[tdy721]

I never use a case for my phones. Honestly, I kinda like the way phones "wear down". It's mine, and I scratched it up a bit, no problem.

[matthewmcg]

Same. It reminds me of the "brassing" you see on well-used cameras that have a black finish over metal. The coating wears off in a distinctive way with heavy use.

Example: http://leicaphilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BP-M3-5414...

[gchokov]

LOVE IT!

[webXL]

I put an Apple case on my iPhone 6 when I got it and recently took it off and the side screen swipes work a lot better. It was clearly designed to be used without a case, so it's strange that they sell them. Oh yeah, they make 20,000% profit on each one :P

I just worry about scratches though because I always sell my phones when I'm done with them.

[moultano]

Unfortunately mine don't so much "wear down" as "fail catastrophically and suddenly."

[krisdol]

I used to take that approach, then I shattered a Galaxy S, then a Galaxy S4 (twice!), a Sony Xperia Z3, and an iPhone 6. I now accept the bulk and hope it will preserve the contents of my credit card better.

[r00fus]

If you plan to resell it (either as an upgrade program, or as used pre-owned) then a case helps you retain resale value.

Used to be I could just gift to my relatives, but they're pretty happy with their iPhone5's.

[efraim]

So keeping it in a case for two years is worth the extra $20 when it's time to sell it?

[r00fus]

Spread between "like new" and "good" condition can be much more than $20, esp. on eBay.

[snuxoll]

I don't know about the iPhone Upgrade Program, but T-Mobile's JUMP plan doesn't give a crap about the condition of the body of the phone as it is usually replaced when refurbished for sale as a pre-owned device or use as a Like-New Replacement. As long as it powers on, doesn't have a cracked screen and has no water damage they'll happily take it (replacing the body is cheap in most cases, so why care).

[spike021]

Agreed. The case for having a case is when you want to keep resale value as high as possible, but even now that's not such an issue if you do the upgrade program where you automatically get a new phone every year and basically lease it.

[kelseydh]

In my opinion a case is necessary just so I can have access to a second battery. The iPhone 6s is unusable with only one charge.

[spike021]

What are you doing where it's unusable with a single charge? Most days I get by fine or mostly fine with my phone and I'm a pretty heavy user (music, web browsing, fb/twitter/instagram).

I had to get an external usb battery but only use that when I know I'll be busy a full day with more than usual usage (which is still quite a bit). Example being a full day of work (commute in and out) plus a sportsball game at night or similar where I'm seriously out all day.

[emptyfile]

This, IMHO phones are not supposed to be jewelry.

[dmix]

I break my screen far too often not to use a case with a raised edge, so it can't survive a fall. I'm too clumsy to not have one. Nothing to do with jewelry.