Tempered glass vs. protective film: Choosing the best shield

Protecting a smartphone screen is a priority for most users. Scratches, cracks, and dirt are everyday threats when using our devices. Various solutions are available on the market, with protective film and tempered glass being among the most popular. Choosing between them depends on your individual needs, so in this article, we'll explore the advantages of both and show you how to install them properly for maximum screen protection.

Protective film is one of the cheapest and most straightforward solutions for protecting a smartphone screen from scratches and minor damage. The main advantages of protective film include its thinness, which does not affect the phone's appearance or the quality of the displayed image. The film is also flexible, making it easy to apply, and importantly, it can be easily replaced in case of damage. Protective film is often chosen by people who don't want to increase the weight of their device 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 severe falls, 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 is crucial to thoroughly clean the screen to remove any dust particles and fingerprints. It's best to use a special microfibre cloth or a damp alcohol wipe that leaves no streaks.

The next step is to remove the backing from the protective film carefully. Then gently align it with the edges of the screen, starting from one side and gradually applying the film over the entire surface. It is important to avoid creating air bubbles – to this end, 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 after a few hours.

Tempered glass is one of the most effective forms of smartphone screen protection. Unlike protective film, tempered glass provides much more protection, especially against falls 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 during everyday use.

Tempered glass maintains the screen's full transparency and does not affect its touch sensitivity. Modern tempered glasses also resist 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 in place of the screen, which helps save on costly screen repairs. Therefore, choosing tempered glass is an excellent solution for those who want to provide their device with maximum protection.

Applying tempered glass requires precision, but the process will be smooth if you follow some simple steps. First and foremost, just like with protective film, cleaning the smartphone screen thoroughly is essential. It's best to use a microfibre cloth and a unique cleaning solution or alcohol wipe, often included with the tempered glass kit. You must remove dust particles, as even the smallest dirt can cause air bubbles under the glass.

Then, carefully remove the backing from the tempered glass. Align the glass with the screen, ensuring all openings (e.g., for the camera or speaker) are perfectly aligned. When everything is set, 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 with the kit. Try to gently move the card towards the edges to eliminate the air. If the glass has been applied correctly, the screen should be perfectly smooth, and the bubbles should disappear.