Do Cell Phone Screen Protectors Really Work?
If you’ve ever dropped your phone and felt your heart skip a beat, you’re not alone. Smartphones are expensive, and repairing a cracked or shattered screen can cost anywhere from $100 to $500+ depending on the model.
Because of this, many people rely on screen protectors—but do they actually work?
At Phone Chek Brampton, where we repair hundreds of phones every month, this is one of the most common questions customers ask. Let’s break down how screen protectors work, what they do well, where they fall short, and which type is right for you.
How Cell Phone Screen Protectors Actually Work
1. Scratch Protection
Screen protectors—especially plastic and tempered glass—are very effective at preventing scratches from everyday items such as:
- Keys
- Coins
- Sand or dirt
- Accidental scuffs
Even high-quality phone screens can get scratched, so a protector acts as the first line of defense.
2. Impact Absorption
This is where tempered glass protectors shine.
Tempered glass is engineered to absorb the force of a drop. When dropped, the protector cracks in place of your phone’s real screen, saving you from an expensive repair.
This is the biggest reason tempered glass protectors have become so popular.
3. Protection Levels Depend on Material
Not all protectors are created equal. Here’s what each material does best:
Tempered Glass (Best Overall Protection)
- Strong impact absorption
- Mimics original screen feel
- Cracks instead of the phone’s screen
- Best for drop protection
TPU Plastic (Flexible Film)
- Good scratch protection
- Some impact absorption
- Self-healing surface (minor scratches fade)
PET Plastic (Thin Film)
- Least drop protection
- Good for scratches
- Low cost
If you want real drop protection, tempered glass is the only reliable choice.
Case + Screen Protector: The Best Combo
A screen protector alone won’t protect:
- The back of the phone
- The sides
- The corners (where damage happens often)
For the highest level of protection, always pair your screen protector with a good-quality case. At Phone Chek, we see drastically fewer broken screens from customers who use both.
Limitations: What Screen Protectors Can’t Do
No screen protector is perfect. Here are a few things to know:
1. They won’t survive every drop
If your phone falls from a high height or hits a sharp object, even the best protector can fail.
2. Once cracked, they lose effectiveness
A cracked glass protector should be replaced immediately.
As many Reddit users say:
“A cracked screen protector = protection is gone.”
3. They can’t prevent internal damage
A screen protector cannot stop motherboard, battery, or internal frame damage from a hard fall.
So… Do Screen Protectors Really Work?
Yes — absolutely.
Screen protectors are proven to prevent scratches and significantly reduce the chances of screen shattering during everyday drops.
But the key is choosing the right type and pairing it with a case for maximum protection.
Need a Cell Phone Screen Protectors or Screen Repair in Brampton?
At Phone Chek Brampton, we offer:
- Tempered glass protectors
- Anti-glare and anti-blue light protectors
- Privacy screen protectors
- Full-edge and UV glass for Samsung
- Professional installation
- Screen repair for all iPhone, Samsung, Google, and Motorola models
Visit us at:
143 Clarence St, Unit #12, Brampton
905-226-1789
We install screen protectors perfectly — no bubbles, no dust, and maximum protection.