Phone screen protectors are primarily made of either plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or of laminated tempered glass, similar to the device's original screen they are meant to protect.
Common Screen Protector Materials
Screen protectors serve as a crucial layer of defense for your smartphone's display against scratches, scuffs, and impacts. The materials used in their construction determine their flexibility, durability, feel, and protective qualities. Based on their composition, they generally fall into two main categories: plastics and tempered glass.
Plastic Screen Protectors
Historically, plastic screen protectors were among the first types available. They offer basic scratch resistance and can provide a thin, often flexible layer.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): PET is a rigid type of plastic. PET protectors are typically the most affordable and offer simple scratch protection. They are clear but do not provide significant impact resistance.
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): TPU is a more flexible plastic than PET. TPU protectors offer better impact absorption than PET and can have "self-healing" properties that allow minor scratches to disappear over time. They can sometimes have a slightly different feel than glass.
Tempered Glass Screen Protectors
Tempered glass protectors are a popular choice due to their enhanced protective capabilities, mimicking the feel of the phone's actual screen.
- Laminated Tempered Glass: These protectors are made from glass that has undergone thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared to regular glass. They are constructed from multiple layers, including an oleophobic coating (to resist fingerprints), the tempered glass layer, an anti-shatter film, and a silicone adhesive. Tempered glass offers superior scratch and impact resistance compared to plastic alternatives and can absorb significant force from a drop, often breaking itself to save the actual phone screen.
Material Comparison
Choosing the right screen protector often depends on the balance between protection needs, feel, and cost.
| Material Type | Subtypes | Flexibility | Scratch Resistance | Impact Protection | Feel | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | PET, TPU | Varies (PET rigid, TPU flexible) | Basic to Good | Limited to Good | Plastic-like | Lower |
| Tempered Glass | Laminated Tempered Glass | Rigid | Excellent | Excellent | Glass-like | Higher |
Understanding the materials helps consumers select a screen protector that best suits their lifestyle and protects their device effectively. Whether plastic or glass, the goal remains the same: to keep the original screen in pristine condition.
