Keep your shiny S22 clean and shatter-free with a sturdy screen protector
The Samsung Galaxy S22 may be the "baby S22" with its 6.06-inch screen, but it's still one of the better Android phones you can buy today. Because the S22 is a flat display rather than curved like the S22 Ultra, reliable tempered glass screen protectors are much, much easier to come by and more durable in nature. With so many to choose from, we've built a list of options worth considering.
You'll find tempered glass ones, which are thicker and offer greater protection, especially against shattering, but usually don't play nicely with fingerprint scanners. We've also compiled a list of film protectors, which typically protect your display against scratches, for the ones who prefer a less intrusive protective layer.
Tempered glass screen protectors offer the highest impact protection because they can absorb more kinetic force than PET films, shattering the screen protector while leaving your phone's actual touchscreen intact. There are a few installation methods out there for tempered glass screen protectors, but I find that installation frames like AACL's are easier to follow if you don't have the steadiest hands. You snap on the frame, like up the screen protector with the first edge, then ease the screen protector down. This pack also contains two camera lens covers if you're extra-hard on your phone and need more than a lip around your camera module to keep it safe. Not everyone will want these, but it's nice that they're included for those who do.
This kit will not be for everyone, especially at $50, but Whitestone earns that price tag for a few key reasons. When Samsung first debuted its ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, Whitestone was the only glass screen protector compatible with it at launch, and it remains one of the most reliable today. The UV-curing system takes getting used to, but UV-curing allows for a better seal between the protector and the screen. This kit comes with a spare protector — should you break the first or botch your first installation — and both a UC curing light and an installation frame are included to make this process as simple as it can be. Installation can be nerve-wracking if you've never used UV-cured screen protectors before, but watch the videos, and once you've started, do not stop.
Supershieldz uses the pocket-book style on installation, allowing it to fit into a smaller, resealable package — and meaning that's one less thing you have to keep track of. This kit includes three tempered glass screen protectors with 9H hardness and beveled edges to help the transition between the screen protector and the very edges of the glass feel more seamless and natural.
Having to deal with the glare from your smartphone's glass is annoying enough, but shiny screen protectors amp it up even more. If you're willing to use a film protector rather than glass, ArmorSuit's matte screen protector will make it easier to read your phone in non-ideal lighting situations. It's also American-made and self-healing.
Installing screen protectors can be daunting, even for those who are used to putting them on every time we upgrade phones. While manufacturers constantly claim the easiest install method, amFilm's is legitimately drop-dead simple. The tempered glass protector is held to the frame by a super-thin retention film, so once your installation frame is properly in place, you push down in the top circle and run your finger down the middle of the screen. Boom, instant, perfect placement. Remember that the retention film is designed to release the screen under minimal force, so treat it gently while removing the plastic cover from the underside of the protector.
Like many tempered glass screen protectors, it can interfere with the ultrasonic sensor depending on how deep your S22's sensor is placed and exactly how mm thick your phone's Victus Glass is. Unenroll your fingerprints before installing this screen protector, let it finish installing and setting, then re-enroll your fingerprints, and then you can turn on increased sensitivity. Letting the adhesive set and settle is important to getting a good base print for the phone to compare to each time you turn on the phone, so be patient.
ZAGG is well-known for its glass and film screen protectors, and the Fusion line falls somewhere in between. With a surface that tries very, very hard to imitate glass but has the flexibility to absorb some impacts without shattering itself — or your screen. While I wish this were actual tempered glass, I appreciate the lengths ZAGG has gone to try and give us the best of both worlds. While $40 is steep for a non-glass screen protector, ZAGG has a well-known track record, and these protectors come with a lifetime warranty. If you buy it from Bes Buy, you can also get the screen protector replaced at any Best Buy location if it gets torn or messed up.
Spigen is a renowned brand that makes reliable cases and screen protectors and therefore deserves to be mentioned in this buyer's guide. The NeoFlex solid screen is designed to protect your S22 screen against daily wear, making sure your screen won't get scratched by your keys or other sharp objects.
Compared to a tempered glass protector, it will offer less protection against potential shatters but has the advantage of being less bulky. It also appears to be compatible with the handset's built-in fingerprint scanner, which many tempered glass ones have issues with. Lastly, it's fairly easy to install, despite not shipping with an application tray.
The AACL hybrid screen protector offers a more robust shield than a standard film, thanks to its rigid 7H hardness material, without the bulk of a tempered glass protector. It's a great compromise between good protection against scratches while limiting the impact in case of a drop. Also, since the protector is thinner than a tempered glass one, it plays nicely with the S22's ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The box includes three screen protectors, two camera glass protectors, an application tray, and a squeegee.
Otterbox products are known for their advanced, and its Amplify Glass is no exception. It's made out of aluminosilicate glass engineered by Corning, the maker of Gorilla Glass. In addition to providing advanced resistance against scratches and shatters, it features an antimicrobial coating, ensuring your phone stays free of germs. Installation is supposed to be easy and precise, but some people seem to find the process a bit more painstaking than it should be.
The TOCOL screen protector provides maximum protection against drops and preying eyes. It prevents your screen from breaking or shattering in case you drop your phone while making your screen content invisible to anyone who isn't standing directly in front of it. The bundle contains two lens protectors, in addition to the two front screen protectors, ensuring your S22 is guarded against scratches.
Unfortunately, just like with most tempered glass protectors, you may have issues using your S22's built-in ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, as several people have reported issues when using the phone's sensor. Suppose you don't mind pressing a bit harder and trying twice to unlock your device. In that case, the TOCOL Privacy Tempered Glass Screen Protector is a perfect way to fully protect your Galaxy S22's screen against shatters and unwanted peeps.
Tempered glass screen protectors offer more impact resistance, but the thicker the glass, the more likely it is to interfere with the fingerprint sensor. This is why you need to re-record your fingerprints after installing the screen protector and turn up screen sensitivity so that your taps and swipes register properly. Whitestone's UV-curing system usually has fewer issues with this. However, the liquid adhesive application process can be daunting for some, so traditional adhesive-backed screen protectors are still plentiful and reliable. Most importantly, it's very pricey, while the AACL tempered glass model is much more affordable and offers great value for money.
Films are more for scratch protection than preventing shatters in a drop, but they still serve their purpose for those who dislike having such a thick layer on top of their screen — or use heavy-duty cases that cover too much bezel to accommodate tempered glass. The Supershieldz one is your best bet if you're looking for an affordable film protector.
Speaking of cases, some Galaxy S22 cases do come with screen protectors built into the case itself. These usually have a circle of extra adhesive to ensure a good seal (and a good read) over the fingerprint sensor, a circle that will stand out against the rest of the screen. If you can ignore the circle, these cases may be for you. If not, a separate screen protector offers more choice and better durability.
Hagop is a tech-savvy guy, who's also into traveling, fitness, biking, food, and planes. He's heptalingual and has lived in 5 different countries, but has decided to settle in Paris for the time being.
Ara Wagoner is Commerce Editor for Android Police and a lover of all things cases, Chromebooks, accessories, and Disney. Overseeing our buyer's guides and product selection, Ara has spent 7 years honing her product-picking instincts and reviews while previously at Android Central, bringing a unique flair to her writing (and a lot of TV/anime references). She works full-time on a Chromebook, whether it's at home or while waiting for fireworks at Walt Disney World. Ara loves Android phones so much that she wears a shoulder holster to ensure they're never out of reach, and if you see her without headphones, RUN.