Are screen protectors still necessary on modern phones? - General Questions and Answers

I have a hard time finding a screen protector for my Oneplus 3T.
It has to cover the whole display, has to have glue on the entire surface.
I only found one TPU protector and had a really hard time fitting it without bubbles (I am experienced in mounting glass protectors).
Currently it is mounted properly, but it will come off eventually.
Are screen protectors still necessary on modern phones, especially OP3T with Gorilla Glass?
I have a Tudia Armor case for it, giving it some rubber protection on the sides, but nothing on the lit screen itself.
I always put my phone in my right front pocket. I never have anything else in this pocket except dust.

nadastry said:
I have a hard time finding a screen protector for my Oneplus 3T.
It has to cover the whole display, has to have glue on the entire surface.
I only found one TPU protector and had a really hard time fitting it without bubbles (I am experienced in mounting glass protectors).
Currently it is mounted properly, but it will come off eventually.
Are screen protectors still necessary on modern phones, especially OP3T with Gorilla Glass?
I have a Tudia Armor case for it, giving it some rubber protection on the sides, but nothing on the lit screen itself.
I always put my phone in my right front pocket. I never have anything else in this pocket except dust.
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yes, they are. I left my iPhone X unprotected for 2 months and the screen picked up multiple scratches.

As far as my opinion I would say no if you are good with few minor scratches and not using it roughly

It depends on how long you want to keep your screen in perfect condition. Without the protective film, you'll see minor scratches in a year's time, even if you're careful

Depends on your usage, case, and device...

Double Sided Full Body PVC case also do the trick.

Related

The best screen protector

I'm at my wits end from breaking my screen for the fourth time. 3 of those time were with the invisible shield screen protector. The only thing that protector can protect my screen from is little scratches or nicks. Other than that? I say no way. What do you guys use as a better screen protector from a drop on the face. Because it doesn't take much for these screens to break. I mean, even the older phone's screen were tougher than these. I really wish there were otter boxes for the nexus.
marioc89 said:
I'm at my wits end from breaking my screen for the fourth time. 3 of those time were with the invisible shield screen protector. The only thing that protector can protect my screen from is little scratches or nicks. Other than that? I say no way. What do you guys use as a better screen protector from a drop on the face. Because it doesn't take much for these screens to break. I mean, even the older phone's screen were tougher than these. I really wish there were otter boxes for the nexus.
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I've got a 2.5D tempered glass screen protector on mine. A plastic film screen protector won't protect it from shattering from a fall, but a TGSP might, depending on how it lands. Of course, any drop on a corner, and the screen will break, which is why I keep mine in a case. Do you not keep it in a case? I use a Diztronic TPU, and never felt like it's under-protected.
Yes. I have it in a case but it's really not the best. I've just learned of ballistic cases that are really good. But I would like a tempered glass for extra protection. One that doesn't cover the camera or sensors on front.
I personally use a KWmobile film protector (cheap, does its job and it's pretty matte so not many reflections on the screen), and right now I am at my second flip cover. The first one got DESTROYED after taking all of the drops instead of the phone
But it's all about taste, I personally like flip covers as they make me look more professional
where get tempered glass protector from? all ones iv seen don't curve with the screen properly
I would recommend using skinzone's screen protector, high quality and protects good

Does anyone not use a screen protector?

Stopped using mine, and love it. Just an overall more pleasant experience with the phone, and plan on keeping it off.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
+1
I see no need for a screen protector if your device is equipped with Gorilla glass (and you are handling it carefully).
Sent from my black pearl using Tapatalk
I always use tempered glass screen protector to make sure fine grits of sand and any hard object don't scratch the screen. I can live with scratched bezels like that on my Note 4 but not on any of my phones's screen.
Never used a protector and have not had any problems. If I was a construction worker or farmer I'd put it in a case, but I have a desk job so it's never exposed to harsh conditions.
Dropped my phone in the parking lot a few months ago. The tempered glass took a chip on the edge, but my screen was fine. I dare not think about what would have happened to the screen otherwise.
Screen
After a lot of drops, screen still looks intact. But from closer look I can see some scratches. If it wasn't Gorilla glass 3 I will definitely buy screen protector.
I often sell my phones and the first thing a buyer looks for are scratches on the screen; therefore, I always use a tempered glass screen protector. Over time, I find that fine scratches will develop, even with Gorilla glass.
As seen on the android wear watches. Gorilla glass is very good against breaking, or destroying, but isn't as good against scratches, so these little scratches always build over time. I've never used any kind of these glass temmpered protectors or whatever nonsense, because the gorilla glass is sufficient enough against breaking, and when u drop the phone on the edge, the glass won't save you either way and the display will crack due to the "construction" of gorilla glass. It's very dense and strong against any impact from the front side, but is very fragile to impacts from "sides". So I use a foil from myscreenprotector dot com. I have S IV for almost 2 years now, and I'm really harsh on it. I've dropped it like zillion times, It even fell a couple times from stairs and nothing happened. My middle frame had pieces falling out, so I've changed it, I've changed the back cover and I'm planning on changing the front frame, because its compltely shattered at some places. But the screen never cracked. And the foil from the site... I can't even see it on the display, It doesn't feel different to touch and I use to replace it every year or so (8$ isn't that much...) and when I peel the foil off the display, the display is as new as the first day I got it, no scratches what so ever
EDIT: I've started with the android wear... I currently have huawei watch for 3 months and it has sapphire glass, which is not as strong as gorilla glass, but is extremely good vs scratches... And I've never seen anyone, who would stomp on their watch, but you can scratch them anywhere...
I don't. Each to their own I guess.
Gorilla glass is too high rated. I've seen drop tests for all Samsung S phones, from about shoulder height. They all ended up with broken screens. Gorilla glass my ass.
The Oukitel K4000's screen is amazing. You can hammer nails with it and the screen won't even have a scratch. Manufacturers should start making screens like the K4000's screen.
Gorilla glass my ass, its scratch easily in my jeans back pocket,, so i put on tempered glass
My protection
In the 2 1/2 years I used the S4, I never used a screen protector. My protection came from using a Nite Ize belt holster made of ballistic nylon with a flap. I do have a line across the front of the phone from wear of putting it in or out of the holster but it doesn't detract from the appearance. The phone has been dropped on occasion on a variety of surfaces with no damage to the screen.
As has been noted, YMMV. FWIW, I have moved on to the Moto X Pure and use the same type holster along with the plastic bumper that came with the phone. No drops yet but am thinking about getting a tempered glass cover.
i had a zagit but got tired of the dull screen so I removed it...glad i did and haven't scratched the screen yet
I gave up on screen protectors. They are expensive, difficult to put on the right way without getting dust underneath, and the glass ones are so fragile. Last one I tried literally snapped in my hand trying to align it to the screen. Something that fragile will not provide much protection even though it looks good.
I use a random tempered glass screen + an otterbox defender with the built in screen protector removed.
I have this case. $15 at a stand at the mall. Rubberized layer to wrap the phone, tough tight fitting outer shell with a grippy back, bumpers on the corners and raised rubber around the screen bezel to keep the screen from making contact with the floor in case of face down drops or rubbing in the pockets. Only complaint i have with it is the holes for the volume and power buttons are a little too flush, making it a bit of a pain to get used to, but adjusting wasnt so bad after a while. And again the case is tight fitting, so getting it on and off is a minor headache but worth it. Tested drops from arms length above my head (I'm 5'9", so say about 6'8"), not a single mark on the screen. Just cracked the plastic above the volume buttons. No need for screen protector here though a tempered one would be nice. However I agree the loss in sensitivity with a screen protector on is not worth the hassle of actually applying it and risking the nasty bubbles. At $5+ a pop, having them eventually peel at the edges and get dirt under it can cause more damage than normal wear and tear if your careful enough
I never use screen protector.
chiruscan said:
I gave up on screen protectors. They are expensive, difficult to put on the right way without getting dust underneath, and the glass ones are so fragile. Last one I tried literally snapped in my hand trying to align it to the screen. Something that fragile will not provide much protection even though it looks good.
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I use those cheap Walmart screen protectors, and the key to putting them on is the tape trick. Barely have any bubbles underneath.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Ereniemis said:
As seen on the android wear watches. Gorilla glass is very good against breaking, or destroying, but isn't as good against scratches, so these little scratches always build over time. I've never used any kind of these glass temmpered protectors or whatever nonsense, because the gorilla glass is sufficient enough against breaking, and when u drop the phone on the edge, the glass won't save you either way and the display will crack due to the "construction" of gorilla glass. It's very dense and strong against any impact from the front side, but is very fragile to impacts from "sides". So I use a foil from myscreenprotector dot com. I have S IV for almost 2 years now, and I'm really harsh on it. I've dropped it like zillion times, It even fell a couple times from stairs and nothing happened. My middle frame had pieces falling out, so I've changed it, I've changed the back cover and I'm planning on changing the front frame, because its compltely shattered at some places. But the screen never cracked. And the foil from the site... I can't even see it on the display, It doesn't feel different to touch and I use to replace it every year or so (8$ isn't that much...) and when I peel the foil off the display, the display is as new as the first day I got it, no scratches what so ever
EDIT: I've started with the android wear... I currently have huawei watch for 3 months and it has sapphire glass, which is not as strong as gorilla glass, but is extremely good vs scratches... And I've never seen anyone, who would stomp on their watch, but you can scratch them anywhere...
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Click to collapse
Agree. See no point in the tempered glass protectors when they're not gonna prevent your glad from shattering. I just use those $10 screen protectors from Walmart just to prevent little scratches from dirt and stuff. And really, I only use screen protectors now because I realize how" wet" and harder to slide your finger across a baked screen can get. Screen protectors makes swiping e screen much smoother and easier.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
I haven't. However I do have a case that has a slight bumper around the top of my screen, therefore there is no huge need for me to have one.

Spigen Ultra Crytal Clear PET Screen Protector

After having seen all of the issues with the glass screen protectors for this phone, I decided that I needed to try something else in the meantime. While I have a Sakai glass one that I ordered from ebay that is due roughly a month from now, I'm not very hopeful for it working. As a result of all of this and the need for a screen protector ASAP, I went with the Spigen screen protectors that I have seen mentioned on here. Having used PET films in the past, I was expecting a huge hassle. Bubbles, cheap feeling etc. Turns out, these worked REALLY damn well, to my complete surprise.
Installation:
Installation was quite easy, much easier than the older thin film screen protectors that I remember. You simply clean the surface of the phone, following the instructions. Place the tabs on the screen protector to help you position it. Then carefully position it properly keeping an eye on the edges and the sensors. It adheres to the screen very much like a glass screen protector does. There are a few small bubbles here and there, but they squeegee right out. I ended up with two permanent bubbles (one by the light sensor and one near the edge). Neither were the fault of the screen protector, both were caused by me rushing and nicking the surface of the screen protector when squeegee-ing the bubbles out. I think I could easily get it on there next time with zero bubbles. Way less hassle than any other attempt I have had with a film screen protector. One complaint I have is that they only included one alcohol wipe (everything else is in multiples), I don't know if I just got unlucky or they aren't thinking. Anyways, I have access to many solvents at work. No big deal for me.
Result:
How does it feel? A bit more plasticy than the usual glass screen protector but otherwise surprisingly nice. It adheres to the curves perfectly with no major bubbles, clarity-wise it is crystal clear. I honestly can't tell it is there. It adheres nicely to the curves of the display without any gaps (other than my nicks at the edge). My Otterbox Commuter case fits right over the top of it with ZERO problems. I was expecting these to be a stop-gap measure until the better glass ones come out but honestly I don't see anything wrong with these as is and would be just fine using these alone. I am not sure about longevity as I just installed it but so far I am actually surprisingly happy with it, especially for the cost. If you are on the fence between glass and plastic. Go with these plastic screen protectors for now and let the manufacturers work out the difficulties of the glass ones. Then you can decide later if you really want the glass one for you phone.
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B1GQDGG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
it will get scratched to **** within 2 weeks don't worry. Then you'll have to use another of the 3 that came with it.
Agreed with everything that OP posted, and agreed with the person above. Mine got scratched within a day but I got over it.
I installed one only because I tried three different Temper glass ones and none sealed correctly. I like it so far installed very good, covers the entire screen. So far so good.
I got a soft screen protector from AliExpress. It's a bit tricky to apply at first but once you get the idea it's not so bad.
The screen protector is really good! It's like silicon , doesn't get scratched easily.
Best part? it's 1.4$ each! What else can you ask for..?
Link:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/For-LG-G5-Full-Coverage-Soft-Screen-Protector-Guard-Film-for-LG-G5/32618522429.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.54.iHJztH
Here:
Yup good screen protector but it does scuff, so is it perfect no, but one of the better non temper glass protector
I just tried and failed to apply all three. I can't be doing with bubbles or marks on the screen, and who in their right mind decided to put adhesive on a screen protector.
First one too many bubbles, second one, dust, bubbles and scratches, third one, same.
Add to the fact it feels like a ZAGG invisible shield, rubbery rather than glassy.. I will keep it naked from now on.
I have an Xtreme skin skin to install, wish me luck, i'll bloody well need it haha.
Jonathan-H said:
I just tried and failed to apply all three. I can't be doing with bubbles or marks on the screen, and who in their right mind decided to put adhesive on a screen protector.
First one too many bubbles, second one, dust, bubbles and scratches, third one, same.
Add to the fact it feels like a ZAGG invisible shield, rubbery rather than glassy.. I will keep it naked from now on.
I have an Xtreme skin skin to install, wish me luck, i'll bloody well need it haha.
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I got the dark oak Xtremeskin!
I've put on a tempered glass before, it was kinda bad, lost saturation and brightness, and i got a clear case from spigen, but the case's lips protudes to the center so much that it started to push the screen protectir out!, I eventually removed the tempered glass... Not usre which screen protector to apply on with the spigen case :/
The Spigen Crystal Clear is too thin in my opinion - I killed it within a week. My old Spigen Steinheil Ultra on the S4 was way better. Purchased a CrocFol Premium instead.
Yup I have to change my opinion as well, used it for a bit, scuffed easily, stays clear without the rainbow effect. I had a few defects in my screen protectors, changed them out. Using the otterbox Defender case for now.
1$ tempered glass (rectangular) from AliExpress are perfect of you dont care leaving the top curved part unprotected. No bubbles, no rainbows, no effect on colors\contrast\clarity.

Case + screen protector, just case, or just screen protector?

I have an Incipio clear case on right now. It makes my glass screen protector pop off. So that's off for now.
I'm on my second PH-1 after a very minor fall cracked the screen on my first. (It was naked) But I had dropped it a couple of times.
Here's the thing, the back and sides were completely unscathed. The screen chipped a tiny bit on the corner on the first fall and then cracked across it with some shattering in the corner on another (from about a 1.5' fall from pocket to concrete when I was sitting on a bench).
With just a glass screen protector, you can hardly even tell it's on there (aka the phone still looks great). It also seems like with a good positioning, the SP or the plastic surround would make the first contact on any fall (given a relatively flat surface with no protrusions), thus protecting the screen. Aesthetically, I would love to get away with just the SP. I don't like casing this phone.
On the other hand, most cases are designed to also make first contact on a fall via a lip around the screen, etc. (The point of conflict with the SPs). So it would seem that a case alone should provide protection against screen shattering in most mundane falls also (again, barring protrusions).
So, what is your experience? Does anyone go screen protector only? Or case only? Have you had a screen break with either?
I have the incipio as well and go without a screen protector. I also have a belt holster to protect the phone from falling out my pocket. I am very anal with phones and have not dropped this one or my prior Android phones (I've dropped my Lumia 920 once but that just had a dent in the plastic housing). I've seen that video in which somebody tested the PH-1 with falls from different heights and know that the first thing that will break on it will be the screen under the right conditions. The rest of the phone is rock solid. That might be one problem that leads to cracks when it falls onto the corners (no dampening and direct energy transfer to the glass). I don't think a screen protector will do much in that case either.
that's my experience.
I'm totally enjoying this phone
cheers
I've just been using a screen protector and fitBAG leather sleeve. The Halo Gray has soft touch texture on the ceramic which makes it easier to grips than the shiny colors.
Sent from my Essential PH-1 using Tapatalk

A Case and GLASS protector combo suggestion/solution

This suggestion might not be a solution for everyone but life is a series of compromises I guess. I've bought half a dozen glass screen protectors(all the ones available on amazon) and several phone cases as I was unwilling to go without a full glass protector on my phone so this is the solution i came up with. Confirmed repeatable, I'm preforming this on my 3rd PH-1(pictures) while i write this. (don't worry, its not because they broke!)
So basically:
Orzero 9H glass screen protector + Poetic Guardian Case
https://www.amazon.com/Orzero-Essential-Tempered-Protector-Replacement/dp/B077XT5V7Z/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539386003&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+orzero
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Poetic-Resistant-Protection-Full-Body/dp/B078T3N1S7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539386315&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+poetic
The glass protector itself is the best of all the glass protectors i've tried so far but it still has its shortcomings. The glue is applied to the black thin line around the border which is ok on the bottom but the top is too thin. Once installed it "floats" around up top near the camera. NOTE: Eventually the glass gets the spotted rainbow effect in the glass center. Not noticeable once the screens on but some i know would like to know this before hand. Slick glass feel tho, no more finger printy then the factory glass. With a hard press you can move it around and recenter it but im sure eventually it will fall off left alone.
That is where the case comes in. The case is two piece, the bumper that is raised around the screen(inner case), overlaps and has a plastic cheapy protector glued in place.
Clean and apply the glass protector. Clean the edges of the glass protector and ensure its centered. Take the inner case and remove the cheap plastic protector that it comes with. LEAVE THE GLUE on the inner case. Install the inner case over the phone ensuring the protector is centered once again before pressing down around the edges firmly. Install remaining outer case rubber.
You now have an Essential phone WITH A GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR!! The case is IMO not the prettiest but feels great, easy to grab and grip, cutouts and port covers all work properly, buttons are still clicky. My wife even likes it more then her retired iPhone, and that's saying something
Remember to press against the glass protector at the bottom mainly, if you need to remove the inner case so it does not lift.
Hope this helps those PH-1 owners who wish to enjoy the security of a glass screen protectors. :highfive:
Poetic's glass screen protector also works with the Tudia Glost case. I think that was posted in the cases thread some time ago. That's the combination I'm using now. So far the Poetic screen protector has stayed on very well. It has the same rainbow issue when the screen is off, but like you said, you can't see it when the screen is on.
Ya, i avoided that case since lots of reviews about the back cracking upon dropping it. Haven't seen the peotic brand glass protectors either but im sure this works with any protector and case with similar designs

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