Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector review: The most responsive screen protector ever!

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector
(Image: © Jaclyn Kilani / iMore)

iMore Verdict

Bottom line: The Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector installs like a dream and resists both scratches and fingerprints. It is tough, yet silky smooth and responsive. Overall, this is an excellent protective accessory for any iPhone.

Pros

  • +

    Super responsive

  • +

    Silky smooth surface

  • +

    Tough and scratch resistant

  • +

    Easy to install

Cons

  • -

    A bit thick

  • -

    Edges attract dust

You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.

The first time I tried a tempered glass screen protector was several years ago when they first came into popularity. The protector seemed brittle and weak; it cracked within the first few days of use. Since then I have chosen to use the plastic film variety of protectors, since I knew they wouldn't crack on me. They are prone to scratches and fingerprints, however, so I never was very satisfied. Recently I decided to try another tempered glass protector and settled on the Caseology Screen Protector because of its glowing reviews. I'm glad I did; this screen protector has totally changed the game for me!

The Caseology Tempered Glass Screen protector fits my iPhone 12 Pro Max perfectly, and thanks to the handy installation kit that comes in the package, it was easy to install. Putting it on my new iPhone was ridiculously easy when I followed the instructions, without a single air bubble or mote of dust trapped underneath. I've been using it now for over a month, and I've recorded my observations below.

That silky, smooth feeling

Caseology Screen Protector: What I like

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector (Image credit: Jaclyn Kilani / iMore)

The first thing I noticed when I took the Caseology screen protector out of the box was the multi-step installation kit. At first, it seemed a bit complicated, but once I read the simple instructions, I realized it wasn't much of a process. Installation requires cleaning the screen, wiping away the dust, setting the installation guide into place, and removing a few stickers. After installation, I didn't even need the included squeegee because there were no bubbles that needed to be squeezed out. The plastic guide ensured that the glass protector was positioned perfectly on the screen, with little to no chance for error. It's the best installation process I've ever seen for a screen protector, and I've been using them since 2010.

After I had it attached securely to my iPhone 12 Pro Max, I was surprised and pleased by the feel of it. The coating is silky and smooth under your fingertips. Call me crazy, but I swear this screen protector feels more responsive than the actual original iPhone screen. I think it has to do with the way my fingers move over the surface so smoothly, but it's beyond responsive to my touch. This smooth coating also makes it resistant to fingerprints, so I haven't found myself cleaning and polishing the screen as often as I normally would. Of course, it is also crystal clear and doesn't affect the beautiful graphics displayed by my iPhone.

Since my first unfortunate experience with glass screen protectors, I've been wary that they scratch and shatter too easily, but this is not the case with the Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector. It's rated with 9H surface hardness, which seems to be pretty tough. I've dropped the phone a few times since I've had it on and haven't seen any visible damage to the surface, no cracks or scratches in sight. This is encouraging, and I'll be sure to update this post in the future if anything changes.

Lookin' a bit thick

Caseology Screen Protector: What I don't like

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector (Image credit: Jaclyn Kilani / iMore)

To be honest, it was kind of difficult to come up with disadvantages to using this screen protector. It has been an excellent experience so far. The only thing I could come up with is that the screen protector seems a tad bit thick compared to others I've used. Granted, I've mostly used plastic films, so of course glass would seem a little thicker. But because it is a little thicker than the other screen protectors I've used, I can see the edges a bit more. You can definitely see that there's a screen protector in place, but might not notice unless you looked for it. Finally, the edges of the screen protector seem to attract tiny dust particles. They don't attach to the surface but they do gather around the edges, so I have to dust off the edges now and then. Overall, not a bad list of cons when compared to the positive experience I've had with this screen protector.

Caseology Screen Protector: Should you buy

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector (Image credit: Jaclyn Kilani / iMore)

You should buy this if ...

You want the most responsive touchscreen.

This is the first time I've used a screen protector that actually seems to increase the responsiveness of my iPhone's touchscreen. The smooth-as-silk surface feels good under your fingers and lends itself to ultra responsiveness for all types of taps and gestures.

You need an easy installation.

If you're like me, it can be ridiculously difficult to lay that screen protector on your iPhone in juuust the right spot. The included installation guide frame from Caseology will make it impossible not to. Or if bubbles and dust are the banes of your existence, you will appreciate the foolproof installation kit that's included with the Caseology screen protector.

You hate fingerprints.

The iPhone 12 comes with an extra-strong ceramic-shield screen, but it still attracts fingerprints as much as ever. Those who can't stand those smudges and fingerprints need the nano coating that's built into the Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector. It won't show fingerprints and repels dust on the surface.

You should not buy this if ...

You want the thinnest, most minimal screen protector available.

For those who prefer ultra-thin, virtually invisible films as screen protectors, the Caseology tempered glass may not be the perfect fit. It is thick enough that you can feel and see it, but not so thick as to look unattractive. This is not the thinnest of the thin screen protectors, however.

This is an excellent choice for accident-prone individuals who tend to drop and scratch their iPhone screens. At a 9H hardness rating, it will stand up to a lot of rough treatment. Not only is it tough, it is smooth and responsive to the touch and won't impede the graphics of your display in any way. This screen protector is a tad bit on the thicker side, as far as screen protectors go, but this did not affect the look or feel of the screen protector for me.

Finally, a tempered glass screen protector that won't shatter and break the first time you drop it! It's tough and super scratch resistant. I haven't managed to put so much as a hairline scratch on it in over a month of use. You'll appreciate the easy installation, silky smooth surface, and unmatched responsiveness of this screen protector from Caseology. The Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector exceeded my expectations and performs even better than I had hoped.

Jaclyn Kilani
Contributor

Jaclyn Kilani is a content writer at iMore. She's a longtime Apple addict with a flair for creating (written works, design, photos; you name it!) on her devices. Jaclyn has also worked in the marketing sector for over 16 years, dabbling in a bit of everything from writing to graphic design and digital marketing. In her heart of hearts, however, she is a born writer and an avid reader who adores everything about the written word. Someday she may even churn out a book or two. Throughout her career, Jaclyn has also developed something of an addiction to all things Apple. Her professional and personal life is enhanced by an ever-growing collection of iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and even AirTags. Luckily, this expensive habit is of great use to her work at iMore, where she writes with authority on Apple products and the accessories that go with them.