Smartphones are not cheap, and nothing is worse than getting a big scratch on the screen. This is why most people immediately place a screen protector on their phone as soon as they get it, as a way to prevent this from happening. Screen protectors used to be a common and necessary phone accessory, but with today’s new advancements available on the latest Smartphone models, they are becoming less necessary than they used to be.
A Little Information About Screen Protectors
Screen protectors are clear plastic sheets designed to fit directly over your phone’s screen. Different types of phones require different screen protectors due to the holes for the buttons and speakers being in different locations on various models. These holes are pre-cut to fit over these without interfering with the function of the screen and buttons.
Application Of A Screen Protector
Applying the screen protector is fairly simple. The first step is to clean the surface of the screen using a clean micro fiber cloth. Apply a slight amount of soapy water to the plastic sheet and carefully fit it into the proper position on the screen. Rub over the surface to make sure to remove any unsightly air bubbles. Once the screen protector is applied and in place, the glass on your screen is protected from scratching. If your screen protector should become damaged, simply replace it inexpensively instead of having to spend a lot of money getting the glass replaced on your Smartphone screen.
Improved Glass For Modern Smartphone Screens
While applying a screen protector to your Smartphone screen was just something you automatically did a few years ago, the same may not be true for the newer Smartphone models developed within the past few years. Chances are good that if your phone is only a year or two old, you already have fairly decent screen protection automatically built into it. Many people have discovered that with current technologies development in glass and coatings have made screen protectors an unnecessary accessory for Smartphone owners.
Most newer Smartphones use a very tough, hard, highly scratch resistant glass made by Corning, known as Gorilla Glass, to make their screens. Corning has actually released newer versions of the original Gorilla Glass, with each version being stronger and more scratch resistant than the previous versions. For example, in 2013 Corning came out with Gorilla Glass 3 which they claimed to be as much as forty percent more scratch resistant that their previous Gorilla Glass 2 product.
But My Screen Protector Has Really Worked Well, Right?
Sometimes when people notice a scratch on the plastic of their screen protector, they feel that it really did its job well by saving their phone from that scratch. This might not always be the case. The screen protector itself is much more likely to become scratched by everyday activities, whereas, in many cases the glass on your Smartphone screen would not have been damaged even if it had been without a screen protector.
Gorilla Glass Protects Screen From Most Common Items That Would Scratch Ordinary Glass
Modern Smartphone screen that feature a Gorilla Glass screen are usually well protected from common objects that would potentially scratch an inferior product. Such common objects include metal from keys left in your purse or pocket, coins, and other common items made from metal. Some people even claim that if you deliberately take a key or a knife to the screen of a Gorilla Glass protected screen that it will not scratch it, although I would not recommend trying this at home. For your viewing enjoyment, many others have attempted this and filmed their results on numerous YouTube videos that can be viewed online.
The Downside Of Using A Screen Protector
Sometimes a screen protector can interfere with the full touch screen experience and feel a little different that actually touching the screen would. They may also discolor over time, develop cracks or bubbles than interfere with viewing the display, or even become scratched to the point where it shows on the screen.
Times When You Still Might Opt For A Screen Protector
Although Gorilla Glass provides good scratch resistance, there are still common items which can scratch it. These include sand, other types of glass, rocks, concrete, or even diamonds. If you are at the beach often, drop your phone on rocks or concrete from time to time, or even wear a big diamond ring that moves around on your finger, you might want the added protection offered by a screen protector. The protectors also offer the advantage of having anti-fingerprint coatings, but many modern screens have what is known as oleophobic coatings which repel the oil naturally found on the fingertips. A quick wipe with a micro fiber cloth easily cleans off fingerprints and smudges from screen protected or bare screen phones. Aside from screen protectors, there are many ways to protect your phone, including Smartphone wallets, placing it in a fabric lined zipped compartment of a purse, or using a phone case that elevates the screen so that it doesn’t directly touch flat surfaces when you place it screen down.
With today’s advanced technology in scratch resistant Smartphone screens, screen protectors have become more of a personal choice than an absolute necessity. If you are concerned about scratching your phone screen it is worth the small price and effort to go ahead and use one, just in case.
[Image credit: Gadgetmac on Flickr, Reviews4i on Flickr]
I have iPhone and yes it has gorilla glass but than too I use screen protectors. I have front and back both protectors, well of-course if you can spend 1000 bucks for your new phone than you should spend 10-20 on its protection. I am also using case for iPhone to protect it even it slips from my hand.
I gave up with screen protectors years ago, I’ve hardly suffered any scratches to my screen simply by being careful. ie, the phone never goes into the same pocket as loose change of house keys. This way I think the screen looks far more impressive and the need for the plastic cover is pretty minimal.
It’s funny I’v never used a screen protector on my iphone and it still looks brand new. As long as you have a good case, I really do not see the necessity of screen protectors.
I was usually putting down my phone on its glass screen because the glass is much harder to scratch that aluminum or plastic from which the back is made 🙂
I have not head any problems using my phone without protection!
The glass is very difficult scratch!
However a friend told me that a crazy glue – if it walls on a screen with out protection – it would damage it!
My current screen protector is full of scratches, and I was thinking of replacing it. I’m fine with my protected touch-screen experience though I’ve never allowed my smartphone screen to be exposed to the natural elements. I’ll try going unprotected; hope my smartphone can shield itself!
If you’re not a frequent beach visitor or struggling with clumsy fingers, you can rest assured; your phone will do fine.
I liked that you talked about explained that using soapy water on the screen can help you apply it better. That is a good thing to know when putting on a protective cover. I have a hard time getting them on right the first time.