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What Kind of Screen Protector Should I Get for My Phone

Do You Really Need a Screen Protector For My Phone? Check out this guide to decide the best screen protector for your device

Author:Daniel BarrettSep 07, 202053067 Shares1711853 Views
Screen Protector for My Phone
Having a big scratch on your phone is like having an itch in your brain you just can’t reach. Plus, it lowers the resale value of the device when you want to upgrade. A screen protector can keep the surface pristine, but buying one is more complicated than it should be. Let’s break down the difference between the each type, so you don’t waste your money.

Do I Really Need a Screen Protector For My Phone?

Many of us would be lost without our beloved devices. We protect them like a prized possession as if they’re a part of the family. But, do you really need a screen protector on your smartphone?
The glass on your gadgetshas gotten a lot more scratch-resistant since the days of the iPod. Corning’s Gorilla Glass will not scratch if you rub it with your keys or loose change, which is a big step forward. It is not, however, unscratchable, as some people believe.
The unanimous decision is that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. First, let’s talk about the flaws of these creations. Many screen protectors can alter the experience of using your smartphone as the touch screen becomes less responsive and you become more agitated with using the device.
Some users even reported that a protector alters how their phone looks and reduces any high-quality images and lightens any bold colors. Also, you have to carefully appear the product to not have any bubbles or bumps or it can look unprofessional and be impractical to use.

The Different Types of Screen Protectors

Search for “screen protector” on Amazon, and you’ll likely be overwhelmed by the results. There are so many brands, types, and price points that it’s enough to make your head spin. Thankfully, screen protectors can generally be broken down into a few simple types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Liquid Screen Protectors

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The-Top-10-Best-Liquid-Screen-Protectors.jpg
As the name suggests, liquid screen protectors are made of liquid glass and designed to protect your smartphone’s screen during use. Most of these products are made from Silicone Dioxide and when this solution dries, it creates an anti-bacterial property with a protective coating. These protectors then comfortably sit on your phone’s screen for a few months up to two years. Your smartphone has a liquid coating, but with regular use, this liquid wears down to leave you more prone to scratches, marks, and cracks. As liquid screen protectors are around 100 thick, they generally don’t add any thickness to your phone to increase its size.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

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Spigen-screen-protector-1024x608.jpg
PET is a type of plastic usually found on things like water bottles and food containers. PET screen protectors provide the least amount of scratch- and impact-protection, but they’re super cheap, light, and thin, and as a result are less visible once applied to your phone.
They also have a decently smooth feel, unlike the more durable but rubbery TPU. PET is also a bit stiff, so it can’t go edge-to-edge on phones with curved screens like the iPhone.

Thermoplastic Polyreuthane (TPU)

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71yfyRmeZL._SL1500_-1024x1024.jpg
TPU is a flexible plastic that’s a huge hassle to install, it involves using a spray solution and squeegeeing out lots of bubbles. It doesn’t feel very smooth because of its almost rubbery texture, and adds an “orange peel” type glare to your phone’s screen.
But it isn’t without benefits: it’s flexible, so it can go edge-to-edge on any phone, it has better impact protection than PET, and it has limited “self-healing” powers for small scratches.

Tempered Glass

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For-iphone-11-tempered-glass-screen-protector.jpg
Tempered Glass doesn’t have the self-healing abilities of TPU, but they’re tougher in terms of scratch- and drop-protection, and these days they are pretty inexpensive.
Because glass protectors are thicker, however, they’re much more visible on your screen, which isn’t great if you prefer that melts-into-your-screen type of aesthetic.

So Which Screen Protector Is Best?

In my opinion, most people are probably best off with a Liquid Screen Protector: they have the smoothest feel, prevent the most damage.
Tampered Glass is also a very good option, it offers great smoothestness feel, and also prevent damages, and are available at pretty decent prices.

What Are The Benefits of Liquid Screen Protectors?

Scratch Resistance

There are so many reasons why you should purchase a screen protector because if your device’s screen breaks or cracks, replacing or fixing it isn’t a cheap task. First, these protectors add scratch resistance to your chosen device because they add another supportive layer on top of your current screen. Any new scratches that do form are on top of the new glass where the original device’s screen is protected and will be scratch-free.

Invisible

You might be concerned that adding another layer of liquid glass to your device might ruin its appearance, but thankfully, liquid screen protectors are practically invisible. You can barely recognize that they’re existent unless you tell someone or they’re poorly applied. As they’re 100 percent light permeable, they don’t affect your screen resolution, brightness or colors so you can continue using your device as before.
It might take a delicate touch to apply your liquid screen protector, but it’ll create a smooth, bubble-free finish. They’re straightforward to apply but you want to be conscious that you’re not creating any bumps in the texture.

Lightweight and Responsive

There’s nothing more annoying than attempting to use your device but the screen isn’t responding to your actions. Although a screen protector is another layer on top of your screen, it won’t affect the responsiveness on your phone. In fact, as this material is highly sensitive, it can recognize every tap and touch, thanks to its sleek material.

Things To Consider When Choosing the Best Liquid Screen Protector

When you are in the market to choose a liquid screen protector for your cell phone or tablet, you will need to be aware of a few things before you make a purchase.
  • You will want to know the details about the type of device you have and if it is compatible with the liquid screen protector in question. You will also want to know if it is suitable for use with a case in the event that you have one for your device.
  • You will also want to know about how effective your liquid screen protector is against scratches, and you also want to select a product based on performance characteristics.
  • Some liquid screen protectors are made of materials that are self-healing or absorb shock and impact more readily than others. You will want to know the conditions that your liquid screen protector will endure and purchase a model that is suitable for your needs.
  • Certain liquid screen protectors are made for heavy-duty use, and others are made for more common everyday purposes. You also need to understand the differences in prices and what to expect from the performance. Some liquid screen protectors last longer than others, and you will need to know the cost of replacement and figure it into your budget.
When you have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a liquid screen protector and what to expect, make an educated decision, and go ahead and purchase the best one for your needs. Make sure to have adequate warranty protection in case anything happens to your screen protector or cell phone.

Tempered Glass Benefits

Intense Strength

Tempered glass is used in vehicle windows and for shower doors which gives you an idea of the amount of strength that’s behind this material. It’s extremely protective and strong, making it a great solution to anyone who’s prone to constantly dropping their device on the floor. Also, tempered glass is four times stronger than normal glass. It’s extremely robust and capable of protecting your device against any scratches or general wear and tear.

Excellent Viewing Experience

You can use tempered glass on your phone and comfortably still see your screen as clear as before. In fact, this material might even improve your viewing experience. It offers excellent clarity and can get right to the edges of your phone so there are no sections on your screen missed.

Difference Between Tempered Glass and Liquid Screen Protectors

With excellent advantages to tempered glass, why would you choose a liquid screen protector over tempered glass? As tempered glass is a solid material you put over your screen rather than a liquid coating, this makes the material more susceptible to damage and scratches. The glass is thicker than liquid so if you drop your device screen-up, there’s a larger chance of the entire casing breaking compared to using a liquid screen protector.
Tempered glass is less safe than liquid screen protectors because if the casing does break, it’ll completely shatter upon impact and create scatters of glass in the area. Although your original device’s screen should be unscathed, this can be a danger to anyone around.

If You Want Impact Protection, Get a Case

That said, screen protection is just one piece of the puzzle. These films will help you avoid scratches and provide some impact protection, but if you’re worried about dropping your phone, don’t stop there—get a case.
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—or have a good insurance plan—get a case along with whatever screen protection you decide on.
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Daniel Barrett

Daniel Barrett

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