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iPhone 17 Pro: Case-less Year Reveals Scratches, But Holds Up
3 Sep
Summary
- iPhone 17 Pro shows noticeable scratches on the front display after one year.
- The oleophobic coating on the screen's bottom corners has worn off.
- Battery capacity remains strong at 96% after nearly a year of use.

After a year of intentional case-less use, the iPhone 17 Pro reveals a mixed durability report. The front display has accumulated noticeable scratches, particularly at the bottom corners where the oleophobic coating has worn off due to frequent handling. While the Ceramic Shield 2 display has resisted cracks through multiple drops, the back cover shows some paint chipping around the camera bump edges.
Despite cosmetic wear, the iPhone 17 Pro's battery health is surprisingly robust, currently at 96% capacity. Its battery life has even improved over time, even with beta software updates. This real-world test suggests that while the iPhone 17 Pro can withstand significant use without a case, cosmetic damage is inevitable. Future iPhone models, like the rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max, may offer improved battery capacity, potentially between 5,000 to 5,200mAh, using advanced battery technologies.
While some users might opt for a case-less experience to showcase their device's design, the test implies that hardware insurance, such as AppleCare, is advisable for those who choose to forgo protection. The iPhone 17 Pro's journey highlights the trade-offs between aesthetics and long-term resilience, with future iPhones poised to potentially set new standards in both durability and battery endurance.