Payment terminals face daily wear and tear–frequent touches, occasional drops, and constant handling. Protecting their screens is essential to ensure reliability, safety, and longevity. But which type of screen protection works best for your terminals: tempered glass or screen film? Do you prioritize maximum impact resistance, ease of maintenance, or added features like privacy and anti-glare? In this article, we examine both solutions and help you understand which protector might suit your needs best.
Tempered Glass: Strengths and Limitations
Tempered glass is widely recognized for its hardness and scratch resistance. It can absorb impacts and protect the terminal screen from minor damage. However, tempered glass has notable drawbacks. A single drop can leave scratches or chips, particularly along the edges. During transport, glass can break, creating sharp shards that pose a safety risk. Application can also trap air bubbles, affecting both appearance and touch sensitivity.
Why Choose Film Over Tempered Glass?
Screen protectors are designed to overcome common limitations of tempered glass. Key advantages of film include:
- Does not develop air bubbles during long-term use
- No cracking or chipping at edges
- Resistance to scratches from minor impacts
- Longer durability and better cost-effectiveness over time
- Oleophobic coating – reduces fingerprints and smudges
- High transparency – maintains screen clarity and image quality
- Easy application – smooth and bubble-free installation
Film protects the screen while remaining flexible and safe, making it a practical choice for devices that are frequently handled or transported.
What Extra Features Can Screen Protectors Offer?
Beyond basic protection, screen films provide functionalities that glass cannot. These include:
- Privacy filters to prevent shoulder surfing
- Anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings for better visibility
- Shock absorption to reduce damage from drops or impacts
- Refurbishing the screen – masking minor scratches to keep devices looking new
- Compatibility with curved screens for full coverage
It is important to note that additional functionalities depend on the type of film. For example, Duratis screen protectors are available in 8 different types, each offering varying levels of protection and extra features. Some types focus on privacy, others on anti-glare or enhanced shock absorption, allowing businesses to choose the most suitable film for their specific terminal usage.
Is Screen Film Safer Than Glass?
Safety is another key factor. Tempered glass can shatter into sharp fragments, creating a risk of injury. Screen films, being flexible and non-fragile, will not break during use or transport. This makes them safer for staff and customers while reducing liability concerns for businesses.
Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Value
While tempered glass may seem durable initially, its susceptibility to chipping and scratches often leads to replacements and added costs. Screen films, with their durability and multifunctional features, offer better long-term value. They minimize maintenance, reduce replacement frequency, and provide extra benefits such as privacy, anti-glare, oleophobic surface, and impact protection.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Screen Protector
Both tempered glass and screen films provide strong protection for payment terminals. The best choice depends on your priorities–impact resistance, durability, safety, or additional features. For businesses seeking durable, flexible, and feature-rich protection, high-quality screen films are worth considering. In particular, Duratis screen films offer a reliable solution with enhanced safety, longevity, and optional features like privacy, anti-reflective coatings, oleophobic surface, and easy application. With 8 types to choose from, Duratis films allow businesses to select the perfect level of protection and additional functionality for each terminal, making them a versatile and practical choice.
You may also like our carrying cases for payment terminals, designed to provide additional protection and convenience.
