It is no secret that you need to take care of your things if you want them to serve you for a long time. It is no different with smartphones. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to do it correctly in terms of potential mechanical damage, which is usually not covered by the warranty.
Smartphone users often choose expensive cases, completely ignoring the front of the device or thinking that the factory foil is sufficient protection. It is true that smartphones are becoming more and more durable, both in terms of the front and the back. However, it is still worth following the rule “it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
If we have already decided that it is worth spending a few dozen zlotys to take care of smartphone security for a few hundred or a few thousand, we can move on to the part where I will explain what types of glass are available on the market, how they differ, how to install them and how to understand the individual markings on the packaging.
How much does the cheapest tempered glass cost? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
One of the simplest and cheapest tempered glass we can get them online for just a few zlotys. Wholesalers sell them to brick-and-mortar stores for a zloty or two. The brick-and-mortar stores charge around 30 zlotys for them, but it’s worth noting that they usually offer free installation.
Even the simplest glass offers hardness 9H on the Mohs scaleso they can be scratched with a diamond blade at most. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that the cheapest glass has its disadvantages. First of all, it is flat, and some smartphones have a more or less rounded screen. Then manufacturers sell smaller sizes in relation to the screen, so they do not protect the entire screen, or the dimensions are correct, but on the sides there appear unsightly air stripes.
After applying such glass, the feeling of touching the screen also changes. This is especially noticeable in the case of more expensive models with top-shelf screens. Despite this, the cheapest glass seems to be the best choice if the front of our device is completely flat. The price-quality ratio also speaks in favor of this solution.
How to install the simplest tempered glass?
Basic tempered glass is also the easiest to install. Most often, in addition to the glass itself, we get two cloths in the set, one dry and the other wet. Less often, they contain special sticky pads to get rid of dust.
First, we wipe the device with a wet cloth, then a dry one, and when the smartphone is clean, we peel off the foil and put one side of the glass on the screen. When we are sure that it is even, we drop the rest of the glass and press it to get rid of the air.
In case the air was left under the glassyou can gently pry them with your fingernail and get rid of the bubble. If the bubble is caused by some dust, you can try to pry the glass and reach for it with something stiff and flat. For some glasses, we get special dust papers, but if we don’t have any, we can help ourselves with, for example, a business card. However, you should be careful not to damage the glue structure, because otherwise visible traces may remain.
Another problem we may encounter is the cloth, which should be wet, will somehow come dry. Then we can clean the screen with a bit of isopropyl alcohol, and if we don’t have any, window cleaner will work just as well.
Advantages and disadvantages of 3D and 5D tempered glass
In the process of searching tempered glass on the Internet or during a visit to a store, you may notice 3D or 5D markings. This is nothing more than the degree of curvature of the glass. This type of glass works very well for smartphones whose screen is not completely flat. Thanks to the curvature and special frames, they are able to cover most of the screenthan would be possible with standard glasses.
The difference between 3D and 5D comes down to the way the glue is placed. In the case of 3D, it is only on the edges, while in 5D glasses glue is on the entire surface of the glass. I have often encountered a situation where customers mistakenly thought that 3D or 5D glassess harder than the basic ones, but this is not true. Here too, the maximum hardness is 9H.
Rounded glasses are definitely more expensive than the basic ones. Their prices in sales points start at around 50 PLN, and more expensive brands can even cost 100 or 120 PLN. On the Internet, you can of course get them much cheaper, but it is worth investing in a decent brand.
5D Glass Sticking. What You Need to Know?
The procedure for sticking 5D glass is described as similar to applying basic glass, but in reality it is much more difficult. First, you need to prepare the screen, for this purpose we clean it with a wet and dry cloth. In the set we usually have special adhesives, which can be used to get rid of dust.
Next, good centering is important. While in the case of flat glass, the crooked arrangement does not change much and we may not even notice it, here under crookedly glued glass air may get in.
After installing the glass, simply press it with the included rasp and slowly push the air out from under the glass. Any bubbles and dust that remain under the glass can be removed in the same way as with basic glass. However, it is worth being careful here, as it is much easier to damage the structure of the glue, which can look unsightly later.
UV Glass. Is It Worth Installing?
Just like with 5D glasses, I have come across people who were convinced that UV glass is harder from the rest. This is clearly untrue, because the hardness is exactly the same as in the case of those previously described.
What is true about UV glass is that when applied properly it can protect the device for years. In this case I would not recommend anyone who has not installed many glasses before to apply it themselves.
What is characteristic of UV glass is that the glue is not directly under the glass as in the case of other types. Here we have a separate container with a sticky substance, which you have to spread on the screen yourself. Then, lay the glass evenly, and then harden the structure with a special lamp, which is included in the set.
In my career, I have encountered poorly spread glue under UV glass many times. The problem then occurs during removal. UV glass can be a salvation for people who often have other types of glass fall off.
What is flexible glass?
Flexible glass is nothing more than a hybrid that combines the features of glass and foil. It works great for rounded devices. I had one installed on my smartphone for many years.
The most important ones flexible glass feature their flexibility. On the other hand, they are very durable due to the use of multiple layers. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal solution. The biggest enemy of flexible glasses are scratches, which are quite visible on their surface, and in the case of deeper scratches, even palpable under the finger.
The installation itself is also not easy. In most cases, it is similar to applying foil. Sometimes we also get a frame that prevents crooked sticking, which makes it easier. However, the problems start with high temperature bent glass. Simply applying the “flex” will not be enough. You need to push and press the screen very slowly with the rasp, pushing the air out evenly. It is important to do this carefully, because in some cases we will not be able to get rid of the bubbles that will remain under the surface.
