[threeseed]

This argument would've made sense a decade ago.

But smart phones are an established product line where lots of experiments have already happened.

Including using cheaper, more robust materials. The outcome ? People just think your phone is cheap and don't buy it.

[mhandley]

After smashing the glass back on a Nexus about 10 years ago, all the phones I've bought since have been mid-range Android phones with plastic backs. Currently have a OnePlus Nord 2T - excellent phone. I'm probably atypical, but I'm sure I'm not alone.

[Tactician_mark]

Tastes change. This isn't some engineering or logistics constraint; if plastic phones have a real advantage, adoption is simply a matter of marketing.

[xethos]

Design (and fashion) is typically cyclical as well. Typically, fashion cycles seem to be every 20-30 years... meaning plastic backs are due for a resurgence!

[nightowl_games]

"Tried that, didn't work"

https://world.hey.com/dhh/we-tried-that-didn-t-work-d9c42fe1