Galaxy S23 Screen Protector: The Definite Guide

Galaxy S23 Screen Protector: The Definite Guide

There are a few different types of Galaxy S23 screen protectors that can be used on the Galaxy S23, S23+, or S23 Ultra. The type of screen protector that you choose will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

This Galaxy S23 accessories guide explains various types of Galaxy 23 screen protectors and how to choose a proper one for your Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra to meet your needs. A concise review of the official Galaxy S23 screen protector is also included to answer some questions many Galaxy S23 Ultra owners may have about the right screen protector.

Table of Contents

Is Galaxy S23 Screen Protector pre-installed?

Since Galaxy S22, Samsung has stopped pasting the screen protector on the flagship phones. So, there is no pre-installed Galaxy S23 screen protector on any Galaxy S23 phone. But you can buy (i.e., Samsung wants you to pay for it) the official Galaxy S23 screen protector for your Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra.

When Samsung stupidly adopted the inferior (in the name of “innovation”) under-screen ultrasonic fingerprint reader on Galaxy S10, a “special” screen protector was needed to work with the fingerprint reader.

Technically, a normal 0.2mm temped glass screen protector will very likely make the ultrasonic fingerprint reader useless.

So, on Galaxy S10, S20, and S21, Samsung pre-installed an official screen protector so that most owners actually do not need to consider a screen protector.

Of course, the “official” screen protector is made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), not glass. So, the protection for screen damage is not excellent.

However, for the Ultra models, the curved screen makes it almost impossible to manufacture a normal tempered glass screen protector due to the curvature variations from device to device. For the base model and Plus model, the manufacturers can reduce the thickness near the fingerprint sensor area to alleviate the interference with the fingerprint reader.

At the same time, the UV-cured (or hardened) tempered glass protector has gained momentum thanks to the price hikes of the “flagship” phones. Many owners started to think about how to protect the expensive device.

And unfortunately, many Galaxy phone owners overlooked the protection and quality of the pre-installed screen protector, i.e., the official Galaxy S23 screen protector.

In fact, the official TPU screen protector is good enough for most owners. It is actually better than many cheap tempered glass screen protectors.

What are the four different types of Galaxy S23 screen protector?

There are many ways to categorize screen protector types. We can find the following 4 types of Galaxy S23 screen protectors in the market:

  1. Tempered glass screen protectors
  2. UV-cured tempered glass protectors
  3. Plastic (film) screen protectors
  4. Hydrogel screen protectors

1. Tempered glass screen protectors

Tempered glass screen protectors are widely regarded as one of the most popular and effective options for protecting smartphone screens. They are made from a specially treated glass material that undergoes a process of controlled heating and rapid cooling, resulting in increased strength and durability.

As the most common type of Galaxy S23 screen protector, tempered glass screen protectors have the following features:

  • Excellent protection: Tempered glass screen protectors provide excellent protection against scratches, impacts, and everyday wear and tear. The hardness of the glass helps to prevent scratches from keys, coins, and other objects, keeping the original screen in pristine condition.
  • High transparency and clarity: Tempered glass protectors maintain high transparency, allowing for clear and sharp display quality. They are designed to be optically clear, ensuring that the screen’s brightness, colors, and details are not compromised.
  • Smooth touch experience: Tempered glass protectors offer a smooth and natural touch experience. They are designed to be highly responsive to touch inputs, ensuring that there is no loss of sensitivity or accuracy when interacting with the device’s screen.
  • Easy installation: Installing a tempered glass screen protector is generally straightforward. Most products come with an adhesive layer that allows for easy and precise alignment during installation.
  • Impact absorption: One of the notable features of tempered glass protectors is their ability to absorb and disperse the force of impact. In the event of a drop or impact, the tempered glass protector can help minimize the chances of the underlying screen shattering or cracking.
  • Compatibility: Tempered glass screen protectors are widely available for a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices with touch screens. They are manufactured to fit specific models and screen sizes, ensuring optimal coverage and compatibility. But it is hard to fit a tempered glass screen protector on a curved screen.
  • Coating options: Coatings on tempered glass screen protectors can enhance the functionality, visual quality, and user experience of the protector. They provide additional benefits such as fingerprint resistance, reduced glare, improved scratch resistance, and blue light reduction. Most tempered glass screen protectors offer a few combined coatings, e.g., oleophobic coating, anti-glare coating, anti-scratch coating, and blue light filter coating.

While tempered glass screen protectors offer significant advantages, they are not completely invincible. In rare cases of extreme impact, they may crack or shatter, protecting the underlying screen but requiring the replacement of the protector itself.

Also, there are many low-quality temped glass screen protectors in the market. So, when shopping for your Galaxy S23 screen protector, you need to pay some attention to the quality of the tempered glass used.

2. UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors

UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors have gained momentum with the introduction of the curved screen (e.g., Galaxy S6 Edge). Normal tempered glass screen protector is hard to fit into such screens due to variations of localized curvature of the individual screen.

UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors actually utilize a special “glue” (adhesive) that undergoes an additional curing process using ultraviolet (UV) light. The variations of the curvature can be handled by the glue layer. The process firmly (without bubbles) glues the thin glass layer to the screen, enhancing the strength and durability of the glass and providing even greater protection for smartphone screens.

The liquid (glue) for a UV-cured screen protector is usually made of a mixture of acrylic resins, hardeners, and other additives,

To make it clear, the UV light actually cures the glue materials (which each vendor may give a fancy name) to clear any air pockets and glue the glass to the screen. The UV light activates photoinitiators in the adhesive, causing a chemical reaction that leads to the hardening or polymerization of the adhesive, resulting in a secure and durable bond.

The advantages of UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors include:

  1. Enhanced durability: UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors are known for their exceptional durability. The curing process using UV light tightly creates a strong bond between the screen and the tempered glass, making the screen protector even more resistant to cracks impacts compared to standard tempered glass protectors.
  2. High clarity and touch sensitivity: The adhesive used in UV-cured tempered glass protectors is typically optically clear, ensuring that the transparency and clarity of the screen are not compromised.
  3. Bubble-free installation: The UV-cured adhesive often has self-leveling properties, which helps in achieving a bubble-free installation. This ensures a smooth and seamless application of the tempered glass protector onto the screen.

While the adhesive plays a crucial role in the overall performance and durability of UV-cured tempered glass protectors, the tempered glass itself still provides the primary physical protection for the device’s screen. The adhesive ensures a strong bond between the glass protector and the screen, enhancing its effectiveness in safeguarding against scratches, impacts, and other potential damages. This also means it will be a nightmare when you want to remove such a Galaxy S23 screen protector and clean the screen.

Please note, in the industry, the UV-harden screen protectors may apply the liquid solution on the screen directly and then cures it with ultraviolet (UV) light. There is no tempered glass layer. So, it is different from the UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors discussed here.

3. Plastic (film) screen protectors

A plastic screen protector is made from various plastic materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Plastic screen protectors are known for their affordability, ease of installation, and compatibility with a wide range of devices.

With the advancement in manufacturing technology in tempered glass screen protectors, plastic screen protectors lost their dominance in the market.

There are some specialized plastic screen protectors, e.g., ArmorSuit MilitaryShield Screen Protector, offering a few unique features.

The main advantages of plastic screen protectors are

  1. Affordability: Plastic screen protectors are typically more affordable compared to the other three types. This makes them a popular choice for users on a budget or those who prefer a cost-effective screen protection solution.
  2. Easy Installation: Plastic screen protectors are generally easy to install, as they are flexible and can be applied smoothly onto the screen. They usually come with a self-adhesive backing that allows for straightforward installation without the need for additional tools or expertise.
  3. Compatibility: Plastic screen protectors are compatible with most devices, even with curved screens. They are available in various sizes and can be easily trimmed or adjusted to fit different screen dimensions.
  4. Moderate Protection: Plastic screen protectors provide a moderate level of protection against scratches, smudges, and minor abrasions. They act as a sacrificial layer that absorbs and disperses the impact of everyday wear and tear, helping to keep the actual screen of the device in better condition. Some specialized plastic (film) screen protectors can offer the same level of protection as tempered glass ones.

4. Hydrogel screen protectors

A hydrogel screen protector is made from a soft and flexible material called hydrogel, which is a gel-like substance composed mostly of water and polymers. It is known for its unique properties, including being thin, transparent, and resistant to scratches and tears.

Hydrogel screen protectors are designed to provide a thin and flexible layer of protection for smartphone screens, especially those with curved screens.

Hydrogel screen protectors have the following advantages:

  1. Thin and flexible: Hydrogel screen protectors are typically very thin, often measuring only a few micrometers in thickness. This allows them to adhere closely to the screen, maintaining the original touch sensitivity and preserving the natural look of the display.
  2. Scratch and tear resistance: Hydrogel has inherent scratch-resistant properties, offering protection against everyday scratches and minor abrasions. Additionally, the flexibility of the material helps to distribute the force of impact, reducing the likelihood of the protector tearing upon impact.
  3. Affordability: Hydrogel screen protectors are often more affordable compared to other types, such as tempered glass protectors. This makes them an attractive option for those on a budget or looking for a cost-effective screen protection solution.
  4. Custom-fit: Hydrogel protectors can be custom-fit to specific device models, ensuring proper alignment with the screen and accommodating various shapes and sizes.

While hydrogel screen protectors provide a good level of scratch resistance and general protection, they may not be as effective at absorbing and dissipating the force of a heavy impact.

Comparison of the four different types of Galaxy S23 screen protector

The following table compares the four types of Galaxy S23 screen protectors in the market.

Tempered GlassUV-Cured Tempered GlassPlastic/FilmHydrogel
Technology behindHeat treatmentUV curing processPlastic filmingPolymers
MaterialGlassGlassPET/TPUHydrogel
TransparencyHigh transparency and clarityHigh transparency and clarityVariesVaries
Touch SensitivityMaintains touch sensitivity and responsivenessMaintains touch sensitivity and responsivenessMaintains touch sensitivity and responsivenessMay vary
Installation EaseEasy to installCan be challenging to installEasy to installEasy to install
CompatibilityWhen you want a durable screen protector for a curved screenAll screensAll screensAll screens
LifespanLong lifespan and high durabilityLong lifespan and high durabilityShorter lifespan and lower durabilityModerate lifespan and durability
When to useWhen you want a durable and protective screen protectorWhen you want a durable screen protector for a curved screenWhen you need a screen protector for a curved screen or have a limited budgetWhen you want a thin, flexible, and affordable screen protector
Table 1. Comparison of the four different types of Galaxy S23 screen protector

How to choose a Galaxy S23 screen protector?

When choosing a Galaxy S23 screen protector, you need to consider some factors, including:

  • Galaxy S23 (S23+) or Galaxy S23 Ultra?
  • Your needs.
  • Budget.
  • Availability.

Galaxy S23 (S23+) or Galaxy S23 Ultra?

As explained in the differences of Galaxy S23 vs. S23+ vs. S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 Ultra has a curved screen, while Galaxy S23 and S23+ have a flat-screen.

This means:

  • If you own a Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23+, you can use any type of Galaxy S23 screen protector.
  • If you own a Galaxy S23 Ultra, forget about the normal tempered glass screen protector. Never get the “full-screen” tempered glass screen protectors (with black edges) for your Galaxy S23 Ultra. Most of them have low quality, and the screen protector may be “floating” over the screen/

Your needs

The Galaxy S23 screen is already well protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus 2. If you are careful enough, you probably do not need a Galaxy S23 protector.

If you want to give yourself a peaceful mind, you can opt for a normal tempered glass screen protector for Galaxy S23 or S23+. For Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung’s official Galaxy S23 screen protector is good enough in this case.

If you dropped your phone a few times in the last 12 months, you might consider the UV-cured tempered glass screen protector for Galaxy S23, S23+, or S23 Ultra.

Budget

Normal tempered glass screen protectors are usually not expensive. So, for Galaxy S23 or S23+ owners, this is the best option in terms of ROI.

For Galaxy S23 Ultra owners, my first recommendation is still Samsung’s official Galaxy S23 screen protector, especially if you use the S Pen often. Unless you are really limited by your budget, I would not recommend the $5 no-brand plastic film. Some hydrogel screen protectors are overpriced, and some have questionable quality.

Availability

Some types of Galaxy S23 screen protectors may not be available in your region. You may have to choose from what is available for you.

Just remember these three rules:

  1. Never get the “full-screen” tempered glass screen protectors (with black edges) for your Galaxy S23 Ultra, as mentioned earlier.
  2. Try to avoid unknown brands unless budget is really an issue. Some plastic screen protectors actually better than some low-quality tempered glass or hydrogel ones.
  3. Samsung’s official Galaxy S23 screen protector is really a decent screen protector for most owners, although it is slightly over-priced.

Review of the official Galaxy S23 screen protector

In the previous section, I mentioned and repeatedly recommended the official Galaxy S23 screen protector for the following reasons:

  • High quality.
  • Easy to paste. The installation toolkit is included. So, it is very easy to install it if you can follow the instructions.
  • Perfect fit.
  • S Pen friendly. This is actually the best Galaxy S23 screen protector for S Pen.
  • 2 pieces in the box. So, it is enough for you to use for 2-4 years.
  • Works with any case/cover, e.g., Galaxy S23 Clear View (S View) Cover.

The disadvantages of this official Galaxy S23 screen protector are:

  • It is slightly over-priced at $14.99.
  • The impact protection may not be as good as high-quality tempered glass or UV-cured tempered glass screen protectors.

Overall, the official Galaxy S23 screen protector is a decent screen protector for your Galaxy S23 phones, especially for Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Galaxy S23 screen protector recommendations

The recommendations are separately for Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 (and S23+).

For Galaxy S23 Ultra

If you own a Galaxy S23 Ultra, you may consider these Galaxy S23 screen protectors.

#1. The official Galaxy S23 screen protector

This is probably the best Galaxy S23 screen protector for S Pen. If you need a higher level of protection, you may consider #2.

Sale
SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Ultra Phone Screen Protector, Front Display Protective Film Shield, High Touch Sensitivity, Anti Scratch, Anti Fingerprint, Easy Installation, US Version, EF-US918CTEGUS, Clear
  • ULTIMATE SHIELD: A fully transparent display crafted for high touch sensitivity, the Screen Protector film transfers your touch accurately; Enjoy a touchscreen experience enhanced by compatibility with your Galaxy S23 Ultra’s on-screen fingerprint sensor
  • SAFEGUARD SCREEN: Add an extra layer of protection with an anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint coating to reduce damage on the screen’s surface; Keep your phone safe from everyday scratches or drops with this screen protector
  • INSTALLATION MADE EASY & QUICK: The Screen Protector comes with an installation frame that lets you align the protector precisely and keep bubbles away; Install like a pro in the comfort of your home
  • DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Screen Protector is compatible for use with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone

#2. Whitestone Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (UV-cured tempered glass version)

Please note, like other UV-cured screen protectors, it can be painful to remove the adhesive material after applying the screen protector.

Sale
DOME GLASS 2PACK [ Bubble free, non-sliding type installation kit ] Whitestone Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Two Pack – UV Lamp Included
  • Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector for Galaxy S23 Ultra is only designed for Galaxy S23 Ultra 2023 Release.
  • ✔️MOST VALUABLE PACKAGE – You get 2ea of Premium tempered glass screen protector at once in original price!
  • ✔️LIQUID DISPERSION TECHNOLOGY – Our patented liquid glass evenly disperses over your entire screen, including existing scratches and scuffs, and hardens to create an impenetrable edge to edge anti-scratch barrier while repairing former cracks and imperfections.
  • ✔️FULL CLEAR & TOUCH – Our patented LOCA technology, liquid adhesive type, makes glass to be fixed firmly onto the screen. This will provide high touch sensitivity with HD clear view and keeps the bright and colorful image quality.
  • ✔️BUBBLE-FREE SMART INSTALLATION KIT – To prevent errors and air bubbles, our install frame and UV curing light are included with purchase. Quality is reflected through commitment, so make sure you have enough time and patience to get an undeniably perfect result.

#3. ArmorSuit 2 Pack MilitaryShield Screen Protector Designed for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G

If Samsung’s official Galaxy S23 screen protector is unavailable for you, ArmorSuit MilitaryShield Screen Protector is a reliable alternative.

Please note the installation is not as easy as the official one because there is no installation frame to help you align the screen protector with the screen.

For Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+

As Galaxy S23 and S23 have different screen sizes, you need to make sure to get the correct one.

#1. Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Galaxy S23 ([Glas.tR EZ Fit])

Spigen is a reputable manufacturer of smartphone accessories. The Glas.tR EZ Fit series comes with an alignment tool. So your grandma can install it easily.

The link is for Galaxy S23. Here is the link for Galaxy S23+.

Sale
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [Glas.tR EZ Fit] designed for Galaxy S23 (2023) [2 Pack] – Case Friendly
  • (2 Pack) Includes an innovative, auto-alignment installation kit for effortless application
  • Tempered glass durability rated at 9H hardness
  • Oleophobic coating for daily fingerprint resistance
  • Extreme clarity preserves the original screen brightness
  • Made case compatible all Spigen Galaxy S23 cases

#2. The official Galaxy S23 screen protector

Again, this is the “official” plastic screen protector for Galaxy S23. And here is the link for Galaxy S23+.

Sale
SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Phone Screen Protector, Front Display Protective Film Shield, High Touch Sensitivity, Anti Scratch, Anti Fingerprint, Easy Installation, US Version, EF-US911CTEGUS, Clear
  • ULTIMATE SHIELD: A fully transparent display crafted for high touch sensitivity, the Screen Protector film transfers your touch accurately; Enjoy a touchscreen experience enhanced by compatibility with your Galaxy S23’s on-screen fingerprint sensor
  • SAFEGUARD SCREEN: Add an extra layer of protection with an anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint coating to reduce damage on the screen’s surface; Keep your phone safe from everyday scratches or drops with this screen protector
  • INSTALLATION MADE EASY & QUICK: The Screen Protector comes with an installation frame that lets you align the protector precisely and keep bubbles away; Install like a pro in the comfort of your home
  • DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Screen Protector is compatible for use with the Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone

Do you need help when choosing a Galaxy S23 screen protector?

if you have any questions about the Galaxy S23 screen protector for your Galaxy S23, S23+, or S23 Ultra, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will help you.

You may check other Galaxy S23 guides organized in the following 4 sections.

Besides, you can read and download (in PDF format) the official Galaxy S23 user manual (including the updated Galaxy S23 user manual for Android 14 (One UI 6).

In addition to the comment box below, you can also reach us through the following channels:

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Enjoy your Galaxy S23!

2 thoughts on “Galaxy S23 Screen Protector: The Definite Guide”

  1. I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S23 from the AT&T vendor at Costco. I’m looking for a case and screen protector for the phone. The dimensions of the phone are L-5.75″ x W-2.75″. There seem to be several S23 sizes for screen protectors…6.1″ being the smallest I can find on Amazon. Is the 6.1″ measure the diagonal measurement of the screen? The diagonal measurement of my screen is just over 6″. Thanks! Who makes a good case for this size that isn’t too bulky or overpriced?

    1. Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra have different screen sizes. You just make sure the screen protector is for Galaxy S23, not for S23+ (6.6″) or S23 Ultra (6.8″)

      Yes, screen size is measured diagonally. But the screen size in different models with “same screen size” may actually different. The aspect ratio must be accounted as well. Also, the cutout for the front camera is usually different in different models.

      Anyway, make you the screen protector is for Galaxy S23.

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