Smartphone Protection

Kunoichi73

Hi All, I am thinking of joining the 21st century and buying a smartphone. Is it worth investing in a screen protector (either plastic or tempered glass) for it? If so, what brands are worth looking at? Would I also need a protective case for my phone?

I intend to keep the phone for as long as possible - I've had my current phone (not a smartphone) for 8 years so far.

Biggles

Not really, the glass these days doesn't scratch easily. I haven't had a screen protector for 10 years and the only damage my screen has had was when I dropped it and the whole screen shattered, which a screen protector wouldn't have prevented.

Frozen_up_north

Depending on model, you might consider a Griffin Survivor weather resistant case. They are very rugged, but perhaps over the top unless you are working outdoors in rain. There are claims of being military grade cases, but I doubt that... no NATO part number!

They are also not good at working with the fingerprint readers found in the home button of recent iPhones.

I used one on my last iPhone (iPhone 5) and it was great for my purposes.

I_have_spoken

Waste of money and just interfere with the touch screen

Lumstorm

I just use a silicon bumper case to protect my phone you don't need a screen protector.

flashg67

I've found it is possible to scratch modern screens if you keep them in pockets with coins/keys. I use the cheap screen protectors and replace when thy get bad. Found the 'glass' ons scratch just as easily and are more expensive

elsien

I'm going to go against the flow of replies to say that my iPhone has a pretty hefty shock resistant case on it. Otterbox defender.
This is because I am a hamfisted idiot who is always dropping it and I plan to keep it till it's obsolete. It doesn't interfere with the touchscreen. Although I don't use fingerprint recognition.
Yes the phone is now no longer slimline and sleek, but it is still in one piece!

misterbarlow

Lumstorm wrote: »

I just use a silicon bumper case to protect my phone you don't need a screen protector.

I second this. After dropping and cracking about 3, I got one of these for my latest, have dropped it twice since with no damage, the silicone takes the initial impact and absorbs it and helps stop the glass breaking... it was only £5 on the bay...

tazwhoever

Tempered glass is worth it. It will protect the glass for under £10, otherwise it could cost few tens to repair it.

RumRat

I've never had a protector on any screen since the original iPhone, I still have all the phones since then and none have any scratches on the screen.
That said, if you are as clumsy as some on here appear to be then it's a personal choice and if it makes you feel better protecting your investment with a tempered glass protector (don't use the flimsy ones) as tazwhoever suggests then go for it. In the scheme of things they are not expensive.
If you go to one of the many mobile phone stalls that abound these days, someone will even apply it for you.
You could also look at the wallet type cases that cover the screen when not in use.

Robisere

misterbarlow wrote: »

I second this. After dropping and cracking about 3, I got one of these for my latest, have dropped it twice since with no damage, the silicone takes the initial impact and absorbs it and helps stop the glass breaking... it was only £5 on the bay...

I third that! Kunoichi, I am 72 and suffer a spinal disability which gives me hand tremors occasionally, without warning. This makes me more aware of possible "drops" and I am probably more careful as a result. However, I have dropped it on a few occasions and the silicon bumper did its job. My problem is that my hands are not steady enough to put the protector on the glass. Tried it and ruined the thing, so gave up and got the bumper.

I am careful to avoid the scenario flashg67 talks about, and never put it in a pocket with keys and/or coins, or indeed anything else at all.