There was a time, back in the day, when you wouldn’t consider leaving the phone shop without a chunky screen protector and big-bumper phone case for your new smartphone. After all, the first iPhones and Galaxy’s cost like a month’s salary and were known to be pretty delicate. In fact, one drop or bump, and it was all over for the screen. Remember the heart-stopping moment after dropping your phone when you’d reach down and slowly turn the phone face-up whilst muttering, ‘please no, please no’? Then there was the rush of pure joy if the phone screen was unmarked (unlikely) or total dismay if it was shattered (likely)? So, what about today’s phones? Do we still need to fit a screen protector?
Screen protectors are available in plastic and toughened glass. They provide a clear protective layer that sits on top of your existing screen. Actually, most protective screens these days are toughened glass and they provide good protection from abrasive objects, such as keys and coins. If you go to the beach a lot, it’s still a good idea to use a protective screen because sand is so abrasive, even to modern Gorilla Glass screens found on most Android phones. Similarly, iPhone have their own proprietary toughened glass that’s on a par with Gorilla.
Most smartphones today, besides iPhones, use Corning’s Gorilla Glass. This is a toughened, very hard glass with high scratch resistance. In fact, Gorilla Glass is harder than the metal used in keys, coins, and other household metal items. Also, screen protectors boast anti-fingerprint properties. But again, most modern smartphones have ‘oleophobic’ coatings that repel oils and reduce messy fingerprints.
So, essentially, screen protectors aren’t as necessary as they used to be. However, if you’re a belts and braces kind of guy, then sure, go for a screen protector. In reality, it may not do much, but you’ll probably sleep better.
If you’d like to chat to our friendly team about screen protectors or about a replacement screen, feel free to contact SOS Phone Repairs or call 1800PHONES now
