Is a screen protector really necessary?

I never thought the so-called 'screen protector' did anything other than protect against minor superficial scratches on the screen. On phones with a plastic touchscreen, I could see how a severe scratch could possibly cause digitizer errors, but the iOS devices have capacitive digitizers. Unless the screen is smashed, cracked, or broken, the 'damage' should be primarily cosmetic.

Prevnting broken screens are not the function of the screen protector films or skins. Protecting broken screens would require an energy absorbing or rigid cover for the screen and even then, dropping on one of the corners could still do in the screen. Really effective protection would need an Otterbox, a Life Case, or best, a small Pelican case that is made of polycarbonate and has a silicone sealing ring. The latter will survive being underwater a few feet.

I know I had my original 4S since October and I sent it back because it was defective, but I know it had light scratches on the front of it, but I don't know the specific day count for that one.

I received a replacement 4S on January 26th this year, and I noticed a light scratch on Saturday February 11th.

So 16 days beats 72...

Anyways it doesn't really bother me that much anymore, I know I could never use a screen protector because they feel and look disguting, and they usually effect the picture quality of the display negatively.

I used to feel the same way about cases but now use one on my iPhone to make it easier to hold as I find it uncomfotable to hold it without it's case on. It's a speck fitted case, and I think it would survive a fall but it's not as tough as an otterbox, but then I'm not using a case on it for protection just for comfort...

I meant 72 hours (that's 3 days).

So glad u can edit your posts on this forum lol

I guess you win then, lol.

I rang both Chitter chatter and apple about my scratch.

Both advised to use a screen protector. Why it doesn't already come with one is baffling, if the screen is that crap without one.

Apple can replace my screen at a cost of £120 (so the warranty isn't worth the paper it's printed on).

Maybe I should just return the iPhone to Chitter chatter as it's under the cooling off period and get another from another network.

a company called SPIGEN (im not affiluated with them) make a screen protector which is glass - right now they are on order - i had one and it worked great and looked nice - although hard to put on

http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/apple-iphone/sgp-iphone-4-4s-screen-protector-g las-t-premium-tempered-glass-series.html

has anyone had a screen repaired/replaced?

Apple are charging £120 for a new screen.

I really do truely believe that the screen on the 4S is worse than the 3GS. In fact Id go one further and say its crap.

gotta just laugh at ziggy925's comment about them making a screen protector protector...haha

I have a nasty scratch on my iPhone 3GS. I keep it in my pocket, don't treat it rough.

I think I'll put screen protectors on all my iOS devices in the future.

I do have a minor scratch on my 4S, but not on my two previous iPhones (3GS & 4), nor on mt iPad2 or my previous iPad1. I regret this scratch, but the phones with the screen protectors look far worse (dirt, oil, and air bubbles) than any scratches I can imagine. To me, it's a lot like having leather seats in a car, then covering those seats with a plastic cover. You do save the seats (screen in the original point), but who are you saving the pretty, oleophobic glass screen for, the next user of your phone? To me, it reduces the value of the device to me and my primary interest is my use, not resale value.

Early on in this thread, I was convinced that the iOS devices had screens that were more scratch resistant than my 4S appears to be, now, but unless the screen becomes really obscured, I'll enjoy the glass surface, because gestures really suck with the plastic overlays, particularly on the iPad (even worse with a stylus).

I was proven wrong about screen scratch resistance, but I find that I'd still rather live with that over a plastic overlay wit adhesive attachment. Maybe Apple should create a Smart cover for the next (iPhone 5?) phone.

Each to their own but I cannot emphasis enough how important it is to get a screen protector. Apple even recommend it. For me they are a big fiddlehead to get on and if u have air bubbles this is caused by dust particles between the screen and protector. To get rid of these use Sellotape. Simples.

I don't believe screen protectors detract from the screen display anyway nd u don't even notice u have one on.

I scratched my iPhone 4s within first 3 days. I couldn't live with it. It was annoying me too much. So I sent it back for a replacement and put a protector on straight away. For me scratches look terrible and really do affect watching videos, playing games , etc.

Plus replacing the glass Is great if you're prepared to shell out £120!

So my motto is better to be safe than sorry.

As you say, to each their own, but I have yet to see a screen protector (even without the bubbles) that looked the same as the glass screen. Perhaps the screen protectors you are using are superior to the ones I've typically seen. I had a few in the early days with my 3GS, but they definitely had a less glossy surface than the screen itself and gestures were not as easy to do in a smooth manner.

I cetainly understand your point-of-view, but so far, I'm willing to put up with the scratch I have. I think it is interesting that although Apple touts their oleophobic coating on the screen, they often (if not always) recommend a screen protector which renders the coating moot at the least. Apple's direction on the screen seems a bit schizophrenic.

A Company called SPIGEN (im not affiliated with them) makes a screen protector for the iphone 4S that is made out of glass - to be honest i tried 2 of them and they are really difficult to put on because the adhesive didnt spread evenly and left blotches on the screen - the actual installation was easy but those blotches never cleared up - but if you want to look at it you can find it at

http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/apple-iphone/sgp-iphone-4-4s-screen-protector-g las-t-premium-tempered-glass-series.html