Every smartphone brand boasts about their phone displays’ protection, trying to convince you that a screen protector is unnecessary. Samsung and Google use various Corning Gorilla Glass versions, while Apple has its own Ceramic Shield glass. These glass panels offer scratch and scuff resistance and are less likely to shatter when dropped. However, if you’re prone to clumsiness, a simple screen protector can save you from countless headaches.
My journey with iPhones began with the original model in 2008. As a birthday gift, I used it without a case or screen protector, convinced I wouldn’t need them. But my confidence was shattered (literally) when I dropped the phone outside and cracked the screen. This happened just four months after I got the phone! The upcoming release of the iPhone 3G prompted me to upgrade and replace my broken phone, thus beginning my annual tradition of upgrading. I started using cases to prevent damage, and I tried a screen protector installed at a mall kiosk. It was decent until an orange peel effect appeared around the edges, forcing me to remove it. I tried applying one myself, but I always struggled with alignment, dust, or air bubbles. The hassle made me abandon screen protectors for a while.
Apple introduced Ceramic Shield with the iPhone 12 series, marketed as more scratch-resistant and harder to crack than previous iPhones. Yet, out of the box, my iPhone 12 Pro had a tiny scratch. My husband helped me apply a screen protector, which covered the scratch and prevented further damage. Since then, I’ve used screen protectors on all my iPhones, including the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and now the iPhone 15 Pro.
Last week, while walking home from lunch with my family, I dropped my iPhone 15 Pro screen-down onto the concrete. It had an OtterBox case and a screen protector, so I wasn’t too worried. I quickly checked for cracks but didn’t see any major damage. Later that night, however, I noticed a shattered corner in the screen protector. Relief washed over me as the crack was only on the protector, not the actual screen. It had done its job. Being bothered by even tiny scratches on my screen, I needed a new screen protector.
As I mentioned, my clumsiness makes dropping my phone inevitable (never on purpose, of course). When juggling multiple things with kids around, accidents happen. I started looking for a new screen protector that was easy to apply, high quality, and came in a multi-pack for error-prone applications. I stumbled upon Anker’s new screen protector, a brand I trust for cables and battery packs. The price was reasonable, and it came with two protectors.
Let me tell you, this is the easiest screen protector to install I’ve ever encountered. I usually have my husband do it, but this time, I decided to try it myself. The installation process is simple:
1. Use the alcohol wipe on the screen, then dry it with the cleaning cloth.
2. Place the phone screen-down into the box’s tray, which is specifically designed for the chosen iPhone model. The box is bulky for a reason – it’s part of the installation process.
3. Close the lid, press firmly, and then fully remove the pull tab.
4. The protector’s adhesive will stick to the screen for a hassle-free installation.
I was amazed by the results. When I pulled the tab out, I couldn’t tell that there was a screen protector on my phone. I wondered if I had done it correctly! Then I saw the protector layered on top, perfectly installed – no dust, no bubbles, nothing. It was the easiest installation ever, taking less than five minutes. You can’t even feel the screen protector while using the phone, and it feels incredibly smooth. This is the perfect screen protector for people who dislike applying them. It’s also compatible with any case, as I haven’t had any issues with my OtterBox case.
I’ve been using the Anker screen protector for over a week now. Of course, I accidentally dropped my phone again while shopping at Disneyland. With the OtterBox case and Anker screen protector, there was zero damage, even to the protector. If there had been, I could have simply used the spare from the two-pack.
If you’re like me and tend to drop your phone, a screen protector and a good case are essential. If you hate applying screen protectors due to the hassle, try the Anker screen protector. It’s designed to be foolproof and incredibly hard to mess up. Plus, it’s much cheaper than replacing your phone’s screen.
