Choosing a screen protector: tempered glass or film?

Tempered glass

Tempered glass is a thin layer of glass with an adhesive side. It feels almost like the screen itself and responds to touch as usual. Many makers state "9H": that refers to a scratch test with pencils of increasing hardness, and 9H is the hardest step. So it says something about scratches, not about breaking.

If the phone falls, the glass itself may crack. Then you replace the glass. PanzerGlass, Spigen and OtterBox make glass screen protectors for most new phones, such as the PanzerGlass Ultra Wide Fit for the iPhone 17 Pro, the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit for the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the OtterBox Premium Glass for the Pixel 10. PanzerGlass also has a Ceramic range, such as the Ceramic for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Film: TPU and hydrogel

Film is made of plastic, such as TPU or hydrogel. It is thinner and flexible, so it follows curved edges better than glass. It absorbs less of a hard knock than glass does, but it does protect against scratches.

On foldables, film is the rule. Samsung applies a protective layer to the inner screen of its Galaxy Z Flip and Fold at the factory and says not to remove it yourself; to replace it, Samsung refers you to a service centre and warns that a non-official film can cause touch problems. Other makers also make films for foldables, such as the PanzerGlass FlipFoldFlex for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which PanzerGlass describes as hydrogel TPU. For the Galaxy Z Fold 8, PanzerGlass sells a set of glass and film; which part goes on which screen is in its instructions.

Fit: case friendly and applicators

A screen protector that runs right to the edge can be pushed up by a case. That is why makers make them "case friendly": slightly smaller than the screen, so the edge of the case doesn't get underneath. PanzerGlass puts it in the name, as well as "Ultra-Wide Fit" for the versions that cover as much of the screen as possible.

The hardest part is applying it straight and without dust. That is why many models come with a frame or applicator that you place on the phone. Spigen calls it EZ Fit, and PanzerGlass includes an applicator with the SAFE Privacy for the iPhone 18 Pro, among others.

Privacy filter

A privacy screen protector has a filter that narrows the viewing angle. Straight on you see everything; from the side, someone else mostly sees a dark screen. Useful on the train or in the office. PanzerGlass and Belkin have privacy versions, such as the PanzerGlass Privacy for the iPhone 17 Pro and the Belkin TemperedGlass Privacy for the iPhone 16, 15 and 14 Pro.

Fingerprint sensor and camera

On phones with a fingerprint sensor in the screen, the screen protector must be suitable for it. According to Samsung, the thickness and structure of a screen protector can affect the in-screen sensor of its Galaxy phones, and Samsung does not guarantee that other makes work; check whether the maker mentions the sensor. Samsung advises registering your fingerprint again after a change.

For the cameras there are separate lens protectors, such as the PanzerGlass Hoops and Hama's camera glass for the iPhone 16. PanzerGlass also has a set with camera glass, such as the one for the iPhone 18 Pro. Every model is under screen protectors, with prices from several shops.