iPhone 15 (Plus) one year without a case – this is what it looks like now

In September 2023 I bought an iPhone 15 (Plus) and I have been using it all this time without a case and screen protector. This is what it looks like now.

iPhone 15 (Plus) one year without a case

Some people only use their iPhone with a protective case, other people absolutely do not want an ugly case on their beautiful iPhone. Of course, there is something to be said for both.

But what is the difference after a year of use? And what are the real pros and cons of having a case or not? We compare two identical iPhones, one of which has been used for a year with a case and screen protector, and one without.

This is what I noticed about an iPhone without a case

It’s the first time I’ve used an iPhone without a case and the first thing I noticed is that the iPhone is very slippery. Much more slippery than an iPhone with a case. And that has its advantages and disadvantages. A clear advantage is that the iPhone slides into your trouser pocket much easier.

The logical disadvantage is that the iPhone also slips out of your hand much more easily. I dropped my iPhone 15 Plus on the ground much more often in the beginning. Even once with the screen down on the tiles in the garden. Fortunately, there was hardly any damage and an iPhone screen does not crack that easily.

The damage after a year of use

If you use an iPhone for a year without a case and screen protector, irreversible damage will occur. In my case, no major damage, but there are things that you simply cannot prevent. For example, you sometimes get small scratches on the screen. You can see these scratches if you look closely, but in practice they are not disturbing at all. They are even so small that we were unable to get a clear picture of them. The only thing that can prevent these kinds of scratches is a screen protector.

In addition, there is damage to one of the corners of the aluminum frame caused by using my iPhone 15 without a case. This is also only noticeable if you look at it up close. In any case, it is clear enough to be able to photograph. There is actually nothing to see on the rest of the housing. Even the glass back still looks like new. With a case, that corner would probably still be completely intact, but that is the only difference.

Advantages, disadvantages and conclusion

I really enjoyed using the iPhone without a case. One of the most important things is that my iPhone 15 Plus looks beautiful. Too beautiful to hide in a case! Also, my iPhone without a case is more compact and fits better in my pocket. Also, it is much easier to clean your iPhone.

But I also experienced some disadvantages. Although the damage sustained is quite limited, the chance that your iPhone will still be completely intact after a year of use is not that great. And that of course does not benefit the value of the iPhone. Moreover, the risk that your screen will crack at some point is a lot greater. And if you have to replace the screen of your iPhone 15 Plus, it will cost you 405 euros.

If you don’t mind minor scratches and scuffs, and you’re not too clumsy, you can definitely use an iPhone 15 Plus without a case. It’s a bit more risky, but you get to see how beautiful your iPhone is every day, and it’s a bit easier to carry around.

If you want a good sales price or the maximum trade-in value for your iPhone after one or two years, you should still use a case and a screen protector. Because even if they are not annoying, small scratches and damage quickly result in a lower value.

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