Tempered glass or foil? How to effectively protect the phone screen?

Does perfect smartphone protection exist? Which will be better: tempered glass or protective film? Both solutions are considered the best protection for the phone screen, both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is worth taking a closer look at both options.

Article update: 18.08.2023

The most sensitive place in modern phones is definitely the display. Large touch screens are very delicate and can crumble in the blink of an eye upon contact with a hard floor. Manufacturers of tempered glass and foil, which are basic screen protection, come to the rescue. Each of them protects the phone screen from scratches, dirt and other mechanical damage. What is the difference between tempered glass and film? Check out our list.

Contents:

• Tempered glass for the phone screen - features
• Advantages of tempered glass
• Disadvantages of tempered glass
• Protective film for the phone - features
• Advantages of the protective film
• Defects of the protective film
• The difference between tempered glass and film
• Summary

Wozinsky Full Cover Flexi Nano hybrid glass

Tempered glass for the phone screen - features

Tempered glass for a mobile phone is usually approx. 0.3 mm thick (although there are thinner variants), and thanks to its rigid structure, it is easy to stick to the smartphone screen. In each package of glass there is a wet and dry cloth, which removes dirt and greasy fingerprints. This is the key stage of the perfect fit of the glass with the screen! It's not worth ignoring it.

Standard tempered glass is available in various versions, differing mainly in the shape that adapts to the specific smartphone model. An important aspect when buying glass is its hardness given on the Mohs scale. The higher the value, the greater the protection against scratches, so it is best to choose glasses with the 8H and 9H markings for the mobile phone display.

Why is it worth investing in tempered glass? As a material installed in various places and devices, it has many strengths and weaknesses. What are the advantages of tempered glass on the phone, and what are the disadvantages?

Advantages of tempered glass

• Offers significantly greater impact and scratch resistance. Thanks to this, the phone screen is better protected against everyday damage.

• It guarantees a precise fit. The glass is perfectly cut to the screen.

• It does not adversely affect the quality of the displayed image. The glass is very clear, which means it lets almost all light through, allowing colors and details to be displayed in their full range.

• It has a longer life and better durability due to its hardness. Marking 8H or 9H provides high protection against screen damage.

Tempered glass with black frame Spigen Glass FC

Disadvantages of tempered glass

• Although it is much more resistant to scratches and damage, it is also quite brittle. It may crack or shatter as a result of a strong impact or fall.

• Sticking glass can be difficult - especially on phones with curved screens. Improper application of the tempered glass to the screen surface may lead to air bubbles or improper fit, which may interfere with the appearance of the screen or the touch function.

• It may slightly increase the volume of the device or affect the comfort of use. Tempered glass has a certain minimum thickness and although it is relatively thin, it still adds an extra layer to the screen.

Baseus tempered glass with mounting frame

Protective film for the phone - features

A phone screen protector is a thin layer of material, usually made of a plastic like TPU (or glass particles in the case of a glass film called hybrid glass or flexible glass). It acts as the first line of defense for your phone's display, minimizing the risk of screen damage in everyday use from scratches and dirt.

Manufacturers such as Wozinsky, 3MK, Spigen or Baseus offer a very wide selection of protective films that differ in price, structure, thickness and gloss or matte effect. Choosing the right type depends on individual preferences, usage style and phone model. When choosing a film, pay attention to its shape and fit to the screen. It is important that the film does not overlap the front speaker, as it will affect the quality of the sound you hear during phone calls.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a protective film? Like any screen protector, it has its pros and cons that are worth considering.

Spigen Neo Flex hydrogel film 2 pcs.

Advantages of the protective film

• Protects against minor scratches. Those that usually appear as a result of contact with sharp objects, e.g. keys.

• Makes it easy to keep the screen clean. Thanks to the oleophobic coating, the film makes it difficult for greasy fingerprints to adhere.

• Possibility of relatively cheap replacement in case of damage. You can stock up on a few pieces in advance and change them from time to time.

Defects of the protective film

• It has a fairly short lifespan. The film is quickly scratched and damaged and even a slight "scratch" of the material ends with the necessity of earlier replacement.

• It does not protect against the cracking of the smartphone screen. The protective film protects against scratches, dust, dirt, but in the case of stronger impacts or falls, it significantly reduces its effectiveness.

• Its application is quite difficult. To stick a protective film on the phone, you need to master working with a flexible material.

• Often there is a problem with an inaccurate fit to the screen and, as a result, distortion of the displayed image. After applying the film on the screen, the image may become less expressive, the colors may lose their hue and saturation. After incorrect application, it may reduce the viewing angle - it will be noticeable especially when driving a car on a sunny day with the navigation turned on.

Baseus full screen protector

The difference between tempered glass and film

Putting on proper screen protection is an investment in longer life and better quality of using your smartphone. To find out whether foil or protective glass is better, it is worth comparing the differences.

• Screen protection level - both glass and foil effectively protect against dust, dust and small particles that could penetrate the smartphone screen. However, glass offers a higher level of protection against scratches, impacts and mechanical damage. It is also more durable in everyday use.
• Transparency - the protective glass preserves the high quality of the displayed image, without significantly affecting the colors or sharpness. Light reflectance is typically lower, minimizing glare. The film has a lower optical quality. Glare may be more visible, which may make it difficult to use in bright light.
• Edge fit - On some models of phones with curved screens, it can be harder to find a properly fitting tempered glass. Sometimes it can happen that the glass does not adhere perfectly to the curved edges, which can affect aesthetics and durability. The film ensures a better fit to the shape of the screen due to its flexibility.
• Installation and replacement - the application of the protective film is more difficult than glass. The process itself can be time consuming and requires precision as the film is flexible and bends a lot. Glass gains not only hardness, but also the fact that some manufacturers add a special applicator to their glasses.
• Price - standard tempered glass is usually more expensive than film. While it may be worthwhile in the long run due to its higher durability, the initial purchase cost may be higher for some people. Protective films are typically less expensive than tempered glass, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable price.

Spigen Neo Flex protective film 2 pcs.

Summary

When deciding between tempered glass and a protective film, you need to consider your individual needs:

• Tempered glass is the choice for those who care about maximum strength, hardness and ease of assembly.

• Protective film is a good choice for those who are looking for a good price, protection against basic damage and flexibility.