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22mac

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 13, 2012
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Do you use a screen protector and a case or do you just use a case?

Does the screen get marks if you don't use one?
 
Do you use a screen protector and a case or do you just use a case?

Does the screen get marks if you don't use one?

I use a screen protector with a Magpul case (cause it's sleek and thin). I know there are individuals that don't and aren't worried about it cause they don't care if their screen gets scratched or it never happened to there phone before but I would rather be protected than be SOL if my screen got scratched (cracked, i have Applecare for that).
 
Do you use a screen protector and a case or do you just use a case?
Countless existing threads cover this and you can refer to them. FWIW, I do neither and use only a screen protector.

Does the screen get marks if you don't use one?
It can. Some go without one with no scratches. Others don't use one and have scratches. No one can tell you what your experience will be like. If I had a crystal ball I'd be making bank off of it instead of advising you for free on this matter.

Rather than polling people with random preferences that may or may not have any relevance to your own, you need to take whatever precautionary measures you're willing to deal with. The screen isn't unscratchable and all it takes is the right piece of grit in the right place.
 
Yep. Two years ago, I was reading topics regarding the same question. One person said that all it takes is one nick to make you regret not having that screen protector.
There's no such thing as glass that won't scratch on a phone and if nothing else, it's piece of mind. Saying that, I'd risk no case if it didn't mean the camera lens wasn't flat against surfaces.

If you can live with minor nicks and scrapes, go for it.
 
Yup. I use the Bodyguardz Pure: http://www.bodyguardz.com/screenguardz-pure-glass-protector-film-guard-shield

It may be expensive but you can find coupon codes and you get replacements for $12.95 if something does happen. Mine cracked a little in the corner and I ordered a replacement and then sent the old one back to be able to receive replacements at the $12.95 price.

It feels just like glass. When I first got my phone I put a cheap screen protector on to protect it until it arrived and when I was able to put the glass one on, it is amazing how much better it feels.
 
I dont use one, I get fingerprints if those are the "marks" you talk about, but no scratches. Ive worn them in jeans and often keep my phone in my pocket with my keys. I havent got any scratches (yet) but there can always be that one time where you arent so lucky. But no scratches for me in the past 8 months so far.
 
yes, i've definitely gotten scratches without a screen protector, and plenty of scratches and other damage to the phone without a case. the other consideration with the screen is that eventually the oleophobic coating will wear away and it becomes much harder to wipe away smudges and things even with lots of rubbing and the screen seems to take on a more dull appearance. i got the applecare+ warranty and spent the last 6 months without a case or screen protector. got the phone replaced yesterday with a brand new one. the good news is that the phone still worked great even after all the abuse, and it really didn't look horrible even after all i put it through. but it definitely had its share of scrapes, dents, scratches, etc. and as i said the screen looked kind of dull and grimey. you also get little microscratches in the coating that look like legitimate scratches. i also had a pit mark or two on the screen.

long story short i'm going back to a case and screen protector with this one probably until i get a new iphone.
 
Always, Screen Protector Only.

Never thought it was worth the risk. But friends who don't use them end up with pretty nasty looking phones.
 
Never had a case or screen protector on my iPhone. The edges are a little dinged from a few drops. Not catastrophic, but definitely noticeable. My screen shows normal wear and tear I'd say. You can faint scratches when in direct sunlight.
I'm hopefully getting it replaced just before the 1 year warranty ends for its shot sleep/wake button and considering a case+screen protector straight out of the box to hold me until the next gen (or 2 even) iPhone. Just can't find one that I feel like I'll be able to stand. The new Apple 5s ones look promising. Here's hoping.
 
Do you use a screen protector and a case or do you just use a case?

I use both a screen protector and a case.

I keep my phones for a long time (my previous phone was a flip phone from the last decade), so I try to keep the screen as pristine as possible with a protective film. If I got a new phone every year I might not care so much.

Case is a must fit me on iPhone 5. Device is too thin in my hands without a basic TPU case.
 
Yep. I used to go caseless and just use a skin and screen protector, but since installing a glass screen shield, i use a slim case as well to prevent chipping
 
No, and for the past year of usage, I have no major scratches to show. Only hairline ones that you can see in direct sunlight.
 
I never put one on my 4S that I'v had since launch and I don't have a single scratch. I use mine a LOT too. I take it skiing, to work out, etc. I'm debating if I want to get a glass screen protector for the 5S or not. I hated the feel of plastic screen protectors in the past.
 
I've had every generation of iPhone and never have I used or ever will use a screen protector. I have never had issues with the screen either.
 
I had a screen protector on my iphone 4 for a year, and took it off because it was all scratched up. It had no protector on for ~2 days until a replacement came in the mail (I failed the install...fml...) and had gotten a small scratch on the screen. When I got the 5 I realized I had to step up my game and bought a glass screen protector. They're BY FAR superior to the ****** plastic ones. I could never go back and I can never not use them. I'm a customer for life.
 
I didn't care for screen shields until they came out with glass ones. They work so good that it's a must to put one on there.

Kinda funny, I think the glass ones are the most ridiculous ones of all.
 
I've been using a screen protector on my iPhone 5 since day one. When I had my 4S, I used it for over 6 months without one, and it did get a 1 or 2 hair scratches on the screen.
 
I love screen protectors, but my biggest issue would be the speck of dust that might get stuck inside.

Is there any fool proof way to install a screen protector without any dust? afaik there will always be some dust in the air no matter how thorough you clean the phone before install.
 
I love screen protectors, but my biggest issue would be the speck of dust that might get stuck inside.

Is there any fool proof way to install a screen protector without any dust? afaik there will always be some dust in the air no matter how thorough you clean the phone before install.

I've heard the technique before where you apply the screen protector in a room with a sink. Run the hot water for a while an it apparently removes the dust in the air. Not sure if that's just hocus pocus or the water in the air clings to the particles or something.

It seemed to work for me anyway, last time. Also, if you loop tape around your finger, you can remove dust from the underside of the protector.

In my experience, and I've applied a few at this point, it is around 60% luck (and having back-ups). :)
 
It just seems rather dumb to put glass on glass.
It doesn't seem that strange to me - the glass on top is disposable (and cheaper to replace). I'm waiting on reports regarding the fingerprint sensor before I give the glass protectors much thought.
 
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