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Do I Really Need A Screen Protector For My Tablet?

Do I really need a screen protector for my tablet?

After getting that brand new iPad under the tree this past Christmas, you may be wondering to yourself:

“Do I really need a screen protector for my tablet?”

Let me make this really easy for you:

Yes, you do need a screen protector for your tablet. 

Tablets are bigger and heavier than a smartphone. They are also more susceptible to falling and breaking due to their size. 

A screen protector provides a little extra protection from the impact of a fall (and trust me- you’re going to drop it at some point). 

Moreover, it also prevents that beautiful, clear touch screen from incurring those unsightly scratches during daily use. 

Using tempered glass as a screen protector is a better option than plastic. Tempered glass is harder, stronger, scratch-proof, and has a greater capacity to survive accidental impact to protect the original screen.

A screen protector also keeps the original screen looking new as the day you bought it, and can increase the resale value of the tablet. 

I suggest going a step further and using a case along with the screen protector to safeguard your prized possession and increase its longevity. 

Is A Tablet Screen Protector Necessary?

Is A Tablet Screen Protector Necessary
Image Source: https://saharacase.com/

Tablets are not carried in pockets like smartphones- true. 

Tablets are not used the way smartphones are used- maybe, maybe not.

“Do I really need a screen protector for my tablet even if I don’t take it outside every day or use it extensively?” 

Yes, you do. 

Your tablet still needs a screen protector. 

The simple reason is that the touchscreen is sensitive and prone to scratches at the slightest scrape. 

Moreover, the dirt, oil, sweat, and other fun substances on our fingers are easily smeared onto the screen- which I’m sure you’re not too keen on.

The tiniest grain of dirt can result in a micro scratch on a tablet’s screen even if you use it at home. 

Therefore, it’s a very good idea to be safe and protect the screen by applying the screen protector/guard no matter how little you use the tablet. 

Some users have noticed that touch pens wear off faster when the tablet has a plastic screen protector. 

This is because the plastic film rubs against the tip of the touch pen, and the friction blunts the tip. 

However, glass doesn’t harm the touch pen. The tablet screens are made of glass, and adding another layer of protective glass over them will neither harm the tablet nor the touch pen. 

Also, there are different types of screen protectors available in the market. For example, you can get screen protectors that reduce glare (matte), offer privacy by restricting view angles, and even screen protectors that act as mirrors. 

Is It OK To Not Use A Screen Protector On Tablets?

Is It OK To Not Use A Screen Protector On Tablets?
Image Source: https://www.computermagazine.it/

Again, I’m going to be blunt: It is not okay to not use a screen protector on tablets. 

Let’s look at some important reasons to apply a screen protector to your tablet:

  • It minimizes the impact of a drop. In many instances, the screen protector cracks, but the actual screen stays unharmed. Moreover, it’s much easier and cheaper to replace a broken screen protector than it is to get a new screen for the tablet.
  • Using a privacy screen protector will prevent scratches and limit visibility when using it in public. For example, people sitting beside you can’t see the tablet’s screen the way you do- useful when you’re working on top secret plans.
  • A reflective screen protector serves as a mirror when the screen is turned off. Although it’s not a major benefit, it can come in handy in the most unexpected moments- like when you’re not sure if there’s something stuck in your teeth from lunch!
  • Anti-reflective screen protectors minimize glare and reduce the strain on your eyes. As a result, you’ll be able to use your tablet for a longer time without turning your eyes as dry as decade-old chalk.

FAQ’s

Q1. Should I Use Glass Or Plastic For The Screen Protector?

A plastic screen protector is cost-effective and thinner. Using a thinner guard ensures that the touch response time is not affected. 

However, it also means that the screen is still susceptible to cracking. 
A glass screen protector is slightly more costly and thicker.

However, it is easier to apply on the screen and feels natural to touch. The thickness acts as a barrier and can reduce the impact of a fall. There might be a very minute delay in touch response time.

Q2. How Is Gorilla Glass Different From Tempered Glass?

These days, many laptops, LCD screens, smartphones, and tablets come with Gorilla Glass pre-applied to the screens. 

Gorilla Glass is a toughened, durable, scratch-resistant, damage-resistant, and lightweight glass manufactured through an ion-exchange chemical strengthening process. 

Tempered glass is sold separately as screen protectors and is slightly thicker, 99.99% transparent, scratch & shatterproof. 

When compared, Gorilla Glass is stronger than tempered glass. The good news is that you can buy Gorilla Glass separately as a screen protector. 

It’s advisable to use a screen protector even if the tablet comes with pre-applied Gorilla Glass.

Q3. What is the Lifespan Of A Tempered Glass Screen Protector?

A tempered glass screen protector can last longer than the tablet with proper care. The durability of the screen protector really depends on how you use the tablet. 

If there are too many scratches, or if the screen protector has cracked, or if it starts to peel away from the sides; it’s time to replace it with a new one.

If your tablet faces heavy usage, it’s normal to have to replace the screen protector once every 2-3 years.

Q4. What is a Privacy Screen Protector?

A privacy screen protector is a screen guard with anti-spy layers. It limits visibility to certain angles and keeps your information private. 

Privacy screen protectors use micro louver technology where the screen is visible only from the front angle of 60 or 90 degrees. 
Anyone outside the vicinity of this cannot see what’s on the screen. As a result, you can work in public without worrying about peeping toms! 

Privacy screen protectors come in PET films and glass versions. 

Summary

Screen protectors are really a no-brainer for a mobile tech device such as a tablet. They prevent micro-scratches on a tablet’s screen, and keep it as good as new. 

It is recommended to use a tempered glass screen protector (as opposed to a plastic one) to safeguard the original screen and keep it damage-free. 

Another advantage of a tempered glass screen protector is that it doesn’t wear the S-pen’s nib (or the tip of the stylus) as plastic screen protectors do. 

The only time you may not need a screen protector is if you rarely use your tablet and don’t ever take it outside. 

However- at the risk of sounding like a broken record- tablet screens are at risk even when used in the safety of your home. You know what to do now. Wrap it up!

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