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The iPhone 17 went through a hands-on durability check and came out looking tougher than many expected, thanks to a soft-touch etched back glass and Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 on the front.
How the iPhone 17 performed in the scratch test
YouTuber JerryRigEverything subjected the handset to his usual durability routine, probing the rear and edges with an array of metal objects — aluminum, stainless steel and titanium rods, coins made of silver and gold, and copper wire. The back glass, treated with a soft-touch etch, resisted most contact and only showed minor abrasions when exposed to harder materials such as aluminum and titanium.
Another advantage for the regular iPhone 17: its camera island lacks the sharp anodized aluminum edges seen on Pro models, which reduces the chance of edge-related scuffs. On the front, Ceramic Shield 2 behaved similarly to the Pro variants, showing faint scratches beginning around level 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. The phone also passed a standard bend test with no apparent damage.
What buyers should take away
For everyday use, the iPhone 17’s soft-touch rear makes it less prone to visible wear from coins or keys compared with glossier finishes. That said, harder metals can still leave light marks, so a case and screen protector remain smart additions for long-term protection. The device’s solid scratch and bend resistance offers reassurance for users who prioritize durability without stepping up to the Pro model.
Apple’s storage options continue to range upward from the base configurations, giving buyers flexibility between capacity and price.
Conclusion
Overall, the iPhone 17 delivered strong results in a public durability test: the soft-touch back and Ceramic Shield 2 front provide meaningful protection against everyday damage. While not impervious to harder abrasives, the regular iPhone 17 appears better equipped to resist scratches and scuffs than some higher-end siblings.
Source: gsmarena
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