Are screen protectors needed?

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Machpants

41 posts

Geek

#64633 19-Jul-2010 12:10

It seems that screen protectors for capacitive touch screens are really popular. Are they really needed? I have never had a touch screen device before and never bothered protecting my other phones in any way. I have had no problems... until I destroyed my N95 screen but that was in such a definitive way a screen protector wouldn't have stopped it... car door LOL.

Anyway are the screens needed... does the capacitive sensitivity drop with a 'used' screen? Or is it just for aesthetics, so you screen can look nice and fresh for longer with a rolling replacement of protectors.

Any reviews/studies/experiences?

Cheers

MP

nzscom

67 posts

Master Geek

#353341 19-Jul-2010 12:29

I had a KP500 touchscreen with a screen protector. It came with one on the screen already and a spare in the box. Didn't affect the sensitivity of the touch at all and helped stop the screen getting scratched.

Problem is replacing them. It seemed basically impossible to put a replacement on without getting bubbles or dust trapped in it as you placed it. I ended up not using a protector in the end. It did its job but it looked better without it.

- Linc

n4

959 posts

Ultimate Geek

#353372 19-Jul-2010 13:29

Personally I always remove any factory supplied protector. In my opinion a phone always looks and performs better without a protector. Currently I use a flip case to protect the screen, but I have successfully used a touchscreen phone for more than a year without a protector, I just used a different pocket for my phone to anything else (keys, coins, usb sticks etc). Screens also seem easier to clean without them.

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josephhinvest

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#353373 19-Jul-2010 13:30

I've had my 1st gen iPhone for over two years, no scratches as yet on the screen, never used a screen protector, but aways had it in a case.
I have used other iPhones with screen protectors, they feel perhaps _slightly_ less responsive, but not much.

Cheers,
Joseph.

merve0o0

492 posts

Ultimate Geek

#360700 31-Jul-2010 16:55

I have had a screen protector on my ipod touch since i got my replacement. i had no screen protector on my original and it got a couple of scratches on the screen some how.

i have only used hard/dry install shields and it feels the exact same as just screen to me. i have had this shield on (just a belkin one) for over a year and its not lifting can only tell its on around the home button.

gehenna

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#360722 31-Jul-2010 17:38

I've been using an iPhone for a few years now, from the first gen. to the 3GS and have never used a screen protector. They're just gross and feel awful. My iPhone's have never suffered screen damage from being in my pockets or on the table so I don't see the need for a protector.

That said, I do have a clip on shell for the back of the iPhone as I've found that is far easier to collect scratches than the glass. The one I have is from Macmosphere, I picked it up in Singapore and wouldn't use anything else as it's so thin it almost is unnoticeable. My partner uses an Incase Slider which adds a lot of bulk to her 3G

Lipex666

444 posts

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#360737 31-Jul-2010 17:56

Everyone to his own but I have always used one, my 3GS and iPad are both wearing protection. I don't have to worry about wiping down grinding dust into the screen and the other benefit is stops glare etc. Plus when removed same as the day it came out of the factory.

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

heavenlywild

5060 posts

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#360749 31-Jul-2010 18:55

Yes to the screen protector just in case you drop it to the ground.

I have screen protectors for all of the phones I've owned.

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neoprint

136 posts

Master Geek

#369313 18-Aug-2010 14:12

I've got one on my phone, it's not a touchscreen but you wouldn't notice it's there unless someone told you.

Machpants

41 posts

Geek

#369445 18-Aug-2010 17:39

Well I have tried 2 different protectors. A cheap one and a more expensive one. Neither affected the touchscreen-ness but both show smudges etc more than the plain glass. Still undecided whether to keep it on or ditch it.

androidmnz

178 posts

Master Geek

#370114 20-Aug-2010 02:32

I've tried some screen protectors and have had issues with bubbles a load of times. My last phone, I got it right on the 3rd screen protector. I don't think it was me either!

The touchscreen was just as responsive as it is with the protector off.

Mattnzl

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#370148 20-Aug-2010 07:51

I've never bothered with one, but I'm very careful with my phones (and I'm also a complete tard at putting them on. bubble city so I end up taking it off again).

aim

247 posts

Master Geek

#370978 22-Aug-2010 12:01

I've used a screen protector on all my candy bar phones. Never owned a touch screen phone however, this'll be a first, and I'll probably buy one - they're only a few dollars. I can always remove it if I don't like it.

What I want is a pouch. Soft cloth would do me.