Smartphone screens have come a long way since the early days. Innovations in products like Apple’s Ceramic Shield or Corning’s Gorilla Glass have made displays far more resistant to scratches, bumps, and dings. Each generation improves overall toughness and reduces the chances of a screen shattering during a drop or major impact.
However, they aren’t completely indestructible. They can still scratch and chip, especially over a long period of time (months or years) with daily use.
Screen protectors are a common solution to address these issues. Most are a small piece of plastic or glass applied to your display using a thin layer of adhesive. Once installed, it covers the display and acts as a secondary layer of protection against daily wear and tear.
But, with all of these improvements in display durability, are screen protectors still worth it for modern devices?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how damage actually happens, what screen protectors can offer, and whether using one still makes sense.
Let’s hop in.
| Type | Scratch Protection | Impact Protection | Screen Feel | Clarity | Ease of Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempered Glass | ✅ | ✅ | Slightly thicker | ✅ | Easy |
| TPU (Film) | ✅ | ❌ | Slightly tacky | ✅ | Moderate |
| PET (Film) | ⚠️ | ❌ | Smooth | ⚠️ | Easy |
| Hybrid/ Multi-Layer | ✅ | ✅ | Smooth | ✅ | Varies by brand |
| Liquid Glass | ⚠️ | ❌ | Bare glass | ✅ | Very easy |
Do modern screens still need protection?
Without a doubt, modern smartphones are built to handle far more abuse than their predecessors. Screens are stronger, more flexible, and better at dispersing impact than ever before.
Unfortunately, no material is completely immune to wear over time. Material fatigue due to small abrasions, irregular pressure, and rough handling can weaken glass, leading to cracks and chips.
To understand why that happens, it helps to know what makes today’s screens so durable in the first place and how everyday usage can still cause damage.
How modern screens resist damage
While the exact process varies between manufacturers, most smartphone displays are created using glass that has been chemically treated and enhanced with additional materials.
Typically, the glass is treated through a process called ion exchange — usually by submersion in a bath of molten potassium salt — which replaces smaller ions (sodium) on the surface with larger ones (potassium). While this doesn’t drastically alter the strength of the glass, the process increases the surface tension, improves scratch resistance, and helps the glass absorb shocks and impacts.
Many modern screens also consist of far more than glass. For example, Apple’s Ceramic Shield is a glass-ceramic composite hybrid engineered to increase durability without impacting transparency. Similarly, the outer glass on most displays is supported by materials designed to improve structure, cushioning, and touch sensitivity. Working together, a layered design helps to distribute the force from drops or pressure across a wider area, rather than allowing that energy to concentrate in one spot.
The result is a screen that can survive far more stress than older models. Modern glass won’t flex like plastic, but it can endure small impacts, pocket pressure, and daily handling better than devices from earlier generations.
What actually causes screen damage
Even with modern treatments and reinforced layers, smartphone screens are still vulnerable to physical stress from everyday wear and tear. That matters, especially since damaged screens account for 67% of all phone malfunctions or accidents.
Most display damage doesn’t happen all at once. Instead, gradual wear and usage weaken the glass over time. Abrasion caused by small particles of sand, grit, or metal can create microscopic scratches that are nearly invisible to the eye. These tiny flaws reduce the structural integrity of the glass, creating weak points that can spread into larger cracks when pressure is applied.
The pressure itself is another factor. Daily handling, such as placing a phone in a pocket or setting it facedown on a hard surface, can stress the glass unevenly. Over time, this fatigue builds up.
Eventually, an unexpected bump or impact causes the entire display to shatter. To our eyes, it seems like one big impact broke the glass. In reality, the damage accrued over weeks and months. Even if the drop is a minor one, that may be all it takes to create a chain reaction that causes those microscopic cracks to widen and fracture the display.
How screen protectors help
Because microfractures and fatigue accumulate over the lifespan of a device, no screen is completely indestructible. Eventually, time and wear will inflict irreparable damage that causes the glass to break.
Depending on your usage, handling, and replacement schedule, this could happen over years. You might even make it through the entire lifespan of your device without any issues whatsoever.
However, it’s always a risk — and enough of one that about 70% of users rely on a screen protector.
Screen protectors exist to absorb usage and wear that might otherwise affect your phone screen. Most are made from tempered glass or flexible polymers designed to mimic the feel of a bare screen while offering an extra layer of resistance. They also act as a sacrificial layer, capable of taking on scratches, dings, and pressure so that the display remains intact.
While they aren’t essential and can’t make a display completely unbreakable, screen protectors dramatically reduce the risk of minor scratches and chips. Plus, in the event of damage or wear, protectors can be easily replaced without expensive repair or installation costs.
The main types of screen protectors
While it’s true that screen protectors come in a variety of materials and construction, it’s possible to divide most protectors into a handful of categories. Each offers a different balance of clarity, thickness, and protection.
Choosing the right fit comes down to personal preference, based on how you use your device and what you’re ultimately trying to achieve. In this section, you’ll find a breakdown of the most common types of screen protectors, as well as a look at what they offer to users.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass protectors are made by heating glass to high temperatures and cooling it rapidly to create internal tension, improving both surface hardness and impact resistance. They’re the most common choice of screen protector by a wide margin, accounting for roughly nine out of every ten dollars spent on screen protectors worldwide.
When applied to a phone, tempered glass mimics the feel of the actual display, providing a smooth tactile experience. The protector also offers some impact protection and is designed to absorb a blow in order to protect the screen beneath it.
Tempered glass is best known for the following:
- Excellent scratch and impact resistance.
- A glass-like tactile experience.
- Easy installation with minimal bubbling.
- High visual clarity, often with high reflectivity.
- Thicker profile compared to other materials.
- Tendency to shatter during impact.
The last three points are notable for potential buyers.
Because you’re essentially overlaying your screen with a second piece of glass, it’s possible that doing so will create additional reflections when trying to use your phone in harsh lightning environments. This can make your device harder to use in unfavorable conditions.
On top of that, while the thicker profile makes the protector feel more sturdy, it’s possible for tempered glass protectors to be too thick — to the point that they interfere with the touchscreen’s ability to detect taps and swipes. If this happens, the only way to fix it is to remove the protector and replace it with a thinner model.
Lastly, tempered glass has a tendency to shatter on impact. This is ideal if the protector prevents screen damage. However, modern smartphone screens are often more durable than the protector itself. Because of that, tempered glass may break during impacts that wouldn’t harm the screen. It’s also possible for your screen to shatter even though a tempered glass protector is attached, meaning there is no guarantee that the protector will save the screen from a break.
That said, tempered glass offers the most durable protection for modern displays. That’s one reason that we used it as a base for Fresh Coat, our very own screen protector.
TPU
Short for thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU protectors are created from a flexible, stretchable plastic that can bend slightly without breaking. These protectors are thinner than glass and often marketed as “self-healing” products, as small surface marks can fade or disappear over time when the material re-bonds.
Unlike glass protectors, TPU films are often applied using a wet installation process that allows the film to contour around curved displays. This makes them a great fit for newer phone designs that have rounded edges or minimal bezels.
TPU protectors are best known for the following:
- High flexibility around curved screens.
- Minor self-healing properties.
- Thinner profile and lower visibility.
- Slightly tacky or rubbery feel when compared to glass.
- Less impact resistance against drops.
While TPU offers decent scratch protection and full-screen coverage, the defense against drops and impacts is minimal. The plastic is so thin that it can’t effectively absorb or redistribute that force. While the TPU display won’t crack like tempered glass, the screen beneath it can still shatter from a fall.
That said, TPU protectors are a popular choice for users who prefer a minimalist look and lightweight protection. They’re also relatively cheap to produce and replace, making them an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers. They’re the best option for curved and edge-to-edge screens, which is a niche use-case where both tempered glass and PET protectors (below) lack the flexibility to accommodate those designs.
Finally, while the self-healing properties may be appealing, keep in mind that they only apply to very minor scratches and scuffs on the surface. Given time, these marks may fade, but more significant damage (deep scratches, dents, etc.) to the protector will never fully heal.
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) protectors are thin, clear plastic films that offer the most basic form of screen protection. Typically, these protectors are applied using a dry adhesive and are the most cost-effective option for shoppers.
Similar to TPU, PET protectors aren’t designed to prevent cracks or absorb heavy impacts. However, they’re great for absorbing light scratches and the general wear and tear that accumulates from daily use. Plus, because they’re very thin, PET protectors rarely change the look of the display.
PET protectors are best known for:
- Ultra-thin, lightweight design.
- Low cost and easy replacement.
- Plastic feel during use.
- Minimal drop protection or impact resistance.
- Unique coatings at low cost.
PET protectors are made from the same polymer materials used in things like soda bottles or camera film. They offer high optical clarity and a smooth, glossy surface. Many come with matte or anti-glare finishes that can reduce reflections or privacy coatings that narrow the viewing angle to prevent others from seeing your screen.
For most shoppers, PET protectors strike the right balance between scratch resistance, simplicity, and affordability. Unlike TPU protectors, which usually require a wet adhesive, PET solutions are applied using a dry application process and are easier to replace if dust or bubbles appear.
While PET doesn’t offer much in the way of damage protection, they’re a popular choice due to their accessibility and overall versatility. It’s a practical option for anyone who values ease of use and everyday scratch defense over full drop protection.
Other variations
While tempered glass, TPU, and PET dominate the market, several other types of protectors aim to fill niche or specific needs.
These alternatives can vary greatly in cost, application methods, and protection level. However, all attempt to extend screen life and improve usability in different ways.
Liquid glass
Ultra-thin, liquid glass protectors use a silica-based compound to protect a screen at a microscopic level. Liquid glass is applied wet and wiped onto the screen as though you were cleaning the display. The coating forms a transparent layer that increases surface hardness and resists minor scratches.
When applied, liquid glass is nearly invisible. It doesn’t add thickness or affect touch sensitivity. While that’s great from the perspective of clarity, any coating is also extremely thin, meaning that it can’t absorb shocks or prevent damage from drops. At best, liquid glass is largely confined to scratch resistance.
However, it’s important to point out that the efficacy and effectiveness of liquid glass is a hotly debated topic. Some say that liquid glass is highly effective while others believe it’s a hoax or a gimmick.
Unlike tempered glass, TPU, or PET, liquid glass solutions also aren’t standardized across brands. Many solutions say that the coating needs to be re-applied every 6-12 months, and what the coating offers can vary between solutions. If you choose to go this route, note that your mileage may vary greatly and benefits may be difficult to perceive.
All-in-one cases & covers
Some phone cases integrate built-in screen protectors to full-coverage designs that shield both the body and the display. These come in a wide range of formats, from rugged outdoor cases to minimalist folio covers.
The key advantage of an all-in-one solution is that the product is both case and cover combined. It’s complete protection for the entire device with good protection against most forms of damage and wear. Plus, unlike other solutions, the case and the cover are purchased as a single unit and will work together without potential compatibility issues.
However, the trade-off is in size and usability. Most all-in-one cases add significant bulk to the device. The case can greatly increase the thickness of the phone, especially if it requires placing the phone in a frame or hardshell. Sometimes, these solutions also use a thick layer of plastic to protect the screen. If the plastic sits above the display, rather than adhering to it, the gap between the plastic and the screen can make the screen less responsive.
All-in-one protectors are a great solution for durability, but not everyone will enjoy the extra size or cost.
Multi-layer protectors
Hybrid protectors combine elements of both glass and plastic to strike a balance between strength, flexibility, and touch accuracy. A common design features a flexible PET or TPU base with a hardened outer coating. This structure helps distribute impact energy more evenly than traditional protectors while also maintaining a smooth, glass-like surface.
Some advanced coatings also incorporate ceramic or polymer additives to improve clarity and resistance without adding bulk. These next-generation protectors are designed to feel indistinguishable from bare glass while still providing formidable scratch and shatter resistance.
This is also the category where most of the current innovation is happening. New products like Astropad’s Fresh Coat represent a modern evolution by providing thin, composite-style protection with an anti-reflective coating that cuts 75% of reflections while also defending against dust, scratches, smudges, and impacts.
This category of protectors is ideal for users who want the benefits of the three mainstay categories packaged into new and innovative products that offer unique benefits.
The pros and cons of using a screen protectors
Overall, screen protectors are one of the most common accessories for smartphones and tablets. They’re relatively inexpensive and provide peace of mind for anyone worried about scuffs or scratches.
But, as displays themselves become more durable, it’s worth asking what real advantages screen protectors still bring to the table and if they’re still worth the trouble.
Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect from a screen protector.
Pros
Screen protectors can’t prevent every type of damage, but they can make a meaningful difference in everyday use.
Key benefits include:
- Scratch resistance. Protectors shield against grit, sand, and metal objects that can scratch a display on contact.
- Minor impact protection. While not drop-proof, tempered glass and hybrid films can absorb small shocks or disperse force away from the screen.
- Improved durability. Acting as a sacrificial layer, screen protectors can absorb the wear and tear your actual display would otherwise experience.
- Extra features. Some protectors add useful coatings such as anti-glare, privacy filtering, or improved fingerprint resistance.
- Ease of replacement. If the protector gets damaged, it can be swapped out in minutes and at a much lower cost than a full screen repair.
Screen protectors are uniquely valuable for users who want to keep their phones for several years, who work in outdoor and dusty environments, or who carry their devices without a protective case.
While they aren’t entirely fool-proof and can’t prevent damage beyond a certain point, they’re more than capable of extending the life of the phone by minimizing scratches and preventing the general wear that ultimately leads to a broken display.
Cons
Despite the upsides and benefits around damage protection, screen protectors come with some notable downsides.
Here are the major drawbacks:
- Reduced display clarity. Low-quality protectors can dull colors, add reflections or haloing, and affect overall brightness.
- Touch sensitivity issues. Extra thickness or poor adhesion can interfere with tap and swipe accuracy, which creates a frustrating experience for users.
- Application challenges. Dust or misalignment during installation can cause bubbles or peeling edges that are difficult to remove and can become a visual annoyance.
- Case/protector incompatibility. Even thin protectors can slightly change how the screen feels, especially at the edges. While rare, this added thickness interferes with cases or covers.
- Limited protection. A protector may crack or shatter during a drop, but it can’t guarantee the screen beneath will remain unharmed. This is true for all protector types.
- Replacement upkeep. Over time, protectors wear down, scratch, or peel. The only solution is a replacement.
Note that some of these drawbacks are more prevalent in some protector types than in others. For example, touch sensitivity issues are most commonly experienced with tempered glass products that are simply too thick. This can be remedied by purchasing a thinner tempered glass protector or by switching to a TPU or PET protector.
While many users prefer the feel of bare glass and are willing to accept the risks that come with a naked display, the majority of the trade-offs are minor when compared to repairing a broken screen.
Choosing the right screen protector for your needs
With so many options available choosing the right screen protector comes down to how you use your device and what kind of protection matters to you.
A frequent traveler or outdoor worker might need different coverage than a college student or someone who mainly uses their phone in an office. Because of this, there isn’t a universal “best” option.
Here are the main factors you’ll want to consider when choosing your next screen protector.
Durability vs. feel
Picking any screen protector involves a choice between toughness and touch.
If you’re looking for maximum protection from drops or sharp objects, an all-in-one protector will provide the best protection … but that’s because it’s both a case and a screen protector rolled into a single package. These types of protectors are also bulky and can make it difficult to carry a phone in a pocket.
Tempered glass is likely the strongest choice if you’re looking solely for a screen protector. It can absorb small impacts and resist scratches better than PET or TPU options. Unfortunately, most tempered glass options are also thicker, add a noticeable amount of bulk, and are more reflective than bare glass.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth feel, hybrid or polymer-based films can be a strong pick. They don’t feel like naked glass, though. Both TPU and PET offer distinctive tactile sensations, but both are workable and comfortable after an adjustment period. While these protectors are thin and flexible, they won’t save your display from a harder fall.
The best fit will ultimately boil down to your use case and personal preference, but keeping this give-and-take in mind can point you in the right direction during your search.
Clarity and coatings
Specialized coatings allow screen protectors to enhance your phone experience beyond what bare glass can offer.
For example, a matte finish cuts glare and fingerprints so that it’s easier to see your screen in harsh lighting conditions, but it usually dulls color and contrast in the process. (Note: This isn’t the case for Fresh Coat, which offers anti-reflectivity while retaining vibrance and contrast.) Similarly, glossy coatings maintain sharpness and clarity, but they tend to highlight smudges and don’t help with reflections.
Some protectors go further with privacy filters that narrow the viewing angle. These can be used to stop prying eyes in public spaces. Others add blue-light reductions or oleophobic layers designed to minimize fingerprints and smudges.
The major caveat to many coatings is that they’re most commonly found on PET or hybrid-style protestors. Thin films tend to be easier to coat and modify, allowing for a wider variety of customization. Tempered glass and TPU models may include some of these features, but they usually incur a higher cost.
If you’re looking for unique ways to enhance your device beyond screen protection, finding the right coating is a great way to go about it. However, the greatest variety of coatings are usually assigned to plastic films, which offer far less in terms of damage protection.
Ease of installation
Screen protectors are useless if not properly attached to your device, but wrestling with air bubbles and dust specks can be a challenging experience. While it’s a necessary evil, keep in mind that some protectors are far easier to apply than others.
On the whole, tempered glass tends to be the easiest to install. These protectors are rigid, line up cleanly, and often include guide trays or alignment tools. TPU films tend to use wet adhesives, requiring more patience and a time for the solution to cure and a cohesive bond to form. PET films are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.
Fortunately, installation can be made much easier by purchasing from brands who have given a lot of thought and attention to the installation process. For example, even though Fresh Coat is a layered protector with a tempered glass base, we also included a precision alignment tool and a guided app so that installation is seamless.
Before buying, check reviews and features to see if the protector you’re interested in offers any guidance or support to make the installation process easier.
A fresh take: Astropad’s Fresh Coat
Every screen protector comes with benefits and trade-offs. Glass protectors are durable but thick. Film protectors are thin but offer limited impact resistance. Hybrid protectors strike a balance, but can feel unnatural or lack specific features.
That hit-and-miss, give-and-take mentality is part of what inspired us to create Fresh Coat. Rather than relying on bulk glass or soft, plastic films, Fresh Coat compresses five advanced layers into a single protector offering improved visibility, defense, and fit.
Here’s the full breakdown:
- Layer 1: Anti-reflective coating. Enjoy 3x fewer reflections vs a bare phone screen and 4x fewer reflections when compared to other tempered glass protectors without haze, texture, or color shift.
- Layer 2: Oleophobic / hydrophobic coating. Repel fingerprints, skin oils, smudges, and water so that your screen stays clear and visible during use.
- Layer 3: “Armorine” 9H tempered glass. Reduce scratches and protect your device with tough and durable hardened glass.
- Layer 4: Dust barrier. Prevent dust from slipping between Fresh Coat and your phone screen. Block debris from entering at the screen’s edges or around the speaker grill.
- Layer 5: “Airbag” impact resistant bonding. Cushion your phone against minor drops and dings. The strong adhesive also ensures a strong, bubble-free bond while Fresh Coat is attached.
This layered approach offers a thin but highly capable screen protector that preserves clarity and feel while defending against scratches, fingerprints, and daily wear. It won’t impact the touch sensitivity of the display, and is compatible with most cases.
If you’re looking for a modern solution that keeps your screen clear, smooth, and distraction free, Fresh Coat is a great choice.
Learn more or pick one up for yourself right here.
FAQ
Which type of screen protector feels the most like real glass?
Tempered glass protectors typically provide the most natural feel.
Because they’re made of real glass, they can more easily replicate the solid texture of a bare screen and respond to touch in the same way. Some hybrid or layered models, like Fresh Coat, can also replicate the feel if they’re using tempered glass as part of their composition.
Plastic-based films like TPU and PET tend to feel slightly softer or tackier, which some users notice immediately after application. However, awareness of the sensation usually fades with time.
Do matte or anti-glare protectors affect display quality?
It depends on the coating.
Matte and anti-glare protectors scatter light to reduce reflections, which makes the screen easier to see in bright conditions. The trade-off is usually a small loss in contrast and sharpness, especially on high-resolution displays. Anti-reflective coatings can also add a white haze or fog to the display, which helps to scatter the light but can decrease overall clarity. If you work outdoors or are trying to use your device beneath harsh, overhead lights, the exchange is likely worth it.
Glossy-style protectors tend to preserve colors and visual fidelity. This is great if you’re using your device in a way where color and precision matter, such as capturing and editing photos, but it comes with the understanding that glossy protectors are highly prone to reflections.
Some hybrid solutions are a great option for users who want the best of both worlds.
Can a screen protector stop fingerprints or smudges?
Not completely, but some come with specialized coatings designed to reduce the amount of skin oils that can bond with the protector. Many protectors (all types) include oleophobic coatings, which repel oils and make it easier to wipe away smudges.
The downside is that these coatings tend to wear down gradually, so even the best protectors will become more prone to fingerprints over time.
How often should I replace my screen protector?
It depends on your usage and your expectations. Many users simply keep their screen protector attached to their device for its entire lifespan. That’s probably fine if you’re just counting on a PET protector for scratch resistance.
Over time, though, your screen protector may begin showing signs of wear. Oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings will wear off. Bubbles may start to appear as the adhesive holding the protector to the screen begins to give way. Tempered glass protectors might begin to chip, fracture, or crack.
If your protector begins to deteriorate, you may need to replace it. Usually, this happens somewhere from six months to two years, but the time frame can vary greatly between manufacturers and protector models.
Can I reuse a screen protector after removing it?
It’s unlikely. Once a protector is removed, the adhesive layer collects dust and loses its ability to reattach cleanly. Trying to reuse it can trap air bubbles or debris, which may scratch the display.
A few screen protectors, like our very own Rock Paper Pencil for iPad, are designed to be removable. However, most options are single-use items and will need to be discarded once removed.
