Compare glass and film | What is best for a smartphone

How not to take care of a smartphone or tablet, and avoiding dirt and damage on their screen is very difficult in the absence of any protection. Replacing a damaged screen is not only unpleasant, but not cheap either. It is easy and simple to prevent such a situation: it is enough to choose high-quality protection. Some of the most popular options are glass and film. Which is better and what are the main differences? Our experts know the answer.

Features and types of protective film

Such a simple and easy-to-use product as a protective film appeared on the market of mobile gadgets and accessories for a long time. It helps to avoid a common and unpleasant problem — the appearance of scratches on the phone / tablet screen. The product is presented in the form of a thin film made of various materials. Depending on the type of the latter, there are several types of protective film for the phone. Consider their main advantages and disadvantages:

1. Glossy — easy to use (you can stick it yourself), does not affect the image quality, is practically invisible on the screen, and the price is quite acceptable. But at the same time, the glossy film is easily scratched, just as easily soiled (especially with fatty fingerprints), if a part of the film coating is accidentally peeled off, it will not work perfectly to stick it;

2. Matte — it has a slightly rough, easy-to-use surface that will prevent glare on the screen when the display is on, fingerprints, etc. will not be noticeable on it. At the same time, the same roughness of the matte film makes the image on the screen grainy;

3. Mirror — such a protective film can be used as a mirror, but image quality and color reproduction will suffer, visibility will deteriorate;

4. Combined — combines the properties of the first two types of protective film: does not distort color reproduction and image quality, does not create glare on the screen surface, does not «collect» fingerprints, perfectly protects the screen from scratches. This type of protective film can be considered, perhaps, one of the most optimal — it has no drawbacks;

5. Antibacterial — in its properties is almost identical to a glossy film — the difference is only in a layer of special spraying, the main task of which is to destroy microbes when they hit the screen. Unfortunately, this protective layer wears off very quickly, so the antibacterial film will have to be changed more often than others;

6. Antispyware — in addition to excellent protection against scratches, provides reliable «isolation» of information on the screen from prying eyes (a curious observer will see only a glow). Like the combined version of the protective phone film, the anti-spyware actually has no drawbacks.

There are also a number of positive points compatible with all kinds of protective films:

1. Small thickness of the surface — the product is tightly fixed on the phone screen and is almost indistinguishable by the eyes;

2. Moderate price — at the same time, the film will reliably protect against minor household scratches and scuffs;

3. No negative impact on the quality of the screen image — the protective film does not affect the degree of sensitivity of the gadget’s screen, does not change the brightness of the screen image.

Features and types of protective glasses

Protective glass (tempered as it is also called) is a great way to protect your phone screen from significant impacts. What is this accessory? This is a specially processed glass, which is first heated to a temperature of 680 ⁰C and then cooled (using cold air). A product made in this way perfectly protects against point impacts, absorbing them by 100%, deep scratches, is not even afraid of the impact of a screwdriver or a knife attack.

Protective glasses can be classified according to several criteria. So, depending on the thickness and purpose, protective glass can be:

1. Matte / glossy — in its properties it practically does not differ from the protective film of the same variety (the difference is only in the material used);

2. Gradient — used primarily to protect the back of the telephone panel. They are not glued to the screen, since they will not provide sufficient transparency;

3. Decorative — such glass can hardly be called protective, since its main task is to decorate the phone. As well as gradient, it is glued to the back surface. Often, manufacturers add glass for the screen separately to the kit.

Depending on the coverage glasses are:

1. Silicone — provides a strong fixation on the screen;

2. With protection — prevents the formation of cracks;

3. With a containment layer — in the event of a significant impact on the screen, such a layer prevents the fragments of damaged glass from scattering;

4. Coated with anti-glare — even in very bright light, the phone display will not be dim;

5. With an oleophobic coating — provides a comfortable glide of fingers on the display.

Advantages and disadvantages of protective glasses

What is better to choose?

To make the best choice, you need to visually consider the comparative characteristics. Our experts made a thorough comparison and here’s what happened.

How to protect the body: valuable tips

Screen protection is an important point, but do not forget about the safety of the case itself, because under its surface, in general, all the most valuable things in the device are hidden. So, several options for protection for the case:

1. Bumper — designed to protect the back of the device and its sides. After fixing, it slightly lifts the phone, without affecting its dimensions;

2. Overlay — original protection, decorated with carvings, unique patterns, etc. Often covers the side faces of the gadget (it has special slots for buttons);

3. Flip / Punch — looks like a notepad. An overlay is attached to the back panel of the device (while the side faces of the gadget are not closed), made of leather, artificial material or plastic. The screen is closed with a flat part of the punch and fixed with a magnet, Velcro, button. The surface of the accessory can be additionally decorated with patterns, printed lace, etc.

4. The case is the maximum protection against possible “threats”. In addition to the rear panel, it also reliably protects the display, including preventing dust from getting inside.