My 512gb is coming tomorrow, do I need a protector?

[Mister Shan]

Can we confirm the deck's screen is high quality tempered glass like an iPhone? As opposed to the really scratch prone plastic the PSP, Vita and Switch were? I always protected those devices because they scratched super easily but never had to for my iPhone. I don't want to mess up the anti glare if it's not that necessary. In 15 years my phone never got any serious scratches and that's carrying it in my pocket and even surviving a few drops on concrete when I run. Safe to say I won't be running with my Steam deck though.

[Andeddu]

There is no reason to purchase a screen protector for the SD because it is not a phone. You will not be placing it in your pocket or throwing it into a bag, etc… the SD comes with a carry case and should be placed in there when transported to another location. There is literally no reason as to why your screen should become scratched. I have a SD, OG Switch and Lite along with a PS Vita Slim and New Nintendo 3DS and all are in perfect condition because I store them in cases when not in use.

[tekchip]

Originally posted by Insignia:

You don't need one unless you are prone to scratching/dropping your devices.
If you do want one there are anti glare protectors out there you can get.

I haven't seen definitive evidence, but the 512 is already anti-glare and I would assume stacking anti-glare on anti-glare would have negative results for image quality. It is after all effectively diverting light perceived as glare and then diverting that light further.

I don't know if these exist for Deck but for my phones I typically get a clear plastic screen protector that doesn't reflect near as bad as tempered glass. Kind of like a clear skin. They're damn near matte without actually being matte. Protects from scratches and such but without as much glare as tempered glass. Perhaps something like that would be a good middle ground from either double anti-glaring or adding back the reflectivity you just paid extra to get. They're a little tougher to install but when you get it on and get the bubbles out they're pretty awesome! https://amzn.to/3Bs5r4e is just one example of one. Apparently "steam deck film screen protector" is the right set of keywords.

Having said that I have a 512 and roll no screen protector and I treat her with respect. I'm careful with her. Always put her back in the case. Treat her right.

[Mister Shan]

Originally posted by Insignia:

You don't need one unless you are prone to scratching/dropping your devices.
If you do want one there are anti glare protectors out there you can get.

Ha. Well that's not really the question. Never scratched an iphone before, but my PSP got scratched badly twice, and my Vita once. Yet I never put them in my pocket, and always had a case. The question is more so is the deck tempered glass. Because if it's similar materials to the iphone I shouldn't have a problem. So I guess I am scratch prone on anything that's not tempered like the iphone. Does this question make sense?

[invision2212]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xbBtnxb5k&ab_channel=JerryRigEverything

[Zombieman]

Ya I’m careful with my electronics , but then I also have kids and nephews so I’ll probably go the screen protector route

[RoyalMetalKnights]

I have the 512GB unit and my son has the 256GB. The anti-glare screen does a decent job of reducing reflection. However, the only time I really notice a substantial difference is when I'm recording offscreen footage in a bright room. He's had a amFilm tempered glass protector since I gave it to him. Eventually, I decided I'd rather have the peace of mind than the anti-glare, so I just installed one on my 512GB as well.

Installing a regular tempered glass protector over the etched glass screen causes it to lose it's anti-glare properties. If you install an etched glass anti-glare protector over your anti-glare screen it will affect image quality.

[Mister Shan]

Originally posted by invision2212:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xbBtnxb5k&ab_channel=JerryRigEverything

I've seen this video but the fact he is pushing a screen protector I question it a bit. I would think if you take tools like that to any device you would cause a mark. Even the iphone. My question is more so durability wise is the screen the same as an iphone or more like the switch.

[Andeddu]

Originally posted by Mister Shan:

Originally posted by invision2212:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xbBtnxb5k&ab_channel=JerryRigEverything

I've seen this video but the fact he is pushing a screen protector I question it a bit. I would think if you take tools like that to any device you would cause a mark. Even the iphone. My question is more so durability wise is the screen the same as an iphone or more like the switch.

Which iPhone? They have different screens with differing levels of durability. It’s unlikely the SD can match an iPhone in screen durability. Try watching Jerry Rig Everything where they scratch the iPhone you are referring to and you can see which level marks appear and compare it with the SD.

[Brohands McSmooth]

I haven't had an issue at all and I actually stuck it in my pocket (mostly) when my hands were full and I was walking to another room. Haven't done anything crazy with it in my pocket like go to work/school or climb a tree though.

[PopinFRESH]

Originally posted by Mister Shan:

Originally posted by invision2212:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xbBtnxb5k&ab_channel=JerryRigEverything

I've seen this video but the fact he is pushing a screen protector I question it a bit. I would think if you take tools like that to any device you would cause a mark. Even the iphone. My question is more so durability wise is the screen the same as an iphone or more like the switch.

Concurred with your skepticism about the sponsored content. He has a fairly large channel and has been doing this for quite a while, has been pretty clear about his sponsorship, and has been pretty consistent on at least scratch testing display cover glass.

The tips of the things he uses to try to scratch the glass are specifically for that and are different ratings on the Mohs hardness scale. So at minimum, its a decent video to take that portion away from it and see where the Steam Deck's cover glass is at on the hardness scale.

EDIT: Also, the Dbrand screen protectors are also legitimate and I'd recommend them too so it is not like he is trying to push some trash product. I have a Dbrand tempered glass screen protector on my Nintendo Switch also and will get one for my Steam Deck once it arrives.

[JimmyJames26]

I have kids so i got the screen protector with my 512Gb.

[☥ Docdra ☥]

Honestly, I'd say ignore everything and just know yourself, as that will answer the question. I've personally never scratched a phone, handheld, or any device in over three decades, but if you are prone to accidents I'd suggest you get a screen protector. I'll also note, I'm absolutely stingy when it comes to never letting others handle my devices - I paid for it and people tend to not want to accept responsibility when they damage something, especially if it involves a hobby they don't share a passion for, so no, just because you're curious you don't get to handle my $600+ gaming device. Even if my kids weren't adults now, they'd never touch it...

[JERisBRISK]

Originally posted by invision2212:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xbBtnxb5k&ab_channel=JerryRigEverything

I have the dbrand protector on my 512. I like it, but it pretty much negates the anti-glare. :D

That video is seriously triggering my hackles -- the way this guy wields an x-acto knife flies in the face of everything I learned about knife safety as a Boy Scout!

[JERisBRISK]

Originally posted by JimmyJames26:

I have kids so i got the screen protector with my 512Gb.

^this

[heyfunny]

Originally posted by invision2212:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xbBtnxb5k&ab_channel=JerryRigEverything

Wow that video had me stuck on oh no oh no no mode until the end nice work valve! ^_^