it was in my pocket alone.

I've had the phone for almost two months now and have yet to use a case and it's still scratch free. I would just make sure to keep whatever pocket you use for your phone empty at all times except for the device itself. The only issue I have is getting dust out of the edges of the screen where the plastic meets the glass...easily fixed with a duster air gun or just using a thin piece of paper and sliding it through the grooves to remove the dust.

whozilla said:
The white and black versions are a bit different. As far as i have heard the black one is harder to scratch. And it has the same material all around. As opposed to the white one with gloss added.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Not sure which scratches easier but both are susceptible to scratches by metal or even hard plastic unlike the Gorilla Glass screen. Case in point being the hard cases scratching both the soft touch and glossy coatings alike.

Related

[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 2ยข. 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

Do you use a case?

If not, do you have any scratches on the camera glass or the body?
Nope...But I'm a VERY brave person
I had a zagg protector on my original EVO...It eventually fell off and it was later discovered they indeed had Gorilla glass. So I left it off. No scratches. No discernible micro-scratches either. Damn that glass IS tough. No case on it, I never dropped it.
I've only dropped one phone in all my life and that was an HTC Touch (windows mobile) in a Manhattan subway...It had a thin rubber gel like protector and it was fine.
So if you think you'll drop it, then get a case. Otherwise I've never had any issues with phones in my pocket. Completely unprotected Palm Pre and original EVO 4G that I had in my pocket. I did have the EVO 4G from Best Buy that was black and white and the white part of the case discolored a little bit. I don't know if that will happen with the white One X...The material is different...But who knows. That is one thing that did in fact pop to mind when the AT&T stored asked if I wanted to also buy a case.
However, I didn't buy any case or screen protector. If you're worried and have ANY doubt, I would always suggest buying these though. Unless you're just really rich and can buy a new one =) Or have a good insurance plan and don't mind paying the premium haha.
i always use tpu cases since i dropped my last phone and cracked the screen.
no scratches on the body and the camera sits slightly below the case so no scratches there either
I think I might go caseless. I'm mainly worried about the camera, but on the AT&T model is sits in the ring surrounding just enough not to touch a surface when you lay it down.
oh and for what it's worth i may have scratches in my camera on my phones. but minor scratches will go unnoticed because A. it's not the actual lens and even if it was B. cameras work fine with minor scratches on lenses, filters, or any other material covering them because they focus beyond that point. the minimum focus distance could never capture those scratches. they are waaaay blown out. could it make your photo look soft?? maybe... maybe... but the quality isn't exactly perfect on a camera phone anyway.
johnl199 said:
I think I might go caseless. I'm mainly worried about the camera, but on the AT&T model is sits in the ring surrounding just enough not to touch a surface when you lay it down.
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A grain of sand is large enough to touch that recessed glass if it's on a table.
Edit: Maybe we just got some big ass sand in Florida..
I haven't used cases on my past few phones. After 22 months of being in my pockets with keys and all the rest, my captivate shows a bit of wear, mostly scratches from being dropped (oops), but the screen is still in great condition. I'd expect the One X is hold up even better.
If it gets too unsightly, THEN I'll get case
vioalas said:
A grain of sand is large enough to touch that recessed glass if it's on a table.
Edit: Maybe we just got some big ass sand in Florida..
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Not really on either of those... yes, sand/salt/etc could scratch lens if the lens was sitting flat, however when you sit your phone down flat, look at it from the side... the phone rests on two points... the metal/plastic rim around the camera and then one towards the bottom of the phone... in turn, there is actually a large gap between the camera lens and the surface.
I've got a screen protector because I prefer the feel, but no case. Had it since Sunday; not a scratch anywhere.
Camera doesn't touch if on a flat surface.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
EESteve said:
I've got a screen protector because I prefer the feel, but no case. Had it since Sunday; not a scratch anywhere.
Camera doesn't touch if on a flat surface.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
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You prefer the feel of the screen protector? After coming from 2 iPhones this is the best feeling glass my fingers have ever touched. Plus, it seems to be very resistant to fingerprints.
As for a case, I'll probably get a thin silicone one for the ocassions where the phone may be dropped. Will be caseless most of the time.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
I don't use a case or screen protector I've dropped it plenty of times quite hard a few times, the back smooth part has very tiny tiny scratches from sliding none on the camera or the screen. I'm ocd about how my phone looks my iPhone 4 had a scratch and I made up some BS story about bad charging to get it replaced but this phones built really well I don't have the 70$ a month warranty from att so knock on wood no issues yet
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Until I see a white Otterbox Commuter. Im keeping mine naked. Black/blue case look weird when the white trim of my X shows in the front
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
I think the hox is just to sexy to cover it up with a screen protector or case so going naked. Had a zag on my last phone and a gel case but after a while the screen protector got dirty all around the edges so I took it off and ordered a replacement but by the time I got it I got to used to the natural feel of the screen so I never put it back on and I never liked the feel of the gel case. I've had my hox since last Friday and there's not a mark on it so I'm very pleased with it as is.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I'm going caseless this time. I used a case (Body Glove) on my Captivate for two years, but never a screen protector, and that screen is still pristine. And I don't really mind scratches elsewhere, although of course I try to avoid them. My phone lives in my left pants pocket, all by itself.
Edit: I'll probably try to get in the habit of setting the phone down face-up, since it does sit on the glass otherwise. The Captivate has very small ridges on the sides so that even face-down it's not on the glass.
No case and no screen protector. I've never been a fan of buying a sleek phone and making it a fatty.
No scratches on phone body or lens.
Naked for me. I love the glass feeling and do not like screen protectors, and likewise with the body: looks and feels best without a case, why mess with it. I've dropped my captivate dozens of times without damage that effects any function besides the open/close usb cover.
I'll be careful, I promise.
Dropping phones is just a matter of how soon for me but still i refuse to use a case. I think it ruins the look and feel of a phone.
So no case for me.
I'm glad to see this thread I have a white hox and have the darn commuter case but I wanna show this thing off .but I'm odd and constantly worried about the Camera lens. What should I do
Again, that's not the lens. It's a piece of glass or plastic on top of the lens. Granted, I doubt you can replace it... My point is that any minor scratches on that won't have an effect on the camera.
I can't say I'm a "professional" photographer because that would imply me getting paid which I haven't been paid for my photography in years...But I DO shoot a LOT with good equipment. That said, I have filters with scratches in them that are still quite usable.
You can't see the scratches in a piece of glass, plastic, etc. that is put directly over top of your lens because the focal point is beyond it. Only if you really really scratch it up will it make a difference. A single scratch alone is not enough. Then factor in the quality of the camera to begin with...You'd never be able to point out the defects in a photo from a few scratches on the case's lens cover. I mean you gotta really scratch it up.
edit -- however, since it's a smaller area, it could take less scratches before you notice a difference... but still, a scratch or two won't make a difference. also, the more you get the softer the image, you could create a permanent "soft focus" filter ha. but i wouldn't worry about a single scratch or two. on top of how small the area for the lens is, i've just never had issues. Attached is a photo my original EVO and all the scratches it took over a 2 year period. There's one larger scratch that actually even covers the area of the lens and I still don't notice it in any shots.
Just click the link, I'm not resizing it and you can't change dimensions through this forum???
http://www.shift8creative.com/temp-stuff/IMAG0001.jpg
Taken with the One X, not bad zoom! =)
mesasone said:
I haven't used cases on my past few phones. After 22 months of being in my pockets with keys and all the rest, my captivate shows a bit of wear, mostly scratches from being dropped (oops), but the screen is still in great condition. I'd expect the One X is hold up even better.
If it gets too unsightly, THEN I'll get case
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this x10

Exactly how scratch resistant are our screens?

A lot of people use screen protectors and some don't....
I bought two but both got dust underneath them while installing them....and then they started peeling because of my case......
I do baby my phone to some extent and use it sensibly..
To people who use the phone naked how scratch resistant is the screen? Is it as good as an iPhone 4/4S (just a reference because my mom's has no screen guard from almost a year and there are no scratches at all....)?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Its pretty good tbh, I've never had any scratch or any sort of screen protection on any of my phones, to be fair Ive dropped quite a few times and it has one minor scratch at bottom of screen, but its very minimal, other than that its pretty solid I've had in pocket with coins keys, dropped it and feel out pocket a couple of times. I'd say it matches the iPhone 4s screen resistance my gf got that and she is just as clumsy as me.
Nexus 4 PACman + Franco
tiru.adi13 said:
A lot of people use screen protectors and some don't....
I bought two but both got dust underneath them while installing them....and then they started peeling because of my case......
I do baby my phone to some extent and use it sensibly..
To people who use the phone naked how scratch resistant is the screen? Is it as good as an iPhone 4/4S (just a reference because my mom's has no screen guard from almost a year and there are no scratches at all....)?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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Keep in mind that EVERY phone is susceptible to micro scratches. Scratches happen when an object that is harder than the screen comes in contact with it. Since our screens are gorilla glass, it is harder than keys, coins, knives, etc. These objects won't scratch the screen.
But dust and sand have particles in them that are as hard as diamond so any phone (including iphones) will get micro scratches after a while. If you hold your mom's phone up to the light you'll see them.
I put a very small (almost invisible) scratch in mine shortly after getting it. I think it came from dropping it in the local golf course pro shop (commercial carpet on concrete slab), where I am guessing some embedded sand was the culprit. Sand has no problem scratching glass - even Gorilla Glass. Since then, no other scratches have surfaced on either the front or back. I make sure my pockets are free from sand and dirt.
I do not like screen protectors. IMHO, the ruin the look and feel of a nice phone.
Mine was dropped from my pant's pocket and I have one visible scratch in the front glass near top.
Tough I have also tested nailing the front with T5 Torx screw driver without a single scratch but this fall from pocket was not that major fall but the scratch is there. :crying:
I have a rev_11 Nexus manufactured in May 2013. Its Indian version.
---------- Post added at 05:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:50 AM ----------
I have never put any scratch guard or covers on any of my phones but this time it seems I will have to get some slim cover for the back atleast.
I didn't use screen protectors for a long time until I noticed the micro scratches all over in certain lighting. the good ones are very scratch resistant and hardly feel any different from the glass. Ive tried more than a few between my iphone and nexus, and the SGP ultra crystal are my favorite by far. I like them even better than the expensive tempered glass screen protectors.
you can get a dust free installation pretty easily with the dry install protectors. The secret is using tape to remove any dust that gets trapped under it. I've only ever had one dust free install that didn't require the use of tape. The steamy shower trick makes it even easier. Then, on the oleophobic surfaces you can even actually very slowly massage the protector around the glass after installation, which means it's very easy to get perfect placement.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I have a very light scratch on my screen. I wanted to play with it before covering it. Of course, with my luck, I got one within 24 hours. I think it was when my little maltese walked over it. Unless it was just my dry fingers cutting it up.
Off the bat I used my N4 without a screen protector for the front (one for the back though) and I had not a single scratch on the front for ~4 months.
I have screen protectors on the front now and it doesn't really matter to me, but I did drop it in the washroom where it dented the screen. Besides that, no micro scratches or anything, so I say the Nexus 4 is solid.
how does the screen get dented? you mean the chrome around the screen right?!
Ive had the phone for a few months and never used a case however there are some micro scratches which are barely visible, more on the back than the front. I got a diztronik slim case to use when i will be working in a dirty environment which helps, but 90% of the time NO CASE NAKED IS THE WAY TO GO. (I have dropped it twice luckily only a small mark on the edge/border ring)
I would highly recommend a case or a screen protector. When I first got the phone I decided not to use a case and within a few days had several scratches on the back and one on the front side without ever dropping it.
I got a case that lasted me a few months then fell apart and got ugly so i took it off and now I got 2 NEW scratch on the top right by the camera
Now I'm trying to find whats the best screen protector then might add the bumper.
funky_snowman said:
I didn't use screen protectors for a long time until I noticed the micro scratches all over in certain lighting. the good ones are very scratch resistant and hardly feel any different from the glass. Ive tried more than a few between my iphone and nexus, and the SGP ultra crystal are my favorite by far. I like them even better than the expensive tempered glass screen protectors.
you can get a dust free installation pretty easily with the dry install protectors. The secret is using tape to remove any dust that gets trapped under it. I've only ever had one dust free install that didn't require the use of tape. The steamy shower trick makes it even easier. Then, on the oleophobic surfaces you can even actually very slowly massage the protector around the glass after installation, which means it's very easy to get perfect placement.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Another tip is to take a hot shower and do the application immediately afterward so that the dust settles and no more falls on the screen during application. Worked perfectly for me
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
My first Nexus 4 got a lot of small scratches at the corners on the screen, I took great care of it but I guess my pockets scratched it? I got a replacement and it is a lot better. I have about a 1mm scratch in the center only from having my keys in the same pocket. I have a bumper and I only have one screen protector on the back now because I heard it's not gorilla glass and it's more pron to scratches.
I use a tempered glass screen protector regardless of durability. I hate having scratches at all and my last nexus 4 before I rma'd had scratches visible and annoying in sunlight.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I got 2 scratches on the back
I got a front screen guard but no back screen guard
I never kept my phone on its back (rarely do)
I guess I scratched it using my own fingernails which I am too lazy to cut
These 2 scratches make me feel so bad that I just ordered a ballistic case

Removing paint from metal sides

What are people's thoughts on removing the black/white paint on the metal sides so that the whole trim is silver/brushed aluminium? Good or bad idea?
What would be the best way to do it? Rubbing lightly with a scourer while holding a vacuum nozzle nearby to make sure fine particles don't get into the phone?
Some sort of solvent?
What sort of problems could occur?
xda.member said:
What are people's thoughts on removing the black/white paint on the metal sides so that the whole trim is silver/brushed aluminium? Good or bad idea?
What would be the best way to do it? Rubbing lightly with a scourer while holding a vacuum nozzle nearby to make sure fine particles don't get into the phone?
Some sort of solvent?
What sort of problems could occur?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say but it sounds like a bad idea.. How do you know it's all brushed silver underneath? I guess, as long as you don't scratch it with too much force, you will be fine.. Not sure about the parts surrounding the antenna's though
First, the material is definitely not silver. Most likely aluminum unless samsung went with magnesium like moto did.
From careful inspection the shiny aluminum bezel is not a single piece along with the painted frame so I can't guarantee you that they are even the same material and appear the same once the paint is stripped off.
Finally, paint seems highly unlikely. Note 3 had painted plastic frames which deteriorated very quick. If it's using aluminum my best guess would be that it's been anodized.
Not an expert but to get rid of anodizing I believe you dunk the material in a pool of solvent which I definitely don't think you want to do with your phone.
I definitely wouldn't try to remove it by rubbing it, you would end up with uneven areas.
tospace2006 said:
First, the material is definitely not silver. Most likely aluminum unless samsung went with magnesium like moto.
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I probably should have said silver coloured not silver as I agree that the material is definitely not silver. I have noticed some people mentioning that their note 4/note edge had easily developed scratches on the coloured part of the frame. I was wondering if this meant the coating was not extremely hard to remove. If a very gentle abrasive pad was rubbed along the sides in a consistent lengthwise motion, do you think that it would scratch it enough to expose the metal underneath? I am not really considering this for myself as I am super careful with my phones (although I don't use a case) but if someone's sides got very scratched up then would this be an option to hide the scratches within many small scratches (brushed look)?
I agree that we can't really tell what is under the coating in terms of colour or joins etc.
xda.member said:
I probably should have said silver coloured not silver as I agree that the material is definitely not silver. I have noticed some people mentioning that their note 4/note edge had easily developed scratches on the coloured part of the frame. I was wondering if this meant the coating was not extremely hard to remove. If a very gentle abrasive pad was rubbed along the sides in a consistent lengthwise motion, do you think that it would scratch it enough to expose the metal underneath? I am not really considering this for myself as I am super careful with my phones (although I don't use a case) but if someone's sides got very scratched up then would this be an option to hide the scratches within many small scratches (brushed look)?
I agree that we can't really tell what is under the coating in terms of colour or joins etc.
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Unless you have worked with aluminum before and have extensive experience in working with it. I doubt that even if you could rub it off you would never be able to do it evenly.
Basically you will do more damage than you would hide most likely
I can see it now people opening up phone body shops for custom paint jobs..and not just screen repairs. .lol
Sent from my SM-N915V using XDA Free mobile app
Its aluminium underneath the paint.
Its aluminium underneath the paint. Atleast for the white model. Just a thick coat of white paint over the aluminium. Saw a demo phone's paint chipped due to a dent so I know for sure.
nishant786 said:
Its aluminium underneath the paint. Atleast for the white model. Just a thick coat of white paint over the aluminium. Saw a demo phone's paint chipped due to a dent so I know for sure.
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i'll wait till it chips itself off
klect said:
i'll wait till it chips itself off
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Ya if this ever happens I'll just let it all chip haha I doubt I'd be ever be able to get a smooth finish once again.
I don't think it will ever chip off. The finish is very well done and nothing like the paint over plastic of previous galaxy phones.

Roocase glacier tough

So Ive been trying to decide on a new case for a while since I'm moving away from the otterbox defender that I usually buy for my phones. I came across this one. And it just came in this morning.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=171778123626&alt=web
I don't like really thin cases that aren't good for anything more than scratch proofing.
That being said this case isn't exactly thin, nor is it as bulky as an OB defender. I wanted a case that would protect my phone from falls, and decided this would be worth a try (especially since I got it for 9$+shipping). I wasn't disappointed, the very first thing I did was clean my phone, put it in the case, and drop tested it from 6 feet, into a faceplant and it survived without a scratch.it's got good protection on the corner, and the case looks very nice with the acrylic back that lets you see the phone through it.
I definitely trust this case to protect my M9 from normal, everyday usage and drops. That being said I would not be willing to test throwing my phone across a room like I would with an OBD, since this case has no shock proofing on the back due to the transparent acrylic.
The built in screen protector works great as well. I already had a Zagg scratch proof protector on (not the tempered glass, or the thick HD one and left it on) and I haven't lost any responsiveness to my screen. The built in protector does add a slightly annoying glare though.
Definitely a good case, and like all cases has its share of cons, but for the price, I 100% recommend it. Even if you only find it for the 20$ its usually advertised for.
Edit: I also forgot to mention that the cover for the charging port is somewhat hard to open, and hard to keep open. It will probably wear over time and become easier, but as of right now it is a slight hassle.
Edit2: After using the case for a few weeks, the charging port is no longer an issue. I've gotten rid of my Zagg screen protector, and removed the built in protector from the case. Instead using the Spartan tempered glass screen protector.
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
Thank you for your review. It's nice to know that this case can withstand a drop from a few feet. I know that I get nervous with it falling-- I mean, these phones are not just expensive, but they are our "friends" that we take with us everywhere we go. That is pretty sad, huh?
If I could figure out how to get my phone out of this cinder block I'd have it out already. This is essentially an iPhone-shaped case for a not-iPhone. The curvature at the back of the phone is lost (though it does trap dirt between the clear platen and the back of the phone). The cover on the charging port, which is mostly pointless because there are lots of open ports on the case, makes it difficult to connect to my car holder. The plastic isn't a consistent colour between the front and the sides. It was a bastard to get the phone in, and now it's a bastard to get the phone out.
The screen cover is great, and there's every indication that the shock protection is good. The big square plastic buttons are easy to press.
Compared with either Otterbox (which is what I've had on my past HTC phones) this isn't as good.
Damosel said:
If I could figure out how to get my phone out of this cinder block I'd have it out already. This is essentially an iPhone-shaped case for a not-iPhone. The curvature at the back of the phone is lost (though it does trap dirt between the clear platen and the back of the phone). The cover on the charging port, which is mostly pointless because there are lots of open ports on the case, makes it difficult to connect to my car holder. The plastic isn't a consistent colour between the front and the sides. It was a bastard to get the phone in, and now it's a bastard to get the phone out.
The screen cover is great, and there's every indication that the shock protection is good. The big square plastic buttons are easy to press.
Compared with either Otterbox (which is what I've had on my past HTC phones) this isn't as good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case is easiest to take off if you peel the rubber back from the corner right above the buttons.
Based on the fact that its 1/5 the price of the otterbox, for roughly 3/4 of the protection level it offers, I would still recommend this case as a cheaper alternative.
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
chaosrde said:
The case is easiest to take off if you peel the rubber back from the corner right above the buttons. Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chaosrde is right on the money. Using the spudger or guitar pick makes the job that much easier. I received a Glacier Touch case from Roocase for review purposes and ran into this. While the case is tough to take off, it does mean that phone is secure. It's a nice case that allows you to show off the nice metal casing of your phone. I dropped it a few times and neither the case nor phone showed any sign of damage, though due to it being clear and glossy the case does show scratches a lot easier. The case seems a bit bulky even with my large hands, but I think this is due to the box-iness of the case. It's more of a personal gripe than something wrong with the case. The built-in screen protector is nice, but does feel cheap (as most built-in screen protectors do) so if you pop it off and use a glass screen protector I don't blame you.
The only issue I had with it is what Damosel mentioned: Dust and dirt seem to get into the case a bit too easily and ends up collecting on the back side of the case. This is due to the case not being fitted to the back of the phone. This can lead to the metal back getting scratched which is something that bothers me. If there was an insert you could put inside the case that fit snugly behind the back I think it would be a nice improvement.
I agree with chaosrde that for the price point and the protection it offers, the Roocase Glacier Tough case is a nice alternative to the Otterbox Defender.

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