Screen protectors - Who still uses them

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Technofreak

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#116232 22-Apr-2013 19:45

Until recently I've used a screen protector on all of my mobile devices right from my Palm Pilots through to my Nokia E7.

I have been using an N9 recently and with the swipe function for switching screens along with the curved screen I decided that a screen protector wasn't going to work so well as the the screen protector edges were likely to interfere with swiping action.

One thing I noticed right away was how much nicer the N9 screen was to use in comparison to the E7's screen, so much so I took the screen protector off the E7 and it's so much better to use now. Perhaps the protector was worn (scratched) and needed replacing anyway.

It got me wondering as to how many still bother with a screen protector on a Gorilla glass screen. Of those that don't bother has anyone noticed any problems with scratches etc.

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#803889 22-Apr-2013 19:54

I haven't used a screen protector on my last 3 Gorilla Glass phones. I just don't see the point.

My 10 month old S3 has two very minor marks on it, both around 1mm long and spends it's entire day in my pocket, normally with my work phone, but my keys are always in the other pocket

nitrotech

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#803897 22-Apr-2013 20:10

You would believe the number of people that bring their phones in with screen protectors that seriously affect the quality of the screen.

Also many people think the protector stops them from getting broken screens.

I don't have a screen protector on any phones or tablets - yes their is the risk of small scratches but at least the screen is usable.

mattwnz

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#803902 22-Apr-2013 20:17

Depends on the quality of the screen protector, as there are some poor quality ones. I use them and they are great, and don't affect the screen quality, as there is no viable difference with it on. They do work as well, and some screens have a fingerprint minimizing coating on them which wears off. Glass screens do scratch, and a scratch I would imagine make them more prone to cracking at that weak point.

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#803928 22-Apr-2013 20:57

I used a screen protector for the first two years of owning an iphone, haven't used one since. The keys in the opposite pocket has become my MO. I binned my case at the same time. I am careful not to drop my phone though.

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#803939 22-Apr-2013 21:21

Both my S2 and htc one X have some massive scratches on the screens. Sand seems to do it very well, as does getting sandpaper grit on your hand and then answering a call.

I had to change my lock pattern because it was slightly scratched into the screen and you could see it from some angles. I think that came from unlocking the phone when I had polish all over my hands. That is definatly the reason the sides of the HTC have got so shiney now..

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#803940 22-Apr-2013 21:22

I've had an SII for almost 2 years - my first (and only so far) smartphone. Have had a screen protector on it fairly much from the beginning and replace it every 4 or so months. I've brought a few accessories which were bundled with screen protectors so haven't brought any of these specifically. I'm a little paranoid about scratches. I know it's gorilla glass but I'm still paranoid :-)

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#804023 23-Apr-2013 01:21

I've invested in good quality screen protectors since the time I got my first PDA (that is - for over a decade) and, unless someone comes out with an outstanding screen that simply won't scratch, I always will. I've got one on my iPad and on my SGS3. The only device I don't bother adding a screen protector to is my Kindle.

My iPad also has a Zagg invisible shield backing and my phones have had Otterbox cases. This protection is necessary for me. Phones get thrown in a bag with keys, wallet, & pens. Every phone I've sold second-hand has been as new, without any marks at all.

farcus

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#804028 23-Apr-2013 04:32

I don't use screen protectors - I don't like them. They spoil the experience of using a nice phone screen.
Most of my friends do use them and think I am crazy for not using one. However, they all agree after using my phone without a screen protector that it is a nicer experience than using a phone with one. They, for some reason are just so obsessed with protecting their screen they are willing to forgo the better experience.
In my opinion there are better ways to protect a phone screen than sticking a bit of film over the top of it.

fostercrif

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#804031 23-Apr-2013 06:02

I used a Galaxy S2 for a year for a year without a protector as the screen feels much smoother to use. No discernible scratches on it but I always kept it in my front pocket with nothing else. Have been using my new Note 2 for four months without an SP and the screen is still mint. I think the Gorilla Glass screens are pretty good if you can keep your hands clean (OK in my sedentary job but maybe harder for a tradesman) when using them.

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#804033 23-Apr-2013 06:29

I bought twenty for my s2 for aud 2 tip quality ones like it's not there

so I didn't want to waste things

kiwitrc

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#804035 23-Apr-2013 06:55

I use the Spigen screen protectors, I cant tell the difference between a phone with one of these and a naked phone they are that good. www.spigen.com.

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#804046 23-Apr-2013 07:34

I use a Zagg invisible shield for my Iphone, but thinking it thru, and due to the fact that the corner has come away again and the cost to replace the screen if it ever became badly scratched is around $100 I am debating if I need to have one or not.

I definately want one on the back as I do want to retain the resale value of the phone.

For my Ipad, I do not have a screen protector but I do have it permanently in a Zagg folio case so when it is shut it is protected. Again I want to keep my ipad in as good as new condition so the resale value remains high.

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#804141 23-Apr-2013 10:23

I don't have one on my Galaxy Note, I keep it away from sharp or hard objects most of the time. It looks like new.

My wife has one on her iPhone 4 and I think the screen actually looks better with the protector on.

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#804166 23-Apr-2013 10:56

I have two mystery scratches on my nexus 4, both thin and only visible under the right light angle.
Absolutely no idea how something scratched the gorilla glass 2, for a comparison of how good I am with looking after my screen, my HTC Desire lasted 2.5 years with no case or screen protector and only got a minor scratch late in its life in the top corner of the screen.

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#804187 23-Apr-2013 11:21

never used a screen protector and I had a decent phones and smartphones since 2001.

I don't really see a point, and my devices generally looks like new anyway (ok, ok, ok some of the scratches but not on screens) :)

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