Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Has anyone used “liquid screen protectors” to protect against scratches?
I’ve never used them, but I have seen them applied on YouTube videos. I think it’s just the same Oleophobic coating that Apple and other smartphone manufacturers use. I could be wrong though. iFixit has a good tutorial on how to restore the oleophobic coating. Perhaps the liquid screen protector’s are just another coating of that.
 
Does anyone know if the Apple store has any of the Belkin protectors that are applied with the machine yet? Hoping the problem has been resolved, as those usually come out perfect. I’m picking up my phone tomorrow and would like that one installed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Diesel79
Has anyone used “liquid screen protectors” to protect against scratches?
Yep, Right now I'm using liquid screen protectors for my iPhone 13 from gadgetshieldz , since I don't like the extra bump on the screen also edges of temper glasses chip's off or bubble's pops out when using with cases so I prefer thin film liquid screen protectors.
 
Thanks to everyone in this thread. I didn’t know the apple store had a machine to fit screen protector’s perfectly. I’ve fitted my Spigen one now which has installed fine, there’s 1 tiny bubble. However, the next time I go into the city I’ll pop into to the apple store and use the machine to get a screen protector fitted perfectly. Thanks again to the people who mentioned the machine for fitting screen protectors in the apple store. I’ve got OCD so it’s literally a nightmare when I have to fit a new screen protector. It can take me a fair amount of time just to fit one screen protector because of the OCD. And, even once I’ve fitted it I’m still always looking for faults with the fit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Erik007
Are screen protectors from iPhone 12 Pro Max compatible with 13 Pro Max? Is display the same size?

thank you
 
Are screen protectors from iPhone 12 Pro Max compatible with 13 Pro Max? Is display the same size?

thank you

even tho the display is the same size, the notch is different and so is the placement of the front speaker. So I don’t think putting a 12 screen protector on a 13 would be very good idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jára Tyky
I’d like to hear more people’s opinions on how glass screen protectors do or don’t affect using the screen. Like if anyone has used their iPhone 12 or 13 without a protector for a while before putting on a glass protector, can you tell a difference? Does it seem like the glass protector causes any interference, delayed responses, missed touches, swipes or other inputs/gestures?

I haven’t used glass screen protectors since my iPhone 5. I had glass protectors on my 4 and 5. They were nice for the protection, but I could tell a difference. Occasional missed inputs, less accuracy when scrolling on websites, issues playing games… I got annoyed one day and removed the protector from my iPhone 5 and never looked back. I’ve used four iPhones since and never cracked or damaged a screen. I’ve had a few very small scratches that are only visible when holding the phone at specific angles in bright light, but otherwise they’re mostly unnoticeable and overall it’s been worth it not using a protector. And while I’d like to continue not using a protector, if the newer glass ones are better and don’t affect the screen’s usability, I might consider it. My 13PM should arrive sometime in the next week and trying to decide if I want to have the Apple store install one for me right away.
 
I applied and took off the Spigen Align master something something screen protector. It was very apparent that I had a layer of glass in between my finger and the actual display. It made the phone seem very unpremium.

The best way I can describe this difference is to compare it to when iPads introduced laminated displays. With laminated displays it felt like you were actually touching all the elements on the screen. If you went back to an unlaminated display after that you’d notice the air gap. Screen protectors on iPhone give me that feeling of an air gap. I hate it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: hexum23
I’ve got a launch day 13 Pro and already got a 1/8” scratch on the screen. No idea how since I have a dedicated phone pocket and I don’t really go many places with COVID. I baby my phones and have used them completely naked in the past for as long as I’ve had iPhones, dating back to the original. I was shocked to see a scratch like that after just a few weeks compared to my five-year-old iPhone 7 that this replaced! Maybe anecdotal, but there seems ti be some merit to the notion that these Ceramic Shield screens are harder to crack but easier to scratch.

I added a Spigen screen protector and while the installation was great and I like the screen protector overall, it causes issues with my polarized sunglasses. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m going to send the Spigen ones back to Amazon and try the ESR ones that seem pretty popular on the forum.
 
  • Like
Reactions: hexum23
Removed my Spigen and applied the ESR. The polarized glasses still have an effect as I tilt the phone, but ESR is much better for looking straight on. The Spigen one had a reddish diagonal streak across the screen through glasses. I also like the look of the ESR one better with no notch cutout.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jára Tyky
As Ceramic Shield gets better at dealing with less risk of shattering, a tempered glass screen protector will be needed to mitigate scratches. In addition to providing scratch protection, additional features such as blue light protection and coating for maximum touch sensitivity as well as dealing with everyday smudges and wear.
 
I applied and took off the Spigen Align master something something screen protector. It was very apparent that I had a layer of glass in between my finger and the actual display. It made the phone seem very unpremium.

The best way I can describe this difference is to compare it to when iPads introduced laminated displays. With laminated displays it felt like you were actually touching all the elements on the screen. If you went back to an unlaminated display after that you’d notice the air gap. Screen protectors on iPhone give me that feeling of an air gap. I hate it.
Those and most Amazon/case brand screen protectors are like that.

The only ones that are thin enough to not look like there’s an air gap is the Belkin one at the Apple store from my experience. But $$$$
 
  • Like
Reactions: Paninnguaq
I've been a pixel 4 user and choose to upgrade to iPhone 13 pro. As far as I've experienced using a screen guard won't harm your mobile and gives you protection any day. To my bad luck whenever I tried using my phone without protection I do something stupid enough to get it scratched, So I installed a screen guard for iPhone 13 pro from Gadgetshieldz, it's pretty reliable for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Erik007
Those and most Amazon/case brand screen protectors are like that.

The only ones that are thin enough to not look like there’s an air gap is the Belkin one at the Apple store from my experience. But $$$$
What is the difference in thickness between the Apple/Belkin glass protector and other Belkin, Spigen, or popular brands? Has anyone quantified the difference you’ve observed?
 
What is the difference in thickness between the Apple/Belkin glass protector and other Belkin, Spigen, or popular brands? Has anyone quantified the difference you’ve observed?
The top of the line Belkin (and Zagg) for example, use aluminosilicate glass which more scratch and shatter resistant than say, your typical tempered glass protector like Spigen, Belkin's non-Ultraglass line, ESR, Amazon brands, etc. They're stronger and are cut thinner, which has less light/image refraction when the screen's image goes through the protector and into your eyes. You have to be sensitive to notice it though--for example, if you notice what the above poster said about feeling like there's a "gap" between you and the screen--you'll notice how much clearer and shaper and inky and colorful the screen is if you get a thinner one.

Most people won't notice this and say they all look the same.

I believe Belkin's UltraGlass is cut .29mm? Apple's specifications wants no more than .33mm thickness on top of their screens. Most normal tempered glass protectors like Spigen, ESR, Amazon, etc hit the .33mm mark.

Not to mention the oleophobic coating is better on the Belkin so your screen stays clearer on top of the clarity it already has lol. It's as close as you can get to a naked screen IMO.

I wish Belkin came out with an Ultraglass that covers the notch but that will never happen because Apple's pickiness doesn't want the camera's and face ID obstructed by any layer for full photo performance.
 
Most people won't notice this and say they all look the same.

I believe Belkin's UltraGlass is cut .29mm? Apple's specifications wants no more than .33mm thickness on top of their screens. Most normal tempered glass protectors like Spigen, ESR, Amazon, etc hit the .33mm mark.
Thanks. I’m unable to find any spec or measurement on Belkin’s site. I found a 2018 mention from another source about .21mm and .29mm regarding Belkin and Apple but nothing current.

I ordered a couple of Spigen 2packs from Amazon so I guess I’ll take a side by side look at two iPhone 13’s (we have 4) with and without and see if my picky *self can see a negative impact on screen quality.
 
I’ve had mine since launch. No screen protector. I put it in my back pocket, a pocket in my purse and throw it in my tote bag. It slid off my lap and went under the seat of my car (where there is gravel etc). I don’t even have a micro scratch on the screen. No marks at all.

Rewind to my 11 Pro Max and it had a deep groove in it after a week without it being dropped or anything. Plus multiple micro scratches. I didn’t treat it any differently but it was the first phone I put a screen protector on in years. It was awful.

Something definitely seems different - which is good because I hate screen protectors.
 
Last edited:
Personally never been a fan of screen protectors and gave up even trying to fit them back in the iPhone 4 days. Never had an issue with scratches either. But given how everyone raves about the tempered glass protectors, I decided to try one.

picked up a spigen easy fit and oh wow was it easy to fit. I have very poor eyesight so aligning a screen protector is not easy for me but this was a no brainier with the installation kit. The protector I have has the notch cut out which is a shame as it makes it more noticeable but apart from that it feels absolutely great. I would almost go as far as to say the oleophobic coating is actually better than the real screen. It seems to resist smudges better and cleans so easily. So having now fit one of the modern protectors my conclusion is, why not. It’s cheap, it feels great and adds that little extra protection just in case
 
  • Like
Reactions: ddavid
Did any of you had issue with their screen protector "unsticking" on a side ? I used the ESR and the NEW'C. Same issue everytime... after a few days, on the left side (where you have the volume buttons), it will start to "unstick". If I wait a few days, it will go around the top until I have to remove it.

Here is a pic to illustrate.

IMG_0104.jpeg
 
Been using screen protectors for many years over quite a few phones. Zagg has been my go to since the OG Pixel.

Went with their top tier XTR with their D3O tech and Blue light filter. It goes pretty much edge to edge, and does fully cover the notch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jcp007
Been using screen protectors for many years over quite a few phones. Zagg has been my go to since the OG Pixel.

Went with their top tier XTR with their D3O tech and Blue light filter. It goes pretty much edge to edge, and does fully cover the notch.
Went with the same screen protector on my 13 Pro Max.
 
Did any of you had issue with their screen protector "unsticking" on a side ? I used the ESR and the NEW'C. Same issue everytime... after a few days, on the left side (where you have the volume buttons), it will start to "unstick". If I wait a few days, it will go around the top until I have to remove it.

Here is a pic to illustrate.

View attachment 1880177
No, that’s bizarre it happened with different brands over multiple applications. I wonder if your phone is slightly bent in that area.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.