Is Tempered Glass Best Screen Protector

A simple and effective way to protect your device is by using a screen protector. Whether it's preventing scratches or damage, a screen protector can provide great protection. But with so many options available, which type of screen protector is truly the best? In the following section, we will explore whether tempered glass is the ideal choice for protecting your device's screen.

Types of Screen Protectors

Plastic (PET) Screen Protectors
Plastic (PET) screen protectors are made from polyethylene terephthalate, a type of thin, flexible plastic commonly used in packaging. These protectors offer basic scratch protection for your phone, guarding the screen against minor abrasions from keys, coins, and other everyday items. PET protectors are lightweight and do not add bulk to your device, which makes them an attractive option for those who prefer a minimalist design. However, the protection they provide is limited to surface scratches, and they are not effective in protecting against drops or impacts. PET protectors are also known for being affordable, but they tend to show smudges and fingerprints easily due to their glossy finish.

Liquid Screen Protectors
Liquid screen protectors represent a newer form of screen protection technology. These protectors are applied directly onto the screen in liquid form and then hardened to create an invisible layer that provides some scratch resistance. Liquid protectors are popular for their seamless appearance, as they do not alter the look or feel of your phone’s screen and eliminate the risk of bubbles or misalignment that traditional protectors sometimes cause. However, their ability to protect against significant impacts or drops is still debated, and their overall durability does not compare to more robust options like tempered glass. Additionally, liquid screen protectors wear off over time, requiring reapplication, and once applied, they cannot be peeled off like other protectors.

Tempered Glass Screen Protectors
Tempered glass screen protectors are among the most durable and popular options available today. These protectors are made from tempered glass, which is heat-treated to improve its strength and shatter resistance. Tempered glass protectors are thicker and harder than plastic alternatives, providing excellent protection against both scratches and drops. Their surface is smooth and mimics the feel of the original phone screen, making them a top choice for those who want maximum protection without sacrificing the phone's responsiveness or clarity. Tempered glass also tends to come with an oleophobic coating that helps repel fingerprints and smudges. While they are more expensive and thicker than PET or liquid protectors, the level of protection they offer makes them worth the investment for users who prioritize safeguarding their devices.

What is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been treated with heat and chemicals to improve its strength. When compared to standard glass, tempered glass is up to four times stronger and, if broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury. This durability makes it an ideal material for screen protectors. Tempered glass protectors are designed to absorb the impact of a drop or knock, preventing the phone’s original screen from cracking.

Advantages of Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

Superior Scratch Resistance

One of the standout features of tempered glass screen protectors is their exceptional scratch resistance. With a hardness rating typically around 9H on the Mohs scale (just below diamond), these protectors can withstand contact with sharp objects like keys, coins, or other items commonly found in pockets and bags. This level of durability ensures that your phone’s screen stays pristine, even after heavy daily use. Whether you frequently place your phone on hard surfaces or carry it in a bag with other objects, tempered glass can help keep your screen scratch-free.

Shatter Protection

Tempered glass screen protectors are not only resistant to scratches but also provide excellent protection against drops and impacts. Designed to absorb shock, these protectors prevent your phone's actual screen from shattering during an accidental fall. While the tempered glass itself may crack under extreme impact, it is engineered to take the damage, leaving your device’s screen intact. This level of impact protection can save you from costly screen repairs, making tempered glass a valuable investment for long-term phone protection.

Smooth, Glass-like Feel


One of the biggest advantages of tempered glass screen protectors is that they maintain the original feel of your phone’s display. Unlike plastic protectors that can feel sticky or draggy, tempered glass offers a smooth, glass-like surface that mimics the original touchscreen experience. This ensures that your phone remains responsive to taps, swipes, and gestures, making it ideal for users who want to preserve the high-quality tactile experience of their device.

Clear Display Transparency

Tempered glass screen protectors are designed to maintain the clarity of your phone’s display, ensuring that colors remain vibrant and images stay sharp. Unlike some plastic protectors that can dull the screen or introduce slight blurring, tempered glass offers a crystal-clear view of your phone’s content. Whether you're watching high-definition videos, browsing photos, or simply using your device, tempered glass ensures that the display quality remains uncompromised, providing an immersive visual experience.

Comparison with Other Screen Protector Types

Tempered Glass vs Plastic (PET) Screen Protectors

Tempered glass is generally superior to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) screen protectors in terms of both protection and user experience. PET protectors offer basic scratch resistance but are not effective against drops or impacts. Some key differences include:

  • Protection: PET protectors are thin and provide minimal defense against drops, whereas tempered glass offers superior protection against both scratches and impacts.
  • Feel: PET screen protectors tend to feel plastic-like and reduce the smoothness of the touchscreen, while tempered glass retains the glass-like feel of the original display.
  • Clarity: PET protectors can reduce screen clarity and brightness, while tempered glass maintains high transparency and crisp visuals.


Tempered Glass vs Liquid Screen Protectors


Liquid screen protectors are a relatively new option that provides an invisible layer of protection applied directly onto the screen. However, they differ from tempered glass in several important ways:

  • Application: Liquid protectors are easy to apply with no risk of bubbles, but they wear off over time and may need reapplication. Tempered glass is a one-time application and lasts longer.
  • Protection: Liquid protectors primarily guard against minor scratches but offer limited drop protection. Tempered glass is designed to absorb impacts, offering better defense against screen shattering.
  • Durability: Liquid protectors are prone to wearing down, while tempered glass is more durable and doesn’t need frequent reapplication.


Tempered Glass vs TPU Screen Protectors


TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) screen protectors are flexible and have self-healing properties that allow minor scratches to disappear over time. However, they also have some limitations compared to tempered glass:

  • Flexibility: TPU protectors are flexible and can cover curved screens more effectively, while tempered glass is rigid and works best with flat or slightly curved screens.
  • Self-Healing: TPU’s self-healing properties help it recover from minor scratches, whereas tempered glass does not heal but provides stronger upfront protection against scratches and impacts.
  • Installation: TPU protectors can be tricky to install without bubbles, while tempered glass is generally easier to apply and align on the screen.


See also: TPU vs Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

Are There Any Drawbacks of Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass screen protectors provide excellent protection, but they do come with a couple of potential drawbacks. First, their thickness is greater than that of plastic or liquid protectors, which may slightly reduce touch sensitivity, though high-quality options typically minimize this effect. Second, they tend to be more expensive, but the added durability and impact resistance often justify the cost. Despite these minor drawbacks, many users still consider tempered glass protectors a worthwhile investment for the enhanced protection they offer.

Conclusion

Overall, the tempered glass screen protector is really an ideal choice for many users thanks to its excellent resistance to scratches and drops, as well as its clear display. Although it is slightly thicker and slightly more expensive compared to other types of protective film, its durability and feel can make you feel more at ease in your daily use. If you want to give your phone more comprehensive protection without compromising your experience, a tempered glass screen protector is certainly an option well worth considering.