Buying A Screen Protector: The Ultimate Guide

It is normal for gadgets and other accessories to get accidentally damaged by users but they sometimes come at a (costly) price. While smartphones are generally made of several individual components, the screen/display is arguably the most expensive. Sometimes, replacing the screen of a device might cost you as much as one-third of the original retail price. The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a perfect example.

The Galaxy S10 officially sells for $649.99 on the retail market. Should you break the screen of the device, you’d have to shell out as high as $230 to get it fixed. The cost of a smartphone display screens are even higher now because smartphone screens are growing bigger with little (or no) bezels and the technology powering them are getting more advanced.

Innovations like ‘ Foldable ‘ and ‘ Punch-hole ‘ displays have also contributed to the increase in the cost of smartphone displays.

These and many more other factors are why you should take good care of your phone’s display and prevent it from getting damaged so you don’t have to pay (heavily) for it. This is where screen protectors come in.

Why Screen Protectors are important

Commonly called “ Tampered Glass “, they do the job of guarding your gadgets’ display from preventable damages like cracks, scratches, etc.

A screen protector is the (inexpensive) guarantee and insurance you need. Asides keeping your device’s display intact, screen protectors also help increase your phone’s resale value . Because, to be honest, no one’s buying a phone with a cracked/shattered display at a reasonable price.

Now that we have established some reasons why you need a screen protector slapped to your device’s display, let’s walk you through some things to take into consideration before picking up your next smartphone.

1. Glass or Plastic?

The table below highlights the major differences between glass and plastic screen protectors.

From the table above, it is obvious that tampered glass is best suited for keeping your gadget displays more secure than plastic films. So when next you’re picking up a screen protector for your smartphone, be sure to feel it and confirm that it is made of glass. If you are buying online, ensure that the product image and description clearly state that it is made from glass.

2. Price

Price is another (if not the most important) thing to check for when buying almost any accessory, screen protectors inclusive. As you’d guess, the cost of production for tampered glass is higher than plastic film. Hence, glass screen protectors are more expensive than their plastic counterparts; the difference in price isn’t far-flung though.

Additionally, if you can afford to, go for the more expensive branded glass protectors. For context, if you see two tampered glass on sale for $1 and $1.5 respectively, you should purchase the latter. This is because the pricier ones are generally (not always, though) of higher quality, more durable, and are made with improved materials/technologies like ‘oleophobic coating’ which prevents oil, fats, and fingerprint smudges from sticking to it.

3. Nature of display

In a bid to make their products more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable in the hands, a huge chunk of smartphone manufacturers now make the screens of their devices curved at the edges. Curved displays are beautiful and they’ll determine the type of screen protector to buy for your device.

Depending on how curved your phone’s edges are, you’ll want to cop screen protectors with a ‘D’ attached to their names (i.e. 2D/2.5D/3D/5D/7D screen protectors) because they provide full and reliable display coverage.

A regular protector with flat edges will not protect your phone’s display effectively if you attached it to a display with curved edges. There’ll be opened spaces (called Halo Effect ) that will trap dust, debris, tiny rocks that can end up ruining your phone’s screen.

4. Clear or Anti-Glare?

Ultra-clear screen protector

This is another decision you’d have to make when picking up a screen protector. From the name, clear screen protectors are made of thin layers of transparent materials. They are majorly smoothly-textured, provide a crystal clear view of your device’s display, and are almost invisible when applied.

Anti-glare screen protector

Anti-Glare screen protectors, on the other hand, are translucent and are ‘black’ in colour. This is because they are made of thin layers of unique films that reduce the intense, blinding light that phones emit and ultimately reduce eye strain. These type of protectors are also matte (not smooth) on the surface for scratch protection and prevention of fingerprint smearing.

Clear protectors are easy to use both indoors and outdoors but do not block UV rays nor reduce glare. Anti-glare protectors, on the other hand, are perfect for outdoor usage and people with visual impairments. The type of screen protector you purchase should depend on where you’d be using your smartphone the most and how well your eyes are receptive to light.

5. Mode of Adhesion

When buying a curved (or regular) screen protector, be sure to check the mode of adhesion. By adhesion, we mean how the screen protector will be attached to your device’s display. There are two commonly adopted mode of attachment:

A) Full-Adhesion: The entire surface of a full-adhesive screen protector sticks to your phone’s display, leaving little or next to no room for air/bubbles. Also called ‘ Full-cover protectors ‘, these type of screen protectors offer better cushion against impact during accidental drops.

The image above shows a full-adhesive tampered glass on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 .

When you unwrap a screen protector from its pack and only the edges are sticky, then it is the bezel-adhesive type.

If you use a really expensive device, you should purchase a full-adhesive-tampered glass.

6. Coverage

Before picking up that screen protector, be sure of the type of coverage it will offer your device. There are two major types of coverage:

A) Full coverage: A screen protector offers full coverage when it covers the entire frontal of your device in an edge-to-edge style that it becomes difficult to tell if there’s a screen protector on the device or not.

B) Partial coverage: Here, the screen protector only covers the main display area (i.e the screen itself) and leaves out the edges/bezels. Not only does this type of coverage provide partial protection (the edges of your phone could crack easily should it fall), it also makes your device lose some bit of visual appeal.

Partial/non-full coverage: a tampered glass that covers only the display and ignores the edges.

Any day, any time, screen protectors that offer full coverage are recommended.

7. For Foldables

Foldable phones are crazy expensive, so are their displays. If you use a foldable smartphone, you should definitely ensure your device’s display is protected at all time. You don’t want to shell out a thousand dollar to repair a broken foldable display, do you?

However, due to the nature of foldable displays and the current nature of screen protectors (the former folds & bends while the latter doesn’t), there is currently no screen protector available for foldable smartphones. This means you’d always have to exercise caution during usage.

Corning and some other accessory manufacturer are, however, working on a screen protection solution for foldable devices and you should begin to ‘foldable tampered glass’ as more foldable phones are being released.

8. Technical Specs: Screen Protector Edition

Smartphones have technical specifications, so do screen protectors. The next paragraph contains a list of technical terms used by the manufacturers to describe the features of screen protectors.

A ) Privacy Layer: Some tampered glass makers claim to have a special layer in their products that makes it difficult for people next to you to read/see things displayed on your screen. This is called the ‘ Privacy Layer ‘. It could be a gimmick (or not) but it’s definitely an interesting feature.

B) 9H Hardness: This is more of a certification that tells the user that the screen protector cannot be scratched by a 9H pencil, the toughest type of pencil there is. This is slapped on product packages and spec pages to tell potential buyers that the screen protector is indeed durable.

C) Self-healing: This feature means that scratches do not stay on the screen protector. There’s an underlying technology that makes scratches ‘disappear’.

E) Military Grade Protection: Although this is now mostly used as a marketing gimmick, Military Grade Protection means that it has been developed to combat the toughest falls, shocks, vibrations, etc.

Final words

Smartphone cases and screen protectors are two commonly used accessories employed to keep our expensive devices safe. While you don’t exactly need smartphone cases , screen protectors are highly recommended. Keep the above-mentioned points in mind when shopping for screen protectors and you’ll never have to worry about damaging your phone’s display.

Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.

Type your email…

Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

Type your email…

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

Type your email…