Survivorship bias is a real thing. Only those with issues will go online and post about it. Numerous posts about iPhone 11 and later complained that the screen can scratch easily (specially with iPhone 12 that has Ceramic Shield), thus the need for a screen protector. I am looking in this post for those who are holding iPhone 12, without a screen protector, yet experiencing no to unnoticed screen scratches. Anyone?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I am going without screen protector for iPhone 13 and needed some confirmation!
- Thread starter lagflag
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I've never used a case or screen protector since iPhone 3GS. Never had a scratch or a drop. It's so much better. But people handle things differently I guess. No judgment.
I’ve never used a screen protector and I’ve never broken, cracked, scratched etc. I do however always use a case that has drop protection.
My iPhone 12 is the first iPhone I’ve used without a screen protector. The experience is so much better and it’s scratch free still.
The only real-world risk I've ever encountered is keeping my phone in my pocket with my keys. As long as those two are separated, I've never chipped or scratched my iPhone.
I hate scratches of any kind of the screen. I have always used a screen protector. I haven't had any usability problems working that way versus no screen protector.
I can’t stand screen protectors and haven’t use them since my first iPhone (3G). Some years I’ll get microscratches but they don’t bother me at all. If the scratch is deep enough you can always pay $29 to have a screen replaced with apple care.
I don’t like screen protectors especially the anxiety of putting them on my phone perfectly. But, I had one on my 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max and now on my 13 Pro Max. I am extremely careful (semi OCD) and never carry anything in my front pocket other than my phone and a little micro fiber towel. After a year I had a couple of scratches on my 11 PM and one on my 12 PM. It would have really bothered me had it been the actual screen and not the protector. I say a screen protector is a must.
This year I went the economical route and bought an amfilm kit on Amazon. I usually go for Zagg or Belkin, which are much more expensive. The amfilm was easier to apply and covers more of the screen. Highly recommend.
This year I went the economical route and bought an amfilm kit on Amazon. I usually go for Zagg or Belkin, which are much more expensive. The amfilm was easier to apply and covers more of the screen. Highly recommend.
amFilm Screen Protector OneTouch for iPhone 14 Plus 6.7" 2022 iPhone 13 Pro Max 6.7" 2021 with Easy Installation Kit, Full Coverage Case Friendly, Tempered Glass, 2 Pack
amFilm Anti-Spy Tempered Glass for iPhone 14 Plus (6.7 inch 2022) and iPhone 13 Pro Max, OneTouch Private Screen Protection, Edge to Edge Full Coverage with Easy Installation Kit – 2 Pieces
smile.amazon.com
Sorry, can’t really help you there.
I bought every iPhone up to the 4S, after which I started upgrading every other year, except I skipped both the 6 and the 6S because I hated the size. I have never used a screen protector on any phone, and have never had any major issues. Sure, a few scratches here and there, but nothing that bothered me.
I noticed more scratches than usual early on on my 12 mini, and then one day I had two deep gouges. They don’t bother me, but I have no idea how I got them.
Still wouldn’t consider a screen protector if I got a new phone.
Until now I have never put a screen protector on anything (phone, PSP, Vita, iPad,…).
Hated the feel of it, hated the dust under it, hated it put it on…
My iPhone 13 will be the first one with a screen protector. I kept my iPhone 6 for 7 years without a screen protector, and yes it got some little scratches but invisible when the screen is on. But everyone I know who got a 12 have a lot of scratches and even Friday, the iPhones on display at the store, less than 5 hours after the opening had a screen worse than my 7 years iPhone 6.
Hated the feel of it, hated the dust under it, hated it put it on…
My iPhone 13 will be the first one with a screen protector. I kept my iPhone 6 for 7 years without a screen protector, and yes it got some little scratches but invisible when the screen is on. But everyone I know who got a 12 have a lot of scratches and even Friday, the iPhones on display at the store, less than 5 hours after the opening had a screen worse than my 7 years iPhone 6.
The screen may be scratch resistant, but the oleophobic coating sure isn't and when it gets scratched, it sure looks like the screen is scratched. People who say their screen doesn't get scratched can ignore those small scratches on the top coating. I can't. Therefore I apply a screen protector from day 1 whenever I get a new phone.
I've been debating this for a while myself. One on hand, I have AppleCare+ and tbh I feel like I'm not getting my moneys worth if I'm not living a little on the edge. On the other hand, I know when I get that first micro scratch, it'll kill me. I'm kinda picky about scratches and scuffs (I don't wanna say "OCD" cuz I don't like throwing that word around but...). On an invisible third hand, once I got that tiny, invisible-to-everyone-else first dent on the aluminum body of my MBA, I stopped worrying about it completely. It was honestly a bit freeing.
I'm not at all worried about resale value or whatever (I usually just give my old iPhones to my younger family members).
I'm not at all worried about resale value or whatever (I usually just give my old iPhones to my younger family members).