How to protect your screen? Film screen protectors vs tempered glass

The first question that comes to mind after you buy a brand new phone: does it really need any protection? Our answer is – yes, it does! Consequently, you start thinking about what to choose: a film or a glass protector.

This article will help you answer all these questions, and tell you many interesting facts about phone protection:

• Does the smartphone need a screen protector?
• Advantages of film protectors
• Advantages of tempered glass protectors
• How to select a film protector
• How to select a tempered glass protector
• Screen protector installation

Does the smartphone need a screen protector?

Many users believe that without protective film or glass, the smartphone will go to the bin straight after the first fall. However, it actually depends on how and which surface it will fall on (wood, tiles, paver stones, etc.).

Let’s see the three most common ways smartphones get dropped:

• screen-side down – if a smartphone falls on its screen, the protective film or glass will most likely save it. However, in 99% of such cases, the protective glass will be cracked or completely smashed, depending on the surface smartphone lands. In the meantime, the film protector might only get some minor damages like scratches.
• on its back – minimal chances to break the screen. However, nowadays, there are many smartphones with rear glass panels that can quickly break. If a smartphone falls onto the back glass panel, the protective film or glass applied to it will work the same way as if applied to the screen. For the best protection, we recommend using protective cases, which you can choose and buy on our website.
• on its corner – the worst-case scenario. In 99% of such cases, the screen will break. Neither protective film, nor tempered glass will protect the smartphone from damages in case it falls on its corner. However, in some instances, adequately selected phone cases may help.

Now, let’s come back to the question of whether the smartphone needs any protection. And the answer is – absolutely yes! Moreover, the protection is not just needed, it is actually vital.

Protective film or glass can protect your device not only from the damages caused by different types of falls but also from scratches by keys, earrings (especially diamond ones), and other sharp objects (pens, scissors, etc.).

Both film and glass protectors can also absorb shock. This ability is very handy as it helps to protect the internal components of the device.

To help you understand what type of protection will suit your phone better, we have highlighted the advantages of both films and tempered glass protectors below.

Advantages of film protectors:

1. self-repair after minor damages;
2. do not distort image or colour;
3. do not reduce touchscreen sensitivity;
4. protect against scratches or other mechanical damages;
5. very thin, nearly invisible on the screen;
6. smooth to the touch;
7. thoroughly cover the entire surface of the screen, fitting it seamlessly;
8. may have other additional features ( anti-bacterial, matte or gloss finish, privacy protection, mirror effect);
9. great selection.

Advantages of tempered glass protectors:

1. do not distort image or colour;
2. do not reduce touchscreen sensitivity (though some cheap glass protectors may affect touchscreen sensitivity);
3. protect against scratches or other mechanical damages;
4. cover deficiencies of screen frame;
5. bubble-free application process;
6. may have other additional features (privacy protection, anti-reflective or oleophobic coating, blue light filter);
7. great variety.

How to select a film protector

To start with, you need to identify your phone model. This step is required because both film and glass protectors have unique holes cut out for the camera, buttons, and loudspeakers. Carefully selected film protectors will ensure the smooth and comfortable operation of the device and prevent it from malfunctioning.

In most cases, the protective films are made of polyurethane, commonly used to protect the body of the car from scratches, dents, chips, and harmful blue lights. This film can protect the car, so it will definitely be able to protect the phone.

Moreover, the protective films offer various additional features. You may find protective films with:

• gloss finish – discreet on the screen, easy to apply, and affordable. Do not distort colours. However, due to their gloss finish, the surface retains some scratches and fingerprints.
• matte finish – smooth to the touch, have anti-glare properties. However, due to their matte finish may distort the colours.
• gloss and matte combined – combine the advantages of both gloss and matt films. Have anti-glare properties, do not distort the colours, protect from the scratches; fingerprints are hardly noticeable on their surface.
• mirror effect – have a special mirror coating. When the screen is switched off, these protectors look just like a mirror and offer a clear reflection that disappears when you screen lights. The downside is that they may distort the colours.
• anti-bacterial – very similar to gloss films, but with a special anti-bacterial coating. For retaining anti-bacterial properties, such films need to be changed frequently.
• anti-spy – combine the features of few protectors. Have the same pros as combined films, but their special coating guarantees privacy protection. The screen will look black from the side, so it’s a perfect choice for those who seek little extra privacy when in public.

How to select a tempered glass protector

To choose a perfect glass protector, follow the same steps as if you choose the film protector. First, identify your phone model, so the holes on the protector match the cutouts for the camera, buttons, and loudspeakers on the device.

Then, choose the glass protector that matches your preferences. Based on the differences in application methods of advesives, there are three types of tempered glass protectors. You may find the glass protectors with adhisives applied to their surface in the following ways:

• on the entire surface – a layer of adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the tempered glass. Such protectors stick to the screen perfectly and stay in place much longer.
• on the edges – a layer of adhesive is applied only to the edges of the glass. Such protectors stick to the screen well on the edges, but not in the middle. They are, however, comparatively cheap.
• UV adhesive – a layer of UV adhesive is applied to the glass, then spread out evenly over its entire surface and cured under UV lamp.

When selecting the shape of the glass, make sure you take into account the shape of your smartphone. Based on the shape, there are two different kinds of tempered glass protectors:

• with curved edges – covers the entire surface of the screen. Specially made for rounded displays of smartphones. Beware that when used together with phone cases, some cases might interfere with the edges of the protectors, detaching them from the screen.
• with straight edges – such glass protectors may cover the screen partly or in full. They tend to leave a gap around the edges of curved displays, therefore, can be easily detached. However, if the display has a slightly raised frame, these screen protectors fit into it well and don’t stick out.

So when choosing the glass protector, it is essential to select an appropriate phone case, too.

There are some kinds of glass protectors designed to be slightly smaller than the phone display (approximately 1-3 mm) and should be used together with the case. In this case, the part of the display, not covered by the glass, is protected by the case. It is, however, crucial to pick a phone case correctly, so the edges of the protector would not interfere with the case.

Identified your phone model? The second step would be to select an appropriate shape of the glass protector and any additional features (if needed). Just like film protectors, tempered glass protectors may also have a matte finish, anti-spy, anti-bacterial or oleophobic coating, etc.

Screen protector installation

All glass screen protectors, apart from the ones with UV adhesive, can be easily installed at home. If the first attempt of installation is unsuccessful, you can detach it from the screen and try again. However, you should try to avoid doing it, as the adhesive layer gets drier with every attempt and may become less sticky. By the way, to help you understand how to install the glass protector properly, watch the video on our YouTube channel.

The installation of the regular film protectors is exactly the same as of the glass.

Application of polyurethane film using the alcohol solution gives you more time to adjust the film position on the screen to the desired. However, you do need to have some skills as well as special tools to get rid of air bubbles from underneath the film.

Let’s sum up!

Both film and glass protectors can protect your device from minor mechanical damages as well as absorb shock. However, neither of them will be able to protect your phone from damages if dropped on the corner.

Apart from protection, film and glass protectors have various additional features, which may be very practical in everyday use.

We hope that our article will help you make up your mind and pick the most suitable protector for your device. Shop glass and film protectors and cases for various phone models in our online store in the Accessories category.