A screen protector costs a fraction of a screen repair, and a good one can take the hit so your display doesn’t have to. But “screen protector” covers a few very different products. Here’s how to choose.
Tempered glass
The most popular choice for good reason. Tempered glass protectors are a thin sheet of treated glass with an adhesive layer.
- Feel: smooth and slick, like the phone’s own screen.
- Protection: absorbs impact and resists scratches; if it cracks, it has often done its job and is easy to replace.
- Clarity: very clear, with good touch sensitivity.
You’ll often see “9H hardness” on the packaging. That refers to a pencil scratch test, so treat it as a scratch-resistance label rather than a promise of drop protection.
Privacy glass
A tempered glass protector with a filter that darkens the screen when viewed from the side. Great for the bus, the SkyTrain or a busy café.
- The screen looks slightly dimmer, so you may turn the brightness up.
- Protection is similar to regular tempered glass.
Film protectors (TPU and PET)
Thin, flexible plastic sheets.
- PET is very thin and mainly guards against scratches.
- TPU is softer and self-healing for light scuffs, and it wraps well around curved edges.
- Neither absorbs impact as well as glass.
Matte / anti-glare
Available in glass and film. A matte finish cuts reflections outdoors and hides fingerprints, at the cost of a little sharpness.
Before you buy: a quick checklist
- Exact model match. An iPhone 15 protector won’t fit an iPhone 15 Pro — cut-outs and sizes differ.
- Case-friendly edges. Some full-coverage protectors lift when a tight case pushes on the edges.
- Fingerprint sensor. Phones with an in-screen sensor — especially ultrasonic sensors on some Samsung Galaxy models — need a protector that says it’s compatible.
- Camera protection. Lens covers are available separately if your camera bump takes a lot of knocks.
Installation tips
- Work in a steamy bathroom or a clean room to reduce dust.
- Clean the screen with the included wipe, then use the dust sticker.
- Line up the top edge and speaker cut-out first, then lower it down.
- Push bubbles to the edges from the centre outwards.
Rather have your model in hand when you choose? See our accessories and call ahead to check what we have for your phone.
Need a hand with your phone?
Davie Mobile is at 1717 Davie St in Vancouver’s West End. Call us or send a quote request.
