Smartphones have been one of the most impactful innovations of the 21st century. Technology has allowed everyone to have a computer in their pocket, and there is no shortage of practical utility beyond calls and texts for modern smartphones.
One thing that has not continued to improve, unfortunately, is the strength of glass. Phone screens are notoriously more manageable to break than the flip phones of yesteryear, which required adaptation on the part of the consumer. Having high-quality cases and screen protectors is incredibly important.
While Apple has a relatively small lineup of phones to create these accessories for, Android phones come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right screen protector requires more thought. Fortunately, most Android cell phones are case-friendly, including Motorola, Samsung, OnePlus, and Google options.
You may need many essential Android accessories, and a screen protector is at the top of the list.
Why Should You Use a Screen Protector?
There are various reasons why you might want to use a screen protector. First and foremost is, as may be obvious, screen protection. A glass screen can easily be cracked, chipped, and slashed in an era where most phones are designed to expose the screen directly.
A screen protector can take the hit for the screen within reason. With Gorilla Glass or similarly durable materials, most anti-scratch full-screen screen guards can quickly help protect your phone and help you forget about your warranty.
Simple things like a short drop or a slash from a sharp object can damage the protector instead of the display itself. In this case, the fix is as easy as getting a new protector and replacing the old one.
The protector can also keep your phone much cleaner, a great accessibility feature. Fingerprints and smudges regularly accumulate on a phone’s display, and it is much easier to switch out screen protectors than to regularly deep-clean your touchscreen.
There are other uses beyond safety, however. Depending on your screen protector type, you might get anti-glare, bubble-free, and privacy features. These protectors can tint your display to fit your preferences, adding a new layer of customization options to your phone.
What Is a Screen Protector Made Of?
A typical screen protector will be made of one of two basic materials: a form of plastic or a form of glass. Plastic screen protectors are often polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). These protectors are usually quite flexible, touch-sensitive, and cheaper to purchase.
Glass protectors come in the form of tempered glass, usually sturdier than what you will find in plastic protectors. They are more expensive and take up more space due to their lack of flexibility, but they provide more protection.
While a plastic protector can keep your phone safe from scratches, a tempered glass screen protector is more likely to absorb the impact of a fall.
What Should You Look for in a Screen Protector?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a screen protector. You want to consider price, as you want a product worth your money.
That said, it is worth it to look at longevity as well. A cheap screen protector might be good for the moment, but at the same time, you do not want to spend money and change them out for replacements constantly.
If you are confident in your ability to keep your phone safe, you might prefer a plastic cover that is not the safest option but does offer flexibility and ease of use. These are cheap, and they will handle some scratches and scuff marks.
If you are less confident or getting a phone for someone more liable to drop it, you will want something more robust, like a tempered glass cover.
What Is the Best Android Screen Protector?
There are a variety of existing screen protectors that have different pros and cons depending on what you are looking for. Here are some of the best screen protectors on the market:
OtterBox AlphaGlass Pixel 4
The Otterbox AlphaGlass Pixel 4 screen protector is made of anti-shatter tempered glass built to keep your phone from breaking after a harsh hit. It has an ultra-thin design, much less cumbersome than your average tempered glass screen protector.
While it is not as flexible as a plastic cover, it does a lot to mitigate one of the primary issues with glass screen protectors.
This case was specifically made for the Google Pixel 4, which is the best option for that model. If you are looking for an excellent case for your Pixel 4, the AlphaGlass is the way to go.
UniqueMe Tempered Glass
The UniqueMe Tempered Glass screen protector offers protection for your phone and camera lenses. It is built to be compatible with the latest Apple iPhone models, specifically the base iPhone 11.
It is another tempered glass protector made from a coated, dust-resistant form of tempered glass. It comes in multiple pieces for comprehensive protection for your iPhone.
It is also waterproof, making it a good option for people worried about more than just scratches and cracks on their display.
OTAO Easy Install Android Screen Protector
The OTAO Easy Install Android Screen Protector was made specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S9. It is also durable, shatterproof, and scratch resistant, with a coating to reduce fingerprints. It is smaller than the phone and is built to be compatible with various phone cases.
It is another tempered glass protector and one of the sturdiest screen protectors you can get for the S9. It is also built to be glare resistant, with a slight tint for when you are taking your phone out in the sun.
The Bottom Line
Screen protectors are essential, and luckily, many companies are providing a wide variety of options. If you want flexibility and ease of use, try a plastic screen protector. A tempered glass screen protector might be your style if you need more protection.
Otterbox has a wide variety of great options to choose from if you are looking for sturdy protectors that fit a wide variety of phones. That being said, other companies like UniqueMe and OTAO also have great screen protectors depending on the device you are looking to protect.
Of course, this list doesn’t cover every screen protector. Many options are compatible with Apple devices, from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, when it comes to Android screen protectors, other decent choices include:
- Zagg InvisibleShield
- Spigen NeoFlex
- Supershieldz
When making any decision about your next phone, choose Navi. Navi analyzes your preferences to help you figure out the right phone and phone plan. Navi understands the industry, and we use that knowledge to make sure you never pay for more than what you need.
Use Navi today to pick the best screen protector for your new phone.
