iPhone 17 Pro scratches, dented because of aluminum shell makes users cry

When a high-end phone worth more than $1,200 (about 31.7 million VND) looks like it has been through “wars” after only a month of use, it is clear that Apple is having serious problems with the new materials of the line. iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro series was introduced by Apple with an aluminum frame for "better heat dissipation", but users soon realized the downside of this design: it was much less durable than previous generations.

According to editor Victor Hristov (PhoneArena), both iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have obvious scratches and dents even after only being used for a short time.

Previously, Apple used titanium frames for the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, as well as stainless steel for older Pro lines. These materials help the device stay new for a long time, with only minor scratches on the screen.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro's aluminum frame is prone to scratches and deformation even when carefully stored.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 17 Pro’s screen is much more scratch-resistant than before, leaving the frame as the most noticeable weak point. “Apple has been promoting the excellent heat dissipation of the aluminum frame, and that’s true. But at the same time, this device is incredibly fragile,” Hristov commented.

Compared to its rivals, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra retains its titanium frame and shows almost no wear and tear over time. The Google Pixel 10 Pro also uses an aluminum frame, but it doesn't degrade as quickly as the iPhone 17 Pro - possibly thanks to different surface treatments and color choices.

With light-colored models like silver, the scratches are less visible, but with Blue or Cosmic Orange, the bright silver scratches are clearly visible. This makes users feel difficult to accept for a product with the name "Pro" and high price.

Many experts believe that Apple's return to aluminum after two years of promoting titanium is a step backward. Meanwhile, companies like Xiaomi, OPPO or OnePlus have tested ceramic materials for a luxurious feel and higher scratch resistance, although the downside is that they are heavy and expensive to produce.

“Premium is not just about luxury, it’s about durability,” Hristov concludes. In the current situation, the only way to protect the iPhone 17 Pro is to use a case or wear gloves when handling it. Apple seems to be struggling between two extremes: titanium is durable but has poor heat dissipation, and aluminum is light but too fragile.