The Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Right Screen Protector

These days, the price of a smartphone is on par with a mid-range laptop. But unlike your laptop, which you place in a cushy, protective bag whenever you take it out of the house, your smartphone gets knocked around in your purse, backpack, or coat pocket.

And since service carriers are less likely to discount those pricey, palm-sized computers, cell phone users are more keen than ever to protect their smartphones from damage. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about choosing the right screen protector.

 

Are Screen Protectors Necessary?

Smartphone screens have come a long way since the days of yore when your clumsy friend made do with a spider web of cracks on his smartphone. Cell phone screens are less likely to shatter into a lacework of fingertip-slicing bits. But you’re still wise to invest in a screen protector for your smartphone.

This is because your smartphone’s screen is prone to scratches that, besides being unsightly, reduce your smartphone’s trade-in value. And these scratches appear even if you never drop your phone. Dirt, gravel, and sand that make their way into your purse, bag, or pockets contain minerals that can scratch your smartphone’s screen. The right screen protector will prevent these scratches.

 

Screen Protector Materials Pros and Cons

However, once you start shopping for a screen protector, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with choices. Screen protectors come in a variety of materials with a slew of optional features. Below, we’ll go over the common materials that screen protectors are made from.

PET

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) screen protectors are plastic films. PET plastic is the type of plastic that goes into water bottles and food containers. But this type of plastic is versatile and can be made into many things, including smartphone screen protectors.

PET Pros	PET Cons
-        Inexpensive	-        Prone to yellowing
-        Acceptably scratch-resistant	-        No impact protection
-        Smooth feel	-        Can’t reach the edge of curved screens

 

 

TPU

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a type of plastic that has a rubbery look and feel. The rubbery nature of TPU increases the screen protector’s ability to absorb the shock of impacts and falls. Screen protectors made from TPU are a step up from PET screen protectors and are generally tougher and more scratch-resistant. However, TPU screen protectors are a bit more of a headache to install because they’re prone to bubbling. So, expect to take some time smoothing it out to get it just right.

TPU Pros	TPU Cons
-        Higher shock absorption	-        Time-consuming installation.
-        “Self-healing” from minor scratches	-        Gives screen an orangish glare
-        Fingerprint resistance	-        Doesn’t have a glass-smooth feel

 

 

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is the champion of screen protectors. Generally speaking, if you invest in a top-of-the-line smartphone that you plan on using for a few years, a screen protector made of tempered glass will offer the highest protection and best user experience. Of course, you’ll pay a little more for the quality of tempered glass screen protectors.

Tempered Glass Pros	Tempered Glass Cons
-        Best drop and scratch protection	-        May look bulky when installed
-        Best touchscreen sensitivity	-        May crack in case of a fall
-        Clearest look	-        Pricier than other options (though still affordable)
-        Easy to clean

 

 

Additional Screen Protector Features

Material is just one thing to consider when purchasing a screen protector. In addition to PET, TPU, or tempered glass, you have other options to consider.

● Edging: If your smartphone screen curves along the edges, you may want a screen protector that goes edge-to-edge if your cell phone case allows it.

● Privacy: If you spend a lot of time scrolling while riding public transportation or you do your banking from your mobile, you may want a privacy screen protector that prevents prying eyes from viewing your screen’s content.

● Anti-Microbial: Some screen protectors are treated with an anti-microbial coating to prevent bacterial growth.

● Anti-Glare: Privacy Screen Protector Side Glue Anti-spy Tempered Glass Film are easier to read in bright conditions.

 

 

Find Your Favorite Screen Protector at TVCMALL

Considering all the materials and options available, it’s no wonder there are a jillion choices for screen protectors. Luckily, you don’t have to search the world over for the screen protector that’s perfect for you. TVCMALL has hundreds of screen protectors for the latest iPhones and Android smartphones.

Sure, a screen protector won’t help you climb the mountain of success and THRIVE. But it sure will make the selfies from the summit better. Get yours phone screen protector today.