What is the best screen protector for the iPhone 12?
It’s always exciting to get a brand new iPhone, and the iPhone 12 series has many features and benefits which make it a solid smartphone choice, whether you’re a new Apple user or a loyal fan. Like most iPhone users, chances are you’re looking for the perfect screen protector to safeguard your new gadget.
There are many options for iPhone 12 screen protectors that are durable and easy to install. If you’re looking for a quality option, the amFilm for iPhone 12 is made of durable glass and comes in a three-pack with all the tools for a dust-free installation.
What to know before you buy an iPhone 12 screen protector
What a screen protector is made of
Some iPhone screen protectors are made out of a thin plastic, while others are made out of one or more layers of a tempered, oil and scratch-resistant glass sometimes known as “gorilla glass.” Some glass iPhone screen protectors have a “liquid glass” component, which is an additional protective layer of adhesive over the glass.
Screen protector installation
Some iPhone 12 screen protectors are installed by using a small tray to align it and secure it in place with adhesive strips. Others use a thin sheet of plastic between the phone and the screen protector with a tab that you pull to keep it in place while the screen protector is aligned. This also helps to prevent dust from getting between the screen protector and your iPhone screen.
iPhone 12 screen protectors with shatterproof technology
Some iPhone 12 screen protectors are made of shatterproof glass, which offers an additional level of protection in comparison to tempered glass. Shatterproof glass is made with layers of plastic in between two layers of glass, which makes it slightly flexible and less likely to break. It’s also known as laminated glass and is used often in sliding glass doors and windows.
iPhone 12 screen protector features
Tempered-glass iPhone 12 screen protectors
Tempered glass is considered to be 4-5 times harder than regular glass. It’s processed with a thermal treatment, which causes it to break into smaller pieces. Since the smaller pieces are less likely to fly outward and possibly cause injury or further damage, it’s also considered to be safer.
Blue-light-blocking iPhone screen protectors
Blue light is similar to UV light and is produced by both the sun and indoor fluorescent lighting. Some of its effects are positive, such as increased energy or boosted cognitive function, but some effects are negative. Particularly in indoor environments, blue light is thought to cause eye strain, fatigue and headaches, especially when emitted from a TV, phone, tablet or computer screen.
Blue light has become more prevalent because it’s used in LED technology, which is used to make screens and displays for tablets, phones, computer screens and TVs. Some iPhone screen protectors are tinted or coated to help reduce blue light, which is useful if you tend to look at your phone for long periods of time throughout the day.
iPhone 12 screen protectors with a privacy filter
Some iPhone screen protectors are tinted or slightly texturized to provide privacy for the user. They’re usually made of several layers of plastic and coated with silicone to stay in place on the screen. iPhone screen protectors with privacy filters will also have an anti-glare coating on them and can sometimes reduce blue light, too.
iPhone 12 screen protector cost
iPhone 12 screen protectors range in price from about $7-$25. Some phone repair places offer a service where they install a thicker gorilla-glass layer over your iPhone screen, which may cost slightly more.
iPhone 12 screen protector FAQ
Are tempered-glass screen protectors better than plastic ones?
A. Tempered glass is generally the better choice. It’s more durable than plastic and has less of a tendency to scratch. What’s more, it can be cleaned just like you clean a regular screen or display.
What happens if I install an iPhone screen protector and my iPhone screen still gets cracked?
A. First of all, don’t panic. It’s possible to take it to Apple and get the phone’s display replaced, depending on its condition. It may even be covered under the AppleCare+ warranty. Secondly, the screen protector will have taken the worst of the impact, meaning that even if the iPhone screen gets cracked underneath, it potentially won’t cause further damage to the phone.
Which iPhone 12 screen protector should I get?
Best of the best iPhone 12 screen protector
amFilm for iPhone 12: available at Amazon
Our take: This durable screen protector comes in a pack of three and fits the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro.
What we like: It’s only .33 millimeters thick, making it very light. It offers 99.9% transparency, so you don’t lose screen brightness.
What we dislike: Some users find that the screen protector does not fit exactly and leaves a gap at the bottom of the phone. Some users found the installation instructions to be unclear.
Best bang for your buck iPhone screen protector
Maxboost Screen Protector: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable tempered-glass screen protector comes in a pack of three and fits all iPhone 12 models except for iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
What we like: It has a durability and hardness rating of 9H on a scale of 1 to 10. It includes a plastic alignment template for flawless installation.
What we dislike: Some users found that it does not fit as well if you have a large iPhone case. Other users report that their iPhone’s touch screen is not as responsive once the screen protector is installed.
Honorable mention iPhone 12 screen protector
Humixx Diamond Shatterproof iPhone 12 Screen Protector: available at Amazon
Our take: This shatterproof screen protector is made of ionized glass, making it five times stronger than regular glass.
What we like: It has a hardness rating of 10H, meaning it offers military-grade protection. It uses dustproof filters to help keep dust and debris out of the phone.
What we dislike: Some users found that the screen protector cracked easily after a few months of use. Some people might find the price to be slightly high.
Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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