Getting a new iPhone is always an exciting experience. After unboxing your shiny new device, one of the first things you may consider is getting a screen protector to prevent the display from getting scratched or damaged. But are screen protectors really necessary for iPhones? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using screen protectors for iPhones.
The purpose and benefits of a screen protector
A screen protector is a thin, transparent sheet that adheres to the top of your iPhone’s display. Screen protectors are designed to protect your iPhone’s screen from the following:
- Scratches – Screen protectors act as a buffer between your phone’s display and objects that may scratch it like keys or coins in your pocket or bag.
- Scuffs – They help prevent scuffs from daily use.
- Drops – Some screen protectors can help absorb impact from drops to prevent cracking.
- Dust – Screen protectors prevent dust from accumulating under the glass display.
Using a screen protector can help prevent minor cosmetic damage and may reduce the likelihood of cracks from drops. This allows you to keep your iPhone’s screen looking new for longer.
Are screen protectors necessary for iPhones?
Whether you need a screen protector depends on several factors:
1. How you use your iPhone
If your iPhone is subjected to a lot of scratches or has a high risk of dropping, a screen protector makes sense. Here are some use cases where a screen protector is recommended:
- You carry your iPhone in a pocket or bag with other potentially abrasive objects like keys.
- You have an active lifestyle where your iPhone is subjected to lots of movement and risk of dropping.
- You have young children who may accidentally scratch or drop your iPhone.
- You want to resell your iPhone later and want to preserve its cosmetic condition.
However, if your iPhone stays protected in a case most of the time and is not subjected to much risk of damage, a screen protector is less critical.
2. Your iPhone model and display type
All modern iPhone models feature scratch-resistant glass displays. Here are the levels of protection for different models:
- Ionic strengthened glass – iPhone XR, 11, 12 mini, 13 mini
- Corning Gorilla Glass – iPhone XS, 11 Pro, 12, 12 Pro, 13, 13 Pro (Gorilla Glass Victus is most scratch resistant)
- Sapphire crystal lens cover – iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro camera lens
The ionic strengthened glass found on the lower-end models provides decent scratch resistance but not as much as Gorilla Glass. So you may benefit more from a screen protector with those models.
3. Your attitude towards cosmetic damage
While screen protectors can prevent surface scratches, these are mainly cosmetic and do not affect screen functionality. If you can tolerate minor scratches, a screen protector may not be necessary. But for those who want their iPhone screen to look flawless, a screen protector is recommended.
Factors to consider when choosing a screen protector
If you decide to get a screen protector for your iPhone, there are a few factors to consider:
- Hardness rating – Expressed in H or Mohs scale, this indicates the protector’s resistance to scratches. Look for 9H or higher hardness.
- Thickness – Aim for between 0.2-0.33mm thickness. Too thin and it may not protect well, too thick and it can interfere with display visibility and touch sensitivity.
- Coverage – Choose full coverage rather than just the flat display area.
- Fit – Precise fit for your iPhone model to avoid peeling or bubbles.
- Feel – Smooth glass-like surface for easy scrolling, as opposed to cheaper plastic protectors.
- Anti-fingerprint – Oleophobic coating to reduce smudges and fingerprints.
Brands like Belkin, Spigen, and ZAGG are known for making quality iPhone screen protectors that check these boxes.
Types of screen protectors
There are a few different types of screen protectors to consider:
Tempered Glass
- Made of tempered glass for optimal scratch protection and durability.
- Feels smooth like your iPhone’s actual display.
- High transparency maintains full display clarity.
- Easy application without bubbles.
- Protects against scratches up to 9H hardness rating.
- 0.2-0.33mm thickness is optimal.
- More expensive but best protection for iPhone screen.
PET Film
- Made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.
- Very thin, flexible and light.
- Effectively resists scratches.
- Less brittle than tempered glass.
- Less smooth feel than glass.
- More prone to bubbles during application.
- Less expensive than tempered glass.
TPU Film
- Made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
- Flexible, thin, and self-healing properties.
- Absorbs and resist shock from impacts.
- Prone to yellowing over time.
- Less scratch resistance than tempered glass.
- Inexpensive option.
Application tips
Applying a screen protector properly is key to getting optimal results. Here are some tips:
- Clean your iPhone’s screen thoroughly – Remove any dust, fingerprints, or oils.
- Use the included guide stickers – Line these up with ports, speakers, and edges for perfect alignment.
- Carefully align and apply – Slowly lower the protector into place at an angle to avoid trapping air bubbles.
- Press firmly – Use the provided squeegee card and press firmly to adhere the protector evenly and push out any bubbles.
- Allow curing time – Give the adhesive up to 24-48 hours to fully cure for maximum adhesion and transparency.
With careful application, modern screen protectors are virtually invisible and allow full functionality of your iPhone’s display.
Case-friendly screen protectors
Today most people use a case in tandem with a screen protector to protect their iPhone. Here are some things to look for in a case-friendly screen protector:
- Precise cutouts – Look for protectors designed specifically for your iPhone case model with openings for ports, speakers, sensors, and cameras.
- Slim bezels – Thin borders fit more seamlessly against most case rims and lips with no overlap.
- Case compatibility – Product description should state it’s designed to work with cases for your specific iPhone model.
- Edge adhesive – Full adhesive coverage extending to edges prevents lifting or peeling when used with cases.
Brands like ESR, Spigen, and ZAGG design screen protectors to pair flawlessly with cases. A protector advertized as case-friendly will fit and function optimally with your iPhone case so both can reliably protect your phone.
What’s the difference between cheaper and more expensive screen protectors?
Screen protectors range in price, from less than $10 to around $50. Here are the key differences between cheaper and more expensive options:
| Cheaper Screen Protectors | More Expensive Screen Protectors |
|---|---|
| Made of PET plastic filmAround 0.1mm thickness7-8H hardness ratingMinimal light transmissionMore prone to bubblesReduced touch sensitivityNo oleophobic coating | Made of tempered glassAround 0.3mm thicknessUp to 10H hardness ratingOver 90% light transmissionBubble-free installationFull touchscreen accuracyOleophobic anti-fingerprint coating |
The cheaper protectors can still offer decent protection against scratches. But the premium tempered glass protectors offer greater impact resistance, clarity, feel, and longevity. Investing in a quality protector of around $20-30 can save you from paying much more if your actual iPhone screen becomes damaged later on.
Do’s and don’ts when applying a screen protector
Applying a screen protector properly ensures it delivers optimal protection. Follow these do’s and don’ts when installing one on your iPhone:
Do:
- Clean your hands and iPhone screen thoroughly first
- Carefully align using provided guide stickers
- Apply in a dust-free environment
- Use a plastic squeegee card to apply evenly
- Press firmly to adhere fully and push out bubbles
- Start application at one edge and work across slowly
- Allow 1-2 days for adhesive to fully cure
Don’t:
- Touch the adhesive side of protector
- Apply too fast or forcefully
- Use excessive liquid solution (just a mist)
- Apply in direct sunlight or temperatures over 95°F
- Peel up and reapply if you mess up – start over fresh
Patience and care is required for smooth bubble-free installation. Follow the instructions closely and set aside adequate time for best results applying your iPhone screen protector.
Signs it’s time to replace your screen protector
Screen protectors are designed to take the brunt of the damage over years of use so your iPhone’s display remains pristine. But even the best screen protectors wear out eventually. Here are signs it’s time to swap in a fresh screen protector:
- Visible scratches – Light surface scratches are normal but deep grooves mean it’s no longer effectively protecting.
- Cracked protector – Any cracks or chips mean it can no longer take impacts as intended.
- Bubbles or lifting edges – Gaps forming under the protector compromise protection.
- Degraded touch sensitivity – Difficulty with taps or swipes indicates time for a fresh protector.
- Blurry or rainbow effect – Reduced visual clarity or distortions interfere with display visibility.
- Yellowing adhesive – Whitening, yellowing or browning of adhesive impacts visibility.
Ideally, you should replace your iPhone’s screen protector every 12-24 months or if any of these issues emerge. Quality protectors are inexpensive protection for extended iPhone screen life.
Do screen protectors reduce screen quality?
High quality screen protectors are designed to be optically transparent and maintain full display clarity. Tempered glass screen protectors often have light transmission of over 90%, allowing full visibility of your iPhone’s Retina display. Some lower quality PET plastic protectors can have a slight impact on clarity and colors. As long as you choose a protector designed specifically for your iPhone model, there should be minimal effect on display quality.
Do screen protectors affect touch sensitivity?
Today’s screen protectors are very thin and should not interfere with touchscreen sensitivity, especially for iPhone’s capacitive touchscreens. Tempered glass protectors maintain full responsiveness. Cheaper plastic protectors under 0.1mm may slightly reduce sensitivity. Your iPhone’s display sensitivity can adjust after a few hours of use if needed. Any case or protector should allow full touch accuracy.
Can I use a screen protector with my iPhone case?
Most screen protectors are designed to be fully compatible with iPhone cases. When selecting a screen protector, ensure it is designed specifically for your iPhone model’s case compatibility. Most cases feature a recessed lip around the screen bezel to accommodate screen protectors without issues. Using both a quality case and screen protector offers optimal protection. Just check dimensions to ensure proper fit.
How often should I replace my screen protector?
With high quality tempered glass screen protectors, you can expect reliable protection for 1-2 years before needing replacement. Look for signs of wear like scratches, cracks, or bubbles. PET film protectors may need replacing more frequently around 6-12 months. Fortunately screen protectors are inexpensive to replace regularly for sustained protection.
Can I get an anti-glare screen protector?
Yes, anti-glare or matte screen protectors are a good option. These have a lightly textured surface that helps diffuse and reduce glare from light sources. This makes them excellent for outdoor use. Matte protectors also mask fingerprints well. The slightly reduced clarity from light scattering may not suit all uses. But anti-glare protectors are ideal for high glare situations.
Do I need a screen protector if I have AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, subject to a service fee. However, screen protectors still offer benefits even with this coverage. They help prevent cosmetic damage and scratches which may degrade resale value. The deductibles for AppleCare+ screen damage replacement are high at $29 for screen damage and $99 for other damage. A good screen protector is cheaper than paying these fees, so they remain recommended.
Will a screen protector protect my screen from cracking if I drop my phone?
Screen protectors can help protect against cracks from drops to some degree, but are not guaranteed to prevent screen cracking in all situations. Here are some key points on their impact protection:
- A quality tempered glass protector can absorb some impact force thanks to the glass’s rigidity.
- They help prevents scratches that could lead to cracks spreading from vulnerable points.
- Cracks may still form on significant impact, but will often be contained to the protector.
- Screen protectors are more likely to crack before the actual display glass in a drop.
- The added thickness and protective layer does provide some shock absorbing benefit.
While not infallible, quality screen protectors can reduce the likelihood of cracked screens from drops. They act as a sacrificial first layer to absorb energy that may otherwise damage the screen. Using a case can also bolster their protective abilities even further.
Are liquid screen protectors as good as glass ones?
Liquid screen protectors have gained popularity as an alternative to glass or PET film protectors. They are applied as a liquid coating that cures to form a protective barrier. Here’s how liquid protectors compare to traditional options:
- They can offer decent scratch protection, but less than the 9H+ hardness of glass.
- Minimal thickness of just microns means negligible impact protection.
- Often less smooth feel compared to glass.
- Prone to wearing off over time, requiring reapplication.
- Less clunky than glass, but also less protective overall.
Liquid screen protectors have the benefit of an easier, bubble-free application. Their thinness also minimally affects screen clarity and touch sensitivity. However, glass protectors remain superior for durability, longevity, and overall protection. Liquids work in a pinch but fall short of the protection of temper glass.
