In today’s digital age, smartphones have become a necessity. From budget devices to premium flagships, most people spend a significant amount of money to buy a phone that meets their daily needs. However, when it comes to protecting the display, many users opt for cheap tempered glass costing only ₹50–₹100. While it may seem like a smart bargain, experts warn that low-quality tempered glass can harm your smartphone in the long run.

Types of Tempered Glass Available in the Market

Before understanding the risks, it’s important to know that two main types of tempered glass screen protectors are commonly available:

1. Glass Tempered Protectors

   • Offer smooth touch response and better clarity.

   • Work well with touchscreens but require good quality to maintain sensitivity.

2. Plastic Tempered Protectors

   • More durable against drops and impacts.

   • However, they attract scratches quickly, lose clarity over time, and often look hazy with fingerprint marks.

Risks of Using Cheap Tempered Glass

Most modern smartphones come with highly responsive touchscreens designed to work with the lightest touch. Using a local, poorly made tempered glass can interfere with this sensitivity, leading to delayed response or even malfunctioning of the display.

Some of the common issues include:

• Poor Touch Response: Low-quality tempered glass is often thicker than recommended. This creates lag in touch sensitivity and affects in-display fingerprint sensors, making them less effective.

• Problems with Curved Displays: Many smartphones today come with curved screens. Local flat tempered glass does not stick properly to curved edges, leaving air gaps and bubbles. Over time, the edges peel off, spoiling both the look and protection.

• Permanent Display Damage: In some cases, shopkeepers use UV glue to stick glass protectors. Once applied, these can be extremely difficult to remove without damaging the screen itself.

• Distorted Display Quality: Cheap tempered glass reduces brightness, alters color tones, and can make the screen look yellowish or blurry. This not only ruins the viewing experience but also puts extra strain on your eyes.

• Loss of Oleophobic Coating: Most smartphones have an oleophobic coating on their screens to resist fingerprints, dust, and oil. Low-quality tempered glass can gradually wear off this coating, making your screen look dirty and harder to clean.

How to Choose the Right Tempered Glass

If you want your phone’s screen to last longer and maintain its quality, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Go for Branded or Original Products: Always buy a screen protector specifically designed for your smartphone model. Branded tempered glass ensures compatibility and durability.

2. Choose Curved or 3D Glass for Curved Displays: If your phone has a curved screen, only use curved-edge glass. Flat protectors won’t fit properly and will leave gaps.

3. Check Transparency Levels: A good-quality tempered glass should have at least 99% transparency. This keeps display brightness and colors intact.

4. Avoid Thick Glass: Thickness should not exceed 0.3mm. Anything thicker can reduce touch responsiveness.

5. Buy From Trusted Sources: Avoid local roadside shops or unknown sellers. Always purchase from reliable online platforms or authorized stores.

Final Takeaway

While saving a few hundred rupees by opting for a cheap tempered glass may seem tempting, it could end up costing you much more if your smartphone display gets damaged. Investing in a high-quality screen protector not only keeps your device safe but also ensures smooth performance, better touch response, and a longer screen life.

In short, when it comes to your smartphone’s safety, don’t compromise quality for a small price. Spending wisely today can prevent heavy repair costs tomorrow.