A simple guide to buying a smartphone screen protector

Today, the use of a smartphone is a common part of day-to-day life. The ability to be always available for communication is very useful. So, too, is the ability to search out everything from competitor prices on a product seen in-store to finding information about a certain product before the purchase. However, as we all know, the pace of modern life means that our smartphones often live precarious lives. All it takes is one bump from a stranger, and your smartphone could be damaged on the floor.

That is why, today, many people choose to go down the route of using a smartphone screen protector. These protectors come in many shapes and sizes and for different devices. They also share different purposes. Some use them for privacy, others to give their smartphone another layer of durability.

If you are interested in buying a product like this, we recommend you take a quick look through our quick and easy-to-follow smartphone screen protector buying guide. If you want to make sure your investment is worthwhile, you should consider the following issues before committing. This should hopefully ensure that your smartphone is protected to the standard that you need moving forward in the future.

What do you want a smartphone screen protector for?

The first thing you need to think about is its purpose. People can choose to buy smartphone screen protectors for all kinds of reasons. Some of the most common causes, though, include:

  •       Privacy. You might not want people to see what you are writing or typing on your device when out and about in public. These screen protectors stop your phone from being visible to prying eyes.
  •       Visibility. Sick of trying to read a text message in the glaring sun? Then an anti-glare screen protector like this might be more suited to what you are looking for to help keep your messages visible and clear.
  •       Durability. If you are someone who happens to drop your device on a semi-regular basis, you are only one unlucky drop away from a smashed screen. An anti-shock screen protector, though, solves this.

If you are considering buying a screen protector, this could be exactly what you want. Whether you feel like you need a bit of extra protection or simply want to have the insurance that your phone will not be smashed on impact, they make wise purchases. The main thing to know is what you intend to use that protector for. Buy an anti-glare protector thinking it will provide extra privacy, and you will be disappointed.

Is a smartphone screen protector necessary today?

You might also wonder if your device has enough baked-in security features to need this. After all, many see the idea of someone peering over your shoulder to steal your address or your credit card details to be a little bit paranoid. And while it might be in some cases, there are enough brazen criminals who would take this risk to put most people on high alert.

You need to think about how you use your device in public. If you are someone who does not use your smartphone in a public place, you probably do not need a screen protector in many ways. You might find that you simply do not require that extra layer of protection. If you are someone who sits in public places and does everything from sending business messages to buying goods with your smartphone, a protector is a very good idea.

Are you checking sensitive or private information, sharing private photos or information, or even buying something in a public place? You probably need a phone screen protector.

How important is your public privacy?

A major talking point of the last few years has been our approach to privacy as a civilization. For many, it is simply data; who cares if some company knows where you live or if you have bought something from them before?

For others, though, privacy is one of the few powers they have left. Using your data as a weapon against you is never nice. Others hate the idea of companies recommending things and providing them with ‘insights’ based on the previous usage. Others simply do not care and do not worry about who looks at their phone in private.

You need to think about the approach you take to personal privacy. Are you the person who covers the keypad when entering your bank card PIN number? If you are, a privacy screen probably fits your personal approach.

This is about more than security protection, though

The other main reason to get a phone screen protector is its durability. If you have a smartphone you like, you naturally do not want it to become damaged. You want it to remain with a non-cracked screen and whatnot. With the help of a screen protector, you could ensure that your phone is more likely to sustain a drop onto a hard floor or a tough edge. These can be the extra layer of ‘padding’ that your screen needs to ensure it does not become an insurance claim.

You also need to think about usage in public. It is often very annoying to send and receive messages or insights from our devices during the summer. Anti-glare covers, though, ensure that we can see our screens so much easier, and thus, we can avoid the same squinting and failure to parse messages due to visibility.

Smartphone screen protectors do more than keep your information safer in public. It can keep your phone in the right condition and/or make sure you can use it accordingly.

Making the right choice

You must decide how often you use your device in public and how confident you can keep data and devices secure and safe. If you feel you are sharing too much information or using your device often in public, you should consider your choice closely.

Smartphone screen protectors, though, are not a gimmick or a fad. When used right, they can be incredibly useful.