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Original poster

Do you have a phone screen protector?

97 replies

croks · 19/11/2023 20:22

In the three years my son has owned his current phone, we've had to get the screen replaced 3 times. He is convinced that a screen protector is the answer, but I'm not so sure. I'm getting him a new phone for Xmas (Moto G73) so I've been tentatively looking at screen protectors too. However, Moto don't sell own-brand protectors for the G73 and all the G73 protectors on Amazon have poor reviews - either they don't fit properly, don't have camera holes, or shatter easily. I can't help thinking that if screen protectors were considered necessary and effective they would be easier to buy. But am I missing something?

OP posts:
BatshitCrazyWoman · 20/11/2023 04:48

I've got a case on my phone, but not a screen protector. I don't think I've ever had a screen protector, and I've never had to have my screen replaced because it's smashed. Sounds like I'm unusual 🤷‍♀️

pinkfondu · 20/11/2023 05:12

Yes and in my kids phones too

catin8oots · 20/11/2023 05:13

Just take it to a high street phone shop. They are about a tenner

PenguinBall · 20/11/2023 05:38

You don't have to do it yourself OP! Just take the phone to any phone repair shop and say you want a screen protector for it and they'll do it for you. I'd never not have one.

minisoksmakehardwork · 20/11/2023 05:46

Always screen protectors and a case in our house. It's a non-negotiable for having a phone. DC's screen protectors have just been replaced as they were cracked and chipped. Screen underneath was absolutely fine.

I'm terrible for dropping my phone. The only time the screen has ever smashed was when I didn't yet have a screen protector on it. The screen protectors now are thin tempered glass so you barely know they are there.

I always used the same brand (spigen) since finding they're also really easy to put on due to having applicators that fit the phone so it lines up perfectly. I've noticed negative reviews are either from people who appear to have used the wrong protector for their phone, or using super cheap ones. The investment for a decent protector pays for itself in not having to repair broken screens.

DeadButDelicious · 20/11/2023 05:48

I always have a screen protector on my iPhone and iPad, a good shock absorbing case, I have a camera protector on my iPhone and a pop socket as well so I can get a better grip on it. These things are slippery little buggers sometimes!

I'm always dropping my phone, I've accidentally dropped it from the top of the stairs, watched it bounce down each one and skid along the hall and without those on it it would have been smashed to bits. Well worth the money to protect expensive tech!

limefrog · 20/11/2023 05:56

I've never had a screen protector and have never had to replace a screen.

I do drop my phone occasionally (usually seems to be on the hard tiled bathroom/ kitchen floors) But I have a decent case on it so it just bounces off if dropped. The case doesn't cover the screen, it doesn't need to.

I think screen protectors are unnecessary if you have a decent case. My DH has a protector and his screen smashed anyway when he dropped his phone.

Tintackedsea · 20/11/2023 06:03

The concession stands in the middle of shopping centres are a great place to get a screen protector. They're really good at putting them on.

Tinybrother · 20/11/2023 06:07

I’ve never not used a proper robust case and screen protector. I drop my phone all the time. Never needed to replace a screen.

Tinybrother · 20/11/2023 06:09

Catsmere · 20/11/2023 00:13

I don't. I have a solid leather case with a magnetic closure, and I seldom have my phone out unless I'm sitting down.

I do have a screen protector for my iPad, but it was rather a waste of money, really. I wanted something to cut the glare and reflections, but it doesn't do that.

I’m quite capable of dropping my phone while sitting down Grin

sep135 · 20/11/2023 06:13

I'm guessing I've only seen the low tech ones which look a bit like creased sticky-back plastic after a while. They'd really annoy me.

I've never had a screen protector but I have a raised case. I don't think I've ever had a cracked screen despite dropping my phone almost daily. But I don't have an iPhone which seem to crack more easily than other phones, going by my friends' experiences.

ShufflingHedgehogs · 20/11/2023 06:36

I feel like Sod's Law may come to bite me but I've never had a protector and never had a damaged screen.

I just have a slim case protector but the screen is bare.

Ilianor · 20/11/2023 06:39

I barely touch a new phone until the protector goes on! Seems very risky not to have one

FestiveSandman · 20/11/2023 06:43

I thought everyone had a screen protector as standard.

I don’t understand why you haven’t got your son one already when it’s happened 3 times so far.

Pascha · 20/11/2023 07:26

I have no screen protector on my old samsung and a large crack through the top corner. Only time I've not bothered with one. Never again.

StillWantingADog · 20/11/2023 07:30

I have an ancient iPhone and it has been dropped several times. Has a protector and the screen is perfect.

in 25 years of having phones and protectors j don’t think I’ve ever had a cracked screen and I’m clumsy!

StarlightLady · 20/11/2023 07:31

Essential in my view too.

Bibbitybobbitty · 20/11/2023 07:34

Of course, silly not to have one. Between 5 of us we have replaced screen protectors many times on phones & tablets, only 1 screen needed replacing as dropped on corner.
Tempered glass is best.

Madameprof · 20/11/2023 07:41

All of us in our house have always had screen protectors and protective cases. Once the glass protector is on you are totally oblivious to its presence until it gets so badly cracked you replace it (and see your beautiful uncracked screen underneath!)
Loads of my kids' friends have phones without protectors and are completely smashed up. Madness not to have one.

EliflurtleAndTheInfiniteMadness · 20/11/2023 07:47

shatter easily
I think they're designed to shatter to take the shock. I started using one after I completely smashed my last phone screen, that phone had a case but no sceen protector. I was dubious too, but wish I'd been using them all along now. Current phone's survived several falls screen first onto the ground in just the last month. My hands don't have proper sensation and I drop things a lot. I've been through 3 screen protectors, but that's £15 versus the £200 to replace my screen. I do have a case with raised edges too, but it's not an expensive one, I think you need both.

rainbowsparkle28 · 20/11/2023 07:49

Yes absolutely I won't start using my phone without one as I am so prone to dropping it etc 😂

GrizabellaGerbil · 20/11/2023 07:50

I have never used screen protectors. I have solid leather cases that cover the face of the phone when not in use, and a magnetic
closure. I have never yet had a broken or scratched screen.

My children are not allowed to use their phones until a screen protector has been fitted. They like the cases that only protect the crack of the phone, and are constantly damaging them. Apparently my cases are too old fashioned, though. 🙄

RaininSummer · 20/11/2023 07:51

I've never had a screen protector but also have never damaged a phone screen. I do buy cases which cover the front of phone properly though as I don't see the point of a case otherwise.

HamstersAreMyLife · 20/11/2023 07:52

I usually get the 360 silicon cases which work well but have gone for scr3en protector this time which cracks at the edges annoyingly but has protected well from drops. My son still shattered his screen with one on though but he's very careless. I haven't replaced the screen as that's the price for not looking after it!

socks1107 · 20/11/2023 07:57

We all have screen protectors here. They have probably saved a few screens over the years