Whether you have a brand-new phone or want to protect the screen on one you’ve had for a while, getting a screen protector could be the right choice. Learn more about why screen protectors are an essential tech accessory here.
What Is A Screen Protector?
Screen protectors are a thin layer of material that goes right on top of your phone’s screen to protect it. These protectors could be made of acrylic, glass, TPU, or other materials to ensure your screen’s safety from dirt and damage. So which screen protector is right for you? Check out some of the most common materials and a few benefits of screen protectors.
Screen Protector Materials
A screen protector’s material can change how it interacts with your phone. Some protectors are designed to ensure the display is as clear as possible, while others focus on smudge-resistance or easy application. Here are some of the materials you might encounter while shopping.
TPU
TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane, is a material that’s also used for sporting goods and shoes. This material makes screen protectors more flexible, boosting elasticity and scratch resistance. TPU can also provide a type of self-healing capability that helps your protector mend from minor scratches.
PET Film
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, can also be found in disposable water bottles and plastic food packaging. Screen protectors made of PET are super budget-friendly and deliver the best clarity for your screen display. However, they can only protect against minor damage — not a major fall.
Tempered Glass
The final material you commonly see in screen protectors is tempered glass. It’s the strongest of all the materials and provides the most resistance to damage. However, they can be a lot thicker (some brands have ultra-thin designs) and some people find them difficult to apply. Whether it’s figuring out how to get rid of screen protector bubbles or making sure they align on curved phone screens, it takes a gentle touch for proper application.
Other Screen Protector Features
Protecting your screen from damage isn’t the only thing your screen protector can do! It can also protect you. Some additional features you might see in screen protectors include anti-glare and blue light filters to protect your eyes, antibacterial coatings to prevent illness, and privacy filtering to protect your data.
If you’re wondering which material delivers the most benefits, blending as many features as possible in one package, the answer is tempered glass. It’s a bit more expensive than other screen protectors but delivers a ton of perks.
Why Should You Get A Screen Protector
You might not think your phone is at risk for damage from everyday life, but there are several situations where a screen protector may come in handy. If you find yourself spending time doing these things, you’ll probably benefit from a screen protector.
- Regularly spend time on crowded public transportation
- Have pets or kids that get their paws on your devices
- Handle sensitive information on your phone in public
- Use your phone outside where the sun makes it hard to see
- Work out in rugged applications, like utilities or land surveying
In addition to making your life easier in these situations, screen protectors also offer a lot of benefits.
Drop Protection
A screen protector is generally designed to absorb and disperse some of the impact when your phone falls. The addition of this extra layer can be enough to prevent chips and spiderweb cracks on your screen.
Anti-Scuff & Scratch
Your screen protector is the first line of defense for a phone that spends a lot of time in a pocket or purse. Constant exposure to other essentials, like coins or keys, can scratch the phone. With a screen protector, rubbing and tapping against other items won’t cause significant damage.
Prevent the Need for Repairs
Touch screens are pretty expensive to repair — especially if your phone doesn’t have a warranty. Screen protectors are an affordable way to prevent the need for repair at all! If your screen protector gets cracked, simply swap it out for a new one.
Privacy Protected
Because so many screen protectors come with added features, choosing one with privacy protection is easy. Now, you won’t have to worry about people getting a peek at your screen when you have sensitive information open during your commute, at a coffee shop, while in the library, or anywhere else!
Make Your Phone Look Better
Some screen protectors offer a custom design that only shows when the screen is off. It won’t distract you when you’re using your phone and adds a personal touch to the aesthetic aspect of your tech that nobody else has.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Most screen protectors come in packs of three or five for one low price. If one breaks, you already have a backup to keep your phone protected. While older models that are super cheap may not be worth protecting, if you get the newest version of your phone each year, you can save a lot with a screen protector.
Downsides of a Screen Protector
If you’re worried that screen protectors have downsides you won’t be able to stand, you might be right. There are a few cons to using a screen protector. Check these out to see if they would be an issue for you.
Screen Clarity
If you have Ultra HD or Quad HD resolution on your phone, a screen protector may reduce the quality of the display. You can shop for protectors that provide the clearest possible cover, but there is a small risk that you’ll experience a drop in quality with a bad cover.
Phone Responsiveness
You might also notice that your screen becomes slightly less responsive with a low-quality screen protector. Tap, touch, and gesture controls may be slower, or you might need to tap harder to get the same effects.
DIY Installation
It can be a little awkward to install your screen protector if you have thick fingers or clumsy movements. You may need to ask for help when applying the protector, as incorrect installation can result in bubbles or incomplete protection.
Final Thoughts
Overall, a screen protector seems like a great investment. It’s low cost and solves so many potential problems. Check out a few options to decide if the price is worth the benefit for your phone!
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