Plastic vs. Glass Screen Protectors - Which one should you get for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X/Xs
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- A screen protector is probably the only thing I’d recommend any person get for their smartphone. The screen is the part that breaks the most out of the dozens of iPhone's I've broken over the years.
If you've looked online, you'll see a ton of plastic and glass screen protectors, with prices ranging from $10 dollars to $40. Within that range that are products that are worth $40 but most are not.
TL:DW: Plastic is tougher. Glass looks better.
Current 10 slim/wallet/screen protectors for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7: www.mobilerevi...
Here's a list of recommend review videos that I show clips of in my videos:
Super tough glass - Patchworks ITG Silicate glass: • Impossible! - Patchwor...
3 Things to do after breaking a screen: • 3 Things To Do After B...
Pretty tough glass - WinngerGear Topaz: • One of the BEST - Winn...
Tough plastic - Thule Atmos X4: • A personal favourite! ...
Torture test involving plastic and glass screen protector: • The toughest, slimmest...
What what type of screen protector should you get? Glass or Plastic? The biggest difference from my perspective is durability. Get a plastic screen protector if you’re rough on your iPhone. if you have a tendency to drop it a lot. Or have kids who treat your $1000 iPhone like a throwable toy. Other than that, go with a glass screen protector.
Before I get into the details, I have to make sure you guys know what a screen protector actually to the screen of your smartphone. All it does is provide an extra layer of protection. It doesn’t reinforce the actual screen. A bad edge drop may still break your screen. An unlucky drop where a rock makes contact between the case edge and screen protector will result in a break.
Plastic screen protector - Pros
#1 Pro - As I mentioned at the beginning of the video, plastic screen protectors are very durable.
#2 Pro - The second pro for plastic screen protectors is that they are reusable. You can take them off, store it and use it again. Some of them are even washable which helps with long term usage.
Plastic screen protector - Cons
Con #1 - Plastic screen protectors show scratches easier and scratches are usually permanent. Certain screen protectors have “healing” properties which will hide light scratches.
Con #2 - Lots of screen protectors have words like “fingerprint resistance” or “Oleophobic Coating”. I call most plastic screen protectors fingerprint magnets. It will take many wipes to clear the screen which isn’t something you won't have to do as often for glass screen protectors.
Con #3 - Certain plastic screen protectors will diffuse the HD screen of your device. This usually occurs with built-in plastic screen protectors on cases.
Con #4 - Plastic screen protectors won’t offer 100% screen coverage. You won’t see a plastic edge to edge screen protector.
Con #5 - Some Plastic screen protectors aren’t as smooth as glass. There will be a noticeable difference between tracking your finger over a glass screen protector vs a plastic one.
So that’s all I have for plastic screen protectors. If this video has been useful to you, consider getting your stuff through my site. Nobody pays me to break my own iPhones and screen protectors so I’d be grateful for any support you’re willing to give.
Glass screen protector - Cons
Con #1 - The moment you crack a glass screen protector, it is done. Ever get a chip on a windshield and watch it travel across the entire pane of glass? it’s the same for glass screen protectors.
On top of that, since it’s glass and glass can be sharp, there might be a chance that you cut yourself after a bad chip or crack.
Con #2 - Glass screen protectors won’t offer as much impact protection.
Glass screen protector - Pros
Pro #1 - Your smartphone screen is going to look great. Like nothing was sitting on top of it.
Pro #2 - if you’ve been looking at screen protectors, you’ll notice that most of them claim to be of 9H hardness. Glass offers better scratch resistance.
Pro #3 - Glass screen protectors come in Edge to Edge variations.
RL:RIA: Plastic lasts longer. Glass looks better.
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If you guys were wondering, whatever I say in this video is still pertinent to the new iPhone XS and XS Max. I will point out that with the new iPhone Xs and Xs Max, you'll need to take into account the quality of the OLED screen as the negatives against plastic screen protectors become even more evident with the newest iPhones.
Can you please make a review about Clearplex pro for edge, and normal screens, i placed 20 today. (soft plastic screen protector)
Difference about like Panzerglass and belkin for iphone.
I placed the full cover and the case friendly panzers of the iphones, with the black edges seems nice, but the placing seems unlogical.
You have to put the screenprotector up and press the glass on the screen first before u press the black edge again to remove all bubbles, but they seem really nice. i think they are nice for dust also.
It's what Mediamarkt does, i'm a employe.
MobileReviewsEh can I use a rhino impact plastic screen protector and a tampered glass protector on top of that?
So glass is better for drop protection as opposed to plastic
Any thoughts on what a "Hybrid Glass Screen Protector" is? Mous is selling them and I have no idea what they're made of; if they're smooth to the touch or if they're durable and tough.
*MobileReviewsEh* , a nintenndo switch with plastic screen is basically indestructible , the galaxy s1 was the last phone i know with plastic screen also indestructible
that dog is chill. Like he would sit next to you while you watch a movie or make a video and not even bat an eye. That dog probably knows more about screen protectors than the average person. Like I'd take him to the store with me, place a few screen protectors in front of him and see which one he chooses. Definitely want one.
FIGNAS83 LMAO
screen protector or a dog?
@@lauralaura4362 haha
That dog will soon create his own youtube channel. He's learning a lot by listening carefully to his master. hahaha
K
Lol
Hahaha...Good dog
Dog food review maybe..?
Like Splinter and Homato Yoshi
I can’t thank you so much for PRINTING a transcript of your video. That is so helpful. I wish everyone did that. It has to be a ton of extra work, but makes it very easy for me to come back to a video for specific information without having to watch the entire episode. Thank you.
You're definitely the best host of screen protection information that I've seen, by far, thanks for your help.
:)
Doesn't even mention TPU screen protector and is tagged "the best host of screen protection information" XD
I love how he dog just sits there like a little helper!
THANK YOU! My second or third phone I ever had many years ago had a plastic/silicone screen protector on it from Zagg. It lasted forever and they even let me transfer over my warranty from phone to phone for a while until I forgot/lost the receipt for it.
Anyways, after years of Androids and mainly Kyocera or LG smartphones, I just got an iPhone 8+, glass screen protector and decent temporary 2 layer case.
I’m about to get an Otterbox or similar case for the extra coverage around the screen. I just remembered the durability of the plastic screen protector and that it may do a better job than a glass one, and I can deal with the cons of it. I have seen far too many people, in person, drop iPhones just right accidentally and the glass protector and case not doing enough.
Screen shatters and phone is now a death trap for fingers and wallet.
Maybe this is just me, but I feel like the glass on glass resonates too much on drops, and as you stated being dropped onto and object at an angle is the sweet spot of death. I think the plastic does actually provide some reinforcement as it provides tighter cell structures on impact.
Anyways, excellent video and thanks for the thinking!
Monty: Human is doing that talking to himself thing again. Must watch over him - but don't make it look obvious....
LOL.
Who's that in your pfp?
@@frozengeese9291 cat woman
@@frozengeese9291 catman!
Your dog is so cute!! And they way he kept moving his eyebrows I was almost convinced he knew what was going on.
A very informative video. Thanks for making it easier for us to choose. Monty is always so attentive as he is such a cool dog.
:)
WOW, this was by far, the most helpful video on screen protectors that I have ever seen! All these years I thought glass was the way to go, it will be a plastic one for my new to me ipad pro 12.9. THANK YOU for this awesome video!!
Really helpful video! I just bought a plastic screen protector and was about to return it because I had wanted a glass cover. I thought glass was "tougher" but now watching your vid I see I made the right purchase! You've saved me time and money!
:)
I have two things to say:
1) I have a hard plastic crystal transparent sheet on my phone that
protects very well the screen, of course it's prone to scratch but
that's what actually prevents it to be shattered, letting the bit of
flexibility it needs to absorb the shocks
2) That little dog is ADORABLE
Your dog is a very good listener. I bet he knows a lot about mobile phones.
I love how your dog is just observing you so intently
I had to watch a second time because I kept getting distracted by Monty! He's a scene-stealer!!! LOVE that dog!
I came here from your blog. Great content. The first person to demisfy plastic Vs glass.
After using the cheap tech armor glass protectors for about 18 months I switched to the Rhino impact protection plastic one after seeing your testing videos of it. I do a lot of outdoors stuff in rocky areas so the extra protection is definitely worth it. Seeing your comparison of the two types really clears up a lot of misconceptions I had. It also confirms some things I've noticed between the two after switching back. Mostly the fingerprints. I don't really get any more than with the tech armor glass, but it's a lot harder to clean than glass.
Thanks for the comment!
Finally a video that explains screen protectors and they show you the pros and cons. Great video 👍🏼
Your Dog is like 'who the fuck is this guy talking to '
Monty thinks I'm crazy.
+MobileReviewsEh ...What a cool Dog! He sat there, like he was paying attention to every word you said. Very thorough video!
Enjoy all the content and reviews you put out. You and Monty keep up the good work. 👍🏼
:)
wow your dog is like a person? thats so funny lol
Monty is pretty awesome.
nastywithrock fr
aww cute dog
nastywithrock. It's just sitting there so calm and adorable
nastywithrock he's like someone who's rethinking his life choices 😂😂
Tf am I doing here
I love your very attentive student listening right next to you :) Super sweet :) Makes my day and so do all the comments :)
Awesome video - but honestly- I watched it because Monty was looking at you like he was waiting for a treat and was thinking: "hooman-hurry up, me dont need screentector, jus need treat! " He's adorable!
Aaron, thanks for your detailed/informative presentation 👍 Was amazed at how 'Monte' never interrupted throughout the 12-min.; 'Who's a Good Dog' 😊🐕
This is the most thorough review I've seen on screen protectors! I didn't know the difference and pros /cons between glass and plastic protectors. If you don't get the plastic on just right it looks awful. If there is a flaw that's what you focus on, when you look at your phone. It's almost worth it to pay someone to do it. I think a glass screen protector is easier to apply.
I love your sweet dog. The best listener, so loyal.
Thanks for the great information.
the dog is so real and so silent and unbelievably adorable :) ... I'm subscribing just for him (no offense) :p
The dog looks so worried for you. He's been like "I'm just gonna wait here with him and let him do his thing, but I hope he knows no one is there."
Schnauners are great family members, we've had them over 40 years, Great Video ✌
Great info...but that dog is currently my favorite thing on all of TH-cam!
Monty is pretty awesome.
That dog is great, he seems very sophisticated. A true intellectual
I love this video cuz it tells you about both plastic and glass screen protector right now
This is the liquid screen protector that people are asking a review for I would really love to see it
Thank you so much for this video. I was confused which one I go with; after watching your video I knew am I going to buy.
I know you worked really hard on this video. And I truly appreciate all this information now that I'm in the market for a new screen protector. However... your puppy totally stole the show. He's magnificent. LOL
Watched the whole video and realized at the end ,that there was a cute dog the whole time. Mind blown O_O
dude i liked the videos u make so much i subscriped , notified and used ur amazon for purchase you deserve every help on your noble quest to find the best screen protectors.
what a good dog, sat there the whole time with no fuss
Also a lot of these cons for plastic protectors concern only glossy finish. Matte ones, like the one I use are super smooth for finger tracking and no fingerprints are generally visible.
Awesome video, now I understand a bit more, thanks! In Thailand, screen protectors are big business, sometimes costing about 30% as a new phone, but it's all marketing, you can see screen protectors 5 times the price at retailers than online, same product!
Best analysis!! The last tip, BEST!
90% of comments are about how chill is the dog. I concur
Thanks for the unbiased reviews.
Your dog is so adorable❤️❤️
I would go for the glass, they just feel better and any 5 dollar one will work just fine, they normally are disposable and definitely not expensive to repair
The dog
So I got my phone only 4 or 5 days ago. I've never in my life broken or even scratched a smart phone. I decided to try a tempered glass protector, but within a few days with only a MINOR bump, I already have a small shatter in the corner of my screen. Im not sure I understand the point of the glass protectors if they don't even withstand minor bumps. My screen should be fine underneath, but now I need to replace a 35$ screen protector after only a few days. My plastic ones have never even scratched. Any advice or tips are welcome!
Basically, You are awesome man! thanks for such in-depth review. I'd love to see any recommendation for my S8.
After seeing the beautiful, cute well-mannered dog who is totally paying attention, I forgot why I logged in to see this video on screen protectors. 😊🤗😏LOVE, LOVE the dog!!!!😍🥰🤗
'screen protector' - I never want to hears those 2 words again
Your dog just sat there and watched you and listened to you. How funny. He looked like he was so very interested in everything you said. Ha!
Thanks for the comparison video
This is the most helpful video I've watched in a while. Thanks
Monty is so intelligent, I love his adorable face! He’s the best assistant ever!❤️
Man u are too honest
Keep doing what you do
I am glad to find this channel
And btw ur dog is pretty cute
Most informative video I've seen all day in trying to decide which case and protector I should go on my new Samsung Note 8.. Thank you.
I"ve decided not to get a screen protector for new iphone 8 on order. Reasons: I will be using one of very best drop tested cases, the Rhinoshield PlayProof; it has a nice lip surrounding screen, the phone has the relatively new water/dust resistant rating, and finally I'm a purist who appreciates the naked brilliance of the high quality display. Excellent review and great information.
they don't actually protect your screen from cracks tho right?
I just wish manufacturers made the displays plastic and cam with a tempered glass protector installed from the factory. if it breaks i can just put another one on.
i went glass and could not fit good cover it would lift the edges of the glas foil. so i went plastic. and i am happy to hear you say it is more protective than glass. thanks for reviews
That dog is totally confused as to who you are talking to
I have a Zagg Invisible Shield HD Clear and it's pretty good. I use a Galaxy S8+ as my daily driver. Looks clear and feels great under your fingers. Just the edges are annoying. Probably because of the infinity display.
Your dog is mad chill 🤗
Ringe Invisible Defender is an edge to edge plastic screen protector (actually wraps around the side buttons toward the back).
I have it on my Note 9.
S-Pen sensitivity is not affected, but navigating with your finger takes a slight hit.
That's not an issue for me - as I use the S-Pen most of the time, and I like the additional protection.
That clarifies things a bit
He forgot to mention glass protectors is significantly much easily to apply and zero bubbles .
Glass protector is still recommended its virtually unscratchable
Glass screen protectors do offer as more impact protection (it takes damage in place which plastics can't do), it is however brittle and breaks easily at slightest impact which might or might not damage ur screen glass .
Glass sp is still vastly superior as it feels exactly like not applying a sp(yes feels like glass) .
From you before I decide to make my purchase
I'll see if I can get a review sample.
I was listening, but I was watching the dog more and thinking he's so adorable 🥰. He probably knows everything about screen protection now lol 😂. What a good student lol ❤️
This was extremely helpful, and I'm curious to try the washable screen protectors! Thanks guys!
Have to admit I've been using a plastic protecter on my iPhone 7 plus for awhile and got tired of scratches so I got a tempered glass.
I've noticed the touch sensitivity much worse on the glass so i've ordered another plastic one
Wow, that overview is super useful. Thank you!
This video is very helpful! Monty's eyebrows are so cute :)
The problem with new phones is that they're often a little different from the phone they replace, especially in the Android world. There must be hundreds of protectors available, only one of which was designed for your phone and will fit it precisely. I've been having that problem with finding a SP for my new OnePlus 7T - not the Pro, mind, which is different, but the 7T. A regular store cannot possibly hope to carry inventory to this level, so we're thrown onto Amazon or eBay, and direct delivery from China. Now to the point of this: I prefer a glass SP, but I've tried three for my OnePlus, two of which are edge-to-edge, and one slightky smaller. The problem with the edge-to-edge ones is that their 2.5 or 3.0mm thickness often will not fit under a good case for the phone, and the edges tend to come away, allowing dust to creep under the SP and destreoying the whole point. So I eventually settled on one that's slightly smaller, but fits well.
Now to the issue of the oleophobic coating. I play a lot of Pokemon Go on my phone, and anyone who does that will know that there's a lot of finger-rubbing that goes on. It's destuctive of the oleophobic coating, and the first glass screen I got was soon covered in prints that I couldn't get off. On my second protector, I've discovered that a real chamois leather, the kind you use to clean a car's windscreen, is great at cleaning the screen, and making sure it stays that way. Make sure it's a real chamois, not an artificial one. I use it once a week, and the screen looks like new and stays that way for days. Use the smooth side, not the rougher one. Good luck.
That dog has some patience... respect xD
Love the dog very well behaved ! cool Thanks mate !
very nice review with lots of good info! thanks!
Aw Monty is such a good boy :) He sits there and watches and doesn't even move! btw Plastic screen protectors just dont work for me :( For instance i had a Zagg Plastic Screen Protector on my iPhone 5 And it fell flat on its face but the shock went through it and shattered my screen -_-
Very informative. The doggie is so cute and attentive.
Thx!
Active bluetooth styluses, often track worse with plastic screen protectors, although glass screen protectors also may cause input issues. For people who own Galaxy Note devices or even computers that support active pen technology plastic vs glass screen protectors can make a big difference.
I decided to use a plastic one, because I tend to notice people with cracked glass protectors.
Drinking game. Every time he says screen protector you take a drink. Bet ya you wont be able to finish the video.
LOL.
Lee Wilson
Let me try it and I'll comment again when I'm done.
Can you even read
@Vinnie Sifter you are crazy
@Vinnie Sifter yes
Omg i love that dog just the way he looks at him 😂😂😂his like just rub me now or take me for a walk
comprehensive review, thanks for making this!!
I love at 10:42 your dog just becomes bored with your review. It's like he's thinking, "OMG, this guy and screen protectors. Where's my crow bar." LOL the best.
Using liquid glass, which is only around $10 for 2, and decent TPU film that you put on 24 hours later creates the best result for anti-scratch, plus probably anti-breakage. Make sure you have a good case and insurance. 4 layers.
What do you think about putting plastic on top of glass one for extra durability? I dont mind the feel of plastic screen protectors as long as the phone can survive the abuse.
EZENAMI Is matter fact thanks for the idea I might be doing that
The edges of my screen protector hurt my thumb, like it pokes it bad. I think it’s a plastic one, any tips?
I've just installed a plastic screen protector and I'm ok with it. Been using a very expensive glass screen protector last few years on my phone's which needs glue and UV light and what a mess it creates and then one little knock it's cracked.
The fingerprint coating thing works for a while on the Rhinoshield impact protection (tempered glass). It IS there but after about a week it's gone and lots of smudges and fingerprints show
The coating does wear off over a while.
Can you do another review: 3D Impact Screen Protector from Rhinoshield vs Tempered Glass on iPhone 12?
Since the back of iPhone xs is also glass should you attach a screen protector to the back also in addition to whatever case you use?
You are great at reviewing products Love your videos ; )
:)
Love the thorough and informative videos here! If you haven't yet checked out the brand 'power support' you might want to give them a look. Power support provides a glossy and matte finish plastic screen protector. IMO, a great way to enjoy screen viewing in most conditions is with the matte finish.
I will check it out!
You're a very rational person. Great review/comparison. Thank you:)
Great video! I use a film screen protector. From Mobile Outfitters. Love it! Btw I love Monty's eyebrows ❤️ so cute
:)
the dog is cute!
solid analysis and comparison. thank for sharing.
7:32 9H does not mean "only scratchable by diamond". That would be the Mohs hardness scale. 9H refers to "pencil hardness": not scratchable by a hard (9H) pencil.
They both work, but I found the glass one holds up better and is less likely to peel off, like at the corners. My glass protector kept my phone safe while deployed... sort of. It's still on the phone, and when i leaned on the phone with my elbow the actual screen finally cracked. BUT, the glass protector keeps everything together better because of the rigidity. So, I haven't had to replace the screen and the protector isn't too cracked either.
Amazing, I never saw Monty's lips move even once!!
Very informative video. Would like to see what you and
Monty have to offer on 'TPE film' protectors. Allegedly it's
self-healing and 'washable' but haven't found any instructions
on the proper way to clean it. thxs again!