i don't know about the scratches, but i don't get the impression that scratches will easily show. i probably won't use a case most of the times, maybe the leather case for special occasions (trekking, going to the archipelago or if it seems to easily drop from my pockets). i think i will be a bit more careful with the phone however. perhaps not bike and type, as i did with the n900. the white n9 feels a bit more slippery than the n900 at least.