Since you unboxed your new phone, you’ve probably been wondering, “Do modern phones need a screen protector?” In the last few years, phone screens have made significant progress in terms of durability. Most phones nowadays have Corning Gorilla Glass, which is scratch resistant but not invincible. A bad fall is also likely to crack Gorilla Glass. Even something as small and seemingly insignificant as a few grains of sand in your pocket or bag can leave a permanent mark on your clean phone screen. After all, anything harder than the screen will scratch it, which could include sand minerals. So, do you have to buy a screen protector for your phone, or should you buy a good screen protector to protect your phone’s screen from damage?
Without further ado, you should purchase a high-quality screen protector for your phone. Why? That is something we will go over in depth in this article.
Scrapes, scratches, and drops are a constant threat to our screens. Furthermore, many phones have slick glass or metal backs, which can lead to further mishaps. That is why, yes, screen protectors are required! A screen protector is an excellent, low-profile way to protect the vulnerable screen on your device.
Reason for the Need for Phone Screen Protectors
Previously, if you broke your phone’s glass, you could replace it without replacing the screen, assuming the glass was undamaged. However, modern screen technology employs a lamination process, which eliminates the gap between the screen and the glass that protects it. This results in much better image quality, but it also means that if the glass becomes damaged or cracked, the entire screen must be replaced. This integration has significantly increased the cost of repairing broken phone glass, which is likely why you see so many people walking around with shattered phones—simply it’s too expensive to repair. The real question is how likely it is that your phone will end up in this condition, and to understand that, we need to talk about modern phone glass for a moment.
Screen protectors come in a variety of styles, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The following are the most common types of screen protectors available today.
Tempered glass:
This feels the most like your phone’s screen and provides the best protection against dust and scratches. It also has beveled edges and an oleophobic coating that is easy to clean and ultra-smooth to prevent fingerprints.
TPU plastic:
A less expensive alternative to tempered glass, plastic screen protectors provide less protection. Those looking to extend the life of their screen protector should avoid this option because scratch marks will accumulate much faster.
Protect against dirt accumulation:
Smartphones accumulate bacteria as a result of constant use. Some screen protectors contain antimicrobial properties embedded in the glass that kill bacteria on the screen. Furthermore, some screen protectors have a dust-repellent coating.
Surface coatings
on screen protectors include a lipophobic layer that prevents natural oils from your fingers from accumulating on the screen. A hydrophobic layer that repels water.
Anti-glare screens
which are typically made of tempered glass, have an additional coating that allows for easier viewing in direct sunlight by blocking UV rays. Netflix picnickers (or anyone who frequently uses their phone outside) may want to consider this option. These anti-reflective (AR) screen protectors bend light, reducing glare and reflected light from both the smartphone and the environment, such as sunlight. Light cancellation enhances screen visibility and reduces the need to squint to see what’s on the screen.
Reduces Eye Strain:
Screen protectors with a matte finish diffuse glare by making reflections less visible. Newer screen protectors, on the other hand, use chemical treatments to add an extra layer of protection.
Privacy screen:
Some screen protectors have a tint-like coating that ensures the screen can only be seen by the person standing in front of it. When viewed from a different angle, all that is visible is a tinted screen—a great way to keep prying eyes at bay. Anyone looking at your phone from the side will only see you swiping around a black screen.
Benefits
You might be wondering, “Does a screen protector really need to be used?” We say yes once more, and here’s why. There are numerous advantages to using a screen protector on your device. Each of the advantages will be discussed in detail below.
Protects From Wear & Tear
Corning’s Gorilla Glass or other similar protection is already used in the majority of new smartphone models. They are scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. A screen protector will not guarantee that your screen will not break if it falls, but it will provide an extra layer of protection. A high-quality tempered glass screen protector will give you peace of mind that your phone is safe from key scratches, sand grain scrapes, and accidental dings. Whether you keep your phone in your pocket or a bag, it will most likely be tossed around all day. It is natural for it to wear after a short period of time. Protecting your phone’s most vulnerable and important component is the simplest way to add extra defenses to your device for a fraction of the price of your phone.
Protection from Drops & Falls
If daily protection isn’t enough to persuade you of the value of a screen protector. Imagine your phone slipping from your grip and landing on the sidewalk, or worse, the bathroom tiled floor. At that point, you probably wish you had spent the extra money on a good screen protector. Premium tempered glass screen protectors are built to make the ultimate sacrifice for your phone. They will absorb the shock of an impact, which may result in a crack. However, that is damage that did not directly affect the phone’s screen.
Provides Privacy
Another reason to consider getting a phone screen protector is to benefit from privacy or anti-glare screen protectors. If you frequently use public transportation or flights for work, a privacy screen protector is a good investment. If you enjoy reading by the pool or taking Instagram photos in direct sunlight, anti-glare screen protectors are also useful. These are just a few of the advantages of using screen protectors. Pick one up for yourself and see for yourself how important they are and why you will never be without one again!
Phone in Best Condition
It is best to use a screen protector if you intend to trade in your phone for a future upgrade or sell it to fund a new smartphone. Even the smallest speck or scratch on your smartphone’s screen will reduce its value significantly.
Serves as a Mirror
When your smartphone’s screen is turned off, reflective glass screen protectors can serve as mirrors. While this will not directly benefit your phone, it will be beneficial to you in some way.
Wrap Up
Finally, whether or not you use a screen protector on your phone is entirely up to you. But based on what we’ve discussed, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Screen protectors are primarily useful for preventing minor scratches that would not interfere with normal phone use.
- Screen protectors always have an impact on the image quality and usability of your phone.
- Screen replacement insurance or protection is frequently available for very little money.
- It’s debatable whether thick tempered glass screen protectors help in a fall severe enough to shatter modern smartphone glass.
- Consider a durable case or phone if you use your phone in hazardous environments.
While there are many debates on whether buying a screen protector is worthwhile, there is really nothing to lose. A small price to pay for comfort, convenience, and a screen riddled with micro-scratches is still a steal.
