When we buy new equipment, we immediately think about how to protect it so it doesn’t break or scratch. Whether it is a tablet, a Nintendo Switch or a smartphone, the first thing that comes to mind is what case do I buy? Do I apply a screen protector? Although we will discuss the first question a little later, today we will focus on the second. We are going to explain everything you need to know to choose the best protector for your screen devices .
Why should you use a screen protector?
Today we are surrounded by computers with screens that accompany us anywhere. An endless number of situations that, whether in our pocket, a table or a simple fall, the panels end up scratching or receiving a blow . The result? A mark on the screen or, in the worst case, a shattered front.
To try to avoid this type of problem there are screen savers. Small accessories that attach to the panel and protect it so that, with more or less luck, they preserve the screen against possible accidents.
Of course, you can buy different models of these accessories and, as you can imagine, not all keep the panel of our equipment equally. Each one has different characteristics that give it a greater degree of protection and, of course, you should take into account before purchasing it.
Features a screen protector should have
There are different details that you should pay attention to when buying one of these gadgets for the screen of your computers. Features that will influence both the way to protect the panel, your experience of use or the final finish after application. Below we show you each of those details that you should know to choose the best option:
- Degree of hardness : this is the most common of all and, of course, the most important. Represents resistance to shocks, falls or scratches. This property is reflected in the packaging of these accessories, taking its reference from the Mohs hardness scale . This scale shows the resistance to scratching of a certain element and is represented by a number from 1 to 10, accompanied by the letter “H” . The higher the number, the higher the degree of protection. Our recommendation is that you always buy protectors with a value of 9H. The following table explains this scale very simply.
| HARDNESS | MINERAL | STRIPE WITH / STRIPE A |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HOUR | talcum powder | Can be easily scratched with the nail |
| 2H | Cast | With the nail but, with greater difficulty |
| 3H | Calcite | With a copper coin |
| 4H | Fluorite | With a steel knife |
| 5H | Apatite | Hardly with a knife |
| 6H | Ortosa | With a sandpaper for steel |
| 7H | Quartz | Scratches glass |
| 8H | Topaz | Scratched by tungsten carbide tools |
| 9H | Corundum | Scratched by silicon carbide tools |
| 10H | Diamond | Scratched only by another diamond |
- Finish : the characteristic that defines the appearance of the most superficial layer of the protector and, after all, the part with which we will be in contact daily. There are different types: ultra clear (transparent finish that allows us to see clearly what our screen is showing), anti-glare (it has an extra layer that prevents us from visibility problems if light falls directly on the panel), mirror ( a finish that, as long as the screen remains off, reflects everything in front of it) or, privacy protectors (ideal for people who want to avoid the prying eyes of a voyeur in public places. This finish means that we can only see what that shows the screen if we are right in front of it).
- Type : there are different types of screen protectors for our equipment. Depending on the manufacturing material of said protector, the resistance to knocks, scratches or falls will vary. This is a feature that directly affects the experience of using the panel.
- Thickness : it is an aesthetic aspect rather than a level of protection, although it may seem otherwise. The degree of protection lies more in the manufacture than in the millimeters of thickness it has. The usual measurements of these accessories are between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.
- Application system : this section will influence when attaching the protector and its appearance once it is in place. There are some packs that include molds that are placed on the screens to facilitate their application. If you are a handyman user, you may not need this item. But, if you want to “heal yourself in health” and that the end result is the best possible, you should take it into account.
- Choosing the right model : Although it seems obvious, many people do not buy the right protector for each team. It is something that usually happens on phones and tablets of little-known brands or more outdated models. The main problem with this type of action is that, when using the equipment, the perforations or dimensions of the protector do not correspond. Therefore, we may be covering speakers or cameras whose performance ends up impairing the user experience.
Types of screen protectors
It is time to talk about one of the characteristics that most head feeders generate in users: the type of protector .
Do I buy it from plastic or glass? One of the most asked questions to the employees of the smartphone stores. There are different types of these accessories whose main difference lies in the construction material. And, of course, each has its benefits and drawbacks. Below we discuss the main types of these protectors that you will find on the market.
PET
These types of accessories are known as “plastic”. They use a material called PET that we find present in food packaging elements, hence its name. They are included in many devices that, when removed from their box, we find the protector attached to the screen glass.
Its touch is that of a rigid plastic whose purpose is to protect the panel of the equipment against possible scratches. They are the cheapest option on the market but, yes, do not expect it to be of much use in the event of blows or falls.
TPU
The TPU protectors are similar to the previous ones but they increase the degree of protection. It is a more elastic material that adheres better to panels, especially curved ones. In addition, it is able to better safeguard against scratches, although it is still not very effective with blows.
These accessories are usually more expensive than those of the PET type, but if we want a “hidden” protector, it can be a great alternative to consider.
Glass or tempered glass
Tempered glass is undoubtedly the most popular type of protector on the market. It is an element created based on different layers that provide different characteristics to these accessories.
They offer greater resistance to blows, scratches, or abrasions than other protectors, and all occupying less than half a millimeter in thickness. But of course they are more expensive than the PET or TPU type.
Although they resist blows, they are not infallible. Its weak point is the side impacts, so it is advisable to use a cover that protects its edges well. Although we will talk more about the covers in another article.
Gel
The accessories that use the gel- like material are less known and not so sold in the market. This does not mean that it is not very effective.
These are protectors that improve resistance to scratches and shocks above the levels of other materials. But, nothing is perfect, and they have two main drawbacks according to the users who use them:
- The oleophobic layer is of poorer quality, so the tracks are easily marked.
- They are not pleasant to the touch. They present a rubbery sensation that moves away from the glass touch that we are used to feeling using our equipment.
These protectors are mainly used on smartphones and tablets. They are usually placed in shopping malls that have the appropriate machinery for their placement.
The best screensavers
Now that you know all the details that you must take into account to choose the best protector. Accessories that will protect the screen of your smartphone (or a part of it, such as the camera module), tablet, smart watch or game console.
To make your search easier, we leave you some of the best options we have found.
