iPhone SE (2016) Does the new iPhone SE need a screen protector?

[Jeepy]

Hi all,

As the title says... I have used my old friends 4 and 4s for many years without a screen protector and hardly see a scratch on them today, aside from a few surface scratches only visible from certain angles/in certain lighting. I only used a bumper case with a back panel, which has saved the phones from the inevitable hand full of accidental drops over the years.

I wonder if the new SE is as scratch resistant as the 4 was... Any experiences (perhaps also with the 8 if that's similar)?

I'm asking because I prefer the iPhone with the minimal amount of added bulk, to enjoy its original design. But I do baby my phones and want to do what's necessary to keep these sleek expensive little machines looking as new for as long as possible, even if a screen protector is what it takes...

Thank you in advance!

 

[44267547]

Screen protectors offer one solution only, it protects against smudges and scratches. There’s no iPhone display on the market ‘durable’ to avoid any everyday usage without the use of a screen protector, it’s completely optional. If you opt for a screen protector, invest in a quality one where it can be installed either professionally or by someone that knows how to properly , and you should barely notice it’s attached to the display. Your use cases may vary.

 

[EM2013]

The question is do you need a screen protector, only you can answer that.

And I don’t get what a screen protector has to do with adding bulk.

 

[teeshot44]

Nobody uses their phone exactly like you use yours. Only you will be right for you. Everyone else will be wrong. “Bulk”? That’s about like a fly on an elephant’s ass.

 

[TechLord]

I would use a screen protector on any new device personally. I use a case also, but if I had to choose over a case and a screen protector I'd choose the latter. Iphones gather micro-scratches on their screens incredibly easily. There's no bulk with a screen protector and unless you get one of those ones which causes a rainbow effect you'll probably forget it is even there.

 

[ericwn]

Get AppleCare with the phone and get service in case the screen gets damaged.

 

[Jeepy]

Thanks guys! I guess "bulk" wasn't the right word to use here. I simply meant I'd prefer the phone as is, with no additional layers. But if that means scratches then I do want a screen protector. I was going for a case either way, because the screen or glass back will obviously crack if dropped without one. Now I'm thinking a case that hides the edges of the screen protector might be good.

 

[now i see it]

I've never found a screen protector necessary on my phones

 

[ericwn]

Thanks guys! I guess "bulk" wasn't the right word to use here. I simply meant I'd prefer the phone as is, with no additional layers. But if that means scratches then I do want a screen protector. I was going for a case either way, because the screen or glass back will obviously crack if dropped without one. Now I'm thinking a case that hides the edges of the screen protector might be good.

While this is just my anecdote, I often use my 8+ without a case and when dropped it hasn’t shattered the front or rear glass. So this may or may not be similar with the lighter SE.

 

[MartyvH]

With screens susceptible to scratching etc. the way they are, I would just get a screen protector with any model. I had one supplied and fitted on my XS by a shop, expertly positioned (by hand), for US$20. After 19 months it still looks like a new one, apart from the oleophobic coating gone (the lack of which is invisible if it's clean). No lifting or cracks anywhere. Worth every cent.

The idea of a screen protector is to be cheaper than a new screen. When it gets scratched, you just take it off and put a new one on. Far better than a scratched screen that you can't do anything about.

 

[Ixon2001]

I've had my SE since launched bought a couple of screen protectors that never fitted properly, lifting around the edges so i gave up.

The screen on my SE is still perfect not a scratch or micro scratch to be seen, my iPhone 7 screen was also pristine even after a year of use as was my original iPhone SE.

 

[Steven-iphone]

One scratch on a mobile phone's screen and that can be an obsession (for me) - a glass screen protector does not add bulk - I barely notice it.

 

[russell_314]

If it wasn't for the edges of the screen protector I wouldn't know it's there. It doesn't add bulk at all. Back in the day of plastic screen protectors I can see this being a question but today with glass ones the better question would be why not use a screen protector.

As to brands I'm using a $12 one from Walmart. If you're not extremely careful and do it in a dust free environment you'll get stuff under it. It's best to have it done by someone if possible.

 

[Steven-iphone]

If it wasn't for the edges of the screen protector I wouldn't know it's there. It doesn't add bulk at all. Back in the day of plastic screen protectors I can see this being a question but today with glass ones the better question would be why not use a screen protector.

As to brands I'm using a $12 one from Walmart. If you're not extremely careful and do it in a dust free environment you'll get stuff under it. It's best to have it done by someone if possible.

My glass screen protector came in a 3 pack - did all the cleaning, installed the protector and there were some dust specks. Pulled it off did a wipe down, installed the 2nd one and success - no dust specks. I used a small Maglite (flashlight) and shined it over the surface to detect any dust.