You may have noticed that we sell a few kinds of screen protectors. For all Tesla's, we carry the following options:
- Regular (Anti-Fingerprint or Matte/Anti-glare)
- 5H Ultra Tough
- 9H Tempered glass (Matte/Anti-glare or HD Clear Anti-Fingerprint)
So, which one is right for you?
Here's a comparison chart to get started:
Regular
The 'Regular' (PET - polyethylene terephthalate) version can provide enough protection from accidental fingernail and jewelry scratches. This regular protector is best for protecting from fingerprints and glare, essentially making your screen easier to clean – which, if you have small children, or even teenagers that switch the station/turn up the volume, is a must! This level of protection is perfectly fine for many Tesla drivers, and it’s the most economical version.
5H
The 5H is much harder material, while still being flexible. It’s really the best flexible option available, and because it’s a stiffer material, is easier to fit.
9H (Tempered Glass)
Our Premium 9H Protectors are now into their 3rd generation. They're made from Japanese Asahi tempered glass and offer the best protection from scratches and sharp objects. We’re aware that at least one Tesla driver managed to bump the naked screen (no protector) with a mobile phone and broke the Tesla display. While rare, things happen and the replacement costs are not trivial.
We're fairly sure our Gen 3 protector is the best on the market. We updated the dimensions for the most accurate fit while the glass is composed of six layers, using the finest materials available. What really sets it apart is the patent-pending installation frame, making installation a breeze, and a five minute job - clean the screen, apply the frame, clean it again, apply the protector. It's that easy. No other screen protector has this feature.
Details? We have Details.
Now for the science bit. The terms 5H and 9H, for any screen protectors you see advertised, relate to pencil hardness. You might remember from school that you'd need a No. 2/3B for that amazing pencil rubbing of some coin, and the stock issue pencils are No. 2/HB, right in the middle of the scale. 9H is the hardest option. Side note, I was stabbed in the leg when I was 8 with a pencil (I've not forgotten, Caroline). The lead broke off, and is still there today. Anyway, back to the science bit - this is different from the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is used to measure the hardness of minerals.
Scratch testing is the only way to tell how the hardness of one tempered glass compares to another. In a recent comparison test, the Abstract Ocean 9H out-rated its nearest competitor by a factor of two. What is clear is that they are not all created equal; the raw materials are not cheap, so you pay for what you get. Beware of the clones on Amazon, cheap, but not always cheerful.
The Choice is Yours
Whether you’re looking for something to provide basic protection, while making your screen easier to clean, or you want the best option available, there’s an array of options at multiple price points. After all, everyone likes choices, right?