How to Choose a Phone Screen Protector - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Select the material.
- Consider its additional features.
- Take note of its coverage.
- Think about the ease of application.
- Check if the screen protector fits your smartphone perfectly.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
1
Select the Material
Phone screen protectors come in a variety of materials. You might be a solid plastic screen protector supporter. Maybe you're the type who only swears by tempered glass. And for those on the lookout for new innovations, there is even a liquid screen protector!
Plastic for a Barely-There Feel and Basic Scratch Protection
Plastic is perhaps one of the most commonplace materials used in phone screen protectors. Generally, a plastic screen protector islightweight, ultra-thin, and affordable, making it an ideal choice for you if you don't want a screen protector that is too thick. Today, you can choose betweenPolyethylene Terephthalate or PET and Thermoplastic Polyurethane or TPU screen protectors.
PET has a matte coating on one side and a silicone adhesive on the other. This is great for basic scratch protection as it is very thin, smooth, and does not protrude from the phone. It does not, however, offer any protection against impact. TPU, alternatively, can resist impact, hasself-healing properties against minor scratches, and provides edge-to-edge coverage.
Tempered Glass Offers Superior Protection
Tempered glass is arguably the most durable material you can install for your phone today asit doesn’t wrinkle. It is also multilayered; often with a shock-absorbent layer on the bottom and an oleophobic coating at the top. This makes it resistant to oils and fingerprint smudges. It also has great light transmittance, which produces clearer displays and has a very pleasant feel under your fingers.
While it doesn’t have self-healing properties, its durability means it is more resistant to scratches than plastic. If you accidentally drop your phone, the glass absorbs the impact and can occasionally shatter. But it is better than having to replace your LCD entirely. The only downside is its thickness. It can range from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, causing it to protrude from your phone. It can also get quite pricey.
Nano Liquid for a Seamless Loook
Nano liquid is essentially liquefied glass. It has a silicon dioxide base, which dries into a hard coating after application. The result is a transparent, oleophobic coating that is also antibacterial. Unlike glass and plastic protectors, which are already pre-cut, liquid screen protectors are just wiped onto the device. It makes them versatile since you can also use them on smartwatches and tablets.
However, liquid screen protectors cannot be removed once applied; they just wear off. Smartphones come with an oleophobic coating, and nano liquid is designed to set into the patches where the coating has worn off. Hence, it can be hard to determine when the coating is due for reapplication. It also does not have impact resistance when you drop your phone, which can be risky for the screen.
2
Consider Its Additional Features
When buying phone screen protectors, take a look at its other additional features. You might be surprised at some of them! Worried about your privacy? Then look for a privacy screen protector. It disables other people from seeing your phone’s screen from other angles. Basically, the phone would appear black if they try to look at it.
To reduce your screen’s glare or brightness, then try an anti-glare screen protector. It has a matte display, reducing the likelihood of leaving fingerprints and smudges. Additionally, you could also check if the screen protector comes with anti-smudge or anti-fingerprint features. These features reduce the occurrence of streaks as well as prevent interfering with fingerprint sensors.
3
Take Note of Its Coverage
Coverage refers to how much of the phone’s screen your screen protector envelops. This is also important now that most smartphones have edge-to-edge displays. If a screen protector has edge-to-edge coverage, this means your phone is protected from top to bottom. This includes the little spaces in the front camera and such.
If it doesn’t have edge-to-edge protection, this means it usually stops until the home screen and leaves a gap in the middle. It isn’t really much of an issue, as most people use protective phone cases anyway. However, it would still protect your screen should you drop it, which let’s admit, we often do.
4
Think About the Ease of Application
Installing phone screen protectors can sometimes feel like rocket science with all the tools and techniques needed. To make it easier, check if your screen protector has all the necessary equipment. There is nothing more frustrating than having to find out your screen protector contains just that, a solitary screen protector.
Most phone screen protectors usually come with an alcohol wipe and polishing cloth, which make installation faster and more convenient. Sometimes, other models even come with adhesives to make it easier to lift the screen protector and put it in place or an instruction manual to guide you on how to install the screen protector.
5
Check if the Screen Protector Fits Your Smartphone Perfectly
Phone screen protectors are not a one size fits all kind of thing. They are always pre-cut, often to the shape of a specific phone’s model or unit. This means you can’t exactly utilize them if you purchase the incorrect size.
Manufacturers normally indicate what model it is specific to. So, always double-check if the screen protector you're eyeing is a match for your smartphone. Otherwise, it would just be a waste of money.
