Eh in my experience iPhones have some of the toughest glass in the biz, you can look it up if you want to.
Now glass still cracks of course, but I've dropped an iPhone without a case enough times and not cracked it. Just the regular scratch marks which appear on any phone after usage.
Compared to my Galaxy Note or OnePlus which cracked super easy and were impossible to use without a case,
Still I'd say put a case on any new phone if you're prone to dropping. If it's a cheap phone, cheap repairs. Expensive phone, expensive repairs, even for an Android.
I've owned both iPhones and Androids over the years and here's some reasons.
Also many factors-
1. The same free apps can be found on both iOS and Android. It's just that iOS often has more or better paid apps. Why? Because most developers usually make apps for iOS first. Same apps will also usually run much smoother on IOS, just try Snapchat on both platforms and see the difference.
2, Software support for a lot longer. On average, iPhone users tend to keep their phones for 3-4 years because Apple ensures their latest software runs on their old phones too. iPhone 6S was released over 5 years ago and still runs the latest version, find me an Android from that time which does the same. You can't.
That plus the Apple chipsets are simply superior to the latest Snapdragons. You won't feel the difference immediately, but in a year or two you'll notice.
3. Amazing camera, flagship Androids also take great photos so you can't go wrong here but for just a hassle free point and shoot photography experience, iPhones are also considered extremely reliable.
And when it comes to videos, there is no contest. iPhones take the best videos of any smartphone, watch any tech review to confirm.
4, Starting with the iPhone 11 line and the earlier XR and SE, iPhones have actually also introduced relatively cheaper models, so now it's no longer like they having the most expensive phones around. In fact, some Sony XPeria and Samsung models are actually more expensive.
5. More user privacy. Android/Google basically is more notorious for stealing your data/personal info.
6, The ecosystem- many people have a Macbook, or iPad, or Apple Watch or other products. The integration between 2 or more Apple products is seamless and creates a user experience that keeps people coming back for more.
7. A lot of iPhone buyers are from the US/North America where people prefer iMessages over WhatsApp. So if you're an Android user but all your friends use iMessage, you're usually tempted to choose Apple again.
There's also other things and yes, I agree iPhones are still overpriced and Apple is greedy af. But they have a way to make their current customers happy and retain them unlike other Android manufacturers, it's pretty impressive. Plus while their phones might not be #1 across all categories, they're usually extremely well rounded and easy to use. You needn't worry about any minor issues or inconveniences, pick one up and it just works.