By Belvia Editorial Team · Updated 10 May 2026
Updated March 2026 · 8 min read
Here's a number that should make you nervous: the average iPhone screen repair costs between £200 and £350 in the UK. A tempered glass screen protector costs £9.95. That's not a comparison, it's a mathematical argument for why every iPhone owner should have one fitted right now.
Yet millions of people walk around with naked screens, gambling that they won't be the one to fumble their phone on the pavement. The reasoning usually goes something like: "I've never cracked a screen before." Neither had anyone else, until they did.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right screen protector for your iPhone in 2026, including which models we cover, what "9H hardness" actually means, and why all screen protectors are absolutely not created equal.
Why Tempered Glass, Not Film?
Screen protectors broadly fall into two categories: plastic film and tempered glass. Here's why we exclusively stock tempered glass.
Plastic film protectors are thin, flexible, and cheap, usually under £5. They're better than nothing, but they offer minimal impact protection. A film might prevent surface scratches, but it won't absorb the force of a proper drop. They also tend to collect fingerprints, reduce screen clarity, and peel at the edges within weeks.
Tempered glass protectors are, as the name suggests, real glass that has been heated to extreme temperatures and then rapidly cooled. This process creates a material that's significantly harder than standard glass, with genuine impact-absorption properties. When your phone hits the ground, the protector takes the blow, cracking itself so your screen doesn't have to.
Every Belvia London screen protector is tempered glass. It's the only material we trust to genuinely protect a screen worth hundreds of pounds. For a deeper comparison, check our guide on tempered glass vs film protectors.
Key Features of Belvia London Screen Protectors
9H Hardness Rating
Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, which rates materials from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). Our screen protectors achieve a 9H rating, placing them just one step below diamond. In practical terms, this means they resist scratches from keys, coins, and even deliberate attempts with sharp objects. Your screen protector will stay pristine long after a cheap film would be covered in micro-scratches.
Oleophobic Coating
If you've ever cleaned your phone screen only to see it covered in fingerprints thirty seconds later, you understand the frustration. Our protectors feature an oleophobic (oil-repelling) coating that dramatically reduces fingerprint visibility and makes the surface far easier to wipe clean. A quick swipe with your shirt, and the screen looks brand new.
99.9% Optical Clarity
A screen protector that dims or distorts your display defeats the purpose of having a beautiful OLED screen. Our tempered glass achieves 99.9% optical clarity, meaning you genuinely cannot tell there's a protector on the screen. Colours remain vivid, blacks stay deep, and text stays razor-sharp.
Full Face ID Compatibility
Every protector is precision-cut for the specific iPhone model, with exact cutouts that maintain full Face ID functionality. No sensor obstruction, no authentication delays, no compromise.
Models We Cover
We stock tempered glass screen protectors for every recent iPhone model, all priced at £9.95:
- iPhone 17 Series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
Each protector is model-specific, not "one size fits most." The precise cuts ensure edge-to-edge coverage without interfering with your phone case. All Belvia London Tough Cases and MagSafe Cases are designed to work seamlessly with our screen protectors.
Browse All Screen Protectors →
How to Apply Your Screen Protector
Applying a screen protector used to be an anxiety-inducing ordeal, but modern kits have simplified the process dramatically. Here's the method we recommend:
- Clean your environment. Dust is the enemy. Apply your protector in a steamy bathroom (the moisture in the air captures floating dust particles) or a freshly cleaned room.
- Clean the screen thoroughly. Use the included alcohol wipe to remove oils, then the microfibre cloth to buff dry, then the dust-removal sticker to pick up any remaining particles.
- Align using the guide tabs. Our protectors come with alignment tabs that make it nearly impossible to misplace. Line up the top edge first.
- Lower slowly from the top. Let gravity pull the protector down, and watch as it self-adheres to the screen. The electrostatic layer does the work for you.
- Press out any bubbles. Use the included squeegee card to push any trapped air towards the edges. Most bubbles will disappear within 24 hours anyway.
For a more detailed walkthrough, read our guide on applying a screen protector without bubbles. For iPhone 17 specifically, see our best screen protectors for iPhone 17 roundup, plus our quick-answer piece on do screen protectors actually work.
Screen Protector + Case: The Complete Protection Setup
A screen protector protects the front. A case protects the back and sides. Together, they create a comprehensive protection system that covers every surface of your phone. It's the tech equivalent of wearing both a seatbelt and having airbags, each one works independently, but together they're significantly more effective.
Our Tough Cases (£25) feature raised edges that sit slightly above the screen, preventing direct contact when placed face-down. Combined with a screen protector, your phone has protection from drops, scratches, and everyday wear in every direction.
A Tough Case + Screen Protector bundle comes to just £34.95, less than a tenth of what a screen repair costs. The maths speaks for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my screen protector?
Replace your screen protector when you notice significant scratches that obstruct the display, if it develops cracks from an impact, or if the oleophobic coating wears off (you'll notice increased fingerprinting). With normal use, most protectors last 6-12 months before needing replacement.
Will a screen protector affect my phone's touch sensitivity?
No. Our tempered glass protectors are just 0.33mm thick with a specially designed surface that maintains full touchscreen responsiveness. Swiping, typing, and multi-touch gestures all work identically to using a bare screen.
Can I use a screen protector with a phone case?
Absolutely, in fact, we recommend it. All Belvia London phone cases are designed to work alongside our screen protectors. The protector sits flush within the case's raised lip, creating a seamless protection system with no interference or lifting at the edges.
What happens when the screen protector cracks?
That crack means the protector did its job, it absorbed the impact so your actual screen didn't have to. Remove the cracked protector carefully (it's designed to hold together even when broken, preventing glass shards) and apply a fresh one. At £9.95, replacement is trivially affordable.
Do you ship screen protectors internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. UK orders over £25 qualify for free delivery. International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location.