The iPhone 5, like every Cupertino-designed device, is a real eye-catcher. While adding a reliable case is an obvious choice for protecting such a high-dollar product, plenty of users will forgo physical security in the name of sleek design and a thin profile. But if you're picking up a new iPhone in black, be forewarned the aluminum back may show wear rapidly.

When Apple decided to drop the glass backing of the iPhone 4S in favor of anodized aluminum, there were immediate benefits. Chiefly, the overall weight of the iPhone 5 dropped significantly -- around 20-percent. And that's not even to mention those unsightly, spider-webbed panels thanks to one clumsy fumble.

But as with most design decisions, there are pros and cons. According to some early reports, the black iPhone 5 is extra susceptible to scratches.

A forum user at Overclockers UK (via MacRumors) decided to test out the black aluminum case, by taking a key and SIM card pin to the finish. Looking at the image -- well, it's not pretty.

Of course, this also begs the question: why in the world was this person -- possibly a retail employee? -- destroying the back of an in-store iPhone 5 display? People do weird things.

Regardless, it appears the black finish is somewhat easy to remove from the iPhone 5, and suddenly the silver model looks a little more appealing. Of course, there's a genuine question as to just how much force this person, or vandal some would say, applied during this "test." And if you're OK with utilizing a half-way decent case, or least refraining from attacking your iPhone with car keys like a psychopath, the point's a bit moot.

But just in case those scratches seem a bit frightening, at least take heart in the results of a "drop test" conducted by Android Authority. Despite describing the iPhone 5 as the "device [they] love to hate," Apple's device was the clear champion against the Samsung Galaxy S3. 

Seriously, go buy a case.

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