Protective glass or film, which is better for a smartphone?

5 (100%) 20 votes

There are two ways to protect the screen of your smartphone, tablet and other electronics - by sticking
film or special glass. The most popular films are transparent glossy ones. They actually do not change the screen image and do not spoil appearance. Of course, if you take into account the “anatomy” of the smartphone and cover the glass completely.

It is important for these films to have a grease-repellent (or oleophobic) coating. Otherwise, you will always walk around with a stained screen, plus your finger will slide a little worse. This is noticeable in dynamic shooters. And glossy films are easily scratched, especially rootless models.

The direct opposite of gloss is matte film. It is rough to the touch, gets dirty less, does not become covered with small scratches so quickly, and does not glare in the sun. And it also worsens the screen image. Slightly reduces brightness and contrast, the picture ripples a little. I strongly advise you to first use a smart phone with such protection, and only then apply a matte film - it’s not an acquired taste. If you don’t want people around to see what’s happening on the screen of your device, apply a “private” film. It significantly reduces the viewing angle and, looking at the smart phone from the side, you will simply see a black screen. These are the miracles that “drobak privacy” film works. The disadvantages are the same as in the case of matte - the image deteriorates noticeably.

There are also decorative films: mirror and mirror colored films. Their trick is that when the screen is turned off, the front panel of the phone looks like a mirror. This is cool, but I would argue about the practicality of such protection - films are easily soiled, they degrade the quality of the picture, and scratches are clearly visible on them. Some films, in addition to protecting against scratches, have shock-absorbing properties. This does not mean that you can hit your smartphone with a hammer, but if it falls, the screen has a higher chance of survival. Here's a comparison of the usual protective and shockproof films - the second one is clearly thicker.

Protective films can also be more scratch resistant. Ideally, the film is made specifically for your model. It will take into account the location of the sensors, camera, buttons, the size of the front panel and its shape. If you can’t find one, you’ll have to take a suitable universal film. They leave a small part of the screen exposed, but still protect it well from scratches. As a last resort, you can arm yourself with a blade and adjust the film to the screen of the desired device.

The next level in terms of display protection is additional glass. A good protective glass has high transparency and does not degrade the image quality of the screen. It can be very scratch resistant - potentially at the level of the same Gorilla. The film is resting.

Protective glasses may or may not have an oleophobic coating. The thickness is also different - thin ones are more comfortable to use, and thick ones better protect the screen from impacts. The glass can have colored elements, playing with the design of the device.

Compare the protection of the Galaxy S6 Edge from Drobak and the glass for the iPhone 6s from Power Plant and AIGI. This glass covers the entire front panel with curved screen and even duplicates touch buttons. The Power Plant model is suitable for the entire family of sixth iPhones and... simply protects.

But the AIGI glass is also equipped with an edge so that micro-grains of sand do not scratch the smart phone lying face down on the table. Glasses can also be universal – designed for all smartphones with a certain screen diagonal. But you need to try them on before buying. However, the width of the body of the devices is different, as is the location of the buttons and sensors. And glass, unlike the same film, cannot be cut and adjusted to fit your device.

Now main question- what's better? Apply film if you need not just protection from scratches, but some additional properties: privacy, specularity, matte finish. Or you simply cannot find the right glass for your device. Regular glossy film has only one significant advantage - it is thin. Glass provides excellent protection. You glue it onto a new smartie and never take it off, unless the glass manages to break or an irritating scratch appears. The downside is that the glass is noticeably thick and may slightly impair ergonomics.

2 years ago

Modern phones have durable displays. And yet, to protect your device, you put a case on the case. To protect the display, apply protective glass or film. What's better?

Protective film. What it is? Screen film is by no means the most high-tech product. The film is three layers of special material, of which the top one serves as protection. The middle layer is to absorb ultraviolet radiation from the phone. The bottom layer is made of silicone - in order to stick to the screen.

Types of protective film

There are 3 main types of films: matte, glossy, mirror. And each of these films has its own properties.

* Glossy film

Many people prefer it when choosing between glass for a smartphone and film. As a rule, such people value practicality. The protective function here is performed effectively. The device in this accessory guarantees image quality. There are also disadvantages. Sometimes glossy film has a lot of glare. Scratches quickly appear on it and fingerprints remain.

* Matte film

This film is just as popular. Its main advantage is its ability to absorb glare. It also hides fingerprints. However, it is not uncommon for the image to deteriorate due to its unusual structure.

* Mirror film

Mirror plastic cannot always protect the display. And it is capable of reflecting objects. This means that if the screen is turned off, it becomes a mirror. Like matte film, this accessory also sometimes distorts the image.

Protective glass

This is a more modern option for screen protection. It is made from tempered glass. Glass is thicker and harder than regular film. Therefore, you will not see fingerprints or even scratches on it. Protects against impacts. Does not allow moisture to pass through. Colors, display brightness and sensitivity are preserved. Glass is thicker (0.25-0.50 mm) because it has several layers.

The first layer is silicone based, due to which it sticks tightly to the screen. Then there is a fastening layer, thanks to which the fragments do not crumble when the integrity of the glass is broken. The third layer is anti-reflective. Due to this, the visibility of the image is maintained in bright light. The protective layer protects against falls, bumps, drops and other damage. And the oleophobic coating protects against moisture and fingerprints.

Treat it like a girl

The film is softer than glass, and therefore it lasts less. As soon as you touch it with a sharp or hard object, scratches appear. And the film is no longer suitable, you need to buy a new one. Glass is a completely different matter. The protective layer protects from bumps and falls. Dirt from the display is repelled by the oleophobic coating as soon as you wipe it with a cloth. However, such coverage does not last forever. It wears out.

Before cleaning the glass, you need to check its integrity. Pour a little water onto its surface. It's okay if it starts to form drops. When water spreads, this indicates that the coating is damaged. Maybe it doesn't exist at all.

Remember that alcohol solutions, like other cleaning products, are not suitable for cleaning. It is better to use water-based solutions. They are applied to a cotton cloth, and then the screen of the device is carefully wiped.

The situation can be corrected even after the oleophobic layer disappears. You just need to buy special kits oleophobic coating. The kit contains a soft substance. And also special rags. They are needed in order to apply and distribute it. The product dries before your eyes, so you need to work at a pace. It is advisable to carry out the procedure again the next day.

You will inevitably have to make a choice between these accessories. It should be taken into account that film protection does not require maintenance. But it has little effect. This means you will have to change it often. Glass is, of course, a more durable accessory. However, it will quickly lose its properties if used carelessly. Glass requires special care. Many who have a mobile device do not want to do this. However, those who do this can expect the glass to last them a year or more.

Draw your own conclusion!

Film or protective glass? What to choose? Determining which is better is not so easy. Opinions on this matter may vary. And we must admit that each of these two contenders for the title of “best” has its own pros and cons. This means that the whole point of choosing is to ultimately set priorities without making mistakes.

Buying film will cost less. The film varies in texture. It will last for several months if treated with care. Unfortunately, the film will not be able to protect against serious damage. It is not so easy to stick the film on everything yourself.

The glass has an impact-resistant layer and a grease-repellent coating. It can last approximately 2 years. The installation leaves only pleasant impressions. True, the oleophobic coating needs to be constantly maintained. Glass costs much more than film.

The shattered glass of your favorite iPhone unpleasant moment. Changing it means paying a considerable amount. To avoid such unpleasant consequences and to protect my glossy friend, I created this guide.

Surely each of you has a question: what is better to stick on your phone screen, protective glass or film? Many of us own modern and expensive gadgets, but such a large number of them does not mean easy accessibility. Purchase modern smartphone, an expensive pleasure and it’s not for nothing that they are often purchased in installments. Therefore, changing a smartphone every year, or even twice, is an unaffordable pleasure for most people.

A smartphone can break down in a variety of places, some breakdowns are minor, they are very easy to fix, but if the display glass is damaged, be prepared to pay a significant portion of the cost of the device. Protecting your phone screen should be given special attention.

It can be scratched by keys that accidentally ended up in a purse or pocket, and a small protrusion on the asphalt or a fall on the stairs can completely break the display. Only protective covering can reduce the damage caused or completely eliminate it when a smartphone falls. Even a small scratch on the display will ruin absolutely the entire impression of using the gadget.

Choosing smartphone screen protection

Today, the choice of screen protection for a smartphone is possible in only two directions, namely: protective glass or film. What is better to choose? Let's talk about both options, in order to weigh their positive features and disadvantages.

On this moment There are many types of protective films for phones and smartphones. They differ from each other both in properties and appearance. Here are the most popular of them:

• Glossy film is the most popular, it is almost invisible on the device display. The picture from the film does not deteriorate, just like the appearance of the phone as a whole. Such protection is inexpensive, and if you take a more expensive model, the security will be simply excellent. The film will help avoid scratches and abrasions, but it certainly won’t save you from falls from a height.
• Matte film is in second place in popularity. The advantage of this protective film is the fact that it does not leave your handprints on it, and it does not shine too much when exposed to direct sunlight. The tactile sensations from using a gadget with such protection are different, but there is no discomfort, and the appearance of the device does not deteriorate. In terms of strength and degree of protection, matte films are similar to glossy films. The main disadvantage of this type of protection is the deterioration of the picture.
• Antibacterial film. The name makes everything clear. Such coatings do not greatly protect smartphone screens, but they add an additional layer that can resist the growth of bacteria. Surely no one knows whether this coating works or is just another cunning marketing ploy. The properties of the film are completely similar to a simple glossy coating. But the antibacterial coating wears off quickly, and the film has to be changed frequently.
• Mirror film – great choice for ladies, when the phone is locked, its screen becomes a mirror. But such a coating makes the image of the gadget extremely bad. In terms of protective functions, the film is similar to the analogues described above.
• Anti-spy film - will prevent your gadget from being viewed from the outside. By protective characteristics fully consistent with glossy film. If you look at the screen at the right angle, the information is readable, but if you just look at it from the side, you will see absolutely nothing.

Making a choice

When you know what is best for your phone, you can choose the option that suits you best. One more thing to consider important point– you need to buy a film from a well-established brand, only then the degree of protection for your gadget will be at its best. But be that as it may, this type of protection cannot guarantee one hundred percent safety during falls, with the exception of special “armored” models. If you are used to dropping your device, consider purchasing protective glass, yes, it is much more expensive than film, but also much cheaper than replacing the screen.

Protective glass is much more reliable than film. If the gadget falls, the glass may break, but the screen itself will remain intact. Glass for protecting displays has a number of advantages:

1. Doesn't spoil the picture;
2. Easy to install;
3. Does not degrade sensor sensitivity.

The only drawback with such protection is its price. The weight and size of the smartphone will not change due to the use of glass. Unless a smartphone protected by glass cannot be placed in a standard case, but in in this case, the game is worth the candle.

When purchasing glass, pay attention to the reputability of its manufacturer; the thicker the protective surface, the stronger the product will be.

As a result, we can say with confidence - protective strained glass better than any type of film for the following reasons:

• If your device does not have an oleophobic coating, a protective glass will help get rid of annoying marks on the screen in the form of fingerprints. The hardened surface is very smooth and any marks can be easily removed from it.
• If smartphone will fall, the worst thing that awaits you is a broken protective glass and a completely intact display.
• Another important feature is the absolute resistance of tempered glass to scratches and abrasions.
• And in the end, replacing such glass is several times cheaper than the screen itself.

Modern smartphones are equipped with so-called display modules, which are a single unit consisting of a sensor and a screen. This approach greatly improves the performance of the screen, but in case of replacement, you won’t be able to get by with buying a sensor; you need to change the screen itself.

Conclusion

The difference in cost between film and glass is a significant factor when choosing. Glass protection is approximately twice the price of its flexible competitor.
And here it’s up to you to decide whether to save on glass and change the screen, or buy reliable protection and not worry about accidental falls. Replacing the display is not cheap.

On the other hand, if you don’t drop your smartphone, film will be enough. It protects the screen well from scratches, but the protective glass is not afraid of even falls.

Knowing all the features of protective coatings for phone screens, you can make a confident choice in favor of one of them. If you use your mobile device carefully and are confident that you won’t drop it, a film will do. And if the electronic assistant has slipped out of your hands more than once, purchasing glass is simply necessary.

For those users who broke their smartphone screen and carried it in service center, it is already known that it is better to install a protective coating, but for others, the advice is not to make their mistakes and protect your favorite device. Well, to help you choose better, watch the video on choosing between protective film and glass for phones.

You may be the neatest person in the world, but your iPhone display will eventually get scratches and chips. The chances increase if you do not blow dust off your smart device - you drop it, put the display on the table, next to your keys, hairpins or coins. Protective films and glass will help to avoid these problems. Which one to choose?

I have never hit or scratched the screens of my gadgets. But I, like most of you, have friends who, in the first weeks after buying an iPhone, caught their first scratch, “dot” or microcrack in the corner. But the problem could have been solved much simpler: buy film or glass to protect the display. That's all.

It is much more difficult to answer the question of which is better - film or glass?

Film. Versatile choice

Film– a high-strength accessory made of thermoplastic polyurethane. The degree of protection of the smartphone from impacts depends on its plasticity. Modern film can prevent not only small scratches, but also moderately hide fingerprints. Some models are capable of more: for example, they remove sun glare or prevent the passage of UV rays.

Very affordable option display protection. The main disadvantage of “films” is very weak, purely nominal protection against impacts. No matter how “shockproof” it is, the film will not ensure integrity display module in case of a serious fall.

Spigen Screen Protector Steinheil Curved Crystal for iPhone 6 (SGP11299)

More recently, films with slightly curved edges. They are specially created for iPhone owners 6 and solve the most important thing visual problem: their edges are not visible on the glass frame. If you have the opportunity to buy such a film, we strongly recommend it.

Remax HD protective film High Definition Protection for iPhone 6 glossy

This is a "protector" High Quality . The surface of the film does not give glare, and the anti-ultraviolet coating prevents its passage, protecting iPhone display from exposure to UV rays.

Spigen Screen Protector Steinheil LCD Film Ultra Crystal for iPhone 6 (SGP10928)

This film consists of 4 thin layers. The top one is an oleophobic coating, the second one is protection against scratches and abrasions during daily use. using iPhone 6. The optical base is made of Japanese premium PET material. Secured maximum transparency and clarity of the picture from the display.

Glass. Confident protection

Strained glass– a relatively modern option for display protection. It is gaining popularity due to the fact that it can protect not only from scratches, but also withstand a fall! It’s like a second life for your display: if you drop it, then in 95% of cases only the glass sticker will need to be replaced.

A good glass “protector” has high hardness, reaching up to 8-9H. In addition to impact resistance, it is no worse at resisting scratches on the surface of the smartphone. It is glass that allows you to maintain the sensitivity of the sensor, maintaining image clarity and color brightness.

Glass last generations They also have their own oleophobic coating, which prevents the appearance of stains and fingerprints and makes the display easier to clean. Their only one, but for many key drawback– all options will be “thicker” than regular film.

Tempered anti-reflective glass DF iBlickGlass-03 for iPhone 6 matte transparent

The surface of the DF iBlickGlass-03 tempered glass has a hardness of 9H to resist hard objects such as knife, keys and paper clips. You can safely throw it in your bag. In extreme conditions, be sure to wear Silicone Case, and then nothing will threaten your iPhone;)

Protective glass Spigen Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector GLAS.tR SLIM for iPhone 6

The thickness of this “glass protector” model is only 0.4 mm! The rounded edges of the glass prevent chipping and ensure a tight fit to the display surface. One of best solutions to ensure smartphone protection.

Tempered protective glass DF iSteel-06 for iPhone 6 transparent

This glass is reliable protection from scratches, shocks and even moisture. After installing it, the screen of your iPhone 6 will be reliably protected and will not lose its original appearance.

We pasted the film

At the iCases store we stuck a film on the editorial iPhone Remax HD High Definition Protection. More precisely, they bought it. And the seller himself stuck it on. There is an interesting “but” here.

Usually stores charge money for this procedure. And, most importantly, they don’t even guarantee results. If “bubbles” remain, that will be your problem. The guys from iCases glue the film or glass purchased from them absolutely free and guarantee a well-carried out procedure. Let's check...

The seller wiped the smartphone display and started gluing it up. It's all gone less than three minutes, and we disturbed the guy in every possible way with our cameras and comments that were not entirely relevant. Visitors looked over their shoulders curiously, and the guy coped with the task perfectly. Personally, I couldn’t do this even at home. And I wouldn’t try: you’ll ruin the film and that’s it, buy a new one...

Question of price

The difference between glass and film is not only impact resistance, but also price. Glass is more expensive than films times twice.

Think for yourself. Is it worth paying more but potentially saving on major renovations? Replacing the display is not cheap. On the other hand, the film will protect no worse from ordinary scratches and will not protrude much above the body. The total schedule is as follows.

Film available, provides protection against scratches, can remove glare and cover the entire iPhone 6 display.

Glass more expensive, gives glare, but transmits maximum light, protects against falls and cracks.

Users mobile devices often face the problem of protection touch screen from scratches and other minor damage. To protect the gadget screen from such defects, protective glass or film is used. This element is glued independently to the screen of a mobile device. It is especially important to apply protection to iPhones or other expensive devices, since replacing the display will cost a significant amount. The most common question on this topic will be: what is better to stick on protective glass or film in order to maximally protect your device from damage. To figure this out, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each protection, as well as how to properly stick such a safety element yourself.

Protective film

A protective film for a phone or smartphone is a piece of transparent plastic of the appropriate size, which is fixed on the display. This film is produced exactly under specific model mobile device. Sometimes you can find it on sale universal film in the form of a sheet of a certain format, from which you need to cut out the protective covering for your gadget yourself. Protective film is produced in three different types:

• Glossy
• Matte
• Mirror

The first type is the most widespread. It practically does not distort the image and color rendition, but thanks to the shiny coating it strongly glares when exposed to direct sunlight and even bright sources artificial light. All this forces owners of mobile devices to set the screen brightness to the maximum value. Besides glossy finish It gets dirty easily with fingerprints and, like any plastic, it scratches easily.

Matte film is used somewhat less frequently, since due to its grainy structure it noticeably distorts the image. The thickness of matte plastic is greater than that of glossy plastic, which reduces the sensitivity of the screen and requires the use of several more effort when working with a touchscreen display. Despite these shortcomings, matte film is often adhered to the tablet, since it practically does not show fingerprints.

Film with a mirror layer is used even less often than matte. Although the appearance of a mobile device only benefits from the use of a mirror coating, since the top layer is completely mirrored and this effect disappears only when the gadget is turned on. Unfortunately, the mirror coating, although it has good protective properties, quickly gets dirty and the slightest greasy traces remain on it, so it requires regular cleaning.

Which one of these three types It’s up to you to decide which one is better, but we would recommend the first option, it’s the most practical!

Protective glass

This type of protective coating is slightly more expensive, but has much more best characteristics than protective plastic. Protective glass has the following advantages over plastic film:

• High strength
• Shock absorption
• No image or color distortion
• Durability
• Easy DIY Installation

Glass coating reliably protects the screen mobile gadget from scratches caused by various metal objects. Most often, minor screen defects occur when the phone is carried in a pocket along with keys or coins. A hard plate will protect the display not only from such damage, but also from serious damage associated with the device falling from a decent height, since the glass coating has high shock-absorbing properties. Tempered safety glass is completely transparent, so you don’t have to worry about image distortion or color rendition. Durable coating is a multi-layer package, where each layer performs a specific function. The thickness of the material usually does not exceed 0.3 mm and at the same time it consists of five layers:

The silicone layer fixes the protective plate on the screen. The fastening layer will hold all the fragments together if the protective coating breaks. A thin anti-glare layer reduces screen reflectivity. The base layer protects the screen from any mechanical damage, and the top one, decoratively - protective layer, thanks to a special coating, protects the coating from contamination with fingerprints.

How to stick protective glass or film?

You can glue the film and protective glass yourself without any problems. The plastic film can be coated with silicone or fixed with special glue. Option using glue in Lately used quite rarely. The film protection is fixed to the display using a silicone layer.

Let's take a closer look at what actions need to be taken:

1. First of all, you need to clean the gadget’s display from dust and sweat. The best solution for this purpose is a liquid for cleaning monitor screens, with which you need to lightly moisten a napkin and wipe the mobile phone display.
2. The screen is then wiped with a dry microfiber cloth, which does not leave lint. The protective layer is removed from the plastic, and the film itself is oriented on top according to the buttons and cutouts of the device.
3. Then you need to very carefully lower it onto the screen. If it doesn’t work the first time, the procedure can be repeated.
4. After proper gluing of the protection, air bubbles may remain under the coating, which can be removed with a piece of thick cardboard or plastic like bank card. To do this, you need to delicately iron the protective coating from the center to the edges, squeezing out air bubbles.

Protective glass is glued in almost the same way as plastic. Before work, you must wash your hands with soap. Needs to be cleaned iPhone screen or other device using special means from dust and fingerprints. Remove from glass subtle protection covering the silicone adhesive layer. Orient the glass plate along the edges, towards the “Home” button and the speaker. Place the protective plate on the display and iron it with a clean, dry cloth. Also, if necessary, the protection can be removed and re-glued if the first attempt was unsuccessful.

Conclusion

If we compare the protective properties of plastic film and laminated glass, then glass coating is undoubtedly much more effective and, most importantly, more reliable than plastic coating. It can protect the display from scratches, but if the device is dropped face down on a hard surface, the protective properties are reduced to zero. The glass cover installed on the gadget will be broken, but the display will remain intact. Owners of expensive mobile devices should not save money and it is best to purchase a proprietary protective coating with a hardness of 9H. This glass provides guaranteed protection against anything that could damage the device’s screen.

The cost of installing protective glass starts from 1,500 rubles, but this price is not commensurate with the cost of the display of an expensive gadget, which will have to be replaced if it is damaged. Therefore, questions about whether it is better to stick film or glass should not arise.