The iPhone 14 Pro Max is finally here and is something of a major step forward for Apple's smartphone lineup thanks to its innovative dynamic island. Those looking to pick up the new smartphone for the holidays should keep two things in mind: the supply shortages that may affect some areas and the fact that to protect the phone's display, it's a good idea to pick up a screen protector.
While it can certainly be frustrating to need to spend even more money on a phone that's already on the pricey side of things, a screen protector is definitely worth it as they serve as a protective layer that keeps your display from being cracked, scratched, or otherwise damaged. When considering how many "dangerous" situations our phones end up in on a daily basis, it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially since the iPhone 14 Pro Max has an updated display that you'll want to keep in tip-top shape.
The BodyGuardz Pure 3 is a solid pick for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint since the screen protector is made from 30% recycled glass. In addition to supporting sustainable practices, the protector offers edge-to-edge protection and a lifetime warranty meaning that buyers don't need to be worried about the monetary cost of a cracked screen protector. The Pure 3 is a little pricey, but its lifetime warranty makes buying it an investment that you can make good on for life should you keep using your iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector is one of the protectors that's directly marketed by Apple, making it a go-to choice for many fans of the company. For good reason, too, as it's incredibly strong, with Belkin claiming it has the ability to withstand forces two times more powerful than regular tempered glass protectors. Installation is simple using the in-box "easy align" tray, but if you need any additional help, you'll need to purchase the screen in an Apple store and pay extra for the installation. It's worth noting that this protector is on the pricier side of things, which is certainly justified due to its quality, but the fact it's lacking any sort of warranty or free replacement option is something to keep in mind.
The InvisibleShield XTR2 is the most expensive screen protector on this list, but its "no questions asked" warranty makes the entire thing worth it. Essentially, if an InvisibleShield screen protector breaks, you get a new one for free, as long as you cover the shipping costs. Not only is the protector's warranty solid, but the glass itself goes edge to edge, leaving no section of the screen exposed. While there are cheaper screen protectors by Zagg, the XTR2 keeps the new dynamic island covered, which is key for keeping the display protected and clean. The only downside to this screen protector is the high price point, but for what it offers, it seems like a small price to pay in the long run.
Although Dbrand is known for its sarcastic approach to marketing, the products that it offers are actually of pretty high quality. The company's screen protectors are relatively cheap at just around $20 and offer a good deal of features for the price. Perhaps what's best about the protectors are the polished edges that keep it comfortable when swiping from one side of the screen. The tough sell for Dbrand's screen protectors, however, is the fact that they're made from more standard tempered glass. While that's not a complete deal breaker, as the material certainly is better than nothing, there are a number of stronger protectors on the market. Luckily, if you break one, Dbrand sells its protectors in a pack of two, so replacing them is cost-effective, but depending on how rough you are with your phone, you may find yourself ordering another set sooner than you'd like.
If you're looking for a screen protector that's budget-friendly, the Ferilinso Tempered Glass Three-Pack is about as cheap as you're going to find. While the low price point and high bang-for-your-buck value are enticing, there are certainly drawbacks to keep in mind. The screen protector is made of tempered glass, which means that it's less strong than other offerings, and while the additional camera protectors are a plus, some customers have reported issues with them falling off the cameras after several weeks of sliding in and out of their pockets. Luckily, the three-pack offers plenty of replacements for damaged glass and an alignment tray for easy application, but it's certainly a product where you get what you pay for.
The actual application of a screen protector can be the cause for plenty of anxiety around getting a new phone since any piece of dust or other particle caught between the display, and the screen protector can turn into a noticeable bubble and be pretty irritating. Luckily, the Torras Diamond Shield uses an adhesive that actively fights to reduce the number of unwanted bubbles. If you still had issues with the application, then the screen protector's warranty will cover you, and you'll be sent a replacement. The blue light reduction that Torras screen protectors offer is something of a double-edged sword. Blue light can be disruptive to certain brain activity, such as your circadian rhythm, so it's a good idea to cut down on exposure, especially before bed. While reducing exposure is all well and good, using blue light-reducing glass as a screen protector can slightly alter the color of the images being displayed.
OtterBox is known for making some of the most rugged cases and screen protectors for Apple products, so recommending the brand's latest protectors is something of a no-brainer. Its finish reduces glare, making your iPhone 14 Pro Max reliable in even the brightest conditions, and it amplifies low-light displays, meaning that you'll save battery, as your phone doesn't need to be running on its highest brightness settings to be seen clearly. The aluminosilicate glass protector is much stronger than something like tempered glass, meaning that you're less likely to need a replacement from drops. The only downside is that replacing a damaged screen can be pricey, as it's offered at around $45.
A podcast host and journalist, Peter covers mobile news with Digital Trends and gaming news, reviews, and guides for sites such as IGN, GameRant, Gameranx, and GameSkinny. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @peterspittech.
Google Photos is introducing a new design for the Collections tab on Android, giving users more control over their albums, folders, and photo categories. The update is all about customization, allowing users to pin collections they access often, hide sections they use rarely, and rearrange the layout to make their photo libraries easier to navigate.
According to a 9To5Google report, the change comes after Google rolled out the redesigned floating navigation bar on Android earlier this year. Rather than inventing a brand new way to store photos, Google is making it easier to get to the content people want, without having to scroll through sections they rarely open.
Are you tired of paying for streaming services you never watch just to get a phone plan feature you actually want? T-Mobile has good news for you! The carrier is rolling out new plans, called T-Mix, in early November to replace its old Experience lineup with a build-your-own perks system called Picks.
The benefits you choose vary from streaming and gaming to food delivery, AI, satellite service, and phone discounts. But if you are satisfied with your existing plan, you can keep it.
Merely days after the iPhone Duo hit the shelves, images of broken screens on the phone started popping up across social media. Until now, it’s been unclear what’s causing the line of defective pixels that appears vertically along the crease, as well as horizontally, on the phone’s inner display.
Apple has finally acknowledged the issue, which has shown up on iPhone Duo units owned by customers as well as demo units in stores. In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Apple says that not all iPhone Duo units are affected and that those that are tend to show the display fault early on. The company added that users who experience problems with their iPhone Duo display should contact AppleCare for a replacement.