Tempered glass vs protective film: Which is best for you?

Most users prioritize protecting their smartphone screens. Scratches, cracks, and dirt are common threats when using our devices. Various solutions are available on the market, with protective film and tempered glass being among the most popular. The choice depends on individual needs, so in this article, we'll explore the advantages of both options and show you how to install them properly for maximum screen protection.

Protective film is one of the most affordable and easy solutions for shielding a smartphone screen from scratches and minor damage. The main advantages of protective film include its thinness, which does not impact the phone's appearance or the quality of the displayed image. The film is flexible, making it easy to apply, and importantly, it can be easily replaced if damaged. Protective film is often preferred by those who don't want to increase their phone's weight and are looking for a budget-friendly solution.

An additional benefit of the film is that it protects the screen from fingerprints, and some versions offer anti-reflective coatings. While the film won't protect the screen from more serious drops, it works perfectly for everyday use.

Applying a protective film to a smartphone screen requires precision, but the process is simple and quick with the right preparation. Before applying the film, it's crucial to thoroughly clean the screen to remove any dust particles and fingerprints. It is best to use a microfiber cloth or a damp alcohol wipe that leaves no streaks.

The next step is to carefully remove the protective backing from the film. Then gently align it with the edges of the screen, starting from one side and gradually applying the film over the entire surface. It's important to avoid creating air bubbles; you can use a plastic card or a special applicator to smooth the film's surface.

After application, it's worth checking again to ensure the film adheres perfectly to the screen. If small bubbles appear, they usually disappear on their own after a few hours.

Tempered glass is one of the most effective forms of smartphone screen protection. Unlike protective film, tempered glass offers a much higher level of protection, especially against drops and impacts. Due to its thickness and hardness (usually rated 9H on the hardness scale), tempered glass can effectively protect the screen from cracks and deeper scratches that may occur during everyday use.

Tempered glass maintains the screen's full transparency and does not negatively impact its touch sensitivity. Modern tempered glass is also resistant to fingerprints and smudges, keeping the smartphone screen cleaner for longer.

An additional advantage is that in the event of a strong impact, tempered glass absorbs the shock, often cracking instead of the screen, which helps save on costly screen repairs. Thus, choosing tempered glass is a great solution for those who want to provide their device with maximum protection.

Applying tempered glass requires precision, but following some simple steps makes the process smooth. First and foremost, just like with protective film, it's crucial to thoroughly clean the smartphone screen. The best method is to use a microfiber cloth and a special cleaning solution or alcohol wipe, often included in the tempered glass kit. Remove all dust particles, as even the smallest speck can cause air bubbles under the glass.

Then, carefully remove the protective backing from the tempered glass. Align the glass with the screen, ensuring all openings (e.g., for the camera or speaker) are perfectly matched. Once aligned, gently apply the tempered glass to the screen, starting from one side and gradually pressing it down over the entire surface.

Once the glass is in place, remove any air bubbles using a plastic card or the applicator provided in the kit. Try to gently move the card toward the edges to eliminate the air. If the glass has been applied correctly, the screen should be perfectly smooth, and any bubbles should disappear.