The iPhone 17 Pro features a durable aluminum oxide anodized layer [0:00-0:34], which is a level 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, the sharp corners on the camera plateau are a design flaw [0:31-1:05]. The anodizing process struggles to adhere to these sharp edges, making them prone to chipping and scratching [1:02-1:35, 5:13-5:46].
Despite the overall improved durability of the aluminum unibody design compared to glass [2:05-2:39], this specific design choice on the camera plateau ignores international standards for anodizing sharp corners [6:15-6:47]. Standards suggest a radius of at least 0.25-0.5mm, which Apple omitted, likely for aesthetic reasons [6:45-7:19]. This will lead to cosmetic damage over time, revealing the silver aluminum underneath the colored anodizing [5:13-5:46, 5:44-6:17].
While these chips are purely cosmetic and don't affect functionality [7:17-7:49], the only ways to avoid them are to never set the phone down or to use a case that protects the camera plateau [7:47-7:49]. The video also touches on the phone's other durability aspects, such as its OLED display's heat resistance and the phone's structural rigidity, which it passes [8:19-8:53]. Finally, the presenter suggests protective cases and screen protectors from Dbrand as solutions [8:50-9:23].