Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I dropped my handset (with cover on as well as screen protector) the other day as I was getting into the car.
The screen protector cracked straight away.
The iPhone screen was fine.

I have no doubt that the iPhone screen would have been fine regardless. These tempered glass screen protectors just crack instantly with such a fall and make you think its protected the actual phone screen, so you buy another and re-apply. Reality is, all they do it protect from scratches in your pocket etc!
Depends what you mean by "such a fall".
Most falls are probably on relatively flat surfaces where the screen doesn't take a direct hit.
With a good case on the phone, most drops wont affect the surface of the screen at all.
However, drop it on a rocky trail or a gravel driveway where the surface of the terrain is uneven...............
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: arkitect
Depends what you mean by "such a fall".
"Such a falls" are usually on flat surfaces.
With a case on the phone, most "such a falls" wont affect the surface on the screen at all.
However, drop it on a rocky trail or a gravel driveway where the surface of the terrain is uneven...............
I thought @Ifti was very clear what type of fall he experienced, and it had nothing to do with a rocky trail or surface where the terrain is uneven.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ifti
I thought @Ifti was very clear what type of fall he experienced, and it had nothing to do with a rocky trail or surface where the terrain is uneven.
I realize that. My point exactly. There are some circumstances that go beyond "such a fall".
 
It's such a simple task, there's really no point in NOT cleaning the screen first, just to be sure there are no residual oils, etc. on the screen. Yes, even if it's straight out of the box.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BR313 and Splitrail
Agreed. Nevertheless you seemed a little harsh towards the poster. 😊
Why did that seem harsh? I didn't belittle anything said, I pointed out that different circumstances can dictate different needs.
If the screen protector is broken as a result of falling on a pebble or rock, it may protect the actual screen itself by breaking the impact of the screen hitting the object.
Better to replace a protector than a screen.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ifti
Why did that seem harsh? I didn't belittle anything said, I pointed out that different circumstances can dictate different needs.
If the screen protector is broken as a result of falling on a pebble or rock, it may protect the actual screen itself by breaking the impact of the screen hitting the object.
Better to replace a protector than a screen.
The “such a fall” in quotes thrice mocked the post you quoted, whether intentional or not. 😊
 
  • Like
Reactions: Splitrail
I get why people who need to stop it from getting broken put thick screen covers on, and why people who are worried about dropping phones put cases on, but why do people put those thin plastic covers on their screens?

So for the most part these days they are not plastic covers which only really prevent scratching, they are toughened glass covers. These behave a lot better, they act as sacrificial glass, the cover is more likely to shatter than the screen. In general although coatings get better, there is always a trade off - you can have scratch resistance or shatter resistance but not both done well. A tempered glass screen protector can save you hundreds if you drop the phone.
 
I always put a screen protector on when I buy a phone. I have just bought an iPhone 12 mini and went straight to an apple store and got them to fit one.
It wasn’t cheap but it is fitted perfectly and worth the money.
 
I just don’t like scratches on my screen. You’re always looking at the screen, so for me it needs to be clean. Rocking the iPhone without a case tho.
 
  • Like
Reactions: arkitect
The best way I have found to apply a glass screen protector is in a steamed up bathroom. Reduces the worry about getting dust under the screen protector.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nhwhazup
Do you still apply a screen protector if you have Applecare+?
If I had Applecare+, I would still have a screen protector.
For the small cost, I'd rather avoid the repair hassle, especially since I live 150 miles from an Apple Store, and wouldn't want to go without the phone for the shipping back & forth time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ifti
Do you still apply a screen protector if you have Applecare+?
Oh, and I don't like scratches (or any other damage for that matter), and I don't think Applecare+ will fix that sort of thing anyway.
 
Do you still apply a screen protector if you have Applecare+?
Indeed, yes. Applecare+ covers accidental damage like a shattered screen or a dent (i.e., drop protection/damage) but I do not think it covers cosmetic/normal wear and tear damage like a scratch. You also only get a limited amount of claims per year so multiple scratches would not be covered if you keep bring the phone in for repair. A screen protector is so cheap (especially the PET protectors designed to protect against scratches) -- why wouldn't you get one just to avoid the hassle?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Splitrail
I basically collected my device at apple, peeled their cover off just a bit so I could check the screen was ok, turned it on and put their sticker back on till I got home and that evening at setup put the protector straight on. Wasn’t risking dust and debris or even scratches on it using the phone without the protection!
 
Oh, and I don't like scratches (or any other damage for that matter), and I don't think Applecare+ will fix that sort of thing anyway.
That's why I just applied a full body screen guard from Gadgetshieldz which covers the screen, back, and sides too! Now I don't worry about scratches...
 
Last edited:
I have a silly question when placing a new screen protector on a new phone out of the box so you still clean the screen first or since it’s straight out of the box you don’t worry about it.

Steamy bathroom with full hot water running both shower + sink > nitrile gloves on > wipe screen with Apple Cloth and then apply my favorite which is Belkin sold in Apple Stores. Absolutely ZERO particles underneath with my method. Flawles. Their “Specialists” cannot guarantee a lint / dust free application even when they use Belkin’s official screen protector machine. I’m OCD and will not tolerate imperfections.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Nhwhazup and cygy2k
I don’t, because it’s essentially coming out of a sterile environment. But at most, I might take a can of compressed air to it right before application to reduce the chance of dust.
 
Steamy bathroom with full hot water running both shower + sink > nitrile gloves on > wipe screen with Apple Cloth and then apply my favorite which is Belkin sold in Apple Stores. Absolutely ZERO particles underneath with my method. Flawles. Their “Specialists” cannot guarantee a lint / dust free application even when they use Belkin’s official screen protector machine. I’m OCD and will not tolerate imperfections.
Does the Belkin come with anything to help get the alignment perfect if doing the install at home?
 
At Apple Store yesterday to pick up my phone. They had set up a little corner to put on screen protectors for people picking up their phones. It looked like they were just taking the phone straight out of the box, and putting the screen protector straight on, no need to clean the phone or anything since they were right out of the box!
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.