Screen protectors 101: promising market, various types

by Arvi Marie Dacuba (Content Editor)

Image source: Getty

The smartphone market continues to grow as 5G is being implemented globally. This has pushed the high demand for protective accessories such as phone cases and screen protectors, which can help ensure a longer shelf life for these expensive devices. The smartphone screen protector market is estimated to register a 10.25 percent CAGR from 2021 to 2028, growing from US$43.15 billion to US$76.64 billion. The growing number of manufacturers that produce high quality screen protectors and the post-pandemic back-to-normal production in several factories are other key factors driving the market growth. As a sourcing professional, discover the various types of screen protectors that you can source here at Global Sources.

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Material-wise, screen protectors mostly come in glass, plastic and liquid. 3D full coverage tempered glass are the most popular since these provide good protection against scratches and impact. They hold a 72 percent share in the market. Phones with these protectors will survive scratches from keys, keychains and other pocket items. These are quite thick, however, measuring at 0.33mm since glass protectors consist of multiple layers – a silicon base layer, PET film layer, and glass layer on top. Glossy variants offer excellent clarity and transmittance but can be highly reflective and may capture fingerprints. Meanwhile, matte versions, which have frosted surfaces, don't capture fingerprints as much and are not as reflective. Plastic screen protectors made of PET and TPU offer basic scratch protection but often attract smears and fingerprints. They however have good clarity and transmittance. Lastly, liquid glass screen protectors are ideal for users who want a thinner screen protector that is less noticeable and dissolves into the phone screen. It's made of nano-liquid that is poured unto the smartphone and hardens when dry. It perfectly fills in the shape of the phone.

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Appearance-wise, there four main types of screen protectors - ultra-clear, anti-glare, privacy and mirror. The ultra-clear variant provides a sharp and clear view of the screen and can block UV rays. It is easy to remove and replace thank to its non-adhesive silicone back. Meanwhile, the anti-glare type is ideal for outdoor consumers who are always on the go. It blocks glares caused by UV rays and is fingerprint-resistant. For users who view important information in their phones, a privacy screen protector is ideal since it makes the screen appear black in various angles. There is also the mirror screen protector for niche customers.

North America holds the largest share in the screen protector market and is followed by the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and India. There has been an increase in sales for brand new and refurbished smartphones in these countries, therefore expanding the demand for screen protectors for iPhone and Android devices.

The products in the gallery below have been selected by our Market Analyst for representing trends in today’s screen protector market.

Privacy screen protector for iPhone

Company: Shenzhen Ricomm Technology Co. Ltd

Made of tempered glass, the IP-13-11-031 from Shenzhen Ricomm is a 2.5D 0.33m full coverage privacy screen protector for iPhone. It is scratch-, fingerprint-, explosion-, water- and oil-resistant. Order a minimum of 1,000 pieces for the price of $1.57. Lead time is 10 to 15 days.

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2.5D, Anti-glare

Company: Shenzhen Blueo Innovation Technology Co. Ltd

The XB18-0120-9551 0.33m anti-glare screen protector from Shenzhen Blueo Innovation is made of alumina silica glass and has a light transmittance of 86 percent. It is scratch-, sweat- and fingerprint-resistant. This product has SGS and CE certifications. MOQ is 200 pieces. Price is at $3.25 to $4.25 with a 3 to 7-day lead time.

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Anti-blue light

Company: Shenzhen 7 Step Technology Co. Ltd

Shenzhen 7 Step offers this 2.5D anti blue light tempered glass screen protector that is 0.33mm thick. This CE-certified offering is fully glued and has full coverage. It protects against scratches, fingerprints, dirt, oil and water. For an MOQ of 100 pieces, it is priced at $1.13 to $1.21 with a 1 to 3-day lead time.

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Mirror screen protector

Company: Dongguan Jindun Temper Glass Co. Ltd

Dongguan Jindun’s JDW-010 is a tempered glass screen protector that doubles as a mirror. It provides protection against scratches and drops. For a minimum order of 500 pieces, buyers can purchase this product at $1 to $1.10. Lead time is 5 to 10 days.

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Matte tempered glass

Company: Dongguan Elephant Electronics Technology Co. Ltd

This clear tempered glass, the DXZT130-cpd-72821-3870 from Dongguan Elephant has matte coating. This 2.5D 0.33mm round-edge screen protector is made of Japan AGC glass. Transmittance is 93 percent. It is fingerprint-, shock-, and scratch-resistant. Price is $0.60 to $0.70 for a minimum order of 1,000 pieces. Lead time is 5 to 7 days.

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3D curved edge, for Galaxy S21 Ultra

Company: Shenzhen Kato Innovative Technology Co. Ltd

Featuring a curved edge, this 3D clear tempered glass screen protector-301-1 from Shenzhen Kato Innovative is fingerprint-, impact- and chip-resistant. It is made of Japan Asahi Glass. For a minimum order of 100 pieces, price is at $2.60 to $2.75 with a lead time of 3 to 7 days.

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