Screen protectors add an easily-replaced layer on top of your original screen. Its purpose is to absorb all the scratches that the screen might otherwise suffer from. However, how do you get one of these, and how long do they take to apply?
Below, we offer insight into these smartphone accessories, as well as which you might want to utilize, including:
- Tempered glass protectors
- Anti-glare screen films
- Privacy filters
- Blue light coating
Learn how best to apply phone screen protection without accidentally trapping dust or air underneath, and then discover your options when it comes to finding a specialist to use one for you if you are unsure. Read on for your best options, starting with Fruit Fixed.
How Screen Protectors Save a Screen
Screen protectors create a “sacrificial surface”. This surface is an area that can take scratches that might accidentally come to the device, such as from keys, grit, or sand, before they harm the display itself.
If harm comes to the protector, you can remove it and replace it with a new one for a fraction of the price of a complete screen replacement. The best phone screen covers are also incredibly hardy and will often shrug off even some of the damage that might harm your actual phone screen.
They are often popular following a repair due to:
- Device owners having a new appreciation for a level of protection
- The protector can help keep the panel’s coating intact
- Protectors often come with cases that people buy after repairs
- An old protector that is not easily transferred between screens
We often ask Virginia customers if they would like us to apply a screen protector when they visit us, so that they can leave with both a protected device and a sense of security.
How Screen Protectors Work
There are several different types of screen protectors, each with different features. On top of the protective qualities, however, others might offer additional features.
Tempered glass protectors, for example, are engineered to crack instead of the hardware underneath. In smartphones, the main glass areas of the phone itself serve a similar function, and they can even break while preserving the underlying touch functionality of the device. They are incredibly clear and glass-like, providing an excellent experience for phone owners.
We often see people with a phone that has taken a sharp hit underneath a separate scratch protector and found that they can continue to use the device through the crack. This protective film acts much like that found on tempered glass. The glass itself does not fall out because of the protector stuck to it, allowing use until they can seek out a complete repair from us later.
Film protectors like these act as shields against abrasion when not holding on to cracked glass. They can block direct contact with anything that might move against the glass, such as small grains of sand, crystal, or metal, which can act like sandpaper.
Protective Features
Often, the protector can prevent damage from more minor impacts, as it can spread the force outwards through the protector. Then, the tempered glass underneath can withstand a slightly greater impact.
One of the simplest benefits of tempered glass protectors is that they feel like the original glass that was installed on the device. They are simply an extension of such glass, with a thin layer of adhesive holding them together. As such, they can often deliver the best clarity, even under bright light that other protectors might struggle with, reducing:
- Rainbow patterns
- Newton’s Rings
- White borders due to gaps in film protectors
- Internal reflections
- Screen graininess
On the other hand, using a film protector offers a sense of flexibility and glare control. Also, if you don’t enjoy the touch of glass on your hand, a film protector tends to have a softer feel.
The main area you will need to take care of, however, is with fingerprint sensors. Not all protectors will be able to transfer the data of a fingerprint to a device, so ensure that you search out a device-specific and certified protector. Fruit Fixed can help with that, ensuring that you enjoy continued access to the feature.
Other Screen Cover Features
Privacy filters use a special kind of glass, where its refractive index (the way glass changes light) narrows the angle at which people can view the screen clearly. Those looking at it from the side can either not see any clear imagery or often not see any light at all coming from the device. These are perfect if you are likely to do work on long flights or otherwise want to interact privately with your device without others seeing it at work or elsewhere.
Blue coatings are a special type of adherent that can shift the wavelength of the light (the strength of the light and, thus, its color) into a different hue. These are popular among people who want to limit the blue light they see when using devices to reduce eye strain during late-night device sessions.
Installation Methods
In Fruit Fixed, we perform all repairs and upgrades in a low-dust area or take precautions to minimize the amount of dust, even for minor upgrades like screen protector applications. To prep the display and ensure no dust and skin oil lingers on it before we start, we also use:
- Alcohol wipes
- Lint-free cloths
- Dust stickers
- Clean working surfaces
These lead to not only a dust-free application but also fewer air bubbles and other imperfections.
Please note that the device will have a slight, but noticeable, difference after we apply the protector using the best method for that specific accessory. So, when we have done so, we will then re-check that it fits back into the case.
If the device needs specific tools, we will have them on hand, ready to ensure the best fit, and a regular device owner may have trouble finding them.
How to Maintain a Screen Protector
Ensure that you perform a weekly clean of your device. In truth, you should do this regardless of whether you have installed a screen protector, but we recommend it to maintain the protector, too.
Do this with a microfiber cloth. A paper towel or other cleaning device can cause minor scratches on your screen, even if you are being careful. Also, avoid alcohol-based glass sprays or other cleaning sprays. Instead, lightly dampen the microfiber cloth if something has dried on the screen.
During the cleaning, inspect the edges and corners, and if new bubbles have appeared, press them out by moving your finger over them from the center outwards. If a tight case is the cause, you may need to switch to a protector-friendly case or a case-friendly screen protector.
Why Get a Professional to Install the Protector?
Here at Fruit Fixed, we can ensure that you get the best-quality protection for your device. For example, if it has curved glass or if your device contains a fingerprint sensor, we can ensure that we use protectors that match the device’s specific needs. It avoids issues with trial and error, or a simple lack of knowledge that could lead to greater costs.
So, talk to our specialists in-store to find out more about what we recommend to keep your device and its protector safe from harm.
Find Help at Fruit Fixed
We stock screen protectors and can add one to your device, not only right after a screen repair, but at any time, to help you ensure that your screen panel remains in pristine condition. No matter which type you choose, we can install it for you and let you know what your next steps should be.
With our warranty and low-price guarantee, you don’t stand to lose out by visiting one of our stores and finding out more about what we can do for you. Discover what a relief a professionally-installed screen protector can be today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about screen protectors by people who come into our store or email us. They should answer most of the concerns you might have about such an accessory.
Are Screen Protectors Worth It?
Compared to a full-screen replacement, screen protectors are incredibly inexpensive. They can thus ensure that your device has a much longer lifespan and save you on repairs or even full device replacements.
If you later decide to upgrade, they can also help you maintain the resale value by allowing you to offer a scratchless screen. A device in better condition will then mean that you can get the best deal possible.
There are also many different circumstances in which someone may want to hide what they are doing or protect their eyes from glare. Depending on the protector you pick up, these features are also possible, helping to save your eyesight in the long term.
Will Anti-Glare Film Impact Visibility?
Matte films on screen protectors scatter reflections to reduce the mirror effect of a screen and make text more readable, even in the sun or bright lights. You may lose a small amount of screen crispness, but while it does have more texture than other screen protectors, depending on your circumstances, it can significantly help with clarity.