Do You Really NEED a Screen Protector? Here Are 5 Reasons You Do!

There are two types of people: those that use screen protectors and those that don't. Whatever your opinion on screen protectors is, many people often debate whether they are necessary on modern smartphones. Despite that, a screen protector is still a good idea that everyone can benefit from with little downside.
Continue reading to learn five reasons it's smart to invest in a quality screen protector for your iPhone!
Recommended Screen Protectors
- Tech Armor iPhone XS Max Screen Protector
- Spigen iPhone XS/X Screen Protector
- Spigen iPhone XR Screen Protector
- Tech Armor iPhone 6 Plus, 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus Screen Protector
- Spigen iPhone 6 or 6s Screen Protector
5 Keys, Coins and Sand Are Still Dangerous
Most modern smartphones sport durable glass that’s already fairly resistant to scratches (and they get better every year). For the most part, many abrasive or sharp materials and items won’t scratch your screen with routine contact. But there are exceptions.
Keys, coins and other metal objects can certainly scratch your screen — particularly if they’re in contact in a pocket for extended periods. If you’re a beach-goer, sand is also notorious for being able to leave scratches on even the most recent versions of smartphone glass. In other words, better to be safe than sorry.
4 Screen Protectors Can Ward off Fingerprints
In addition to being fairly scratch-resistant, most modern smartphones (including iPhones) typically have a thin oleophobic layer. Simply put, this coating helps ward off smudges, fingerprints and marks left by the natural oils from fingers, hands and cheeks.
But oleophobic layers aren’t indefinite, the thin coating can degrade with use and wear off. While an oleophobic layer’s lifespan is dependent on a number of factors, you will eventually find that your screen does accumulate fingerprints and smudges. A good screen protector can increase its lifespan or offer its own anti-smudging abilities.
3 Cleaning the Actual Display Comes with Risks
Say you’re routinely cleaning your iPhone’s display and you notice that the cleaning process is actually leaving some damage. While cleaning your phone’s screen is recommended, there are a number of things you shouldn’t clean it with. Apple cautions users not to use chemical cleaners or abrasive materials. But not everyone knows this — and sometimes, it’s a fact that’s easy to forget.
As a second layer over a display, a screen protector can essentially give your display a second chance if you accidentally use a sketchy material or cleaner on it.
2 Screen Repairs Aren’t Cheap
Some people can live with scratched displays, some people can’t. If you fall into the latter camp, the best way to get rid of scratches is to replace your screen. But screen replacements aren’t cheap. If you don’t have AppleCare+, they can range from $129 to $329 depending on the model of iPhone you have.
There are, of course, many “do-it-yourself” remedies for display scratches floating around the web. Some of these may even appear to work, but they’re certainly not recommended. You can actually end up doing more irreparable damage to your display by using many of the DIY methods. Using a screen protector right-off-the-bat could save you hundreds in repair costs later.
1 They Protect Your iPhone's Resale Value
If you don’t use a screen protector, chances are your iPhone’s display will eventually get scratched over a few years of normal usage. And, as we’ve covered, screen replacements don’t come cheap and most “free” methods don’t work or are actually damaging.
An iPhone with visible damage, even relatively minute scratches, will have a lower resale value than an iPhone in mint or excellent condition.
So just think of using a screen protector as an investment toward your iPhone’s future. It can also help keep your phone in good shape if you’re renting or leasing it.
? Which Ones Should I Buy?
As we’ve covered, you probably should be using a screen protector on your iPhone. If you’re convinced, the next step is to buy one. That may seem easier said than done since there are a plethora of options on the market —and not all of them are created equally. We can, however, recommend the following options for iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS/X and iPhone XR (all of which have excellent reviews on Amazon).