Do you still use a screen protector for your smartphone?

[Mai72]

I had my Google Nexus 5 for 4 months, and I hadn't put on a screen protector. I was anxious to put one one because I suck at it. I had nothing better to do so I decided to put the screen protector I bought from Amazon on my phone.

What a pain in the ass! I can't do it perfectly. I almost had it on and a piece of dust ended up under the screen protector. Aughhh!!!

Are they even necessary? I know Google uses Gorilla Glass and it seems tough as nails. Take a look at the scratch test videos conducted on You Tube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVNI9Kflqw4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FJUD5WB_ko

PS... Phone screens don't do so well with sand.

 

[MongGrel]

My wife should have, and its not even a smartphone I think.

She bought a new one not long ago and shattered the screen on about the second day and tried to hide it awhile.



She knew the "Way to go" thing was inevitable.

It's still usable, she'll have to live with it.

 

[Mai72]

My wife should have, and its not even a smartphone I think.

She bought a new one awhile back and shattered the screen on about the second day and tried to hide it awhile.



She new the "Way to go" thing was inevitable.

Was the screen made with Gorilla Glass?

 

[Red Storm]

Never, but I also don't use cases either.

 

[lxskllr]

I don't have a smart phone. If/when I get one, I won't use a protector. It's like using plastic slipcovers on your furniture. Make it look shitty all the time to protect against the /chance/ of it looking shitty in the future. That's taking the bull by the horns...

 

[destrekor]

Was the screen made with Gorilla Glass?

Gorilla Glass can both shatter and scratch.
It can survive the basic large things like keys, but grains of sand can sometimes be too much. It's all about Mohs hardness and not about the apparent physical properties.


On my Moto X, I use a screen protector and a thin case. It really still feels like a naked phone in the end - I wouldn't throw it around like mad, but it survives my clumsy grip. It actually gives me a more assured grip all-around to boot - it felt a little slippery naked, like I'd lose it when pulling from my pocket far too easily.

Reveal Case for Moto X by Griffin (black)
Screen Film Protector for Moto X by Power Support ("Brilliant" version)

 

[velillen]

I do. I use a case for mine too. But i mostly do cause i work in an industrial area and use my phone with dirty hands fairly often. Much nicer to just peel the protector off and put a new one on then have to clean the screen. Same with the case. Nice to be able to pop it off and clean the case with force under water than be careful.

 

[destrekor]

I don't have a smart phone. If/when I get one, I won't use a protector. It's like using plastic slipcovers on your furniture. Make it look shitty all the time to protect against the /chance/ of it looking shitty in the future. That's taking the bull by the horns...

You must have only seen some really bad screen protectors.

I always hated screen protectors too, but I heard this one was great, and it has been. It still basically feels like the bare glass would feel, doesn't add any reflection or glare issues, doesn't mess with color at all. It's crystal clear, smooth, and mine is still free of defects 6 months later.

A lot of those wet apply ones look like crap and add an "orange peel" effect. Plus, half of the models FEEL bad.

Looking at mine, you can't tell it has a screen protector until you get very close and see the few cutouts and the edge.

 

[Mixolydian]

My OtterBox case has an integrated screen protector component. It attaches to the case itself, not a film you "apply" to the screen.

 

[WelshBloke]

For general use?
Nope, no matter what anyone says your screen will look worse and feel worse with one on.
Obviously if you're worried about resale and the guy after you enjoying your phone more than you then go for it.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I just have a case around it, and the way the case is made, if it falls face down the screen wont touch anything. Of course if it falls on a rock or something, that's a different story.

 

[zerocool84]

Just a case no screen protector. I never liked screen protector, always felt weird since it gave the screen a different feel and they are difficult to get 100% without bubbles.

 

[lxskllr]

You must have only seen some really bad screen protectors.

I always hated screen protectors too, but I heard this one was great, and it has been. It still basically feels like the bare glass would feel, doesn't add any reflection or glare issues, doesn't mess with color at all. It's crystal clear, smooth, and mine is still free of defects 6 months later.

A lot of those wet apply ones look like crap and add an "orange peel" effect. Plus, half of the models FEEL bad.

Looking at mine, you can't tell it has a screen protector until you get very close and see the few cutouts and the edge.

I guess I'd have to see it in person. Any protector I used would have to be decent around a dirty environment. No static, and it would have to be difficult to embed dirt in the surface. I'm skeptical of something like that being easily applied by an end user. I'll either buy or build a ruggedized case for field use, and just be careful with my grubby fingers.

 

[biostud]

I bought one, but I removed it when there came pocket lint under it. The lumia 920 is also a very sturdy phone.

 

[mmntech]

My OtterBox case has an integrated screen protector component. It attaches to the case itself, not a film you "apply" to the screen.

Yep, that's what I have. It's a good design because the stand alone screen protectors are difficult to apply without getting bubbles.

 

[destrekor]

Yep, that's what I have. It's a good design because the stand alone screen protectors are difficult to apply without getting bubbles.

A little effort is worth it. I can not tolerate the Otterbox protector, heh. I had it on a work iPhone. Miserable thing, so feel, degraded touch performance and overall the feel was terrible.

But it did the job at the same time. If one can honestly tolerate it, it does the trick.

 

[boomerang]

Had a screen protector on my last phone and when I moved on to my current phone there wasn't even a hint of a scuff on it, so none on my new phone.

Now my wife, I think she does rock polishing using her purse as a side job or something. A screen protector is mandatory for her.

 

[destrekor]

For general use?
Nope, no matter what anyone says your screen will look worse and feel worse with one on.
Obviously if you're worried about resale and the guy after you enjoying your phone more than you then go for it.

Wrong.


It may be difficult to "try" - but y'all really need to get some hands on experience with the Power Support line, or at least specifically their "Brilliant" film protector.

It is static-style, but with a decently steady hand and a touch of patience (please note: I am overly caffeinated... and I hate loading times... ooo shiny... look, a squirrel!), it was actually pretty damn easy to get applied right.
Granted, it was a 2-pack and I think I, although I am not certain, screwed up the first one with dirt and bubbles. It STILL looks perfect on my phone right now, and it goes in pockets often. It's supposed to be washable, so I think I kept the botched first one.

Either way, this protector has surprised the hell out of me. It has maintained itself, and it's completely out of the way. Smooth, clear, perfect.

 

[Koing]

Screen protector and a case.

Koing

 

[mmntech]

A little effort is worth it. I can not tolerate the Otterbox protector, heh. I had it on a work iPhone. Miserable thing, so feel, degraded touch performance and overall the feel was terrible.

But it did the job at the same time. If one can honestly tolerate it, it does the trick.

I got it when I used to work at the car lot. Needed something beefier to protect my phone. Especially after I put a big dent in my iPad 1 after dropping it, and chipped the screen on my iPhone 3G.

I'll probably just get a simple case for my next phone. Been eyeing the OnePlus One. Doubt they'll be anything like an Otterbox out for that.

 

[Dannar26]

I've been using xtreme-guard protectors. They're wet application protectors, like a zagg or somesuch for a fraction of the cost. Just have to use dish soap in water to make the application formula, which is super easy to do. You'll have bubbles, but they'll work themselves out over time. You'll eventually have none.

At first you'll notice a bit of a rubbery feel to your touch screen, but over time you'll become accustomed to it. I don't notice it anymore. After beating most of super metroid with a touch screen emulator (wall jumps and screw attack jumps as well), I'm fairly confident that it doesn't impact my touches.

Most phones have some form of gorilla glass these days. But beware: sand will still leave scratches. Better safe than sorry.

 

[WelshBloke]

Wrong.


It may be difficult to "try" - but y'all really need to get some hands on experience with the Power Support line, or at least specifically their "Brilliant" film protector.

It is static-style, but with a decently steady hand and a touch of patience (please note: I am overly caffeinated... and I hate loading times... ooo shiny... look, a squirrel!), it was actually pretty damn easy to get applied right.
Granted, it was a 2-pack and I think I, although I am not certain, screwed up the first one with dirt and bubbles. It STILL looks perfect on my phone right now, and it goes in pockets often. It's supposed to be washable, so I think I kept the botched first one.

Either way, this protector has surprised the hell out of me. It has maintained itself, and it's completely out of the way. Smooth, clear, perfect.

In three or so months take it off and see how you feel then.
I bet you'll love the way the naked screen feels.

I've been through many, many screenprotectors over the years from way too cheap up to OMGWTFBBQ HOWMUCH! And none of them are as good as no screen protector.

 

[Imp]

No smartphone... From what I've heard, they use pretty nice glass for smartphone screens and not sure how it'd affect a capacitive touch screen.

Honestly, at the rate I drop my phone, I'd crack the screen before I'd scratch it.

 

[destrekor]

In three or so months take it off and see how you feel then.
I bet you'll love the way the naked screen feels.

I've been through many, many screenprotectors over the years from way too cheap up to OMGWTFBBQ HOWMUCH! And none of them are as good as no screen protector.

I used the phone naked at first because I ordered it on a deal, but hadn't decided which accessories would work best and wasn't going to impulse buy them. I did my research but continued to love and appreciate this beautiful phone naked.
I put the screen protector on and it didn't even phase me. And I loved the naked feel.

 

[WelshBloke]

And I loved the naked feel.

You'll love it even more when you go back to it.