Why You Should Not Buy the Jet Black iPhone 7

BY Rajesh Pandey

Published 16 Sep 2016

iPhone 7

Yes, the Jet Black iPhone 7 looks gorgeous. But only in press photos. You should think twice before buying it. If you really want a black iPhone, go for the regular black iPhone 7. You will be happier with this choice in the long run. Why? Read after the break.

“Fine Micro-abrasions”

The number one reason as to why you should not get the Jet Black iPhone 7 is because of “fine micro-abrasions.” Since the finish is so shiny, it easily shows fine scratches and scuffs that over a period of time will look really ugly.

Apple itself recommends Jet Black iPhone 7 customers to get a case for their phone to protect its finish.

The high-gloss finish of the Jet Black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.

The first batch of iPhone 7 reviews that went live earlier this week also had the same thing to say about the Jet Black finish. It looks good, but only in the box. Once you start using it — even inside a case — scratches and fingerprints will start showing up on it easily.

iPhone 7

Case

Despite Apple saying that the new iPhones look radically different from their predecessors, they actually look just the same. And if you get a Jet Black iPhone, you will have to put the phone in a case to protect its finish from scratches. Due to the relatively minor design changes, an iPhone 7 inside a case will look exactly like the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6. What’s the point of buying a Jet Black iPhone then if you cannot even show off the new color?

Not available in 32GB

Achieving that high-gloss finish for the Jet Black iPhone 7 takes extra steps compared to other colors, which means higher production cost for Apple. To make up for it, the company is offering Jet Black variant of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in only 128GB and 256GB storage variants. The new iPhones now come with a base 32GB storage space, which would have been more than enough for the majority of average users. However, by not offering the Jet Black finish for the 32GB storage variant, the company is forcing interested consumers to cough up extra dough for the color.

Don’t forget due to the initial hype, there is a lot of demand for the Jet Black iPhone 7 right now, with shipping estimates of more than a month.


In the end, if you are planning on buying the new iPhone just for the new Jet Black color, you really should reconsider. Yes, the color and glossy finish do look attractive and offers the best grip, but only in stores and in their retail boxes. Once you start using the phone especially with a case, Jet Black or Black, it really won’t matter much.

Still planning on buying a Jet Black iPhone 7? Drop a comment and let us know why!

You may also want to check out:

➤ iPhone 7: Black vs. Jet Black