Smartphones are an indispensable item in our lives today, but when we use them, we are likely to scratch the screen or accidentally break it. It can be said that screen protectors are an important aspect of protecting our mobile phones, so let's also discuss whether your mobile phone needs tempered glass? Let's think about it from the following dimensions.
Types of Screen Protectors
There are different types of screen protectors on the market, each with its own unique functions. Here are some of the main types of protective films:
Tempered glass screen protectors: This type of glass film is more common and is generally made of tempered multi-layer glass. They are more scratch-resistant, have good shock absorption, smoother surface, and excellent heat resistance. But they are also relatively thicker. If you stick it on your phone, you can see from the side that it may not be so good for contact reaction.
Plastic film screen protectors: These are thin and transparent protective films made of plastic. They feel smoother and are so thin that they are not noticeable. Don't underestimate it. Although it is thin, it can provide good protection because it is flexible and is basically unaffected by hammer tests or drops from heights. Another advantage is that it can be reused. You can take it off at any time and save it for later use.
Privacy screen protector: Also called anti-spy film, this film is darker in color, and it is difficult for others to see the content on the screen from other angles. You don't have to worry about others snooping on your privacy when you go out. At the same time, it can also protect your screen from damage, and it can also prevent blue light and protect your eyes. But relatively speaking, it will also reduce the brightness and clarity of the phone. You can only see the content on the screen when you look directly at it from the front.
Anti-glare screen protector: This type of protective film has a coating that reflects light. You can use it even in very bright light. It also has an anti-scratch function, which helps to reduce eye fatigue and protect your eyes well.
Full coverage screen protector: The full coverage screen protector can protect the edges of your device. Whether you have a straight screen or a curved screen, because its edges are curved, it can fully cover your phone, and therefore this protective film is excellent in touch sensitivity.
Anti-UV curved screen protector: This protective film is to pour UV glue on the screen and then cure it with ultraviolet rays. The tempered film protective film is installed. It sounds very strong, but there is a big disadvantage that UV glue is corrosive and may enter the button position on the side of the phone, which will cause damage to your phone. This protective film is more suitable for curved screens and can prevent scratches, but it will reduce the touch sensitivity of the screen and is not easy to install.
Hydrogel screen protector: These screen protectors are made of soft TPU material, which can be called thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. This material has the characteristics between rubber and plastic, with high tension and pulling force. It is also relatively durable, highly elastic, and can prevent fingerprints and bubbles. And it has a strong self-healing ability, can self-recover scratches on the screen, and is easy to install. Although this protective film has many advantages, the price is relatively expensive.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is made by extremely high temperature heating and rapid cooling, which makes it much harder than ordinary glass. The glass is heated in a furnace to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and then rapidly cooled with high-pressure airflow, which cools the outer layer of the glass much faster than the inner layer, so when the inside is cooled, it will break away from the outer layer. Therefore, the inside remains in tension and the outside enters a state of compression, and this pulling force makes tempered glass much stronger than annealed glass.
Because it has been tempered, this glass will break into small round pieces instead of sharp jagged pieces. Ordinary untreated glass will break into sharp pieces, which is called shattering. In extreme weather or bomb explosions, shattering can cause considerable damage. Tempered glass is often called "safety glass" because it can prevent shattering and play a good role in protecting people's safety.
Tempered glass is generally used in electronic products, car windows, shower doors, tables and other facilities. Most of the glass used in residential and commercial applications is tempered safety glass, which can withstand force, but don't expect it to protect against intruders because it is not professional shatterproof glass and cannot be unbreakable.
Does Your Phone Really Need Tempered Glass?
Although many mobile phones are now equipped with a solid glass screen when they leave the factory, we may still inadvertently damage the screen. Tempered glass can add a layer of protection, so we still need a screen protector. A good screen protector can prevent fingerprints, bubbles, blue light, and scratches.
And most mobile phones will not provide free screen replacement after the sale, so it is best to use a screen protector. But in any case, the choice of whether to use a protective film is up to you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tempered Glass Protective Film
If you want to buy this tempered glass protective film, then you should first understand its advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to buy it.
Advantages:
1. Excellent scratch resistance: The hard strength can withstand small scratches.
2. Good impact protection: The strength of tempered glass is 4-5 times that of ordinary glass, and it can withstand strong external impact.
3. Excellent touch sensitivity: Compared with other screen protective films, the surface of tempered glass is smoother and more sensitive to touch.
4. The screen is clearer: The transparency of tempered glass is good, it will not make the screen dim, nor will it reduce the clarity of the screen.
5. Easy installation: The tempered glass protective film is easy to install and remove, and it will not damage the screen surface. It is easy to use.
6. Easy to clean: Because the surface of this protective film has an oleophobic coating, it is also easy to clean. Just wipe it with a soft cloth.
7. Safety: When tempered glass breaks, it will break into small particles or fine glass fragments, which can greatly reduce the risk of injury to the human body.
8. Heat resistance: When we use the phone for a long time, the screen will heat up, but this protective film can withstand greater temperature changes without being damaged.
9. Bending resistance: Due to the pressure elastic layer on its surface, it can resist bending and is not easy to deform.
Disadvantages:
1. Higher cost: Compared with plastic film screens, this protective film is more expensive, but not ridiculously high.
2. Increased thickness: Tempered glass itself is thick, so it will make your screen look thicker.
3. Low flexibility: Compared with other screen protectors, this protective film is still relatively less flexible.
4. Compatibility: There is compatibility between tempered glass and curved screens.
Which is Better, Tempered Glass or Plastic Screen Protector?
Both of these screen protectors are the most popular choices, let's compare the two:
Scratch resistance: Tempered glass screen protectors are more scratch-resistant than plastic screen protectors.
Safety: Compared with plastic film screen protectors, plastic film screen protectors are less impact-resistant because they are thinner and less impact-resistant.
Touch sensitivity: The former has higher touch sensitivity, while plastic film is not as smooth.
Display: Tempered glass screen protectors show better display clarity, while plastic film screen protectors turn yellow after a period of time.
Surface coating: The surface coating of tempered glass is oleophobic, which is easier to clean, while plastic screen protectors are not oleophobic.
Replacement: The former has a longer service life, so it does not need to be replaced frequently, while the latter needs to be replaced frequently.
Price: The former has a more sophisticated and complex manufacturing process, so the manufacturing cost is higher, while the latter is more economical.
Maintenance and Use
No matter what kind of protective film you choose, correct maintenance and use in the later stage are the key. Here are some general tips for maintenance:
1. Clean the screen regularly with a microfiber cloth to ensure that the device is clean and the screen protector has a longer service life.
2. Don't forget to equip your phone with a sturdy phone case. With the protection of the phone case, it can also be buffered in the event of an accident.
3. When we use our own mobile phones, we should also pay attention to avoid exposure to high-impact environments and be careful not to drop the phone.
4. Replace the protective film regularly. No matter how long the protective film is used, it has a lifespan. If it is damaged or bubbles are generated, replace it in time to prevent accidents.
