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jokkir · Jul 10, 2014

Recently, I've been debating whether or not to use a screen protector on my phone. Since the screen is curved on my phone, the protector doesn't cover the entire face of the screen so I thought it was a bit useless. So I asked in the Android OT about screen protectors and what they thought and here were some of their replies:

RoadHazard said:
I've always found it to be more trouble than it's worth. Applying them correctly is a chore, and you don't really need one if you're reasonably careful with your phone. I'm currently using an LG QuickCover for my Nexus 5, and it gives me all the protection I need. It protects all sides of the phone when it's in my pocket, and when I'm using the phone there's nothing between me and the screen. Which is how I like it. As a bonus, the screen turns on as soon as I open the lid, and turns off (locking the phone) when I close it. Very convenient, I love it. If there's s similar solution for your phone, I recommend it.

(I don't work for LG, nor for Google, I just really like this kind of phone protection.)

Drifters said:
Screen protectors are a joke. Just get a good micro fiber to wipe the screen and you're good.

SirMossyBloke said:
You're both ridiculously wrong.

(to the quote above and below)

and this:

Talon said:
You people with your screen protectors. That tiny layer of plastic will do fuckall.

This is got me thinking. Most damage to a screen will be cause by a fall and the screen shattering. Since screens now are scratch resistant (except by small grains of sand and whatnot), would it still be useful to put a tiny piece of plastic over the screen? Although on the other hand, it's not difficult to apply it so it wouldn't hurt to add that layer of security. And I know of tempered glass screen protectors too.

So what do you say GAF? Are screen protectors worth it? Do you put a screen protector on your devices? Why/Why not?

I need to replace my screen protector now anyway since: http://i.imgur.com/EokcYDS.jpg

diaspora · Jul 10, 2014

I use one to protect my screen from scratches, makes it easier to sell my device when I upgrade. Plus it's easier to swap out screen protectors when it gets badly scratched rather than trying to fix the damn screen.

Flo_Evans · Jul 10, 2014

No.

Things break, get them fixed.

Dio · Jul 10, 2014

For my iPhone, no screen protector necessary. That thing is not gonna scratch easy and fingerprints aren't an issue.

However, my Vita is another story. That thing attracts fingerprints like no tomorrow, and if I'm going to be rubbing the surface with something regularly to get rid of them I want a screen protector, so I got one.

djplaeskool · Jul 10, 2014

Using a tempered glass protector on my HTC One.
Not going back to plastic.

Only use them on my phone and Vita, since they see the most travel to and fro.

niunhuiio · Jul 10, 2014

Yes on the iPhone and 3DS, no to pretty much everything else. No scratches = better resale value if you plan on selling your stuff someday.

krameriffic · Jul 10, 2014

I don't quite get the phone breaking thing. I've had a Nexus 4 for going on 2 years and there is not a scuff or a scratch on the thing. You could mistake it for a brand new out of the box phone. Apparently everybody else in the world is very accident prone with their expensive tech shit.

Lesath · Jul 10, 2014

I've scratched my DS screen before, so I go out of my way to buy and cover the screens on my 3DS. On the other hand, there really isn't any reason to put one on my smartphone; the screen is incredibly resilient against scratches, and the case absorbs most of the impact from drops.

snacknuts · Jul 10, 2014

I've tried them a couple times, but I don't like the way they feel.

BlueBadger · Jul 10, 2014

I have a matte screen protector on my iPhone (I really don't like fingerprints ;__

and a protector on my Vita screen as well.

Garou · Jul 10, 2014

The problem is that most people never change their protectors when they get scratched/torn, etc. So in the end they have a perfectly good screen behind a protector full of scratches. Plus the actions that damaged the protector most likely wouldn't have done anything to the screen itself.

So they will have those protector-damages in front of them all the time, while keeping the screen clean for the next person who owns it (or the junkyard in some cases).

I rather prefer to have a clean screen for myself instead for the used-buyer.

jokkir · Jul 10, 2014

niunhuiio said:
Yes on the iPhone and 3DS, no to pretty much everything else. No scratches = better resale value if you plan on selling your stuff someday.

The problem I found with this is that when you plan on upgrading, wouldn't the device be outdated and you won't get much resale value anyway? Especially phones.

jerry1594 · Jul 10, 2014

Absolutely. My phone brushed against a notebook binding and got a nasty scratch.
(iPhone)

Alucrid · Jul 10, 2014

nah. my phone goes in the same pocket as my keys and has been fine without a protector

King Cobra · Jul 10, 2014

I used to not use them until I had my S4, then I started seeing little scratches that really bothered me. So for my S5 I researched and found one that was very clear and it seriously looks like nothing is on it.

Alligatorjandro · Jul 10, 2014

Just a case on my Nexus 5, no screen protector.

SniperHunter · Jul 10, 2014

i have one on my vita, it has served me well

had one on my samsung s3 and sony walkman , decided to take it off. The screens on both devices are good atm

fluffydelusions · Jul 10, 2014

Alligatorjandro said:
Just a case on my Nexus 5, no screen protector.

So sad. Was listening to music in the bed the other day on my Nexus 5 and it fell off while I was sleeping and got a crack in the screen

Sobriquet · Jul 10, 2014

Lol no (iPhone).

sestrugen · Jul 10, 2014

why would you ruin your phone by adding a screen protector/case?

kudoboi · Jul 10, 2014

no. like what others said... they do fuck all. I had a screen protector on a phone 2 years ago and i raged while playing a video game and accidentally slammed my phone. the screen still cracked regardless. just get a good phone with something like gorilla glass

sixteen-bit · Jul 10, 2014

I had one on my PSP and DSLite. So the last time I used a screen protector was 2006. Screens are made pretty tough on modern devices.

Servbot24 · Jul 10, 2014

My life is screen protector free and it feels great.

kudoboi said:
no. like what others said... they do fuck all. I had a screen protector on a phone 2 years ago and i raged while playing a video game and accidentally slammed my phone. the screen still cracked regardless. just get a good phone with something like gorilla glass

Screen protectors aren't meant for guarding against heavy blows. They're for avoiding stylus scratches.

King Cobra · Jul 10, 2014

sestrugen said:
why would you ruin your phone by adding a screen protector/case?

Glass can still get scratched.

Lo-Volt · Jul 10, 2014

My iPhone 4S did pretty well without one but near the end, I'd see some small scratches. Nothing serious considering how much time it spent in my pocket, but when the time came for me to get a 5s, I made sure to. Some of them actually feel quite nice to the touch, and I feel like I don't have to baby it quite as much as I would have. If I didn't have some screen cover, I'm sure it wouldn't do as well for me in the gym or anything.

Halo 2 · Jul 10, 2014

No every one I've seen makes the phone look dirty.

Naked phone all day.

Talon · Jul 10, 2014

If your screen is plastic like on 3DS or 3DS XL, a screen protector is worth it.

If your screen is Gorilla Glass like on any Android flagship or an iPhone, you don't need it.

I've had different smartphones for the past 6 years, never had any type of screen protector. Zero scratches and I've sold all my devices at mint condition after the fact.

Draft · Jul 10, 2014

What's old was once new. When I got my shiny iPhone, it was perfect. I treated it like a baby, precious and irreplacable. That lasted around a month. Then I started being a little rougher. It's just a phone, after all. Now that it's over a year old? The thing gets tossed in bags with sharp and heavy objects, it gets left on tables dotted with booze and water puddles, it roughly tossed onto kitchen counters, and so on. It's kind of banged up. There are tiny scratches on the screen. The power button sticks (infuriating.) But I don't care, because now it's old, and the damage is superficial. When the damage is fatal, it's time for a new phone. And that'll be fun! I want a new phone anyway, regardless of whether my current phone works.

I think phones and other devices don't need to be preserved. Is it really that bad if the screen gets a scratch? Isn't it going to be replaced in a year or two, anyway? Screen protectors look ugly and get in the way. I feel the same about cases. My time with the phone will be short no matter what protection it receives. I'm not going to lessen my enjoyment of that time with futile efforts to prevent cosmetic damage.

No to screen protectors for me.

UpperCaseN · Jul 10, 2014

At first when I was getting all these fancy electronics, it was screen protector on everything immediately, no bubbles, must be perfect! Now that I've had them for a while, it really depends on the device and how I use it. My smartphone is a must because I keep it in my pocket. Looking at the screen protector right now, I have some scratches on the protector itself. I used to change it when that happened but I can't be bothered with that anymore, it's still doing a fine job. No screen protector on my tablet because I have a case which covers the front when not in use. Same thing for my game devices.

I'd probably go back to screen protectors on everything if I had kids and they used my stuff

-Pyromaniac- · Jul 10, 2014

Hellls no on any phone.

hydruxo · Jul 10, 2014

I use one on my iphone because otherwise the screen would be reaaaal scratched up. I'm pretty careful with my phone but it still manages to get tiny scratches all over the screen just from everyday carry. On my ipad though, I just have a Targus case and I don't really take it anywhere else so I don't need a screen protector on it.

Crateman · Jul 10, 2014

A couple years ago: sure thing! I still remember being completely obsessed about keeping my PSP scratch free and how good Hori screen protectors were. I also remember how easy it was for 1st gen iPod Nanos to get scratched... even looking at them would cause a scratch.

Nowadays any decent phone/gadget doesn't need additional protection. After 1.5 years use my Nexus 4 has only a couple imperceptible scratches. Only use common sense.

Also, only high end screen protectors are worth it. 90% of what's out there is complete shit.

Five · Jul 10, 2014

It's a waste for me. I just remember not to put keys/change in the same pocket as my phone and be careful with it otherwise. I haven't scratched or dinged or cracked any iPhone I've had in the last four years.

QuantumBro · Jul 10, 2014

Today's screens are made to be quite scratch resistant. Even if you get one, you won't be able to see it unless you're looking hard.

If you do have one, please make sure to clean the screen often. They gather up grease like the plague.

Zissou · Jul 10, 2014

Garou said:
The problem is that most people never change their protectors when they get scratched/torn, etc. So in the end they have a perfectly good screen behind a protector full of scratches. Plus the actions that damaged the protector most likely wouldn't have done anything to the screen itself.

So they will have those protector-damages in front of them all the time, while keeping the screen clean for the next person who owns it (or the junkyard in some cases).

I rather prefer to have a clean screen for myself instead for the used-buyer.

This is my stance as well. Screen protectors seem much less durable than the screen they're trying to protect, so people with screen protectors have to stare and this scratch-filled monstrosity constantly in some vain effort to keep their phone in perfect condition. Meanwhile, I don't bother with a screen protector and my phone screen has no noticeable scratches at all.

Husker86 · Jul 10, 2014

Nope. My phone has its own pocket (left front) in my pants so I don't worry about the potential for keys/change to scratch the screen. My screens always look great by the time I get ready to sell the phone.

I have used them before, but I usually ripped them off after a week.

While I still think they're unnecessary, I would be less annoyed by one of those tempered glass protectors.

I view it the same as putting plastic over couches. If the only reason you own nice things is to resell them, then I guess we just have different philosophies.

SirMossyBloke · Jul 10, 2014

Talon said:
If your screen is plastic like on 3DS or 3DS XL, a screen protector is worth it.

If your screen is Gorilla Glass like on any Android flagship or an iPhone, you don't need it.

I've had different smartphones for the past 6 years, never had any type of screen protector. Zero scratches and I've sold all my devices at mint condition after the fact.

You've really fallen for the Gorilla Glass marketing huh? I've seen so many scratched (not broken) iPhone and android phone screens it hurts. A decent one that's not "tacky" may in itself get scratched, but the screen itself won't.

Pay the $3 fucking dollars and protect your $150 screen.

Shanlei91 · Jul 10, 2014

So do handheld consoles have worse screens than iPhones, etc? (in regards to scratch resistance) I've seen some pretty messed up handhelds sold at Gamestops.

I'm always paranoid about my Vita/PSP because the screen is exposed while the DS folds easily. Bought a screen protector for my Vita but I'm kind of just staring at it, wondering if it's worth putting on.

Liu Kang Baking A Pie · Jul 10, 2014

SirMossyBloke said:
You've really fallen for the Gorilla Glass marketing huh? I've seen so many scratched (not broken) iPhone and android phone screens it hurts. A decent one that's not "tacky" may in itself get scratched, but the screen itself won't.

Pay the $3 fucking dollars and protect your $150 screen.

Nothing's happened to any of my screens in six years without a protector.

Siegcram · Jul 10, 2014

I have one, but that's mostly out of habit, I'm pretty careful with my phone anyways.

Husker86 · Jul 10, 2014

SirMossyBloke said:
You've really fallen for the Gorilla Glass marketing huh? I've seen so many scratched (not broken) iPhone and android phone screens it hurts. A decent one that's not "tacky" may in itself get scratched, but the screen itself won't.

Pay the $3 fucking dollars and protect your $150 screen.

But the glass feels much nicer than most screen protectors. If you take care of your phone (no, scratching your screen is not inevitable), then why make it less nice to use?

SirMossyBloke · Jul 10, 2014

Liu Kang Baking A Pie said:
Nothing's happened to any of my screens in six years without a protector.

Anecodotal evidence based on yourself is not a reason to dissuade other people.

Husker86 said:
But the glass feels much nicer than most screen protectors. If you take care of your phone (no, scratching your screen is not inevitable), then why make it less nice to use?

That's why I suggested the non tacky ones. Some are awful, some feel just like glass. Scratching your screen maybe not inevitable but its possible, we're not talking hundreds of dollars of protection here.

CronoShot · Jul 10, 2014

Glass screen protectors 4 life.

The feeling of glass and added scratch protection (and even a degree of impact protection).

Flo_Evans · Jul 10, 2014

Liu Kang Baking A Pie said:
Nothing's happened to any of my screens in six years without a protector.

hmm I bet if you busted out a microscope you could see some.

But who cares?

NekoFever · Jul 10, 2014

No. My phone is pushing four years old (iPhone 4) and the screen still looks fine with no more care than an occasional clean with a microfibre cloth. Unless you've got the superpower that allows you to put a screen protector on straight without any bubbles or dust underneath, they look like ass.

Talon · Jul 10, 2014

SirMossyBloke said:
You've really fallen for the Gorilla Glass marketing huh? I've seen so many scratched (not broken) iPhone and android phone screens it hurts. A decent one that's not "tacky" may in itself get scratched, but the screen itself won't.

Pay the $3 fucking dollars and protect your $150 screen.

Look, man. Like I said, I've sold 7 phones over the past 6 years in mint condition sans a screen protector. Just take care of your shit and you'll be fine.

Liu Kang Baking A Pie · Jul 10, 2014

SirMossyBloke said:
Anecodotal evidence based on yourself is not a reason to dissuade other people.

I have no scratches so I don't need a screen protector. You're taking this far too seriously. Anecdotal evidence is all anyone has here.

SirMossyBloke · Jul 10, 2014

Liu Kang Baking A Pie said:
I have no scratches so I don't need a screen protector. You're taking this far too seriously. Anecdotal evidence is all anyone has here.

Just hate misinformation that's all.

Here's an idea. Spend the $3, put it on, try it for 6 months. If everything looks fine take it off and never use it again. Win/win.

dem · Jul 10, 2014

No
I always find the screen protector makes the screen look and feel weird..

I've had my iphone 4 since it came out and the screen still looks fine. Very tiny scratches here and there... but really not noticeable.

Its like putting plastic on a couch..

Edwardo · Jul 10, 2014

My HTC One is the first phone I havent used a screen protector with. I've had it almost a year now with no screen problems. My ottorbox has been great for when I drop it.

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