Your guide to choosing the best screen protector for your phone

Most users prioritize protecting their smartphone screens. Scratches, cracks, and dirt are everyday threats we must handle when using our devices. Various solutions are available on the market, and among the most popular are protective film and tempered glass. The choice between them depends on the individual needs of the user. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of both options and show you how to properly install them to ensure maximum screen protection.

Protective film is one of the most affordable and easiest solutions for shielding a smartphone screen from scratches and minor damage. The main advantages of protective film include its thinness, which doesn’t affect the phone's appearance or the quality of the displayed image. The film is also flexible, making it easy to apply, and can be easily replaced if damaged. Protective film is popular among those who don’t want to increase their device's weight and are seeking an economical solution.

An additional benefit of the film is that it protects the screen from fingerprints, and some versions also offer anti-reflective coatings. While the film may not protect the screen from more serious drops, it works well for everyday use.

Applying a protective film to a smartphone screen requires precision, but the process is simple and quick with the right preparation. Before applying the film, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the screen to remove any dust particles and fingerprints. It is best to use a special microfiber cloth or a damp alcohol wipe that leaves no streaks.

The next step is to carefully remove the film's protective backing. Then, gently align the film with the edges of the screen, starting from one side and gradually applying the film over the entire surface. It is important to avoid creating air bubbles – for this, you can use a plastic card or a special applicator to smooth the film's surface.

After application, it's worthwhile to check again to ensure the film adheres perfectly to the screen. If small bubbles appear, they usually disappear after a few hours.

Tempered glass is one of the most effective types of smartphone screen protection. Unlike protective film, tempered glass provides much more protection, especially against drops and impacts. Due to its thickness and hardness (usually rated 9H on the hardness scale), tempered glass can effectively protect the screen from cracks and deeper scratches during everyday use.

Tempered glass maintains the screen's full transparency and doesn’t negatively affect its touch sensitivity. Modern tempered glass is also resistant to fingerprints and smudges, keeping the smartphone screen cleaner for longer.

An extra advantage is that in the event of a strong impact, tempered glass absorbs the shock, often cracking, instead of the screen itself, which helps reduce the costs of screen repairs. Therefore, choosing tempered glass is a great solution for those who want to give their device maximum protection.

Applying tempered glass requires precision, but the whole process will go smoothly if you follow a few simple steps. First and foremost, like with protective film, it is extremely important to thoroughly clean the smartphone screen. It's best to use a microfiber cloth and a special cleaning solution or alcohol wipe, often included with the tempered glass kit. You need to remove any dust particles, as even the smallest dirt can cause air bubbles under the glass.

Then, carefully remove the protective film from the tempered glass. Align the glass with the screen, ensuring all openings (e.g., for the camera or speaker) match perfectly. Once everything is set, gently apply the tempered glass to the screen, starting from one side and gradually pressing it down over the entire surface.

Once the glass is in place, remove any air bubbles using a plastic card or the applicator provided with the kit. Try to gently move the card toward the edges to eliminate the air. If the glass has been applied correctly, the screen should be perfectly smooth, and the bubbles should vanish.