If you have a new flagship phone, using a screen protector is probably no longer a necessity for you. The displays of many modern phones are made with glass resistant to scratches and impacts and can withstand everyday damage to a considerable extent.
For example, Samsung's Galaxy S26 is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In the Knoop scratch test, in which the resistance of the glass is examined using a pyramidal diamond indenter, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 shows signs of scratching and cracking under a force between 7 and 10 newtons. This level of scratch resistance is similar to the first generation of Gorilla Glass Victus, but Victus 2 can also withstand a one-meter drop onto a concrete surface.
Nevertheless, a durable display does not mean it is scratch-proof or invulnerable. Even the advanced glasses used in flagship phones may get scratched when in contact with certain everyday materials and objects.
Proper care can replace a screen protector
A screen protector can be considered an additional protective layer, not necessarily an essential accessory. Just as the phone's original glass may crack from a severe drop, a screen protector will also be damaged in such conditions.
One of the simplest ways to extend the life of the display is to prevent it from coming into contact with objects that can scratch the glass surface. Placing the phone in a pocket or bag alongside keys, coins, or metal tools can gradually cause scratches on the display.
Also, sand, grit, and fine dust particles are less considered factors that can scratch the display surface. For this reason, keeping the screen clean is very important.
To clean the display, you can use a soft microfiber cloth. If a cleaning solution is needed, equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol can be mixed and a small amount of that applied to the cloth. However, isopropyl alcohol with a concentration greater than 70 percent or strong chemicals should not be used; because these substances may damage the display's surface coatings.
Is a blue-light-blocking screen protector necessary?
Blue-light-blocking screen protectors are marketed to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from the display, and some manufacturers claim these products can help improve sleep at night. These protectors typically filter about 30 to 60 percent of the display's blue light.
However, using the phone's built-in blue light filter or night mode is usually a better option. This feature not only has no cost, but also allows automatic scheduling; for example, it can be set to activate at night and deactivate in the morning.
On the other hand, some blue-light-blocking protectors may reduce color accuracy by adding a yellowish tint to the display. Therefore, if the primary goal is reducing blue light, using the phone's software feature can be a simpler and more practical solution.
Privacy screen; useful but not for everyone
Privacy screen protectors vary in their characteristics and how useful they are depends on how the user uses the phone. These protectors make the display clear when viewed directly, but people looking at the phone from side angles cannot easily see the screen's content.
If you mostly use the phone at home or in private spaces, you probably do not need such a protector. These products have drawbacks alongside their benefits. For example, it becomes difficult for people next to you to view the screen content and it may even be harder to see notifications from oblique angles.
Some privacy protectors can also make the display look slightly grainy or pixelated and reduce screen brightness. As a result, the user may increase the phone's brightness to read the screen more comfortably, which can increase battery consumption.
Finally, if the phone is equipped with a durable, high-quality display, not using a screen protector is not necessarily a wrong decision. Proper maintenance, regular cleaning, and keeping the phone away from hard and rough objects can largely prevent scratches. However, for people who use their phones in high-risk environments, alongside metal items, or in conditions with a high risk of drops, a screen protector can still be a valuable protective layer.