It's a common debate among smartphone owners: with phone screens getting tougher every year thanks to materials like Gorilla Glass, is a screen protector still a necessary purchase? As repair experts who see the aftermath of daily wear and tear, we have a clear perspective. Let's break down the pros and cons.
The Argument Against: "My Phone's Glass Is Strong!"
It's true that the glass on modern smartphones is incredibly advanced. It's designed to be highly resistant to scratches from keys, coins, and other objects in your pocket or bag. For many careful users, the bare screen will hold up just fine against minor daily hazards.
However, this scratch resistance has its limits. The biggest enemy of modern phone screens isn't keys—it's sand and grit. Tiny, hard particles of quartz and other minerals found in dust and sand can still cause micro-scratches on even the toughest glass.
The Argument For: An Inexpensive Insurance Policy
A high-quality tempered glass screen protector is best thought of as a sacrificial layer. Here’s why it’s a wise investment:
- Impact Protection: While your phone's screen might survive a short drop, a screen protector adds a crucial layer of shock absorption. In many cases of a direct face-down drop, the protector will crack, absorbing the impact and leaving your actual screen unharmed. Replacing a Rs. 500 protector is far cheaper than a Rs. 15,000 screen repair.
- Scratch Resistance: It protects your screen from those aforementioned micro-scratches from sand and grit, preserving the pristine look and resale value of your device.
- Oleophobic Coating: Good protectors come with a fingerprint-resistant coating. Over time, the original coating on your phone's screen can wear off. A protector allows you to refresh that clean, smudge-free feeling.
Types of Screen Protectors: Glass vs. Film
- Tempered Glass: This is what we almost always recommend. It feels just like your phone's actual screen, offers the best clarity, and provides superior protection against both scratches and impacts.
- Plastic Film (PET/TPU): These are cheaper and thinner but primarily only offer protection against minor scratches. They do little to absorb the shock from a drop and often have a rubbery feel that is less pleasant to use.
The Verdict
Yes, we believe a screen protector is absolutely worth it. It's a small, inexpensive investment that acts as an insurance policy against the most common and costly type of phone damage. It keeps your screen looking new and provides critical protection against accidental drops.
If your screen is already cracked, don't worry. At fixmyPhone, we specialize in professional screen replacements for all major brands. Get a quote today and we'll make your screen look brand new again—and we can even install a high-quality protector for you while you're here!