Do Screen Protectors Prevent Cracks?

With the iPhone 16 now available, it’s a good time to think about keeping your new device safe from everyday damage. Screen protectors are a simple, popular choice for many phone users, but can they really help prevent cracks, especially with a new phone like the iPhone 16? In this article, we’ll explore how effective screen protectors are at keeping your phone’s screen intact and whether they’re worth using to protect your device.

How Screen Protectors Work

Screen protectors act as a protective layer between your phone's screen and the external environment. They are designed to shield against everyday wear and tear, including minor drops, scratches, and scrapes. However, the effectiveness of a screen protector largely depends on the material it's made from. The three most common types of screen protectors are tempered glass, plastic (PET/TPU), and hydrogel, each offering varying levels of protection and benefits.

1. Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

Tempered glass protectors are the most popular and provide the highest level of protection. These protectors are made by heating glass to high temperatures and then cooling it rapidly, which makes the glass much tougher than standard glass.

  • Impact Resistance: Tempered glass protectors are thicker and harder, making them excellent at absorbing impact and preventing cracks. In the event of a fall, the tempered glass often takes the brunt of the impact, shattering itself but leaving the phone’s screen intact.
  • Scratch Protection: They offer superior resistance against scratches compared to other types of protectors, thanks to their 9H hardness rating. Everyday items like keys or coins won’t easily leave marks on the surface.
  • Clarity and Touch Sensitivity: Despite being thicker, tempered glass protectors offer high clarity and maintain excellent touch sensitivity, giving the user an experience similar to using the phone’s naked screen.
  • Drawbacks: Tempered glass is relatively thicker, which might add bulk to the phone, and they can be more expensive compared to other protectors. Additionally, they may not offer edge-to-edge coverage, especially for phones with curved displays.

2. Plastic Screen Protectors (PET/TPU)

Plastic screen protectors, made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), are thinner and more flexible compared to tempered glass.

  • Impact Resistance: While they provide some protection against minor scratches and everyday wear, they do not absorb impact well, meaning they are less effective at preventing cracks from drops. PET protectors, in particular, are more rigid, while TPU is slightly more flexible but still not impact-resistant.
  • Scratch Protection: Plastic protectors do a decent job of protecting against scratches from keys, coins, or rough surfaces. However, they are more prone to developing scratches themselves over time, which can affect clarity.
  • Clarity and Touch Sensitivity: Plastic screen protectors tend to be thinner, so they generally maintain good touch sensitivity. However, their clarity is often lower compared to tempered glass, and they can develop a slight "orange peel" effect over time, especially TPU protectors.
  • Drawbacks: These protectors provide minimal protection against impact and are better suited for users primarily concerned with preventing scratches. They are less durable than tempered glass, prone to wear, and may need frequent replacements.

3. Hydrogel Screen Protectors

Hydrogel protectors are a relatively newer option on the market. These are made from a soft, flexible material that can self-heal minor scratches.

  • Impact Resistance: While hydrogel protectors offer more flexibility than PET or TPU, they still don’t provide significant impact resistance. They are better at cushioning against minor bumps but should not be relied upon to prevent cracks from major drops.
  • Scratch Protection: The key feature of hydrogel protectors is their self-healing properties. Small scratches and scuffs can disappear over time as material reforms. However, larger scratches or deep gouges won’t heal.
  • Clarity and Touch Sensitivity: Hydrogel protectors maintain excellent touch sensitivity due to their ultra-thin design. They are also highly transparent, offering good clarity, and tend to wrap better around curved screens, offering full-screen coverage.
  • Drawbacks: Hydrogel protectors don’t provide the same level of protection against impacts or sharp objects as tempered glass. They are also more expensive than traditional plastic protectors but offer limited protection compared to tempered glass.

Types of Damage Screen Protectors Can Prevent

Screen protectors are excellent for preventing surface-level damage, such as:

  • Scratches and scuffs: Everyday items like keys, coins, or even sand can leave unsightly marks on your phone's screen. A screen protector ensures that these minor abrasions don’t reach the actual screen.
  • Fingerprints and oils: Many screen protectors have oleophobic coatings that repel oils and smudges, keeping your screen cleaner and clearer.
  • Small drops: While screen protectors offer protection for minor drops, their ability to prevent major cracks varies.

Can Screen Protectors Prevent Cracks?

Screen protectors, particularly tempered glass ones, provide a layer of defense by absorbing impact and distributing the force across the screen’s surface. When your phone experiences a minor drop, a good tempered glass protector can prevent the actual screen from cracking, as the protector often takes the damage instead. This sacrificial layer is effective in everyday situations, such as drops from pocket or desk height.However, the effectiveness of a screen protector in preventing cracks has its limits. While it can protect against small to moderate drops, especially flat surface impacts, it may not be able to handle larger drops or more severe impacts. If your phone falls from greater heights or hits its edge or corner, the screen protector may not fully prevent cracks. In these cases, the force is concentrated in vulnerable areas that protectors don’t always cover, particularly if the screen protector doesn’t extend to the edges.

The type of screen protector also matters. Tempered glass protectors are far better at preventing cracks compared to plastic or hydrogel protectors, which mainly guard against scratches. That said, even tempered glass can only absorb so much force, and high-impact drops may still damage your phone’s screen.For comprehensive protection, combining a screen protector with a sturdy phone case is the best solution. The case helps cushion the impact, especially on the corners and edges, where screen protectors alone might fail.

Factors That Affect Crack Prevention

Several factors play a role in determining whether a screen protector can prevent cracks:

  1. Drop Height: The higher the drop, the greater the impact, and the less likely a screen protector will be able to fully prevent cracks. Screen protectors are most effective in minimizing damage from short drops, such as falling from a table or out of your pocket.
  2. Impact Angle: The angle at which your phone lands significantly impacts the likelihood of cracks. If your phone falls flat, the screen protector can absorb most of the force. However, if the phone lands on its edge or corner, a screen protector may not offer much protection, as the force is concentrated on a more vulnerable part of the device.
  3. Phone Model and Build Quality: The design and durability of your phone also influence how well a screen protector works. Some phones are inherently more durable and can withstand more impact, while others with less robust designs may require stronger protective accessories.

Do You Still Need a Case with a Screen Protector?

While a screen protector adds an extra layer of defense, it’s not a substitute for a durable phone case. A screen protector alone won’t prevent damage from major falls or impacts. Cases are designed to cushion the entire phone, protecting not only the screen but also the edges and corners that are prone to cracking during drops.When combined, a high-quality screen protector and a sturdy phone case offer comprehensive protection. The case absorbs the impact of the fall, while the screen protector defends against scratches and reduces the risk of cracks. For the best protection, using both is highly recommended.

Conclusion

If you're looking for the best way to protect your phone, start with a tempered glass screen protector—it offers solid protection against scratches and everyday wear. But for full protection, pairing it with a reliable phone case is essential. TORRAS offers some great choices, including their iPhone 16 case and stand case designs, which not only protect your phone from drops but also add functionality and style. With the right combination, you’ll keep your device safe from cracks and other potential damage, ensuring it stays in great condition.

See also: Do Screen Protectors Work?

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