While the iPhone 17 Pro models have sparked controversy over scratching issues, the standard iPhone 17 appears to hold up much better under pressure—literally.

In a recent durability test by a well-known tech reviewer, the iPhone 17 showed impressive resistance to scratches and bending. The phone features a soft-touch etched glass back, which helped it withstand contact with various metals like aluminum, titanium, and copper with only minimal surface damage.

Unlike the Pro models, which include exposed anodized aluminum edges around the camera, the regular iPhone 17 uses a smoother design that’s less prone to scratches in daily use.

During testing, the back panel was rubbed against common metal objects, including coins, wires, and metal rods. The outcome? Only light scratches appeared from harder materials—suggesting the back glass is more durable than many expected.

On the front, Ceramic Shield 2 glass protected the screen well, only showing minor marks at level 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is typical for modern flagship smartphones. Even under pressure from a bend test, the device remained solid and intact.

For anyone worried about durability, the iPhone 17 seems to offer strong everyday protection—especially compared to its more expensive Pro counterparts.