Should I use a screen protector on a 3GS?

[SirDarren]

I've just got my first iPhone - A 3GS.

So torn on this it's unbelievable.

I was the same about a case, but now I've decided to stick with my case (http://vimeo.com/2848467) and just take out the iPhone if I want to use it for more than a couple of minutes. [Despite it being a perma-case, it still slips out and in easily].

Maybe I should be using a slider or something but this is working fine ATM once you have the method.


Now I just don't know what to do about the screen.

I'm currently using a SwitchEasy screen protector on it, and it makes the screen look pretty grainy - Mainly when I'm in a primarily white application like Mail or just browsing websites.

But it is pretty good in the way that not ONE fingerprint gets on the screen, and the anti-glare is superb. [Both of these are because it's matte-style].

I just think it looks so much better naked, but I'm not sure how bad it will scratch.

I'm guessing the Oleopathic screen is plastic so it's going to scratch more easily as well.

I have my front-right pocket reserved for my phone and never put anything else in with it, but I guess that doesn't really matter that much as it can get scratched outside of it, etc.


TLDR: iPhone 3GS, use screen protector or not? Current protector makes the screen look grainy. I never put anything in pocket with the iPhone.

[ZipZap]

The issue is scratching and not of the coating wearing off. If it wears off and your under warranty you will get a replacement....but with scratches you are not likely to get a replacement.

You will have regret with the first scratch.

I have a 3GS and the Crystal protector from apple.

Just put it on. It does not make the screen look worse.

The o-screen onthe 3GS is a gimmick and useless in my book. If it scratches easy then it add no value as you are solving one issue but creating another.

If you insist on going without a screen protector then get a case with a flip over cover.

[CarboysDesire]

I've been an iPhone owner since the 2.0/Edge launch day and I've never used a screen protector. And I've never had a scratch. I'm now using a 3GS with the same results.

[eawmp1]

I have my front-right pocket reserved for my phone and never put anything else in with it, but I guess that doesn't really matter that much as it can get scratched outside of it, etc.

Got my 3GS on launch day - I was so anal that I put an antiglare screen protector (thinking it would help me in the sun) on it as it came out of the box. 1 Month later peeled the thing off. It lives in my left front pocket. Nary a scratch on it. It's glass, so it can scratch. However, in my experience (and based on several threads though the years on this very topic), unless you are careless, a screen protector is not necessary.

[SirDarren]

The issue is scratching and not of the coating wearing off. If it wears off and your under warranty you will get a replacement....but with scratches you are not likely to get a replacement.

You will have regret with the first scratch.

I have a 3GS and the Crystal protector from apple.

Just put it on. It does not make the screen look worse.

The o-screen onthe 3GS is a gimmick and useless in my book. If it scratches easy then it add no value as you are solving one issue but creating another.

If you insist on going without a screen protector then get a case with a flip over cover.

Good advice on the flip cover, thanks!

Got my 3GS on launch day - I was so anal that I put an antiglare screen protector (thinking it would help me in the sun) on it as it came out of the box. 1 Month later peeled the thing off. It lives in my left front pocket. Nary a scratch on it. It's glass, so it can scratch. However, in my experience (and based on several threads though the years on this very topic), unless you are careless, a screen protector is not necessary.

I understand it's glass, but isn't the oleopathic coating plastic?


I also just looked at my previous 3 phones - LG Renoir [3" plastic touchscreen], SE k800i [plastic screen], SE k750i [plastic screen] and there's not a scratch on any of them - despite them all being dropped at least once and never having any case/screen protector...

Kind of swaying to the "without" side now.

[mavis]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS (White, 32GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

I've owned every iDevice sold by Apple since 2007 (except the original iPhone which was not sold in Japan) and I've used all of them without screen protectors. The 3GS is the only one I've inadvertently scratched, and I'm extremely careful with it, just like with all the others. The oleophobic coating has worn off and the screen is about as hard to keep clean as every previous iPhone/Pod has been.

That said, I'm getting a replacement in two days and I don't plan on putting a screen protector on it, either. The screen is very durable (not scratch proof, but close!) and it feels great when it's new. YMMV

[SirDarren]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS (White, 32GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

I've owned every iDevice sold by Apple since 2007 (except the original iPhone which was not sold in Japan) and I've used all of them without screen protectors. The 3GS is the only one I've inadvertently scratched, and I'm extremely careful with it, just like with all the others. The oleophobic coating has worn off and the screen is about as hard to keep clean as every previous iPhone/Pod has been.

That said, I'm getting a replacement in two days and I don't plan on putting a screen protector on it, either. The screen is very durable (not scratch proof, but close!) and it feels great when it's new. YMMV

Thanks for the reply!

Do you mean you're getting another 3GS already, or just a screen replacement?

[mavis]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS (White, 32GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

I'm getting a replacement because mine has eight hairline cracks all around the dock connector/speaker/mic ports and I'm afraid it will completely disintegrate one of these days. Also, the oleophobic coating has almost completely worn off and finally, my friend got a replacement iPhone from the Apple Store near my house last night and it came with OS 3.0 installed, rather than 3.1. I figure if I want to preserve my jailbreak (and unlock) I should get the replacement now. :)

[sn0warmy]

If you even have to ask about it then you are worried enough to justify getting one. I have the Power Support screen protector on my 3GS and I had one on my 3G as well. The Crystal Film Screen is cheap, can be found at any Apple store, and when installed you cant even tell it's there. It looks like it has no screen protector on it.

Those dummies who say the screen cannot be scratched are misinformed. I have seen my buddy's 3GS plenty of times and he has scratches on his screen that are very noticeable and he regrets not paying the $14 for the screen protector right from the get go.

Just think about how pissed you'd be if you got a scratch and knew that just paying a few bucks for the screen protector could have prevented it?

[theonekcrow]

I had an iPhone 3G and a 3GS. I used a cover for some time on the on the 3G, but only so I would not have to clean it every 6 hours. Screen covers are ok, but only for a limited time. And they are expensive too. I have seen no need for a screen cover on a 3GS and will not get one.

[mavis]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS (White, 32GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

If you even have to ask about it then you are worried enough to justify getting one. I have the Power Support screen protector on my 3GS and I had one on my 3G as well. The Crystal Film Screen is cheap, can be found at any Apple store, and when installed you cant even tell it's there. It looks like it has no screen protector on it.

Those dummies who say the screen cannot be scratched are misinformed. I have seen my buddy's 3GS plenty of times and he has scratches on his screen that are very noticeable and he regrets not paying the $14 for the screen protector right from the get go.

Just think about how pissed you'd be if you got a scratch and knew that just paying a few bucks for the screen protector could have prevented it?

First of all, the insults aren't necessary. ;)

Second, the iPhone is so poorly made, by the time you actually manage to scratch the screen there are likely other things which warrant a replacement, in Apple's eyes anyway. Case cracks are the most common and well-documented defect, but there's also light leak, mis-aligned buttons, screen, and bezel, accumulating dust under the glass due to ill-formed rubber seal, etc. Just get it replaced. Eventually Apple will start paying a little bit of attention to build quality.

[nikhsub1]

I've been an iPhone owner since the 2.0/Edge launch day and I've never used a screen protector. And I've never had a scratch. I'm now using a 3GS with the same results.
Same here. People on this forum need to get out more and do something about their OCD, it's getting old. Use the phone and stop worry about **** that is meaningless.

[sn0warmy]

First of all, the insults aren't necessary. ;)


You're right. My appologies. I meant it more of a light hearted joke.

Didn't mean to offend. :)

[sn0warmy]

Same here. People on this forum need to get out more and do something about their OCD, it's getting old. Use the phone and stop worry about **** that is meaningless.

I wish I could. Unfortunately, if I scratched my screen I would get pissed about it every time I used my phone.:(

Which is why I spent the money on a screen protector and now I don't ever have to worry or think about it.

[nikhsub1]

I would get pissed about it every time I used my phone.... You mean you don't get pissed every time you use your phone now cause you got a 16GB instead of a 32GB? :D I have never used a protector and never had a scratch... my wife either and she keeps hers in her purse with all kinds of ****.

[getatkyill]

It is very difficult to scratch the iPhone 3GS screen , I was getting a replacement iPhone the other day and watched the Genius rep take his very own iPhone 3GS out and take the sim eject tool (looks like a screwdriver and quite sharp) to his screen making circles and different patterns with it on his screen, not a single scratch or anything on it.

I actually had an incase slider case on my iPhone before replacement and it created a hairline scratch from being in the case for less than a week with only taking the phone in and out of the case once, never dropped or anything.

Basically leave it naked with some sort of screen protection. Right now I'm using the zagg invisible shield (full body) and might return it just for the crystal film anti-glare I bought from apple to just cover the screen.

[mavis]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS (White, 32GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)





First of all, the insults aren't necessary. ;)


You're right. My appologies. I meant it more of a light hearted joke.

Didn't mean to offend. :)

That's cool, and thanks. No offense taken. I can take whatever comes my way anyhow, and dish it out as well ;) but the mods try to keep things civil in here and I just wanted to make sure the discussion didn't start heading the wrong way. :)

It's an interesting split, though, on this question!

[sn0warmy]

You mean you don't get pissed every time you use your phone now cause you got a 16GB instead of a 32GB? :D I have never used a protector and never had a scratch... my wife either and she keeps hers in her purse with all kinds of ****.

haha, well that's a whole other issue. In my case, I've never filled any ipod with more than 10-12GB of stuff. So to me, paying the extra $100 for 32GBs is just not justifiable.

Instead, I took that extra $100 that I would have been wasting and put it towards a case, dock, screen protectors, and some sushi.

[Tu13es]

Interesting stuff here. I'm considering getting an iPhone and am not sure if I want a screen protector. On one hand, the screen is quite durable. On the other, the few bucks for a screen protector is probably worth it, especially if I can't tell it's there.

I had an iPod Touch that I never used any sort of case with. After about a year, I somehow scratched the screen like crazy. Not sure exactly how, but I was kicking myself for that.

[ZipZap]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS (White, 32GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)



First of all, the insults aren't necessary. ;)

Second, the iPhone is so poorly made, by the time you actually manage to scratch the screen there are likely other things which warrant a replacement, in Apple's eyes anyway. Case cracks are the most common and well-documented defect, but there's also light leak, mis-aligned buttons, screen, and bezel, accumulating dust under the glass due to ill-formed rubber seal, etc. Just get it replaced. Eventually Apple will start paying a little bit of attention to build quality.

Until your warranty is up...

A scratched screen will not be replaced...

[SirDarren]

AHHH WHY DO BOTH SIDES HAVE SUCH GOOD ARGUMENTS!?

:mad:

Just making it harder :p

Keep 'em coming though.

I'm gradually leaning towards going without one because of so many people saying nothing has happened theirs', together with the fact I take pretty good care of all my phones.

Maybe if I could find an unnoticeable one it would be difference, but this current one is just too grainy.

[numbersyx]

I too have seen scratched up screens and the owners kicking themselves for not getting protection. If you're worried about it... just do it.

[Glemery]

Ultimately YOUR decision but I've used the Zagg Invisible Shield on my original iPhone, my 3G and my 3GS - It's the closest thing to having nothing at all.

As for going with "nothing at all" - Been there and have regretted it.

I use my phone while out Mt Biking, hiking, kayaking and working in not very clean environments (I also own an Otterbox case for my iPhone).

[crhudy1985]

I have the PS Anti-glare and I love it. Scratching wasn't really a fear of mine. I just can't stand the amount of fingerprints on the screen without the anti-glare screen protector. I hate wiping off my screen every time I use my phone and like the feel of the anti-glare. But I think that is definetly a personal preference. The same as those who prefer cases because they like the look of them over the protection they provide.

[SirDarren]

Despite the ~2:1 poll result I have removed my protector.

I will update this thread soon enough when I have decided if it was a good decision or not.

Thanks for all your replies everyone.

[Tu13es]

I picked up a Power Support Crystal screen protector today. I'm really pleased with it. Other than the holes around the screen and home button, you pretty much can't tell it's there. No graininess in the screen whatsoever. I'm very happy with it.

[Djlild7hina]

i just took off my BSE off my iphone as it was bugging the crap out of me and i'll see how it goes... I used no screen protector on my 3g and got a few hairline scratches because i put the phone face down... but that was also without a case so i'll probably go caseless and screen protectorless again from now on

[isprocket]

When I was at the Apple store the other day, a sales person tried to show the resistance the iPhone has to scratching. He took his keys out of his pocket and dropped them on the screen over and over (about 3-4" above the screen). Then he reported this is how his phone is treated when in his pocket. Impressive!
On a side note; I found "iKlear travel singles" cleaning wipes great for restoring the screen its brilliant clear appearance.

[wase4711]

power support crystal anti glare are wonderful, because they totally eliminate fingerprints..I got bored with mine, and put the mirrored one on the other day that came with my ISolo FX, and its kinda cool, giving a cool bluish tint to the text and pictures on the screen. but, the fingerprints will annoy me eventually, and I will go back to a Power Support, I am sure..

I agree that obsessing about getting a little dust, nick or mark on a electronic device is pretty lame..its not a "Mona Lisa", its a tool that we use every day!

dont we buy these things to use them, and not treat them like museum pieces???

[zenoran]

i dont understand how you people with a 3gs dont have scratches on your screen. I'm on my 2nd screen and it scratched within a week.

I am VERY careful not to put ANYTHING else in my pocket... I can't imagine someone how puts other crap in their pocket... how the heck doesn't it scratch for you guys.

[SirDarren]

Okay guys so I've been going without one for 4-5 days now and let me tell you, greatest decision ever so far!

There's nothing like the screen Apple made for you to use.

Everything is crystal clear, feels better, and not a single scratch so far!

I'm still using my case when I'm out, but it's going in and out of my zip and jean pockets everyday without any screen protection. And not a problem.

I'll report back in another couple of weeks. :)

[SirDarren]

Alright guys, I've been going over 2 months now without a screen protector.

And I've been going almost a month without any cover/shell.

And let me tell you all now, GREATEST DECISIONS EVER.

The iPhone screen is literally SPOTLESS. Not one tiny thing wrong with it.
As new as the day I got it. Really well built.

Same with the whole phone.

Just an update for those who need help deciding. GO WITHOUT BOTH, 100%.

You should be able to enjoy the phone, and let me tell you, I'm enjoying it so much more without. :D

:apple:

[KidPub]

I'm very happy with the relatively inexpensive Griffin protector found in their Screen Care Kit. They come in a pack of three for about $12, and after a couple of months of heavy use there's not a mark on protector. I'd started out with the protector that ships with the Speck Candyshell, but it was a scratched, cloudy mess after a few weeks.

The Griffin has a good feel, very glassy, and is quite clear. Size and home button cutout are not perfect but quite close. For the price I'm pleased with the quality.

Perry

[rwilliams]

The very first accessory I buy for my devices is an InvisibleShield. A scratched up screen would drive me insane, so I'd rather spend $25 up front than take the chance.

[Blake Barker]

No, I don't think you should get one, it messes with the screen and gets annoying after a while. Sometimes it's rather sticky and makes your hands dry after touching the protected screen.

Maybe it doesn't happen to you, but I just wasted money getting one and I regret it. The only reason I wanted to buy one in the first place is to not have to clean my iPhone 3GS screen every 5 or 6 hours. But all I have to do is get an iPhone microfiber pouch cleaner which I tested in less than 5 seconds, sparkly and clean after wiped.

So in my opinion, the screen will not get scratched and don't get one. At the end of the day though, it's your choice.

----------

Also, I just remembered.

You don't want a screen protector on the 3GS. It cleans very qucikly and is oil resistant, and with the protector on it will lose the resistance to oil.

The screen stays healthier without one.

[SirDarren]

Haha, wow you really dug up an old thread here! What I wouldn't give to be able to roll back those 2 years and give myself some warnings of what was coming in life. :rolleyes:

But on-topic, still using the 3GS as the iPhone 4 wasn't worth the upgrade especially with the signal problems. Waiting to see the specs of the iPhone 5 soon, but the 3GS is still working fine.

And for what it's worth, haven't used a case/screen protector in 2 years, and it's still 100% flawless, not a single scratch on the screen, and just a bit of wear around the Apple logo on the back.