Scratching or damaging your smartphone’s screen is easier than you might think. If you carry your phone in your purse, backpack or pocket with change or keys, the screen can easily get visible scratches from those hard surfaces. That’s why finding the best phone screen protector for your phone is important.
A screen protector is a protective layer that is applied to the screen of a mobile phone to prevent it from being damaged protecting the phone’s screen from scratches, cracks, smudges, and other types of physical damage. They also provide a barrier against dirt and debris, which can damage the phone’s screen over time. Some also offer additional features, such as reducing glare and reflections or obscuring the screen from side views to increase privacy.
Although the glass on your mobile phone has gotten a lot more scratch-resistant over the years. It is not, however, unscratchable, as some people believe.
It’s true that Corning’s Gorilla Glass will not scratch even if it rubs up against your keys or the loose change in your pocket. The iPhone Ceramic Shield screen, also from Corning, is supposed to be even tougher. But using a screen protector gives you extra insurance against damage.
Having said that, although screen protectors are not perfect, they do allow you to pop your phone in your pocket without worrying. Then, if and when the protector gets scratched, you can replace it, keeping the actual screen in pristine condition.
It is important to remember that there are a few key differences between mobile phone screen protectors. One of the most important ones is the material they are made from because there are many different types of materials used such as tempered glass, plastic, and PET film. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Another difference is the thickness of the protectors. The thicker the protector, the more protection it will provide. Lastly, some protectors also have additional features such as anti-glare or anti-fingerprint coating.
If you’re looking for the best phone screen protector, let’s take a deep-dive into the different kinds of mobile phone screen protectors on the market today.
The Different Types Of Smart Phone Screen Protectors
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Screen protectors made of PET plastic are light, thin, and have a smooth feel, which means you’ll hardly notice one on your phone, but they don’t provide great protection. Also, if your phone has a curved screen, they won’t cover edge to edge. PET protectors are inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
This material will protect your screen from superficial scratches, in part because it absorbs lighter bumps and scratches. Let’s say you gently scrape your keys against the screen. A TPU screen protector may initially show a tiny dent, but over time, that mark will disappear. This protector can also cover your screen from edge to edge, but it may add an off-color hue, and it isn’t super smooth to the touch.
Tempered Glass
Tempered-glass screen protectors do better against drops and scratches than plastic. Plus some brands offer added features, including antiglare and privacy technology. The main downside? The protector is thicker, so you’ll notice it on your screen.
Nano Liquid
These screen protectors claim to fend off scratches and marks with a simple liquid coating. Typically made from silicon dioxide, they create a protective and antibacterial barrier over your screen without adding an extra layer. While they’ll work on any device (saving you the time of choosing one based on your phone’s measurements), the technology doesn’t offer a huge amount of protection. And once you’ve applied it to your screen, you have to wait for it to wear off—you can’t simply remove it as you can with the other screen protectors.
Choosing The Best Phone Screen Protector
The “best” screen protector for a phone depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a screen protector:
- Material: Different materials offer different levels of protection and durability. Tempered glass protectors are strong and scratch-resistant, while plastic film protectors are thinner and more flexible.
- Compatibility: Make sure the screen protector is specifically designed for your phone model and screen size.
- Clarity: Choose a screen protector that doesn’t affect the clarity or color accuracy of your phone’s display.
- Touch sensitivity: Some screen protectors can reduce the touch sensitivity of the phone’s screen. Look for protectors that maintain the original touch sensitivity of the phone.
- Additional features: Consider whether you want a screen protector that offers additional features, such as anti-glare or privacy protection.
Ultimately, the best screen protector for your phone will depend on your specific needs and preferences. You may want to try out a few different types of protectors to see which one works best for you.
Have a smartphone? Then it’s worth investing in the best screen protector for your phone to avoid potentially shelling out hundreds of dollars to replace a broken display. Plus, an intact display is one major factor in determining the value of a used device if you want to resell or trade it in for a newer model in the future.
Remember though, that a screen protector will not protect the back of your phone, the edges, or even the corners of the screen. A good case (especially one with a “lip” over the screen) will do more for drops than any screen protector, so unless you feel lucky, get a case along with whatever screen protection you decide on.
If you’re in the market for a phone screen protector, our expert technicians can help you choose the right one for your phone. Stop by our Medicine Hat store and find the perfect screen protector for your phone.