Though liquid form is considered a great invention in the screen protector industry, tempered glass is still popularly used for its durability and affordability to all groups of users. Indeed, there are more factors to consider between the two materials. Therefore, a glass vs. liquid screen protector comparison would be a great idea for you to come up with the right choice in this article.
First, to understand the differences and benefits of glass vs. liquid screen protectors, let's get to when the first screen protector was invented.
The liquid screen protector coats a thin but highly durable layer of protection on the screen surface of your device.
History Of Screen Protectors - Why The Liquid Coating Technique Is A Big Improvement
From the plastic films for televisions…
The first appearance of screen protectors was in 1968 when Herbert Schlegel designed and patented plastic films made of PET material to protect television screens from scratches and dust. The initial product is merely a transparent piece of plastic that can be resized to fit into all types of television screens at the current time. Since it was invented, it has created a huge demand for the product since the film costs only a little but could save them a fortune in repairing their television.
Later, in the 90s, CRT screen protectors were introduced for anti-glare and anti-radiation purposes on CRT and LCD monitors. Being that useful, those plastic films were, in fact, often prone to bubbles, lifting edges, reduced screen clarity, etc, creating the need for innovation in material and technology to get rid of those headache issues. That is when tempered glass protectors came into play.
To the tempered glass that is high impact resistance…
Screen protectors made with tempered glasses are indeed much more durable than plastic ones, as they offer advanced protection against drops and impacts.
A great feature of glass, compared to PET material is that it can greatly improve the clarity and touch responsiveness of any smart device. Not to mention, the anti-fingerprint or anti-harmful light technology can protect human eyes and minimize fingerprints on the screen, increasing the user experience.
Another add-in innovation of the glass protector is the anti-spy feature which makes it almost impossible for strangers to purposely or accidentally see your private information on the screen. This also makes this material become an essential part of all smart devices.
Tempered glass screen protectors are still the most popular accessories for their durability and affordability.
Despite being so durable on flat surfaces, the tempered glass screen protection exposed its weak points when applied to edge and folded screens. This is where the comparison between glass vs. liquid screen protectors comes into play. In those cases, the glass protection can only cover some specific flat surfaces. In those areas where the screen is supposed to be folded or at the edge of the surface, it looks like only a liquid protector can resolve. And that is when people come up with the amazing liquid screen protector.
And the rise of innovative liquid screen protectors
The liquid solution can not only fix those problems of the old plastic films but also apply to any edge and foldable areas. As intended by the name, the product can easily form a protective thin but endurable layer on the screen, making it superior to the tempered glass protector in terms of coverage areas.
Comparing glass vs. liquid screen protectors is not a simple task to do since they are different in many aspects. Indeed, liquid screen formulas nowadays play more than a mere protection for a smart device. Moreover, it is a nice and invisible version of the thick layer of tempered glass. In detail, there are three key advantages of the liquid screen protector that will make you want to have one for your devices:
- Gorgeous touch sensitivity: Compared to the high-tech tempered glass material, the liquid screen protector offers better protection, a better look, and even better touch sensitivity all over the surface.
- Reserve your phone look: The liquid covers those edges, corners, and foldable surfaces smoothly and invisibly, preserving the original look of the screen and the whole look of the smart device.
- Ensure a long time of use: There is a highly innovative technology called self-healing properties that enables the liquid to minimize the appearance of minor scratches and those tiny holes if any.
Today, both tempered glass and liquid screen protectors are favored by a huge group of tech users. Though the liquid one represents a recent innovation in the industry, tempered glasses remain a popular choice for their durability and affordability to worldwide consumers.
Tempered glass screen protectors are designed for flat surfaces, which limits their usage on edges and foldable screens.
From the first plastic film for television in the 60s to today’s liquid protector for all types of smart devices, screen protectors have gone a long way to become one of the most popular phone accessories of the 21st century. Indeed, tempered glass and liquid screen protectors have surprised us with their advanced technology, especially with those edges and foldable screens.
Tempered Glass Vs. Liquid Screen Protectors: What’s Best for Curved and Edge Screens?
In areas such as edges or where the screens are supposed to be folded, the tempered glass can only partially cover or not be designed to cover all of those places so as not to interfere with the user experience on the device and the product's specialized performance. For that reason, the liquid screen protector is ideal for phone screens with edges or folding features. Liquid screen protectors can be coated even on those edges and corners that regular tempered glasses cannot cover.
Tempered glasses, on the other hand, have their advantages in durability, affordability, and ease of replacement for all groups of users and, therefore, are more acknowledged and widely favored. So, tempered glass vs. liquid screen protectors, which one is your right fit? Let’s find out in the section below.
Tempered Glass Vs. Liquid Screen Protectors: Which Screen Protector To Choose For Your Smart Devices?
There are typically four main factors you need to consider when choosing between tempered glass vs. liquid screen protectors, including durability, appearance, ease of application, and protection needs. Besides, there is one more factor that has significantly contributed to the list in recent times, and that is how affordable the product is.
Based on the information mentioned above, we will suggest you choose the right screen protector depending on your needs:
- If you prioritize high-impact protection: Tempered glass screen protectors will be a more ideal option with their high durability that can handle accidental drops and shocks.
- You want affordable protection: The tempered glass will be your choice. A nice and durable protection for your device at the most reasonable price that everyone can reach.
- For curved and foldable screen protection: Then you should go with the liquid screen protector that is flexible enough to provide edge-to-edge coverage.
- If the finest look is your concern: You can choose the liquid screen protector for a seamless, invisible layer that doesn’t change your device's appearance.
The liquid screen protector guarantees a better touch-sensitive experience than regular tempered glasses.
How To Properly Apply A Liquid Screen Protector Onto Your Device
The liquid screen protector can be easily applied to your device and you can do it at home with a little bit of concentration.
- Cleaning: Turn off your device and clean it with a wet microfiber cloth or alcohol wipe to completely remove dust and oil. Then let it dry.
- Applying liquid: Drop an appropriate amount of the liquid in the center of the screen and spread it evenly with the provided applicator or soft cloth in circular motions. Make sure the liquid reaches all of the edges and corners.
- Curing: Let the screen set as directed (usually up to 24 hours) after making sure it is free from any streaks or bubbles.
- Final touch: After finishing the curing step, gently wipe off any residue to complete the whole process. You can now use it without worrying about those prying eyes.
Applying and replacing liquid screen protectors on smart devices is crucial for protecting their surfaces.
In general, whether it is tempered glass or liquid solution, the primary purpose of a screen protector is to protect the screens from scratches. Besides, developers will also prioritize significant factors in increasing user experience, such as visuality, smoothness, and seamlessness. Depending on the customer’s needs and liking, you can rely on our comparison of tempered glass vs. liquid screen protectors to choose the right screen protector.
If you want to be consulted on choosing your right-fit screen protector with professionals, feel free to contact the HomeCEC team and we will provide you our suggestions based on our lists of best products in the segment, for the customers’ satisfaction is our most valuable achievement.