iPhone 12 pro max - screen protector or not?

[Telesmurfen]

Hi! I just wanted to know your opinions on screen protectors vs no screen protector. I know that this is very individual and depending on how, and where, you use your phone. Some have a screen protector installed right out of the box when they buy a new phone, while others never use them. I’ve never been a fan of screen protectors, but considering the size of the iPhone 12 Pro max big screen, and how I hate scratches (even thin hairline scratches), I decided to have one installed. It’s edge to edge, so I really can’t tell that it’s there, but there are times when I imagine that it has a very subtle, milky white tint to it, and that in certain angles, I can kinda see a faint rainbow effect. So, the question is, with the new and stronger Ceramic Shield glass this year, is a screen protector still “needed”. I treat my phone very good, and during this pandemic, I’m mainly using it at home. Am I being too cautious, or have I made the right decision when installing a screen protector? Sometimes I just want to rip it off, but then I think, is it really ruining the quality of the display to such a degree that it’s worth the risk of getting scratches on my screen..? Are you using a screen protector or not?

 

[mtcislak]

I had one installed the day I got it. Lasted a few months before cracking. Took it off with intentions of replacing. Just haven’t got around to it and the screen feels better without it. I have apple care as a back up.

 

[Hunter5117]

I have not used screen protectors for at least the past 6-7 years. Up until the 12 Pro Max, I figured that I would get micro scratches from being in my pocket even though it resides there alone never anything else with it. After I guess 4 months now, I can see no scratches of any kind on the 12 PM. The new glass does seem to be tougher than before. Ditto on AppleCare+, I do the month by month plan.

 

[Spetsgruppa]

I decided to use a Spigen EZ fit Tempered Glass because its like using nothing at all. And keeps the phones oleophobic coating in good condition. Its gonna be a mess once the Oleophobic coating wears off. I like cleaning my screen with Pre Moistened wipes. But thats just me.

 

[Motionblurrr]

What screen protector did you install?

I’m *very* sensitive to clarity issues (I’ve worn eye glasses since I was like 5, always kept my glasses crystal clean, I hated the haze fingerprints gave) so I know what you mean about the “milky” haze. The OLED black parts of the screen has a slightly muted graphite look to it. It’s not as inky black as without a screen protector.

I’ve come to this conclusion after using many screen protectors from Amazon, eBay, brick & mortar stores etc looking for one that seems like I’m using nothing:

The *only* glass screen protectors that I’ve personally seen/used that have the least amount of milkiness & haziness are the top of the line Belkin Invisiglass the Apple store installs, or the top of the line Zagg Invisible Shield. Both these brands, when the screen is clean, have the least amount of color/OLED black interference to the clarity. They really are crystal clear and eye popping.

I believe it’s because the other neglected part of the screen protector is the adhesive used. A high quality adhesive is more transparent than a low quality one when it’s evened out and stuck to the iPhone’s glass. Not to mention the optical clarity of the glass itself, also the thinness makes it clearer.

The downside is that you won’t get an edge to edge glass protector, these have the notch cutouts. So you lose that aspect of your current screen protector.

IMO, the price is expensive but it’s soooo worth it for these brands. They’re amazing. Don’t get suckered into the gimmicky boutique screen protectors with the elaborate kit with the liquids like Whitestone dome, etc. Those aren’t as clear.

 

[Telesmurfen]

What screen protector did you install?

I’m *very* sensitive to clarity issues (I’ve worn eye glasses since I was like 5, always kept my glasses crystal clean, I hated the haze fingerprints gave) so I know what you mean about the “milky” haze. The OLED black parts of the screen has a slightly muted graphite look to it. It’s not as inky black as without a screen protector.

I’ve come to this conclusion after using many screen protectors from Amazon, eBay, brick & mortar stores etc looking for one that seems like I’m using nothing:

The *only* glass screen protectors that I’ve personally seen/used that have the least amount of milkiness & haziness are the top of the line Belkin Invisiglass the Apple store installs, or the top of the line Zagg Invisible Shield. Both these brands, when the screen is clean, have the least amount of color/OLED black interference to the clarity. They really are crystal clear and eye popping.

I believe it’s because the other neglected part of the screen protector is the adhesive used. A high quality adhesive is more transparent than a low quality one when it’s evened out and stuck to the iPhone’s glass. Not to mention the optical clarity of the glass itself, also the thinness makes it clearer.

The downside is that you won’t get an edge to edge glass protector, these have the notch cutouts. So you lose that aspect of your current screen protector.

IMO, the price is expensive but it’s soooo worth it for these brands. They’re amazing. Don’t get suckered into the gimmicky boutique screen protectors with the elaborate kit with the liquids like Whitestone dome, etc. Those aren’t as clear.

Thank you for your suggestions 😊
I prefer the edge to edge protectors, because of the dust that often gathers around the notch cutout. But, I’m willing to try again, if they offer “perfect” clarity. Or, as some above here have decided, just go without a screen protector.
But, if I am to change screen protector, these are the ones from Belkin or Zagg I can buy around here (I know I could always order a different screen protector online). Are these screen protectors the ones you meant? (The zagg one also comes with a clear case):

 

[Marshall73]

Nah, just grab the phone, scratch it with a key and never worry about it getting scratched again. No anxiety.. LOL

 

[Motionblurrr]

Thank you for your suggestions 😊
I prefer the edge to edge protectors, because of the dust that often gathers around the notch cutout. But, I’m willing to try again, if they offer “perfect” clarity. Or, as some above here have decided, just go without a screen protector.
But, if I am to change screen protector, these are the ones from Belkin or Zagg I can buy around here (I know I could always order a different screen protector online). Are these screen protectors the ones you meant? (The zagg one also comes with a clear case):
View attachment 1757318
View attachment 1757319

Yes those are it! But for the Zagg I would go for the Elite+ VisionGuard, which is the only one that competes with Belkin’s UltraGlass.

 

[Spetsgruppa]

What screen protector did you install?

I’m *very* sensitive to clarity issues (I’ve worn eye glasses since I was like 5, always kept my glasses crystal clean, I hated the haze fingerprints gave) so I know what you mean about the “milky” haze. The OLED black parts of the screen has a slightly muted graphite look to it. It’s not as inky black as without a screen protector.

I’ve come to this conclusion after using many screen protectors from Amazon, eBay, brick & mortar stores etc looking for one that seems like I’m using nothing:

The *only* glass screen protectors that I’ve personally seen/used that have the least amount of milkiness & haziness are the top of the line Belkin Invisiglass the Apple store installs, or the top of the line Zagg Invisible Shield. Both these brands, when the screen is clean, have the least amount of color/OLED black interference to the clarity. They really are crystal clear and eye popping.

I believe it’s because the other neglected part of the screen protector is the adhesive used. A high quality adhesive is more transparent than a low quality one when it’s evened out and stuck to the iPhone’s glass. Not to mention the optical clarity of the glass itself, also the thinness makes it clearer.

The downside is that you won’t get an edge to edge glass protector, these have the notch cutouts. So you lose that aspect of your current screen protector.

IMO, the price is expensive but it’s soooo worth it for these brands. They’re amazing. Don’t get suckered into the gimmicky boutique screen protectors with the elaborate kit with the liquids like Whitestone dome, etc. Those aren’t as clear.

Whitestone Dome... UV yada yada. Everytime i see WSD i want to curse. I remember spending so much on WSD when i was using Android as they were "easy" to install but very messy if you ask me.

 

[Motionblurrr]

Whitestone Dome... UV yada yada. Everytime i see WSD i want to curse. I remember spending so much on WSD when i was using Android as they were "easy" to install but very messy if you ask me.

Lmao yeah they’re just a big gimmick. They spend more money on the packaging, kit and the “UV light” (🙄 purple LEDs, please) than the actual glass and adhesive.

They recently came out with one that applies it on when you wind it up (no joke) like a toy. That liquid epoxy crap gets in your seals, speaker holes, edges of your phone and it’s just a big mess for nothing.

God knows what that crap it does to your OEM oleophobic coating. Regular tempered glass protector adhesive is mostly static and adhesive so it does nothing to the coating.

 

[Spetsgruppa]

Lmao yeah they’re just a big gimmick. They spend more money on the packaging, kit and the “UV light” (🙄 purple LEDs, please) than the actual glass and adhesive.

They recently came out with one that applies it on when you wind it up (no joke) like a toy. That liquid epoxy crap gets in your seals, speaker holes, edges of your phone and it’s just a big mess for nothing.

God knows what that crap it does to your OEM oleophobic coating. Regular tempered glass protector adhesive is mostly static and adhesive so it does nothing to the coating.

Speaking of the glue. I had to sell my device twice because glue went in between the bezel and screen of the phone. I had severe OCD at that time so yes its freakin annoying. And for $48(in Indonesia) its not cheap. Even my 12 Pro Max tempered glass costs only $17(Spigen EZ Fit) and it comes with 2 sets. But its just crazy how many people will justify that WSD is the best and so on.

*Update*
I just watched the auto winding crap and it reminds me of Lego. Lmao.

 

[Motionblurrr]

Speaking of the glue. I had to sell my device twice because glue went in between the bezel and screen of the phone. I had severe OCD at that time so yes its freakin annoying. And for $48(in Indonesia) its not cheap. Even my 12 Pro Max tempered glass costs only $17(Spigen EZ Fit) and it comes with 2 sets. But its just crazy how many people will justify that WSD is the best and so on.

*Update*
I just watched the auto winding crap and it reminds me of Lego. Lmao.

Ugh that’s awful. The funny part is, doing all those acrobatics and steps with the WSD just allows a stray dust to land on the screen with all the movement. 😂

Those Spigen EZ Fit are such a good bang for your buck! They aren’t the strongest or clearest glass (no one will notice anyway) but mannnn is the easy install worth the trade off. You get a perfect install every time.

 

[Spetsgruppa]

Ugh that’s awful. The funny part is, doing all those acrobatics and steps with the WSD just allows a stray dust to land on the screen with all the movement. 😂

Those Spigen EZ Fit are such a good bang for your buck! They aren’t the strongest or clearest glass (no one will notice anyway) but mannnn is the easy install worth the trade off. You get a perfect install every time.

yes...stray dust...i once did a "perfect" install of the WSD but there was dust so i ended up removing it.As for the 12 PM,i was looking for perfect install...and in my entire lifetime only the Spigen EZ Fit was able to do it. its annoying having to manually put on a screen protector.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Thanks for all the comments and recommendations - I really appreciate it.
But, the ultimate question is, is it worth the hassle to get a “perfect” screen protector with this new Ceramic Shield screen, or is it obsolete? I know that the CS screen is supposed to be more break resistant, but is it still as easily scratched as the previous generations of iPhones (say from X and up)? As I said above, I use my phone mainly at home these days, and when carrying it around, I always wear a case and put it in my front jeans pocket with no other things in it. But, I have experienced with earlier phones that tiny scratches and “hairline scratches” still appear out of “nowhere”. So, that’s why I’m asking. As for the Belkin screen protector I posted a picture of earlier, is that a recommended choice, and does anyone know if it’s easy to install (it does come with a tray for easy fit and application, but I’m not very experienced when it comes to applying screen protectors, so it’s gotta be kinda “fool proof”)?

 

[Spetsgruppa]

Thanks for all the comments and recommendations - I really appreciate it.
But, the ultimate question is, is it worth the hassle to get a “perfect” screen protector with this new Ceramic Shield screen, or is it obsolete? I know that the CS screen is supposed to be more break resistant, but is it still as easily scratched as the previous generations of iPhones (say from X and up)? As I said above, I use my phone mainly at home these days, and when carrying it around, I always wear a case and put it in my front jeans pocket with no other things in it. But, I have experienced with earlier phones that tiny scratches and “hairline scratches” still appear out of “nowhere”. So, that’s why I’m asking. As for the Belkin screen protector I posted a picture of earlier, is that a recommended choice, and does anyone know if it’s easy to install (it does come with a tray for easy fit and application, but I’m not very experienced when it comes to applying screen protectors, so it’s gotta be kinda “fool proof”)?

i am very careful with my 12 PM... and yet last night i found a hairline scratch at the volume button... crazy thing is,i never use the physical buttons at all...and i always put my phone alone in a UAG DOPP Kit... and as for perfect screen protector,i can only recommend Spigen EZFit Tempered Glass(comes in 3 variants which is the Privacy,Clear and Anti Bluelight) because it comes in a pack of 2 and a tray is included. Installation is super easy and it is super precise.

 

[Robbosan]

I use one but prefer the full cover no notch showing, usually Spigen glass with the tray. I got my 12 pro max unexpectedly so just went into a shop and got one installed instead of waiting a week for a Spigen.

 

[stanza.richi]

Frontal glass and caseless is my way at the moment.

 

[DLyman]

I’ve been using one on both my Pro and PM. I never have used one in the past, ever since the 3G. I’ve never had a scratched screen until the PM. It’s very small, around 1/16” at almost the bottom edge of the phone. No idea how it got there. I just noticed it one day. I baby the phones. Designated phone pocket and nothing else goes in with it. I also never have the phone face down when on a counter, desk etc. Even so, I’ve been debating lately on taking it off.

 

[rambo47]

New iPhones I buy don't even leave the Apple Store without getting a tempered glass screen protector installed and silicone case put on. Right there in the store.

 

[DieselFiend1989]

Otterbox alphaglass. Darn near the closest thing to a bare screen and has saved my wife’s phones many times.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Do you all prefer an edge-to-edge screen protector, or one with a cutout for the notch?

 

[Ifti]

Never used a screen protector with any iPhone Ive ever owned - just dont like them.
Never had any issues either.

 

[Apple OC]

I’ve always been good at putting screen protectors on straight and without dust... however, it’s so easy with the Spigen screen protectors now, even a child could put them on perfectly.

Spigen is an excellent choice and if for some strange reason you don’t like it... they are inexpensive.

 

[Glideslope]

Ugh that’s awful. The funny part is, doing all those acrobatics and steps with the WSD just allows a stray dust to land on the screen with all the movement. 😂

Those Spigen EZ Fit are such a good bang for your buck! They aren’t the strongest or clearest glass (no one will notice anyway) but mannnn is the easy install worth the trade off. You get a perfect install every time.

Agreed. Did allot of research. Installed the Spigen EZ Fit on my wife’s 12.
Very pleased with the price, performance component. No haze, screen looks great. 👍

 

[jmgregory1]

I’ve been very happy using iCarez matte film screen protectors - have had them on my last couple of iPhones and iPad Pro. They are super thin, so they don’t add the height that all glass protectors have. The matte surface is also easy to clean and doesn’t show smudges as much as the glass screen tends to.

My only complaint on the 12 Pro Max is that they cut them with too much of a boarder, which is noticeable when I use the phone case-less. In a case, it’s a non-issue. It’s not enough for me to not use it though. On my current iPad Pro 12.9”, it’s a perfect edge to edge fit (~0.03” from the edges) and it saved my screen from what would have been nasty scratches when it slid off of a table onto a brick patio. The screen protect scratched and needed to be replaced, but no damage to the screen.