Do you use a screen protector for your iPad Pro? If so, what kind?

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Do you use a screen protector for your iPad Pro? If so, what kind?

So I tend to overthink these things (I'm an engineer). Curious if most people use screen protectors on the new iPad Pro 12.9 and if so is it tempered glass or matte and why did you make your selection?

Here has been my experience so far (apologies if this gets a bit long-winded, just want to get all my thoughts out in case others are in a similar boat):

Years ago I decided to remove all screen protectors from all of my Apple devices. As the argument goes, I wanted the "experience the devices as they were designed." Within one week, my iPad had a huge scratch running across the entire screen. I have no idea how it got there, I am extremely careful with my devices and use folio cases. My best guess was that a piece of sand or something similar had worked it's way in between the case and the screen. One week after that, my iPhone X screen cracked. Now bear in mind I've never cracked a device screen in over 15 years with screen protectors.

Coincidence? Probably. But from that point forward I used screen protectors on all of my devices including my Apple Watch. I've heard all the arguments against them, read several articles like this one:

Does Your iPad Need A Screen Protector? - basiccomputertips.com

In this article, his primary argument is that if you'd just be more careful, you wouldn't damage your screens. Well, I feel that I am extremely careful with all of my valuable electronics and still they manage to sustain some damages. He even goes as far to suggest wiping down your fingers and Apple Pencil before each use. Really? That takes away from the "genuine experience" much more than having a slightly elevated screen that's just as responsive and arguably shows fewer fingerprints. I'd rather just have a sacrificial screen that I don't worry about damaging instead of trying to remember to bust out my lint-free microfiber cloth 40 times a day.

And besides all that, I just can't get past my personal experiences, as anecdotal as they may be. I recently took the tempered glass screen protector off of my iPad Pro 12.9. The picture was slightly better, but I think that was because the screen protector I removed had fingerprints on it that I hadn't wiped clean yet (I was now staring at basically a brand new ipad screen). I also felt like it was being covered in micro scratches every time I would use my Apple Pencil. I know that part was in my head, but the pencil was making a squeaking sound when running across the screen (I draw and take notes a lot). On the plus side, I suppose the screen felt a bit more responsive (could have been in my head) and a bit easier to take notes with - mainly because I was writing directly on the surface instead of .33mm away. Not enough to really make any difference in my opinion.

In fact, I actually found that writing on the slick tempered glass was easier and more enjoyable than the naked iPad screen. The Apple Pencil felt too "grippy" with the unprotected screen, but perhaps that's because I'm used to the glass now. In terms of drawing, I felt like the unprotected screen actually hindered me because I couldn't swipe my lines as fast.

So the same day I trashed my screen protector, tried it for an hour or so, I went ahead and bought another tempered glass one from Amazon. Now here I am, like a typical engineer, second-guessing myself again.

Posted on Jan 21, 2022 7:34 AM

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Answer 1

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Tychondrias Author

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34 points

Jan 24, 2022 3:28 PM in response to Tychondrias

I’d like to follow up with my findings since making the original post. I’ve gone through three different style screen protectors, testing what I like/dislike about each. Hopefully this is useful to other iPad users like me!

Tempered Glass: the first one I bought was the typical tempered glass 0.33mm thick clear protector, this one made by SPARIN. It was nearly perfect except for one flaw that I later found is true of all tempered glass screen protectors… they cause waviness when attempting to draw straight, diagonal lines in any drawing or note taking app. This is because [insert me making up science here]. Must have something to do with the way the extra thickness refracts light while using the pencil on what is technically a grid of squares (albeit they are so tiny we can’t see them). Those who are familiar with this issue know what I’m talking about, and for an artist it is absolutely maddening. Most people just end up drawing on the bare screen for this very reason. However, I was determined to find a solution that got me the best of all worlds (scratch protection, drawing functionality, screen clarity).
Matte Film: next I tried a Matte film (flexible plastic, not glass), this one made by iCarez. This was an absolute nightmare to install but once I got all the bubbles out I loved it. Again, it was almost perfect. The line-jitter issue was gone and it’s a dream to draw on! The extra texture on the screen is wonderful, providing the “bite” similar to drawing on real paper. It also reduces glare. Now to the fatal flaw… the matte texture gives the iPad a washed out look and creates tiny little rainbows all over the screen that are especially noticeable on white backgrounds. It’s not that big of a deal, but part of why I paid over $1,000 for the iPad Pro was for its beautiful Retina display. So that was a dealbreaker for me. On to the final solution, which is my favorite (and also quite difficult to find if you don’t know what terminology to search for)…
Clear Film: the final protector I found and the one I will likely be sticking with. This one is made by SuperShieldz. It got quite a bit of unfavorable reviews because I think people thought they were purchasing a tempered glass screen protector. An understandable mistake, but for those who are looking for something very specific, this screen protector is perfect. Again, the installation of a flexible screen protector was a pain, but once it’s done you’re left with the same beautiful Retina display of the unprotected iPad, with scratch resistance, and with no line-jitter issue. This will likely not provide any shatter protection, but I’m not really looking for that in an iPad screen protector anyway. It’s not a device I’m flinging around like my iPhone. It has several layers of protection already (magic keyboard plus, leather sleeve, and carried in my backpack - plus I have AppleCare for any catastrophic damage). So really, all I want is a way to protect against scratches while preserving the “base feel” of the iPad.

That was a very long-winded post, but I wanted to pass on my little experiment to save others some time. I will post an update if anything changes but I’m fairly certain that I’ll be sticking with the SuperShieldz for good. The best part about all of this is if you wanted to try some of these for yourself, none of them are terribly expensive ($6-15 and you get multiples).

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,290 points

Jan 24, 2022 3:35 PM in response to Tychondrias

No and never.

I have owned MANY iPads and own two older 12.9 inch screen iPad Pro models and I just take care of my devices.

Never needed to use any screen protector, ever.

I just use good quality and protective cases that protect the screen well, when closed.

Some glass screen protectors can interfere with the normal operation of the Pencil.

The choice of using a screen protector is yours.

I never felt the need to use one and I want as much direct screen contact, using my Pencil or my other third party smart stylii, as possible.

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Answer 3

Jan 21, 2022 7:46 AM in response to Tychondrias

A good quality screen protector (such as Zagg - often recommended here) should have little if any adverse effect on the sensitivity of your Apple Pencil.

iPad screens are robust, but the anti-reflection treatment and oleophobic coating can be easily damaged by tiny grit/dust particles that are unavoidable in many environments. The oleophobic coating is a chemical sacrificial layer that will wear-out over time.

A Screen Protector provides an additional defensive barrier - protecting both the original screen finish and the oleophobic coating. For tempered glass, the downside is perhaps an increase in screen reflectivity and a slight reduction in contrast. For textured plastic film, you can expect reduced image clarity/definition and reduction in relative contrast.

When using a finger, you can “feel” an abrasive particle - and will instinctively moderate finger pressure to avoid damage. The tip of the Pencil does not provide the same level of feel as does a fingertip. Contrary to what you might think, material science tells is that an abrasive particle will abrade a harder surface (the screen) before a softer surface (the pencil tip). This is because the abrasive particle will embed in the softer surface - and will be dragged across the harder surface.

Your iPad screen is an expensive component of your iPad; a screen protector is a sacrificial layer that is easy and relatively cheap to replace. Once damaged by grit or an abrasive particle, frequently found in dust and other environmental contaminants, screen replacement is the only remedy for a damaged screen.

Some contributors here will suggest that a screen protector is unnecessary - whilst others may be more cautious, favouring the additional protection afforded by a screen protector. It’s entirely your choice. As an engineer, you’ll no doubt comprehend this objective analysis.

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Answer 4

Jan 21, 2022 8:14 AM in response to Tychondrias

AppleCare+ does indeed provide some peace of mind - but perhaps consider some important points…

1) Being an insurance product, a claim against AppleCare+ will incur an excess/deductible charge - the charge likely exceeding the cost of a good quality screen protector.

2) AppleCare+ limits you to two claims in the insurance period. By contrast you can replace the screen protector as often as is necessary.

3) AppleCare+ does not repair (i.e., replace the screen) of your iPad. Instead the iPad is permanently exchanged for a reconditioned iPad of the same specification and model as the damaged iPad. Your own lovingly protected iPad is replaced by another device that, by definition, had a fault that required repair. If the original iPad was itself purchased as a reconditioned model, this may not be of any concern - but for a device purchased new (potentially very recently), in otherwise pristine condition, you may not be so keen.

You pays your money - and takes you choice. Put another way, what is your risk appetite?

A screen protector does not detract from the overall protection offered by AppleCare+, but augments this insurance product. The screen protector will offer considerable protection from damage - and extend resistance to impact damage. If the very worst should occur, and the iPad screen is actually broken, then AppleCare+ can step-in to avoid a total loss or uneconomic repair.

In summary, one complements the other. Similarly, a good quality hard-back TPU case offers protection for the rest of the iPad - so why not protect the screen as well 🙂

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Answer 5

Tychondrias Author

Level 1

34 points

Jan 24, 2022 5:12 PM in response to MichelPM

I’m with you on wanting to use the device as designed. Trouble is, I’m terrified of scratching the screen. First iPad I owned, a piece of sand/grit got between the keyboard and the screen and put a massive scratch (I could feel it with my fingernail) across the entire screen. Bugged me to no end.

I can confirm that the tempered glass screen protectors mess with the Apple Pencil. One issue I’m able to replicate is the line jitter when drawing diagonally. Don’t know the science behind why this happens, but it’s there.

The thin film Matte protector fixes the Apple Pencil issue but washes out the display (looks grainy).

Best of both worlds in my opinion is the thin, plastic, film screen protector (kinda like the film you initially pull off of all new Apple device screens) that provides just enough protection to prevent scratches, but preserves the original look and feel of the iPad.

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Answer 6

Tychondrias Author

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34 points

Jan 21, 2022 7:56 AM in response to LotusPilot

What an excellent and timely response!

Your post has given me a bit more peace of mind about the decision to use a screen protector. As you say, it's an expensive product that's worth protecting, especially given how much it gets used (versus a non-touch computer screen, which is never touched by a finger or pencil).

One other comment I'd add. I've seen a lot of folks say "Apple Care is my screen protector." I think that's a fair argument, and I have Apple Care for my iPad Pro. However, I think most people who are in this dilemma are concerned about scratches, not necessarily cracks (as I say, my old iPad had a very pronounced scratch that I don't believe would have been covered by Apple Care).

Now perhaps some simply don't care as much about the preserved quality of their screen in the long run. I'm simply not one of those people. I like to maintain (within reason) as close to the original quality of an expensive product as possible, without bordering on OCD. All things in moderation I suppose.

Thanks again for the reply!

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Answer 7

Tychondrias Author

Level 1

34 points

Jan 21, 2022 8:58 AM in response to Community User

Okay so I didn’t know ZAGG made a screen protector with built in blue-light filtering, that’s AWESOME! Thank you for sharing this! Currently I use a pair of glasses to filter blue light so it’s not really necessary but good to know that it exists. Also the price tag is a bit steep for something that’s effectively sacrificial.

Here’s the one I ended up going with on Amazon. Price and reviews were the largest factor for me. People seem to love it and at that price tag I could replace it a dozen times without breaking the bank:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08S3YLH3L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just put the screen protector on ten minutes ago. No bubbles (use the dust-absorber sticker folks! Spend five minutes getting every spec of dust off after you’ve used the wet/dry wipe). As I mentioned earlier, there is a VERY minor difference in the use of the Apple Pencil that I think is mainly driven by the fact that I’m now writing .33mm from the screen as opposed to directly on it. However, the pencil glides across it so much smoother than on the unprotected screen. I’m guessing that’s due to the coating that LotusPilot mentioned.

Hopefully this thread is helpful to others who are in this dilemma. I am extremely happy I went back to having a tempered glass screen protector. Peace of mind, better Apple Pencil experience, and allows me to be a bit more aggressive when cleaning the screen (no anxieties about trapped sand/dust to cause micro scratching).

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Answer 8

Jan 21, 2022 9:05 AM in response to Tychondrias

Zagg offer a wide range of screen protectors - including, for iPad, both tempered glass and flexible (film).

https://www.zagg.com

Consider also that Zagg protectors have a lifetime warranty against damage or breakage for as long as you own the device. This more than offsets any additional cost - for an already superior product. You break it - they replace it.

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Answer 9

Jan 25, 2022 1:05 AM in response to Tychondrias

Obviously use of a screen protector of any kind is driven by both personal preference and circumstances/environment.

You are quite correct in that manufactures screen protector products vary both in quality and performance. While respecting your observations concerning the low cost products with which you have been experimenting, many users report seeing no adverse or reduced performance when using more expensive products - such as Zagg.

As with most products that you will encounter, very often you get exactly what you pay for. In context of a screen protector that interfaces directly with your primary User Interface, high quality (at potentially higher cost) pays dividends.

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Answer 10

Jan 21, 2022 8:23 AM in response to Tychondrias

Hi, Tychondrias.

Screen protectors are something that are pretty awesome. To start, let's talk about the options.

Here is one:

https://www.target.com/p/zagg-invisibleshield-glass-elite-visionguard-plus-apple-ipad-12-9-case/-/A-83084482#lnk=sametab

Like LotusPilot recommended, this is a ZAGG cover. They are good quality and will last a long while, if you use your iPad frequently.

Thanks, and good luck,

techygirlhere

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Do you use a screen protector for your iPad Pro? If so, what kind?

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