Do you really need a screen protector? What it actually protects

💡 Need to know

• Screen protectors aren't magic. They're designed to reduce damage—not make your phone indestructible.
• Scratches are their specialty. Tempered glass can also help absorb some impact from everyday drops.
• Modern screens are tough—but not scratch-proof. Even something as small as sand can leave permanent marks.
• If you drop your phone often, a quality case and tempered glass protector are hard to beat.

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Phone screens have come a long way over the past few years. They're stronger, tougher, and more scratch-resistant than ever before.

But "stronger" doesn't mean "unbreakable."

We've all seen it happen. A phone slips out of a pocket, slides off the kitchen counter, or lands face-down on the driveway. Sometimes it survives without a scratch. Other times, one unlucky drop is all it takes.

Asurion Experts help people protect their devices every day. Here's what a screen protector actually does, what it doesn't do, and whether it's worth putting one on your phone.

Do you really need a screen protector?

The honest answer? It depends on how you use your phone.

If your phone spends most of its life in a pocket or bag with keys, coins, or other hard objects, we'd almost always recommend one. The same goes if you've dropped your phone before—or know you're likely to drop it again.

If you're extremely careful with your phone and already use a protective case, you may not need one quite as much. Even then, there's still some risk. Simply put: a screen protector is worth it for most people because it adds another layer between your display and everyday wear and tear, and extra protection from mishaps is never a bad thing.

What does a screen protector actually protect against?

This is where expectations matter. A quality screen protector is excellent at preventing:

• Everyday scratches
• Scuffs
• Wear from keys, coins, and rough surfaces
• Minor impacts and small drops

For bigger drops, it can also help reduce damage by absorbing and spreading some of the impact before it reaches your phone's display. That's one reason tempered glass protectors often crack themselves—they're taking part of the hit instead of your screen.

The important word there is help.

A screen protector can lower the chances of damage, but it can't guarantee your display won't crack.

Are modern phone screens strong enough without one?

Phone manufacturers have made huge improvements to display glass. But, that doesn't mean scratches are a thing of the past.

We've seen tiny grains of sand leave permanent marks on premium smartphone displays. A modern phone is much tougher than one from five or ten years ago, but it's still vulnerable to scratches and hard impacts.

That's why we don't look at screen protectors as something you need because phone screens are weak. We look at them as inexpensive insurance against everyday accidents.

Tempered glass vs. film: Which is better?

Not all screen protectors offer the same level of protection.

Tempered glass is thicker and more rigid, making it much better at absorbing and spreading impact from drops.

Film protectors are thinner and more flexible. They're great for preventing scratches, but they don't provide nearly as much impact protection.

If your biggest concern is dropping your phone, tempered glass is the option we'd recommend.

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🔗 Read more: Phone screen protectors: plastic, glass, liquid—which is best?

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Is a screen protector enough?

A screen protector is one part of the equation. If you're trying to protect your phone from everyday damage, pairing it with a quality case gives you much better overall protection than either accessory alone.

We've found that's the combination that helps prevent the most common screen repairs: a case to absorb the impact and a screen protector to take the scratches and smaller hits.

For top quality tech accessories recommended by our experts—including cases and screen protectors—check out our online store: https://shop.ubreakifix.com/

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FAQ

Do screen protectors actually prevent cracked screens?

Not always. They help absorb some impact, but they can't prevent every crack.

Are tempered glass screen protectors better than film?

Usually, yes. Tempered glass offers better protection against drops, while film is mainly for scratches.

Can modern phone screens still scratch?

Yes. Even durable glass can be scratched by things like sand, keys, and other hard materials.

Is a screen protector worth buying?

For most people, yes—especially if your phone spends time in your pocket, bag, or on hard surfaces.

Do I still need a case if I use a screen protector?

Yes. A screen protector helps protect the display, while a case helps absorb impact when your phone is dropped.