Choosing the Ideal Screen Protector for Your Smartphone

At FixITMobile | Bad Apple, our iPhone repair services are second to none in your area -- and we see a number of common issues among many of our clients. One of the single most frequent such areas, but also one where phone owners have some control over things, is screen damage.

Simply put, many issues of screen damage are avoidable. The primary way to accomplish this: Through the use of a quality screen protector, of which there are dozens or even hundreds of options available to you for the phone model you use. What are some of the tips we offer to clients looking for a new screen protector on how to find the ideal option? Here are a few.

Plastic or Tempered Glass?

Generally speaking, most phone screen protectors today are made from either plastic or tempered glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types.

Plastic screen protectors, for instance, are usually less expensive than their tempered glass counterparts. They're also more likely to be "self-healing," meaning that if you do get a small nick or scratch in the plastic, it's likely that it will eventually disappear on its own.

On the other hand, tempered glass screen protectors offer a higher level of protection against cracks and shattering. They're also more resistant to fingerprint smudges and other cosmetic blemishes. However, they're also usually more expensive, and if they do crack or shatter, they will need to be replaced entirely.

Edge and Tactile Considerations

Naturally, how the screen protector interacts with your hands and fingers is also an important consideration. Some screen protectors -- particularly plastic ones -- can interfere with the phone's touchscreen sensitivity, making it more difficult to accurately select icons or type on the virtual keyboard. In some cases, this can be remedied by choosing a thinner screen protector or one that's explicitly designed not to interfere with touchscreen sensitivity.

Other screen protector edges can be quite sharp, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous if you're not careful. Some manufacturers round the edges of their screen protectors to make them more comfortable and safe to use.

Custom-Made vs. "One Size Fits All"

Especially for higher-end phones, it's often worth considering a custom-made screen protector. These are designed specifically to fit your phone model, which means that they'll adhere more securely and provide better protection overall. They may cost a bit more, but for many people, the extra peace of mind is worth it.

"One size fits all" screen protectors, on the other hand, are usually less expensive but also less effective. They're also more likely to interfere with things like the phone's camera or fingerprint sensor.

These are just a few of the considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for a new screen protector. By taking the time to find the ideal option for your needs, you can help protect your investment and keep your phone looking like new for as long as possible.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our iPhone repair or related services, speak to the team at FixITMobile | Bad Apple today.