Rating of the best hydrogel films for smartphones for 2022

The smartphone has become an integral part of human life. The gadget has long overcame the boundary of its purpose as a means of communication, and has become a personal organizer, financial assistant, reference book, pocket video and audio maker, translator, it is difficult to list all the functions. Naturally, the cost of such devices is tangible for the budget, and the question of its long-term operation is acute. Therefore, all options for protecting the gadget are relevant. The screen is the most vulnerable part of the device, and various methods of protecting it have been used since the advent of smartphones. Initially, only films were used, there were no glasses at all. One of the modern options is a hydrogel film for smartphones.

Protective films

The following types of films are known:

• Glossy - does not affect touch, however, stores fingerprints, is prone to sun glare;
• Matte - better than the glossy version in terms of anti-reflective effect, but does not withstand strong impacts;
• Oleophobic - a more expensive type with fat-repellent characteristics;
• Mirror - has an attractive appearance and optical properties;
• Anti-spyware - belongs to the gloss series and has a changed viewing angle for nearby people, thus eliminating the possibility of third-party observation;
• Brilliant - with the inclusion of aluminum particles in the material, which effectively change their appearance, favorably affect the masking of small scratches;
• Hydrogel - used on both surfaces of the smartphone, up to 360˚ pasting, is not cheap and has a number of exceptional properties.

About hydrogel films, their characteristics, methods of care and a number of features are discussed in this article.

Hydrogel protection - what is it?

Films are made of polymeric materials with high moisture-absorbing properties. The strength of such protection has excellent characteristics, so scratches, chips do not threaten the screen.In terms of tactile properties, such a coating is similar to contact lenses or eye patches, however, it is thicker, which means it is stronger. The hydrogel is not subject to peeling off over time along the edges and holds firmly over the entire surface area. One of the main advantages is complete transparency while maintaining 100% image quality. The coating is often referred to in the descriptions as hydrogel glass, armored film.

The versatility of qualities allows you to use the coating on a number of gadgets:

• tablets;
• smartphones;
• portable consoles;
• smart watch;
• cameras;
• routers;
• headphones;
• quadrocopters;
• KKM terminals;
• bank cards;
• aikosah.

Comparison with protective glass

Hydrogel is an innovative development with a number of unique properties.

The following advantages can be distinguished:

• the duration of the service life exceeds the glass wear period by several times;
• self-healing - the ability to remove small scratches, “heal” them within a day, while large gaps are not completely eliminated, but other means of protection do not even have this;
• durable adhesion to the screen, the display is maintained throughout the entire service life, including the edges, where most often other coatings are separated;
• without air bubbles under the top layer;
• recommended for reuse due to the simplified removal and application procedure;
• high elasticity was the result of special parameters of the material during development, it is several times superior to analogues.

One of the few drawbacks of the hydrogel should be called the formation of a "cobweb" on the screen in the event of a powerful blow, if the coating is removed, the adjacent surface will crumble.Tempered glass is able to protect the screen from falling at the cost of its own breaking under strong impact.

Some of the available models do not cover the entire surface, leaving a few millimeters to the edge, it is important to keep track of this moment when choosing.

The properties of UV Full Glue protective glass are determined by gluing with ultraviolet rays, it can also be oleophobic, glossy, with 3D characteristics and 9H hardness. The thickness is twice that of a hydrogel polymer, and self-healing is out of the question. The unique properties of the membrane with the preservation of elasticity and moisture repellency win additional "points" from glass.

How to paste

The main criterion for competent application is accuracy. Attention should be focused on the absence of dust and the formation of air bubbles.

The procedure consists of several sequential manipulations, simpler than when installing glass.

Step by step algorithm:

• screen preparation is carried out in 2 stages - wiping with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, followed by processing with dry material and removing stains;
• removing the film substrate with the letter “A” and placing it on a smartphone with perfect centering;
• work is carried out from one edge, the protective layer is removed gradually with instant smoothing with a flat object, such as a credit card;
• manipulations are performed from the center to the edge with tight pressure;
• in the middle of the film there is a fault that conditionally divides it into 2 parts - left and right;
• then the process is repeated from the other side;
• after fixing to the entire area, the top layer of protection is removed.

It is possible to refine in case of detection of dust particles or air bubbles by partially separating the accessory with repeated pressing and smoothing.

It is advisable to watch a video on the Internet for recommendations for proper application, possible flaws and dangers of poor-quality location on the screen.

How to choose

The main point when choosing is a clear match of the smartphone model. In the case of self-application, you need to be prepared for scrupulous manipulations and patience.

• The size

It is important to choose a coating that will cover the entire surface of the screen without indenting to the edge of a few millimeters.

• cutouts

If purchased in a kit for the desired model, there are ready-made cutouts for the cameras and the middle button on the cover.

• Gloss or matte

Glossy finishes are more attractive but tend to be less thin, while matte finishes are thicker and more durable, but may not significantly affect color rendering and glide. The matte fixture perfectly prevents the formation of glare and is more suitable for the summer season.

• Anti blue

The presence of the Anti-blue characteristic means the filtering of harmful radiation. The so-called blue radiation refers to the waves in the range 400÷450 nm.
An additional advantage of Anti-blue is the transmission of naturally occurring blues.

• Equipment

It is preferable to order the coating in its entirety: with a wet and dry cloth for surface preparation, with adhesive stickers to remove dust and lint. Sometimes the set may include a mini spatula for smoothing.

• Price

The average price ranges from 300 rubles to 600 rubles.For a budget option, it is better to use the purchase on AliExpress, since many stores purchase lots in bulk there for subsequent retail sales.

• When cutting on a plotter from blanks

This option is cheaper. If there is a need to apply a range of protective accessories. At the first stage, the search is carried out within the framework of the film blank, then the gadget on which it will be placed is directly selected. Textured coatings are often purchased for the back of smartphones, and matte or glossy for the front side.

• Errors when choosing

It is important to remember that the formation of bubbles during application self-destructs after a day. If this does not happen, then you can heat the surface with a hairdryer, removing it at a distance of 30 cm, and then put the smartphone under a press with a soft pad (a stack of books) for 12-24 hours.

Individual features, such as anti-spyware or anti-glare, may not be present in different options, and their presence should be monitored when choosing.

Overview of the best hydrogel films

TOP budget-class hydrogel films

For Realme 8

Excellent quality at a reasonable price guarantees protection against scuffs, scratches.

• made of high-tech material;
• does not impede the movement of fingers;
• with the restoration of the surface after the appearance of small deformations;
• to maintain an ideal appearance;
• with reduced eye strain and anti-glare effect;
• without color distortion;
• the sensory response period does not change;
• small thickness 0.14 mm;
• with an adhesive strip for simplified positioning during application.

• missing.

For Huawei P30 Lite

The model differs in softness and flexibility, possesses excellent characteristics of durability.

• does not affect slip performance;
• damages are straightened and the surface is leveled;
• provides for a long time the initial gloss and perfect surface;
• without saving prints;
• hides glare;
• with a scraper and napkins included.

• slight blurring at high magnification is possible.

Oppo F11 Pro Front Transparent 86721

Polymer protection is able to retain moisture.

• designed for the front;
• 0.01 mm thick;
• not subject to mechanical stress;
• colorless texture;
• with anti-shock effect;
• saves screen sensitivity;
• chipping prevention.

• no.

For Apple iPhone X/XS/11 Pro

The reliable accessory Alpha Skin is resistant to mechanical stress, shock and has cutouts for the middle button, speaker and is designed for application to the front, back panel, sides.

• self-healing system;
• without fingerprints;
• with preservation of color rendering properties;
• antiglare effect;
• without harmful secretions;
• full visibility under direct sunlight;
• does not undergo drying from ultraviolet radiation and increased dryness of the air;
• excellent resource;
• has no smell;
• with 99% coverage.

• not found.

For Apple iPhone 12/12 Pro

Qualitative characteristics with an extensive list of unique properties are combined in films for Apple iPhone.

• without the formation of a greasy trace;
• protected from chips, scratches, impacts;
• without air bubbles below the surface;
• full transparency;
• does not affect touch sensitivity;
• easy application;
• shockproof;
• easily restored from minor damage;
  lack of fingerprint memory;
• 0.16 mm thick;
• has cutouts for the camera.

• no.

For Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The model is distinguished by the absence of screen shading and high professional armor-like protection.

• anti-glare function;
• increased wear resistance;
• quick recovery from scratches;
• maintaining elasticity and integrity of the fit;
• does not affect color rendering;
• without tendency to keep fingerprints;
• with simple care;
• long period of operation;
• creating a glossy surface;
• with oleophobic coating;
• with easy application on curved edges;
• without air bubbles, if they appear, they will self-remove within 72 hours after installation.

• missing.

For Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

The cover in the complete set is designed for self-installation, which has no difficulties.

• increased transparency;
• high wear resistance;
• without the need for careful maintenance;
• with the best price / quality ratio;
• creates a stylish look;
• very practical;
• multifunctionality;
• weighs 13 grams.

• not detected.

Overview of hydrogel films at a price of over 1000 rubles

UV Glass for OnePlus 8

Hydrogel anti-spy protection is able to absorb moisture, does not retain fingerprints.

• with light adhesion
• holds securely;
• simple withdrawal;
• safety, without the release of harmful substances;
• self-healing;
• long service life;
• wear resistance;
• height 0.15 mm;
• simple care.

• with a slight shading effect.

For Honor 20i

The series from the Crystal Mirror manufacturer is represented by innovative coatings for a number of smartphone models that can be used for many devices.

• the adhesive layer is present on the entire surface;
• flexibility;
• versatility of use;
• resistance to damage;
• used for screen, back panel, sides and cameras;
• 100% transparency;
• easy application at home;
• without changing the color rendering, contrast;
• quickly removed;
• without lowering the sensor level;
• with the addition of clear technical cutouts;
• with divergent air bubbles;
• shallow damage becomes invisible;
• thin membrane;
• 1 mm thick;
• for long-term maintenance of the original appearance;
• with response retention.

• the price is above the average for the category.

For Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro

Ultra transparent premium model has 2 pieces in a set and covers 100% of the screen.

• almost imperceptible after application;
• with self-healing function;
• air bubbles go away after a day;
• with oleophobic coating;
• made of innovative material;
• high responsiveness to touch;
• full transparency;
• with water-repellent effect;
• high resistance to scratches, chips. cuts;
• has a complete installation kit included;
• with an accessible step-by-step instruction on the package on how to stick it correctly;
• armor impact effect;
• only positive feedback.

• not detected.

Comparison table of the best hydrogel films for smartphones
1.	budget class
	For smartphone model	Size, mm	Diagonal, inch	Average price, rubles
	Realme 8	157*70	6.4	500
	Huawei P30 Lite	149,9*69,7	6.15	300
	Apple iPhone X/XS/11 Pro	143*70,9	5.85	600
	Samsung Galaxy-Note-10 Plus	77,1*162,3	6.8	600
	Samsung Galaxy-Note-20 Ultra	180*120	6.9	250
	Apple iPhone 12~12 Pro	71,5*146,7	6.06	400
2.	Hydrogel coatings at a price of over 1000 rubles
	One Plus 8	154*69	6.55	1400
	Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro	162,6*74,8	6.67	1200
	Honor 20i	205*103	6.21	1300

Conclusion

Hydrogel films are necessary for reliable protection of the smartphone from bumps, scratches, stains of dirt and dust. The more expensive the gadget, the more important it is to provide it with decent care and preservation of appearance. Technological polymer coatings do not affect the color rendering and sensor of the device, have an anti-reflective effect and self-heal during the day. With a simple step-by-step instruction, it is easy to install the accessory yourself. The resource of such a protective layer exceeds the previous generations by several times. The cost is not capable of causing tangible damage to the budget. It remains only to decide on the brand and forget about the concern for the appearance, possible dangers for your device.