Yeah, they can be had cheap. I always seem to have something underneath the protector after installation no matter how careful or how much I clean it and use the tape to get the fuzz.

I appreciate all the responses. I guess I’m thinking the screen itself should be effective enough without the glass protector.

The benefit of a screen protector is that the screen lives on after the off/on/restart switch quits working, the non-replaceable battery dies, the phone/battery no longer charges, or the phone just dies. But, I still use screen protectors on phones and cameras.

Very good points.

quote:

Originally posted by mikeyspizza:
The benefit of a screen protector is that the screen lives on after the off/on/restart switch quits working, the non-replaceable battery dies, the phone/battery no longer charges, or the phone just dies. But, I still use screen protectors on phones and cameras.

To me, it's like those "wolf-bras" people used to put on the front of their cars. Or the plastic my grandparents had on their fabric upholstered couches. Or any other thing intended to keep something in pristine "like new" condition underneath. Funny how no one cared about cases or screen protectors with flip phones, Nokias, and Blackberrys. Why must iPhones and the like need so much protection?

I used them on my iPhone 3gs, 5, 5s (work), and 6. I liked the Crystal Film brand sold at the Apple Store and you got 2 or 3 in a pack (can't remember). But since I got a 7 and after, I haven't used them at all and I've had no problems. But then my phone stays alone in my front pants pocket, and I don't drop it very often. I have dropped phones on concrete and asphalt, and the front lip on the case has prevented any damage. Flexible screen protectors don't protect against impact cracks - they prevent scratches and possibly chips.

The $30+ comment is in relation to the ones they push at Best Buy - Zagg or whatever they are, with the wet application. Usually the result looks lousy to me. Apple Store sells Belkin for a similar price.

And if you buy your phones on the Apple Store plan with the required Apple Care, you can get a couple screen replacements for pretty low cost if you ever need it.

Yeah, if you tend to drop your phone a lot or work in a hostile environment (sand, gravel, etc.), get an Otterbox which includes a built-in screen cover. To me that's no different than the tough laptops used by the military of field repair techs.

Absolutely required for me. In fact, I end up replacing the screen protector every 3 or 4 months either because I’ve managed to crack it or it’s scratched up from being in my pocket or banging around in my car at work.

I get the Maxboost tempered glass ones on Amazon. A 2 pack is like $10. We’ve cracked them several times but saved the phone. Dropped my old iPod Touch on the driveway without one. Tiniest pebble cracked it.

The battery in my iPhone X became swollen, so I made an appointment at The Apple Store for a no-cost replacement. While the tech guy was entering my information on an iPhone, I mentioned that I had noticed that the store sold a few different screen protectors, and asked him which one he recommended.

He said, "I don't use one. The glass on the newer screens is very tough, and I don't believe that a protector is necessary."

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

He said, "I don't use one. The glass on the newer screens is very tough, and I don't believe that a protector is necessary."

He's right.

Saved my iPhone 11 just yesterday. Long story, but Reader's Digest version... phone got wedged between the seat adjustment rails on my truck. The case and the glass protector are trashed, but the phone came out without a scratch.

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
Saved my iPhone 11 just yesterday. Long story, but Reader's Digest version... phone got wedged between the seat adjustment rails on my truck. The case and the glass protector are trashed, but the phone came out without a scratch.

And right there is visible proof that the phone tech guy was wrong.

They have saved my bacon more than once.

quote:

Originally posted by papaac:
They have saved my bacon more than once.

I even put one on my Bronco Sport touchscreen.

I even use them on my IPad.over time heavy use of anything will cause wear on it.Protect your investment.

Up until 2 months ago since june 2006 carried a old school flip phone . started carrying a android smart phone in shirt pocket and use a lanyard around neck and attached to phone. But also have a tempered glass screen protector. With the lanyard if it falls out of pocket it will not hit the ground and be damaged. ........................................ drill sgt.

I don't and haven't since my first galaxy (s5 maybe?) I'm on an S21 now. I've never had a cracked screen (knock on wood). My phone is always cased with a case that has a lip that provides some protection if it lands on the screen.

My wife went through multiple screens on an iPhone (one of the big ones) and we determined it was from falling on the corner - even while cased. It was one of those monster sized ones. She has since gone to samsung (note 8 and then a note whatever version they're on now) without any issues.

I think having a case with good corner protection is essential based on the break pattern we saw on her prior phones (always from landing on edge on a corner).

I used these for mine and my wife's iPhone 12. Cheap and impossible to install incorrectly:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0...dt_b_product_details