Cases really make this phone bulky. However I've already found numerous scratches and dents in the case that has I not been using a case would have made their way onto the phone itself. I also took my screen protector off because at least with the verizon one it made the screen look really bad. I guess that part is up to you. I would say get an invisible shields if you positively do not want any scratches. I got a scratch within one week ofd taking number off

keep in mind, I baby my phone and don't work right now so it hasn't exactly ben exposed to the elements...