The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are among the best Android smartphones at their respective price points, but do they need screen protectors? While lucrative software features and capable hardware specs are the basic requirements for any gadget, they are not the only thing buyers look for while shopping for smartphones. One of the inherent requirements for a smartphone is durability. For starters, many users prefer their smartphones to have an IP rating for water and dust resistance, and the latest Pixel devices check that box, thanks to their IP68 rating.
It’s also important for phones to have a rigid body and not buckle under pressure, while the screen needs to be scratch resistant. Thankfully, both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro come with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front display and the rear panel. Victus is among Corning’s best display protection technology that the company claims can help smartphone displays survive “drops onto hard, rough surfaces from up to 2 meters” in controlled conditions. It is also said to be up to four times more scratch resistant than aluminosilicate glasses, meaning the new Pixel devices have all bases covered when it comes to display protection.
Gorilla Glass Victus Durability Explained
So does the Gorilla Glass Victus protection mean that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro do not need additional tempered glass or flexible TPU protection? Well, yes and no, depending on how one looks at it. Users who are careful with their phone and rarely drop it can get away without using a screen protector. The native protection on these devices is good enough to protect the display from minor scratches and scrapes.
However, for people who are prone to dropping their phones often, it pays to have additional protection, meaning a tempered glass screen protector is definitely a good idea. That said, standalone screen protectors are still not designed to protect phones from multiple drops from significant heights on hard surfaces, so the best way to safeguard the Pixel 7’s display is careful usage, with or without a screen protector.
Does The Pixel 7 Come With A Screen Protector?
Some brands, like OnePlus, ship their phones with a screen protector in the box. In fact, the OnePlus 11 comes with a screen protector pre-applied, which means it’s ready to use out of the box. While OnePlus includes a TPU screen protector, it does the job of providing added protection without the user having to spend any extra money. So where does that leave the Pixel 7?
Unfortunately, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro do not come with a screen protector in the box. In fact, the box contents are as meager as users would expect from most modern-day Android flagships. Apart from the smartphone, users get a SIM ejector tool, a Quick Switch adapter, and a 1m USB-C to USB-C cable. Expectedly, a charger isn’t provided, so users will need to buy one from Google or a third-party brand, or use a spare charger they have at home.
Best Pixel 7 Screen Protectors
Those looking to invest in a screen protector for the Pixel 7 have many options to choose from on Amazon. The amFilm elastic screen protector for the Pixel 7 Pro is very affordable at just $8.99, and comes in a pack of two for that price. The screen protector is of the film type, so it will protect the screen from scratches but not drops. It’s self-healing, which means smaller scratches should disappear on their own after a while. It also comes with an alignment tool in the box, which makes it easy to apply. Since it’s a thin layer, the in-screen fingerprint sensor works just fine when it’s applied.
Those looking for a tempered glass option can consider the IMBZBK screen protector, which is more expensive at $34.99 for the Pixel 7 Pro. For the price, users will get three screen protectors and three camera lens protectors, which is good value. Pixel 7 users can get the same protector for $11.99, which is a pack of four protectors for the display and cameras. The tempered glass has a hydrophobic coating to prevent smudges and fingerprints. According to the manufacturer, the tempered glass can survive drops from up to 8 feet, which means the screen should stay protected. The only downside to tempered glass is that the fingerprint scanner might lose its accuracy, but the manufacturer recommends increasing touch sensitivity from the Pixel 7 Pro’s display settings to solve this problem.
Source: Google 1, 2, Corning, Amazon 1, 2
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
