The Google Pixel 3 is constructed with the Corning Gorilla Glass 5- break-proof, and twice as strong as the Gorilla Glass 3.
However, this does not mean that the Pixel 3 screen is scratch-proof.
On the contrary, the Glass 5 is not really scratch-resistant at all and is prone to becoming marked quite easily. In fact, both sides of the Pixel 3 seem to be susceptible to scrapes.
Therefore, you might wonder:
“What can I do if my Pixel 3 screen scratches easily?”
It’s always a good idea to apply a screen protector on a new phone as quickly as possible to prevent potential damage from occurring. A phone case is also highly recommended.
If your Pixel screen has already been scuffed, there are scratch remover products available on the market that can get rid of the scratches quite handily. However, do keep in mind that these products remove the oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating, which you’ll have to reapply as well.
Why Does My Pixel 3 Screen Scratch So Easily?
“Argh! My Pixel 3 screen scratches so easily!”
As you might have guessed, this is an extremely common complaint that can be found all over the internet.
Among the plethora of issues that plague the Pixel 3, phone scratches on the front and back also appear to be a significant problem.
So, why exactly does this happen? Let’s take a look.
The Pixel 3 is made with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. We know that Gorilla Glass is strong, durable, and shatter-resistant. As such, Gorilla Glass 5 should be superior to previous versions in every way, right?
Theoretically, yes. However designing the perfect screen for a phone display is not as easy as it may appear, as there are multiple factors at play that require concession and compromise.
The previous popular variant (the Gorilla Glass 3) was already stronger when compared to the first 2 versions, being more lightweight, scratch-resistant, stronger, and thinner.
However, it wasn’t break-proof- and this was what Glass 5 tried to improve on.
This break-proof ability was indeed achieved as the strength and durability of the glass was greatly improved. Not only that, weight and thickness were also reduced for quite the impressive combination.
The Gorilla Glass 5 seemed perfect- until it was discovered that it suffered scratches more easily than its predecessor. This led to Pixel phones that had break-proof front screens with a proclivity for getting scratched.
How To Get Rid Of Scratches On A Pixel 3 Screen
Tiny or large, there’s no such thing as a nice scratch on a phone screen. They can be particularly frustrating when you need to use your screen for important tasks, such as typing or unlocking your phone with a fingerprint reader.
Since the damage is already done, the one thing that you can try to do now is to rectify it as much as possible and avoid any scratches in the future.
Realistically, there’s about one thousand and one DIY ideas on the internet of how you might be able to buff out the scratches on your phone screen.
With that said, some of these may have unwanted side effects- so do be careful about the advice you follow!
Below are a couple of proven ways that you can reduce the appearance of scratches on your Pixel 3 screen:
1. Screen Polish
Screen polishes and scratch removers promise to remove scrapes on a phone screen, returning them to that just-out-of-the-box state.
Kits can be bought for around ten to twenty dollars, and unsurprisingly, the reviews are mixed. Results depend on the intensity of the scratches and make sure that you do follow the instructions to the dot.
Screen polishes do unfortunately have an undesired side effect. They have a tendency to remove the existing oleophobic coating (which prevents smudges and fingerprints) on the display, along with the scratches.
This coating can be reapplied by forking out another $20 or so, or by purchasing a screen protector that has an oleophobic coating.
If you don’t want to go out and buy screen polish, especially for your phone screen, windshield scratch remover can also be used in a pinch. Results can actually be better as well, though you will still have to replace the oleophobic coating.
2. Screen Protector
Yes, we’re well aware that a screen protector will usually only prevent scratches on the display and not remove ones that have already happened.
However, if your Pixel 3 has only tiny scratches that are barely visible unless you look very closely, a screen protector can cover them very well.
While deeper scratches will still show through, lighter ones will be much harder to spot once a screen protector has been donned. And again, a screen protector will prevent future scratches from further damaging the display.
How Can I Protect My Pixel 3 Screen?
A tempered glass screen protector should always be your very first choice when it comes to protecting your Pixel 3 screen.
If you don’t already have one on your phone- get one now!
You can also protect your phone further by:
Using A Bumper Phone Case
Though silicon phone cases look cool, they don’t offer much in terms of protection.
Bumper cases, on the other hand, are designed specifically to protect your phone’s screen (and back).
Since we’ve already mentioned briefly above how the Pixel 3’s backside is also sensitive to scratches, a bumper case is a great choice.
Using A Pop Socket Or Phone Holders
A pop socket is a portable phone holder that provides a steady grip on a phone and prevents accidental slips. These work especially well when you need to leave the device on other surfaces while working.
In Summary
A few of the things that you can do if you have a Pixel 3 with a screen that scratches easily:
- Remove the scratches as much as possible with screen polish or scratch removers.
- Use a tempered glass screen protector not only to hide small scratches but to prevent future damage
- Switch to using a bumper phone case to avoid future damage as well.
Since Pixel 3 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (break-proof but not scratch-resistant) you will have to be extra careful when it comes to preventing scratches on your phone!
Just like us, smartphones consist of a pretty complex anatomy. Take a close look HERE at all the vital components that make up a modern-day smartphone!