For instance, do you know that more than fifty million screens of smart phones get damaged every year? That is two screens’ worth of viewing time every second. A cracked screen is not only an inconvenience, but it also has the potential to cost between one hundred to three hundred dollars to repair. But here is the most shocking part, the majority of these damages can be avoided.
No, screen protection for the smartphone is not just an add-on; it is a necessity and a very important one at that. Whether one is using an android phone that is cheap or an android phone that is expensive, then it is important to ensure that the screen is protected because this enhances the vision, the touch sensitivity, and the value of the phone when selling.
Since the prices of smartphones continue to rise and screen sizes continue to increase while becoming more sensitive, screen protection is a wise and cheap decision. In this article, we will discuss the way by which one can select the right screen guard, how to apply the same and how to maintain it.
What is Smartphone Screen Protection?
Smartphone screen protection can be defined as the layer or covering that is placed on the touch screen of a smartphone in order to protect it from getting into harm in various ways that include scratching, cracking, getting stained or even falling.
Such protection methods include the use of tempered glass or plastic films that serve as initial barriers. This could be a fall, keys in the pocket or simply the normal usage, a screen protector is always helpful in increasing the durability of the device.
Smartphone repairs reveal that almost 80% of the cases are because of the absence of a protective layer on the screen. As a result, potential screen-related complications are eliminated, and the lifetime of smartphone displays is increased with the help of this layer.
Types of Smartphone Screen Protection: From Tempered Glass to Screen Protectors
The main categories of the screen protection for smartphones are: the durability, the clarity and the cost. Here are the details of what can be considered to be the most popular choices:
1. Tempered Glass Screen Protectors
Tempered glass is perhaps one of the most popular and effective plain film types of protective smartphone screen covers. It is made by heating the glass and then cooling it at a very fast rate and the resulting product is five times as strong as the normal glass.
Benefits:
- Excellent scratch and impact resistance.
- Feels like the original screen.
- Easy to apply without bubbles.
- Oleophobic coating resists fingerprints.
Best for: This case is best suited for high-end smartphones and for those who prefer to use the best gadget accessories in the market.
2. Plastic (PET or TPU) Film Protectors
The two forms of plastic films are PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). PET is more lightweight and brittle in comparison to TPU as it is more ductile and possesses higher capabilities in self-healing.
Benefits:
- Affordable and lightweight.
- Suitable for curved screens (TPU).
- Offers basic scratch protection.
Best for: For users who do not spend much time typing or for short-term use.
3. Privacy Screen Protectors
These are protectors made of tempered glass or film that incorporates filters that prevent the screens from being viewed from the side. It is used by the business oriented people and the daily commuters.
Benefits:
- Hides the contents of what is displayed on your screen from other people’s view.
- Offers regular screen protection.
- Often includes anti-blue light coating.
Best for: Office workers, travelers, or privacy-conscious users.
4. Anti-Glare and Matte Screen Protectors
These decrease reflection and give a non-shiny surface to the flooring. Although they slightly soften the colors, they give very good readability in the sunshine.
Benefits:
- Reduces glare and smudges.
- Comfortable for extended viewing.
- Scratch-resistant.
Best for: Outdoor users, gamers, and content readers.
5. Liquid Screen Protectors
These are liquids that coated the screen using nano-coating technology which makes them directly applied on the screen. They flow through tiny openings and crystallize into a thin layer.
Benefits:
- Invisible protection.
- No bubbles or misalignment.
- Capable of being performed on curved or edge screens.
Best for: For those who use minimalistic interfaces or foldable/curved screens gadgets.
Selecting the Best Cover for Your Smartphone Screen
To select the appropriate screen protection (smartphone), it is essential to take into consideration the lifestyle, type of screen, and cost. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Give Protection to Your Use Case
If you are clumsy or are usually involved in some outdoor activities, then you should go for the tempered glass or the anti-glare ones. The office users may prefer to have privacy protectors. Light users can opt for TPU films to protect them from mere scratching or abrasions.
2. Check Compatibility
Make sure the screen protector type corresponds with the type of phone you own. It may lead to exposing edges or hinder the proper functioning of the sensors.
3. Don’t Overlook Screen Curvature
In terms of curved or edge screens, TPU or liquid protectors are the recommended ones. Some tempered glass models can also be designed for curved display and it’s also available in “3D edge” variants.
4. Prioritize Quality Over Price
While expensive protectors may not interfere with the touch sensitivity or cause it to bubble, peel or come off. Check for some of the features such as 9H hardness, oleophobic coating and bubble free installation.
In this way, selecting the right protector allows the users to have a clean display to touch, retain the sensitivity of the screen, and also help in the longevity of the smartphones.
Top Smartphone Screen Protection Brands and Where to Buy Them
Searching for the most effective screen protector (smartphone)? These recommended brands have the best quality products, long-lasting, and with good customer service support.
1. Spigen
Spigen’s tempered glass protectors are known for their pristine quality and come with 9H hardness and are easy to install with no bubbles. The protectors have a good touch sensitivity and do not hamper the usability of the cases.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Spigen.com
2. ZAGG (InvisibleShield)
Since its inception in the smartphone accessories market, ZAGG has provided screen guards with anti-bacterial layers, blue light filters, and the best shatter protection. Ideal for those having an iPhone and also for the android phones.
Where to Buy: ZAGG.com, Best Buy, Amazon
3. Belkin
Belkin is an official partner of Apple and provides thin and special glass protectors that do not scratch and can be easily positioned. They also involve anti-glare and privacy features.
Where to Buy: Apple Stores, Belkin.com, Amazon
4. Whitestone Dome Glass
Especially suitable for the curved screens, such as those of Samsung Galaxy and Pixel, Whitestone employs both liquid adhesive and UV light to guarantee the perfect positioning and the complete coverage of the edges.
Where to Buy: Amazon, WhitestoneDome.com
5. amFilm
The amFilm screen protector is one of the best options to consider for those who want a cheap and effective solution. It is a well-known fact that this type of glass has a clear and clean finish and is easy to install for a DIY enthusiast.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart
These brands have options ranging from clearer screen protection to those that offer privacy at its best depending on what a user needs.
Final Word
Screen protection (smartphone) is one of the simplest practices but very effective when it comes to protection of the device. Whether for the purpose of protection, privacy or clarity, there is a screen protector that suits your purposes. Guard smart, scroll slippery, and have a carefree experience each day.
Read More: Ultrawide Camera: Why is this so Special on Smartphones?
