Do you prefer cases that cover the camera bump or leave it open on the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Finally pulled the trigger on a Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max.

I always ensure my phones are well-protected, so I immediately threw on some tempered glass. Finding a premium case has been interesting, though. I noticed that most premium cases completely expose the entire camera cluster area.

Right now, I am using a case (pictured below) that actually covers and shields the entire camera plateau, leaving only the individual lenses and the flash exposed. It has a raised protective layer around that section, which gives me a lot more confidence that the flat surfaces won't scuff up the phone's finish when it's lying down.

I know the lenses themselves are made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass, so I'm not too worried about them. What worries me more is the durability of the flat glass area surrounding the lenses. Since so many high-end cases leave that spot bare, I'm curious about how well it holds up over time against everyday micro-scratches and wear.

EDIT: I've added a community poll to this thread to see how everyone else handles their camera layout protection! Do you prefer a case that leaves the plateau exposed, encloses it, or uses an external shield? Cast your vote above!

Click to expand...

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"I know the lenses themselves are made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass, so I'm not too worried about them."

That is very brave of you to assume that. Don't go trying it out putting phone in the same pocket as keychain. You might be unpleasantly disappointed.

are closed said:

"I know the lenses themselves are made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass, so I'm not too worried about them."

That is very brave of you to assume that. Don't go trying it out putting phone in the same pocket as keychain. You might be unpleasantly disappointed.

Click to expand...

Don't worry, "phone in the same pocket as a keychain" is a test I've successfully avoided through four generations of iPhones since 2016.
Keeping my phones in pristine, like-new condition has always been a top priority for me. Cases and tempered glass protectors are a given, but I'm probably more obsessive than most. If I'm placing the phone on a table, I often put a tissue underneath it to avoid unnecessary contact with hard surfaces.

So yes, I'm well aware of what can happen when metal objects rub against glass.
I never claimed the lenses were scratch-proof, only that sapphire-covered lenses are the least of my concerns. The exposed glass surrounding the camera cluster is what I was actually asking about, since many premium cases leave that area completely uncovered.

I switched from the dbrand Grip to the Tank for my Pixel 11 Pro XL, mostly for the much better camera protection.