If You Have an iPhone, You Need a Screen Protector (2024)

FAQs

Do you really need a screen protector for your iPhone? ›

Using a glass screen protector isn't a guarantee that you'll never break your iPhone's screen. But a protector can prevent screen scratches, which affect the structural integrity of the glass and make cracks more likely.

So Apple's general rule of thumb is never put a screen protector on a MacBook because nothing should be between the MacBook screen and keyboard.

Protecting Your iPhone 14: Factors To Consider

In general, if a person drops their phone often or is regularly in environments and situations that may cause accidental damage, it's probably a good idea to invest in a screen protector.

If you want to avoid scratching your phone's screen, you'll need a screen protector. These stick-on screen covers aren't perfect—they typically max out at around a 7 or 8 on the Mohs scale, which is slightly better than Gorilla Glass—but they allow you to pop your phone in your pocket without worrying.

If you can live with some cosmetic imperfections, it's possible to use your iPhone for an entire year without a screen protector and be just fine. But if those scratches are going to bother you — or if you don't trust yourself to not regularly drop your phone — investing in a screen protector is still a wise idea.

DisplayMate found that screen protectors make your phone more reflective. This reduces the quality of your display and requires you to increase your phone's brightness to match the same quality. Over time, he says this will wear down your phone's battery, and give you a shorter daily battery life.

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is our pick for the best iPhone screen protector you can buy. Made of tempered glass, it boasts a 9H surface hardness rating to protect your phone from bumps and scrapes throughout the day.

Unfortunately, while the service is free, it's only available for the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus, and you'll need to purchase the screen protector in-store.

But whether it's made of tempered glass or high-grade plastic, a screen protector can prevent scuffs, scratches, and cracks. Add a strong phone case—and device protection—and you'll have peace of mind when accidents happen.

The biggest takeaway is that both the iPhone 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max were severely cracked or shattered after the first drop, where the iPhones 12 and 13 proved to be some of Apple's most durable phones and didn't have severe damage until the second or third drop.

Does iPhone 14 need a cover? ›

A high-quality case is a practical and essential investment to protect your iPhone 14. It acts as a barrier against scratches, dings, and cracks, significantly reducing the risk of damage.

A screen protector for your iPhone can help with: Protection: As mentioned above, while the iPhone 15's screen is more durable than ever, it's not immune to scratches. The screen protector adds an extra layer of defense against minor scratches, maintaining the original look of your phone.

Screen protectors can also help to reduce the growth of bacteria, mould or mildew that may come into contact with a device - all of which can result in stains or even odours on the screen display.

So as a general rule, a case is more durable than a screen protector, and will better protect your phone from drop damage. Period. Yet, it is important to note that screen protectors aren't useless. They do serve several real-world functions beyond impact protection.

You can safely use a modern smartphone with a "naked" screen, and---even if you put it in the same pocket with your keys and coins---it should be fine. Of course, you'll probably want to keep your keys and coins in another pocket---there's a chance they could scratch some other part of your phone.

Unless you like living on the edge, we recommend getting a screen protector for your iPhone 15 (or any phone model). While the iPhone 15 Pro is made of titanium, which is a lighter and more durable material, your phone can still crack if left bare and without a case.