Does The Apple Watch Series 8 Need A Screen Protector?

Apple Watch Series 8 comes in two variants, with either Ion-X glass or Sapphire crystal for display screen protection. But are they durable enough?

The Apple Watch Series 8's display screen is protected by sapphire crystal or Ion-X glass, depending on the variant, but does either version require a screen protector? The Apple Watch Series 8 was released to sit in between the more durable Apple Watch Ultra and the less expensive Watch SE. It was an iterative upgrade from the previous Watch Series 7 with the addition of key features such as an always on display, temperature sensing, fall detection, and more.

Apple Watch Series 8 is offered in two display screen sizes: 45mm and 41mm. Interestingly, the aluminum frame model gets Ion-X glass while the stainless steel frame model gets sapphire crystal to protect the display screen. In terms of durability and scratch resistance, sapphire crystal is much better than the Ion-X glass, however, Ion-X glass does still protect from minor drops and scratches. Considering that the Watch Series 8 is also intended for athletes and other outdoor activities, getting a screen protector is a better idea to protect it from minor nicks and scratches.

Related: Does Apple Watch Ultra Need A Screen Protector? What You Need To Know

Ion-X glass is used to protect the edge-to-edge Retina display on aluminum models. It is similar to Gorilla Glass in its resistance to scratches and impacts. Sapphire crystal, on the other hand, is much tougher and more resistant to scratches on stainless steel models because of its hardness, similar to diamonds. Ion-X glass begins to show scratches at level 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness, whereas sapphire crystal begins to show scratches at level 7. Ideally, the latter should be at level 9, but it is reduced due to the presence of some impurities in the sapphire crystal used in the Watch Series 8 screen, which is not made entirely of aluminum oxide.

In addition, the screens of both models have an oil-repellent, fingerprint-resistant, oleophobic coating that will eventually wear off under normal usage. The Apple Watch Series 8 is rated IP6X dust resistant along with a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standards. According to Apple, the watch can be used for activities in shallow water, like swimming in the pool.

Starting at $399, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a structurally rigid device with a ceramic back and frames made of recycled aluminum and stainless steel. According to Apple, Watch Series 8 features a thick front crystal with a flat base and robust geometry for durability and crack resistance. In conclusion, depending on users' preferences, a screen protector will suffice to protect the Apple Watch 8 screen from getting scratched. However, getting a hard case that covers the entire body of the watch will protect everything from scratches.

More: Does The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Need A Screen Protector?

Source: Apple