Whether it's capturing landscapes on a road trip to Queenstown. Texting mates in Auckland, or checking the weather before a surf session in Raglan, our devices are with us 24/7. So naturally, protecting those screens is non-negotiable. If you've ever smashed a screen or cracked a tempered glass protector, there’s a newer alternative you might want to try: the hydrogel screen protector. But what exactly is hydrogel, and why are more New Zealanders switching from glass to this high-tech film?

Hydrogel vs Tempered Glass

Tempered glass was the standard choice for screen protection. It’s tough, affordable, and does a decent job. Hydrogel screen protectors, on the other hand, represent the next generation of screen protection, offering a modern solution for modern phones. Hydrogel is ultra-flexible, allowing it to wrap perfectly around the curved edges of today’s smartphones, something rigid tempered glass struggles with. It’s also incredibly thin, typically around 0.14mm, which keeps the original look and feel of your screen intact. In comparison, tempered glass is thicker (usually over 0.3mm) and can feel bulky, especially when used with a case. When it comes to touch responsiveness, hydrogel outperforms again. It offers a smooth, glass-like experience with no lag or drag ideal for gamers and frequent swipers. Tempered glass protectors can sometimes interfere with touch accuracy, especially on budget models. hydrogel screen protectors aren’t just an alternative, they're an upgrade.

Top 5 Reasons Hydrogel Screen Protectors Are Perfect for Curved Screens

Perfect Edge-to-Edge Fit

Phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Huawei Mate series come with curved edges that traditional tempered glass just can’t cover fully. Hydrogel screen protectors are precision-cut to hug every curve, leaving no gaps or dust traps.

No Peeling or Lifting

Tempered glass tends to peel or lift over time, especially when used with cases. Hydrogel is flexible, thin, and case-friendly, which means it stays put even after months of wear.

Self-Healing Technology

Dropped your phone in the gravel outside a Mitre 10? Small scuffs or key scratches will fade within hours thanks to hydrogel’s self-healing layer. You’ll barely notice it happened. Over 35% of screen damage in New Zealand happens around the edges of a phone exactly where tempered glass fails to protect.  Ultra-Responsive Touch If you’re a gamer or love swiping through TikTok or Insta, hydrogel provides a smooth, glass-like feel without lag. No sticky or sluggish responses like some thick glass covers.

Looks Practically Invisible

Hydrogel is crystal-clear and doesn't reflect light awkwardly like cheap glass protectors. It feels natural to the eye and under your fingers like the screen is naked, but protected.

Should You Ditch Tempered Glass for Hydrogel?

If you're using a curved phone, value your screen's touch sensitivity, or just want protection that looks and feels natural, yes. Hydrogel is no longer just a niche product. It’s quickly becoming the preferred choice in New Zealand for savvy users who expect more from their screen protector.