I had to get a case after being forced to replace the back glass. The area on the back that covers and protects the camera lens is (was?) actually very thin cheap plastic. Once it became scratched, the impressive camera inside the phone became unusable as all of the photos took on 1970s-era halos and blurring. After easily replacing the back glass and slapping on an ugly cover, the case has kept the camera healthy. I did it grudgingly, as the original elegant design is completely erased by any case you put on the device.