Matte screen guards: 3 reasons to get them and 3 to avoid

The upsides

Hardly attracts dirt

We all have sweaty palms sometimes, and it’s hard to keep fingers perfectly clean, especially if you’re like me with perpetually clammy hands. Sweat generally just dries off the matte surface instead of leaving bothersome streaks and marks. Oil can still stick a bit, but it’s way better than on a glossy screen.

No more reflections

No reflections even under bright indoor lighting. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

Have you tried using your phone outside or near bright lights/windows and got blinded by the glare and reflections? It completely ruins viewing and gaming. Samsung attempted to fix this on the Galaxy S24 Ultra with a purported special coating, but for other phones, a quality matte protector is the way to go if reflections drive you nuts.

Gaming grip

Matte screens give you better traction when palms get damp during intense gaming sessions. So you don’t have to deal with slippery aim or funny character movement fails because sweat made your thumbs slip. The texture gives you superior control and grip overall.

The downsides

Poor viewing angles

Matte protectors are really designed for head-on viewing. Look at them from the side and you’ll get that annoying glare you were trying to avoid. This could be a pro or con depending on how paranoid you are about people sneaking peeks at your phone.

Grainy effect

The grain is quite noticeable on white backgrounds. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

The texturing that helps reduce smudges and reflections is actually visible as millions of tiny grains on the screen – and they’re far more visible on light theme. It’s most distracting when viewing videos/photos but it’s also a trade-off many find well worth it.

Not exactly a smooth operator

There’s no getting around it – that textured surface provides a slightly rougher touch experience compared to glass. But like the grainy effect, it quickly becomes second nature.

To matte or not to matte

So should you make the switch? If you game a lot or just can’t stand fingerprints and reflections, a matte protector is a solid upgrade. The grainy effect is manageable once you get used to it.

But for film buffs or those who prioritise perfect image quality above all else, you may want to stick with a standard tempered glass protector to avoid any off-angle viewing or subtle distortions.

Ready to go matte? A quick search on Amazon/Flipkart or visit to your local mobile accessory shop should turn up plenty of affordable matte protector options made specifically for your phone model. Installation is easy – just clean, apply, and enjoy that matte finish.