Smartphone screen protection is a topic that has been a hotly debated issue for many years. Some people believe that without an additional film or glass, the screen will quickly become scratched, while others argue that modern materials like Gorilla Glass are already strong enough and do not need additional layers. What is the real situation? What should you know about the types of protection and how effective they really are? Let’s try to figure it out in this article.
The myth of “super-strong” smartphone glass
Indeed, screen manufacturing technologies have made a significant leap forward in recent years. Manufacturers provide us with various versions of tempered glass, including Gorilla Glass (from the first generation to Victus), Dragontrail, Schott Xensation, and more. Their task is to resist scratches and protect against breakage during a fall. However, none of them is completely invulnerable. For example, impacts on sharp corners or accidental strong collisions with concrete in many cases result in cracks or chips.
Tempered glass is better able to withstand minor scuffs from daily carrying in a pocket or bag than “ordinary” glass, but no one can guarantee perfect resistance. This is especially true when you use keys, coins, and other metal objects, which is why the desire to additionally protect an expensive part of your smartphone is quite justified. That’s why there are so many solutions on the market – from the simplest film to protective glass with an oleophobic coating and an anti-shock system.
Types of protective films
Until recently, the most common solution was a regular polymer film. It’s inexpensive, often bundled with a smartphone, or stuck on by sellers as a bonus during the purchase. Its advantages are clear: it protects against surface scratches and preserves the attractive appearance of the screen. The disadvantages include a more complicated gluing procedure (air bubbles, dust under the film) and a very average level of protection against shock. If the phone falls on something sharp, then a thin film is unlikely to save it.
Anyone who has used conventional films knows that they wear out faster, can lose transparency over time, or fray around the edges. In addition, when the film is already covered in scratches, it will have to be replaced, otherwise the visual experience of watching videos and reading will deteriorate.
We can also mention “hydrogel” films, which have been gaining popularity in recent years. They are thinner than tempered glass and adhere better to screens with curved edges. Hydrogel has an interesting property of tightening small scratches, so the surface retains a neat appearance for longer. But still, this material will only minimally protect against strong impacts or falls. Another point is the difficulty of sticking: usually, the film must be cut out according to the contour of the phone model on a special plotter, and then positioned correctly on the screen.
Safety glass
For more reliable protection, tempered glass was invented. It is a multilayer material with a polymer base and an additional layer of tempered glass on top. Such accessories are much stronger than films, because they can partially absorb the impact: if the phone falls face down, it is the protective panel that cracks first, not the native surface of the smartphone. Of course, we’re not talking about cases where the phone falls from the second floor or collides with a very sharp corner, but in most “everyday” accidents, tempered glass really helps out.
The advantages include the preservation of high image clarity, comfortable sliding of the finger on the surface, and the availability of options with an oleophobic coating that reduces the number of prints. The disadvantages include an increase in screen thickness, which sometimes spoils the “feel” of the smartphone, especially if it is an ultra-thin model. In addition, the protective glass may leave small gaps around the edges (depending on the curvature and form factor of the display). Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to find a perfectly compatible glass for displays with curved edges.
If the glass is glued correctly and you also have a high-quality case that covers the corners, the likelihood of breaking the screen in case of an unfortunate fall is significantly reduced. The smartphone actually gets a “double shield”: an outer panel and a side frame.
Is it always justified
Each user decides for themselves whether they need a protective film or glass. There are smartphones with a high durability rating, and users themselves can be more careful with their devices. If you carry your phone in a closed book case or are sure that you won’t put it on a hard surface anywhere, the risk of damage is reduced. But life is full of surprises, and the slightest slip on a slippery surface in a cafe can result in more expensive repairs than even a top-of-the-line screen protector costs.
Similarly, if you change smartphones frequently and don’t have time to “wear out” the screen, it may seem like additional protection is an unnecessary expense. But on the other hand, a neat phone with an intact display will always fetch a higher price when resold. In this case, glass or film will help to preserve the presentation longer.
What to choose and what to look for
If maximum impact protection is a priority, tempered glass is a clear winner over films. It is thicker, stronger, and in the event of a fall, it performs a “sacrificial” function, taking the brunt of the collision. The only thing is to choose models from trusted manufacturers, because too cheap Chinese options can have poor coverage, produce glare, or even block part of the screen. Some manufacturers write “9H” in the name, hinting at the high hardness of the material, but this does not always guarantee really high-quality products.
The films are suitable for those who want to minimize the sensation of the sensor and are mainly afraid of scratches, not cracks. Again, hydrogel films are a pretty interesting compromise, but it’s important to understand that they won’t withstand really serious impacts, but they can still protect the display from light scuffs and minor damage.
When buying, pay attention to the “oleophobic coating” (it is responsible for how easily fingerprints are removed from the glass) and compatibility with a specific phone model. Some manufacturers make accessories adapted to the cutouts of front cameras and sensors, so look for official or well-known brands (Nillkin, Spigen, Baseus, ESR, etc.).
Sticker
Gluing glass or film requires cleanliness and care. It is recommended to do this in rooms with less dust (some even recommend a bathroom with moist steam to help dust particles settle). First, the screen is cleaned of grease and prints, then wiped with special wipes that are often included in the kit. The most difficult part is to align the glass/film along the edges so that there is no skew. If we are talking about hydrogel ones, it is better to contact a service, because cutting and positioning on your own will be difficult for beginners.
In case of air bubbles, some of them can be “expelled” with a plastic card or a rag. If a fluff or hair gets under the protective surface, you will most likely have to remove everything and start over.
In general, additional protection of the smartphone screen remains relevant, even though the durability of factory coatings has improved. Films are a plus when the user only wants to prevent minor scratches and preserve the original tactile sensations. Tempered glass, on the other hand, can save your wallet if you have an unfortunate falling accident.
In the end, a lot depends on the operating conditions and the accuracy of the owner. If you carry your smartphone without a case, put it face down on a table, or carry it in your pocket with your keys, the additional protection is almost guaranteed to justify the cost. If you use the phone carefully and keep your desktop surface clean, you can do without special accessories. However, given that screen repairs sometimes cost about a third or even half the price of a smartphone, most users still take no chances and prefer simple and inexpensive solutions to make sure that the screen will remain intact for as long as possible.