Tempered Glass Vs. Plastic Screen Protectors: Pros & Cons | Mobile Shark Blog (2024)

Tempered Glass vs. Plastic Screen Protectors: When buying a new smartphone, accessories for it should not be disregarded. Accessories will not only make it fashionable but also increase its functionality. Indeed, you want to protect your smartphone from damage and keep it looking great always. When looking for protective gear for your phone, you might be torn between plastic screen protectors and tempered glass.

Tempered Glass vs. Plastic Screen Protectors

To help you choose the best one for your phone, we listed their pros and cons below.

Tempered Glass Vs. Plastic Screen Protectors: Pros & Cons | Mobile Shark Blog (1)

Plastic Screen Protectors

Indeed, nobody wants to see his/her phone with a broken or cracked touchscreen. It’s heartbreaking, especially when the phone is recently purchased. Plastic screen protectors are very much available in the market nowadays, and they are commonly used to protect the phone.

Pros

  • Durable and resilient. According to some tests, even dropping or hammering the phone will not cause damage, as long as it has a plastic screen guard.
  • Reusable. Plastic screen protectors can be changed anytime; You can keep them, and then use them again if you want. Therefore, you can make the most of your purchase for its long-term usage. If you need to use a waterproof case, a plastic screen protector is ideal for your phone.

Cons

There are also some disadvantages associated with plastic screen protectors.

  • Scratches and dirt marks are evident. They are much thinner compared to a tempered glass protector.
  • More prone to damage. They can be more susceptible to damage because they don’t cover the phone’s curved edges.
  • Visible fingerprint marks. Fingerprints can be left on the screen after using the phone, so you may need to wipe your phone too often.
  • Cracks and scratches will be magnified. Minor cracks and scratches that may have been on the screen protector may become bigger with a plastic screen protector.
  • Not that smooth. A plastic screen protector may not feel as smooth as a glass tempered protector.
  • Less scratch-resistant. They may be less scratch-resistant because they do not provide full coverage to the phone.
Tempered Glass Vs. Plastic Screen Protectors: Pros & Cons | Mobile Shark Blog (2)

Tempered Screen Protectors

Tempered screen protectors are a common choice of phone owners who want to cover the entire screen without damaging the edges. Made through an extensive heating and cooling process, tempered glass protectors are stronger and can endure extreme conditions. They are also infused with multiple layers containing anti-shatter film, oleophobic nano-coating and of course, a penetrable silicone coating. All these elements make tempered glass more durable than normal glass.

Pros

  • They can help get rid of oil smudges and fingerprint marks.
  • They are made of materials that are resistant to both scratch and oil.
  • They provide an enhanced experience and touchscreen sensitivity to the users.
  • They give a better look to the smartphone; the protectors are much clearer compared to plastic ones.
  • They are easier to clean.

Cons

  • A tempered glass protector requires more caution to avoid cracks.
  • There is a possibility that you’ll cut yourself in case a bad chip happens.

Conclusion to Tempered Glass vs. Plastic Screen Protectors

When choosing between tempered glass and plastic screen protectors, you need to consider durability, price, as well as their pros and cons. While screen protectors are made to protect your smartphones, tempered glass protectors are observed to be more durable and robust. In the end, the decision will still be up to your preference. However, it will also be helpful if you’ll seek advice from professionals.

If you’re looking for high-quality tempered glass screen protectors in Birmingham, look no further as you are in the right place, shop at Mobile Shark! We provide an amazing array of mobile phone cases and screen protectors. Browse our products today!

As a seasoned expert in the realm of smartphone accessories, particularly screen protectors, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the nuanced choice between tempered glass and plastic screen protectors. My understanding extends beyond the surface, encompassing the intricate details that differentiate these protective accessories.

Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:

1. Plastic Screen Protectors:

  • Pros:

    • Durable and Resilient: Demonstrated through tests, plastic screen protectors can withstand drops and impacts without causing damage to the phone.
    • Reusable: Highlighting the cost-effectiveness, these protectors can be changed and reused, ensuring long-term usage.
  • Cons:

    • Scratches and Dirt Marks: Thinner compared to tempered glass, plastic protectors are more prone to scratches and may accumulate dirt marks.
    • More Prone to Damage: Due to their thinner nature, plastic protectors are more susceptible to damage, especially on the phone's curved edges.
    • Visible Fingerprint Marks: Fingerprints are more evident and may require frequent wiping.
    • Cracks and Scratches Magnification: Minor cracks and scratches on the protector can become more pronounced over time.
    • Less Smooth: The feel may not be as smooth as that of a glass tempered protector.
    • Less Scratch-Resistant: Providing less coverage, they may not be as scratch-resistant.

2. Tempered Glass Screen Protectors:

  • Pros:

    • Oil and Fingerprint Resistance: They help eliminate oil smudges and fingerprint marks, maintaining a cleaner screen.
    • Scratch and Oil Resistance: Made of materials resistant to both scratches and oil.
    • Enhanced Experience and Touchscreen Sensitivity: Users experience improved touchscreen sensitivity.
    • Better Aesthetics: Clearer protectors contribute to a more visually appealing smartphone.
    • Easier to Clean: Cleaning is more straightforward compared to plastic protectors.
  • Cons:

    • Requires Caution: Despite durability, tempered glass protectors require caution to avoid cracks.
    • Possibility of Cuts: In the event of a bad chip, there is a risk of cutting oneself.

Conclusion:

In the ultimate decision-making process between tempered glass and plastic screen protectors, considerations must include factors such as durability, price, and the outlined pros and cons. While both types serve the purpose of protecting smartphones, tempered glass emerges as the more robust option. The decision, however, remains a matter of personal preference, and seeking advice from professionals can provide valuable insights.

For those in Birmingham seeking high-quality tempered glass screen protectors, Mobile Shark stands as a reliable source, offering an extensive range of mobile phone cases and screen protectors to meet diverse needs. Browse their products for a comprehensive selection.

Tempered Glass Vs. Plastic Screen Protectors: Pros & Cons | Mobile Shark Blog (2024)

FAQs

Which is better, tempered glass or plastic screen protector? ›

Tempered-glass screen protectors do better against drops and scratches than plastic. Plus some brands offer added features, including antiglare and privacy technology. The main downside? The protector is thicker, so you'll notice it on your screen.

What is the disadvantage of a tempered glass screen protector? ›

Potential Drawbacks

Furthermore, because of the added thickness provided by a tempered glass screen protector, some phone cases may not fit properly, or the home button of the phone itself may seem more indented. This can take some getting used to for phone users.

Are plastic screens better than glass? ›

Conclusion. Glass screen protectors offer good protection for your smartphone, but are thicker. There's a chance it will break in case of a fall, but your screen won't be damaged. A plastic screen protector is a thin protective layer, which offers the basic protection from scratches and bumps.

What are the advantages of plastic screen protectors? ›

Plastic Screen Protectors Advantages & Disadvantages

Plastic has been used for years to make cost-effective products. Some of the pros of plastic and plastic hybrid screen protectors include the fact that they're low-cost, thinner, and lighter. Plastic is also shatter-proof and resistant to fingerprints.

What are the disadvantages of tempered glass on phones? ›

Disadvantages of Tempered Glass

Although it is much stronger than conventional glass, when tempered glass does break it will completely shatter.

Is tempered glass stronger than plastic? ›

Tempered glass is always more robust and durable than plastic. Plastic protectors, which are around 0.1mm in thickness, get scratched easily, while glass protectors are generally 0.3-0.5 mm in thickness.

Do we really need tempered glass screen protector? ›

No. Unless you want your screen protector to be very scratch resistant. It wont help much from a high fall (has low impact protection) as glass will shatter. I do suggest at least some kind of screen protector though, as regular wear and tear will wear down your phones screen and small scratches will come in time.

Are tempered glass screen protectors worth it? ›

In terms of drop protection, tempered glass doesn't offer any benefit over the alternative, acrylic/polycarbonate protectors, which may be slightly better for the phone & definitely less likely to require replacing the protector itself.

Does tempered glass feel like plastic? ›

You can feel the difference between both plastic and tempered glass screen protectors. Your fingers glide smoothly over the tempered glass, and it's amusing to use. They feel more like the original screen.

How to tell the difference between tempered glass and plastic? ›

A: The primary difference is the material. Tempered glass screen protectors are made of toughened glass, while plastic screen protectors are typically constructed from plastics like PET or TPU. Materials impact the durability and clarity.

Why use glass instead of plastic? ›

Glass doesn't leach chemicals

Food, drinks, cosmetics, and other things packaged in plastic may contain traces of chemicals found in the packaging, and these chemicals can be toxic. The same isn't true of glass containers, since glass contains far fewer toxic substances that won't leach out of the glass anyway.

Are plastic phone screen protectors good? ›

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET screen protectors provide the least amount of scratch- and impact-protection, but they're super cheap, light, and thin, and as a result are less visible once applied to your phone. They also have a decently smooth feel, unlike the more durable but rubbery TPU.

Does tempered glass damage screen? ›

Tempered glass can also resist scratches from pointed sharp object and can even absorb shock when you occasionally drop your phone, thus protecting your display. With more severe falls, tempered glass will shatter in to small pieces but your display will remain intact.

Is a plastic screen protector good enough? ›

Tempered glass is tougher and more durable than plastic, which means it offers better protection. Use tempered glass to protect your phone screen not only from scratches, but also from breaking.

Which type of screen protector is best? ›

Best screen protection

Best material: Tempered glass. This type of screen protector is all about protection. Usually made from tempered glass, these screen protectors are all about protecting your devices from scuffs, dings, and the occasional drop.

What is the strongest screen protector? ›

BodyGuardz Pure® is made of tempered glass—the toughest protector glass on the market. It is premium, ion-strengthened glass with a hardness stronger than steel (9H). Third-party testing verified that BodyGuardz Pure® is two times more impact resistant than the leading competitor.

Is a plastic screen protector enough? ›

Tempered glass is tougher and more durable than plastic, which means it offers better protection. Use tempered glass to protect your phone screen not only from scratches, but also from breaking.

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