If you are lucky enough to get the Apple iPhone 13, you might not want to leave it to luck if you ever drop your spanking new smartphone. You probably want to get a screen protector to protect the new iPhone’s display from impacts, scratches and smudges.
And you might want to get something like the Belkin ScreenForce TemperedGlass Screen Protector. It is available for all the four models for the iPhone 13 series. For this review, we used the iPhone 13 Pro Max version.
SPECS
PRICE: S$59, available in Lazada and Shopee
MATERIAL: Tempered glass
DESIGN
The ScreenForce screen protector is made of 0.33mm-thin tempered glass. And it is said to be engineered from high-quality Japanese glass to absorb impact and prevent scratches.
Its scratch resistance has been awarded the highest score of 9H to prevent scuffs and scratches from daily wear and tear, according to its maker.
An anti-microbial coating prevents the ScreenForce from discolouration and degradation, according to Belkin. In addition, an anti-fingerprint coating helps to keep your new iPhone smudge-free.
The screen protector is also designed to be crystal clear, according to its maker. This is so that you can see all the content like you are seeing it from the display directly. Furthermore, Belkin claims ScreenForce’s glass will respond like the iPhone’s own screen.
But most importantly, to me at least, is that Belkin provides a mount for easy installation of the screen protector. All the above mentioned will come to nought, if you cannot install the screen protector correctly.
PERFORMANCE
Installation is as easy as following the instructions on the box itself. The box contains the screen protector, an installation mount, a dust removal sticker and a micro-fibre cloth.
FOR
+ Fast and easy installation
+ Screen protector fits almost perfectly on the iPhone’s display
+ Responsive to your touches
+ Really crystal clear
AGAINST
– A tad expensive
– Does not cover the notch
The first thing is obviously to clean the display of your new iPhone 13 Pro Max (in this case) with the included micro-fibre cloth. This is to ensure no dirt or any particles are on it. Use the dust removal sticker to remove any specks of dust you can see.
Next, lift up the screen protector that is currently on the mount and place the iPhone 13 Pro Max inside. Remove the inner film of the screen protector.
Ensure the iPhone is firmly in place in the mount before gently bring down the screen protector onto the display. Once installed, remove the outer film and use the micro-fibre cloth to clean and push out any bubbles inside the screen protector to complete the installation. The whole process takes less than two minutes to complete.
The screen protector fits almost perfectly the display of iPhone 13 Pro Max, but it does not cover the notch. For some, this might be an issue. But this might be because Belkin fears impeding the performance of the TrueDepth camera. Otherwise, the screen protector seeps slightly into the middle between the display and the sides of the iPhone.
So, even if you use those ultra-protective cases like Otterbox Symmetry, the thick walls of these cases will not buckle or crack the ScreenForce.
Having using the ScreenForce for around a month, I can safely report that the screen protector is still as clear as the first day it was installed.
And the iPhone’s display remain responsive, as if I am not using any screen protector. Not to mention, the ScreenForce does not attract as much fingerprints and smudges compared to the other screen protectors that I have tried before.
To be honest, I only dropped the iPhone once, as I am usually very careful with my devices. And its display remains intact. But having a screen protector is like having an insurance. You hope you never need to use it.
VERDICT
At S$59, the Belkin ScreenForce TemperedGlass Screen Protector for iPhone 13 is a tad expensive. This is probably its only downside.
But compared to having to change the iPhone’s display when it’s cracked and having a peace of mind, I think this money is surely worth it.
RATINGS
DESIGN: 9/10
PERFORMANCE: 9/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
OVERALL: 9/10
