Don't Buy A Screen Protector For Your Phone Without This One Feature

A screen protector has long been an essential smartphone accessory. Granted, with phone screens stronger than ever before, there's an argument to be made that a screen protector is no longer necessary. However, if you still want the peace of mind this add-on offers, it's important to know that not all screen protectors are created equal. When buying one, make sure you choose a screen protector with an oleophobic coating.

"Oleophobic" is just a fancy way of saying "oil resistant." Ideally, an oleophobic coating works by preventing oils, such as the natural oils on your hand, from accumulating on a phone's screen protector.

This feature can dramatically improve the overall user experience while also minimizing upkeep needs. In addition, when a screen protector's coating repels oil and other such contaminants, a user doesn't have to clean their device as often as they otherwise would. That said, because no screen protector lasts forever, if you still use this accessory, it is important to know when it's time to replace your screen protector.

Oleophobic screen protectors generally work due to being made from materials that resist oil. Without an oleophobic coating, droplets of oil from your hands could adhere to the screen protector. The oleophobic coating causes them to slide off the surface. This offers several advantages. For example, when a screen protector has an oleophobic coating, you're less likely to leave smudges and fingerprints on it. This allows for greater overall visibility and clarity.

A screen protector with an oleophobic coating will also result in a smoother scrolling, swiping, and clicking experience. This is because there's essentially less friction between a user's finger and the screen when an oleophobic coating prevents the buildup of oil and other contaminants. Again, because an oleophobic coating reduces smudging and overall contaminant accumulation, it also makes cleaning a phone's screen easier than it might otherwise be.

Remember, whether you even need a screen protector these days is up for debate. You simply want to know what you're looking for if you decide this accessory is still a worthwhile investment. Along with making sure any screen protector you buy has an oleophobic coating, you should also familiarize yourself with the way different screen protector materials offer different degrees of protection.