A large scratch on your phone is comparable to an itch in your head that you cannot scratch. Additionally, it decreases the device’s value when you decide to update. The surface can be kept spotless with a screen protector, but purchasing one is trickier than it needs to be. It’s also important to consider if newer phones still require one.
Screen Protectors
Terephthalic Polymer Screen Protectors
PET, commonly known as polyethylene terephthalate, is a chemically strengthened form of plastic frequently used in grocery stores to protect food from germs and debris. PET screen protectors are typically one of the most affordable alternatives available, so if money is an issue, they’re not a terrible choice.
PET is made to be resistant to stains and scratches. It won’t change the appearance or bulkiness of your smartphone because it is light and thin. It has some give, so if you scratch your phone, it can absorb part of the damage.
Screen Protectors Made Of Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Another plastic with chemical enhancements is thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU. Although the application procedure can be antiquated, it has long been used to shield glass phone screens. Most TPU screen protectors will include a spray you use on your phone’s screen before placing the TPU protector down.
Then, it would help if you smoothed out any air bubbles entrapped between the TPU and the glass screen with a card (such as a debit or credit card). TPU, like PET, has elastic qualities that allow it to absorb light scratches or the stress of a drop.
Screen Protectors Made Of Nanoliquid
The liquid screen protector market is more recent and a little mysterious. The product typically comes when a wipe that you swipe across your screen. Theoretically, you’re coating your phone with a liquid glass layer that will reinforce the original glass once it has weakened due to use.
According to rumors, the glass’s protective layer on a smartphone screen deteriorates over time. After removing the coating, the screen becomes harsh and more prone to cracks and scratches. It is the purpose of liquid screen protectors to cover up this roughness.
Matte Glass
This glass screen protector is the matte version. Although the scratch resistance is still strong, the surface has a “frosted quality.” It appears to impair clarity somewhat but also significantly reduces glare and reflection.
Privacy Glass
Dislike having passengers peer at your phone when riding the bus or train? If so, you might want to purchase one of these privacy screen protectors. They essentially function as tempered glass screen protectors with added polarisation magic, which limits the viewable angles.
But not everyone will enjoy this. You have to realize that it becomes a double-edged sword when you have trouble seeing your screen. Unquestionably not a good thing for video and game viewing. Use this only if you are a superspy or are performing sensitive work on your smartphone in real life.
Hydrogel
Another screen protector with an odd scientific name. Hydrogel can be described as “rubbery processed plastic” in simple terms. It is superior in some areas but not on the same level as PET:
- Superior to a pet in scratch resistance.
- Elastic; won’t break.
- It has specific self-healing properties and can ” repair” minor scratches on its own.
- However, there is one aspect of hydrogel that I detest.
- It took me a while to get rid of the air bubbles because applying them was challenging.
Matte Hydrogel
If you detest fingerprints and don’t want to clean the screen constantly, the matte hydrogel version is the one for you. It looks and feels fantastic. But the frosted surface appears to lose some clarity, just like the matte glass. I’m happy to pay a cost to decrease the inconvenience of cleaning and lessen glare.
Ceramic
Ceramics resemble a hybrid of glass and plastic. Although flexible, it is not as flexible as gel or plastic. If it is under too much pressure, it will still break. The scratch resistance, however, is something else entirely; it appears to be even better than glass. Yes, reflectiveness is the one thing I don’t like.
Glass Screen Protectors In Liquid
Last but not least, this “nano miraculous liquid self-healing glass” item is circulating online. Avoid purchasing this. Like a Nokia, a thin layer is needed to make the smartphone unbreakable. Even better, it can fix itself. What a bunch of BS, is all I can say.
FAQ
Which Screen Protector Is Best?
- Excellent optical grade glass. However, they are reflective, breakable, and fingerprint-friendly.
- Ceramic appears to be a superior choice over the glass.
- Good optical quality plastic. It is elastic and does not break despite not being as scratch-resistant as glass.
- Glossy – They have superior transmittance but are more susceptible to glare and fingerprints.
- Matte – Less glaring, less prone to streaks, but at the expense of some optical quality.
Which Is The Best Affordable Screen Protector?
TrianiumAilun Glass Screen Protector: It is the best,inexpensive screen protector. Zilberman suggested this tempered glass screen protector from Ailun if you’re looking for a reasonably priced option.
The box contains three screen protectors. According to the makers, it has a transparent, water-resistant, and oleophobic screen layer that guards against sweat and oil residue left behind by your fingerprints. The product includes instruction stickers rather than an installation tray. Thus, applying the product on your screen might be a little more complicated.
How Important Is A Screen Protector?
Since the release of the iPod, the glass on your devices has become significantly more scratch-resistant. It’s a significant improvement that Corning’s Gorilla Glass won’t scratch when rubbed with keys or loose coins. Another Corning product, the iPhone 12 Ceramic Shield screen, is designed to be even more durable. But it’s not scratch-proof, as some people might think.
Final Words
Numerous phones with screen fractures from drops are frequently brought in for repairs. Reduce your risk of unlucky screen-shattering by using a screen protector. Please don’t attempt to use your phone after breaking the screen until it has been fixed. Microshards can penetrate your skin, turning tiny fissures into gaping wounds. Overall, it’s not worthwhile. Give a call if you need your phone repaired.