The Apple iPhone 14 lineup was a proper upgrade from its predecessor. But some things are the same as the earlier models. One of them is Ceramic Shield. As Apple claims, the Ceramic Shield coating offers four times the drop protection than regular glass. This might make you wonder, does iPhone 14 need a screen protector?
Yes, the iPhone 14 needs a screen protector. While the Ceramic Shield makes the glass durable, it’s still susceptible to scratches and cracks. So, if you want to protect your device from accidental damage, you should use a screen protector on your iPhone 14.
The big question is, what will happen if you don’t use a screen protector on iPhone 14? How much of a protection can the Ceramic Shield offer? Let’s take a closer look.
Does iPhone 14 Have Strong Glass?
Yes, the iPhone 14 has a strong glass. As a matter of fact, JerryRigEverything has tested the durability of the screen. The video of the test is embedded below for you to check out.
But if you don’t have time to go through the video, the long story short is that iPhone 14’s glass is pretty durable. As JerryRigEverything has pointed out in the video, the glass gets minor scratches at level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. And there were no visible scratches before that. This makes the screen on par with other flagships.
For those wondering, level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale means the screen of the iPhone 14 can’t get scratched with a knife. But it can have faint scratch marks when a steel nail comes in contact.
So, if you roll with the iPhone 14 without any screen protector, just make sure it doesn’t come in contact with something sharp. Other than that, it won’t get scratched for pocket dust, coins, and keys.
Ceramic Shield vs Gorilla Glass
In Android, Gorilla Glass is the gold standard of strong screen glasses. And while it may not seem like it, Ceramic Shield and Gorilla Glass are from the same company, Corning. But what’s really interesting is that Apple claims that the Ceramic Shield is four times stronger than other glass. That includes Gorilla Glass too.
But Corning hasn’t officially said if the Ceramic shield of iPhones is tougher than Gorilla Glass. And as different stress tests show, the iPhone Ceramic Shield is neck and neck with Gorilla Glass. So, there’s really no winner. Both the Ceramic Shield and Gorilla Glass offer great overall protection.
Does Apple Recommend Screen Protectors?
Apple doesn’t explicitly recommend screen protectors for iPhones. After all, Ceramic Shield on the screen is one of the marketing factors of the devices. But on the Apple Store, you can find screen protectors for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and all the other iPhones that are currently available for purchase.
This indirectly means that Apple still wants you to use a screen protector. And there are really no disadvantages to using screen protectors on your iPhone. The layer of glass doesn’t degrade your viewing experience. Also, you’ll get extra peace of mind when you put the protective glass on the iPhone.
Are iPhone Screen Protectors Necessary?
Yes, iPhone screen protectors are necessary. Here are some reasons why you should consider using a screen protector on your iPhone:
Ceramic Shield Isn’t Bulletproof
No matter what Apple says, Ceramic Shield isn’t diamond. That also means that the glass on the iPhone isn’t bulletproof. Even with a high durability rating, the glass can crack in extreme scenarios. So, keeping your iPhone protected with a screen protector is better.
Screen Protector Offers Extra Layer of Protection
Even if you’re extra careful while handling your iPhone, you can still drop it accidentally. You can end up with a cracked screen depending on where the phone lands during these accidental drops. But with a screen protector, the device’s actual screen has a high chance of staying intact.
Speaking from experience, I’ve dropped my phone multiple times. And in most cases, the screen protector saved me from ending up with a cracked display. It also allowed me to keep my past devices in pristine form. That plays a big role if you want to sell your phone or trade it in when upgrading.
What Kind of Screen Protector Do I Need for iPhone 14?
There are four types of screen protectors for smartphones. And the one you need for your iPhone 14 depends on your priorities. Let’s give you an overview of the types to make things easier:
Tempered Glass
As you might already know, tempered glass protectors offer the best protection from scratches and drops. Some even come with additional features. That includes privacy and anti-glare coatings. So, choose tempered glass screen protectors for your iPhone 14 if you want the maximum protection.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Compared to tempered glass screen protectors, PET protectors are thin and light. They offer a smooth feel, which means you won’t even feel like there’s a protector on your iPhone 14. But they don’t offer a good overall protector from drops and scratches.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU protectors can protect your iPhone 14 from superficial scratches. That means your phone will be protected from keys that you may keep in the same pocket as your phone. But these are not long-lasting and tend to put an off-color hue after some months of use.
Nano Liquid
This type of screen protector claims to fend off marks and scratches without adding any weight or layer to the screen. It’s nothing but a liquid coating that goes on top of the display. In general, this liquid coating is made of silicon dioxide.
But nano-liquid screen protectors aren’t the best for protection. So, it’s better not to get it for your iPhone 14 if you want better crack and scratch protection.
Concluding Remarks on iPhone 14 and Screen Protector
So, is the iPhone 14 screen durable? In short, yes, it is durable, thanks to the Ceramic Shield. But Ceramic Shield isn’t bulletproof, and it’s glass at the end of the day. For that reason, if you are still wondering does iPhone 14 need a screen protector, the answer is yes.
I would personally recommend using a tempered glass protector with a protective casing on your iPhone. These two will help to keep the phone in good shape even after years of use.
Meet Abid Ahsan, the trusted luminary behind BitsFromByte. With a degree in Computer Science and over a decade of experience, Abid’s authoritative expertise shines through his in-depth guides, meticulous reviews, and timely news coverage on software, operating systems, consumer tech products, phones, PCs, and laptops. His dedication to accuracy, transparency, and unbiased reporting makes it easy for our readers to stay informed in this rapidly evolving tech landscape.