Question:

I have recently purchased the MSI stealth 16 laptop, which features an oled display without a glass cover. I would like to know more about the structure and composition of this type of screen, and whether it has any protective layer on top of the oled panel, such as a film or a polarizer. I am concerned about the potential damage that the keyboard or other objects could cause to the screen, and I am wondering if applying a screen protector, either glass or film, would be a good idea. What are the pros and cons of using a screen protector on a bare oled panel? How easy or difficult would it be to remove the screen protector without harming the screen? Please explain the technical aspects and the best practices for maintaining the screen quality and durability.

Answer:

Should You Use a Screen Protector on a Bare OLED Panel?

OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays are becoming more popular in laptops, smartphones, and TVs, thanks to their superior contrast, color accuracy, and energy efficiency. Unlike LCD (liquid crystal display) screens, which require a backlight to illuminate the pixels, OLED screens can emit light from each individual pixel, creating deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.

However, OLED screens also have some drawbacks, such as higher cost, lower brightness, and shorter lifespan. One of the main challenges of OLED technology is to protect the organic materials from degradation caused by exposure to oxygen, moisture, and other contaminants. This is why OLED screens usually have a glass cover or a thin-film encapsulation layer to seal the panel from the environment.

Some OLED laptops, such as the MSI stealth 16, do not have a glass cover on top of the OLED panel, which makes the screen thinner and lighter, but also more vulnerable to damage. If you own such a laptop, you might be wondering if you should use a screen protector to prevent scratches, cracks, or stains on your screen. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using a screen protector on a bare OLED panel, and provide some tips on how to choose and apply one.

The main benefit of using a screen protector on a bare OLED panel is to provide an extra layer of protection against physical damage. A screen protector can prevent or reduce the impact of:

• Scratches: The surface of the OLED panel may be susceptible to scratches from the keyboard, the trackpad, or other objects that come in contact with the screen. A screen protector can act as a barrier to prevent or minimize the appearance of scratches.
• Cracks: The OLED panel may be fragile and prone to cracking if the laptop is dropped, bumped, or bent. A screen protector can absorb some of the shock and prevent or reduce the severity of cracks.
• Stains: The OLED panel may be affected by fingerprints, dust, dirt, or oil that accumulate on the screen. A screen protector can repel or resist these substances and keep the screen clean and clear.

Another benefit of using a screen protector on a bare OLED panel is to enhance the viewing experience. A screen protector can improve the quality of the screen by:

• Reducing glare: The OLED panel may be reflective and cause glare or eye strain in bright or direct light. A screen protector can reduce the reflectivity and improve the visibility of the screen.
• Filtering blue light: The OLED panel may emit blue light, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm and affect the sleep quality. A screen protector can filter out some of the blue light and reduce the negative effects on the eyes and the brain.
• Adjusting color temperature: The OLED panel may have a different color temperature than the ambient light, which can cause color distortion or discomfort. A screen protector can adjust the color temperature and balance the color accuracy and the mood of the screen.

Cons of Using a Screen Protector on a Bare OLED Panel

The main drawback of using a screen protector on a bare OLED panel is to compromise the original design and performance of the screen. A screen protector can interfere with the quality of the screen by:

• Adding thickness: The OLED panel may be designed to be thin and light, which contributes to the portability and the aesthetics of the laptop. A screen protector can add some thickness and weight to the screen, which may affect the feel and the look of the laptop.
• Reducing sensitivity: The OLED panel may be touch-sensitive, which allows the user to interact with the screen by tapping, swiping, or pinching. A screen protector can reduce the sensitivity and responsiveness of the touch function, which may affect the usability and the functionality of the laptop.
• Decreasing brightness: The OLED panel may be dimmer than LCD screens, which may affect the readability and the visibility of the screen. A screen protector can decrease the brightness and contrast of the screen, which may affect the clarity and the vibrancy of the screen.

Another drawback of using a screen protector on a bare OLED panel is to introduce some potential risks and challenges. A screen protector can cause some problems such as:

• Bubbles: The screen protector may not adhere well to the screen, which may create air bubbles or gaps between the screen and the protector. These bubbles can affect the appearance and the smoothness of the screen, and may also trap dust or moisture that can damage the screen.
• Peeling: The screen protector may not stick firmly to the screen, which may cause the edges or the corners to peel off or curl up. This can affect the durability and the stability of the screen protector, and may also expose the screen to the environment.
• Removal: The screen protector may be difficult to remove from the screen, which may require the use of heat, alcohol, or other tools. This can damage the screen or leave behind residue or marks that can affect the quality of the screen.

How to Choose and Apply a Screen Protector on a Bare OLED Panel

If you decide to use a screen protector on a bare OLED panel, you should consider some factors such as:

• Type: There are two main types of screen protectors: glass and film. Glass screen protectors are made of tempered glass, which are harder, thicker, and more durable than film screen protectors, which are made of plastic, vinyl, or other materials. Glass screen protectors can offer better protection, clarity, and touch sensitivity, but they are also more expensive, heavier, and more prone to cracking. Film screen protectors can offer more flexibility, affordability, and variety, but they are also less protective, less clear, and less sensitive.
• Features: There are different features that screen protectors can offer, such as anti-glare, anti-fingerprint, anti-blue light, privacy, or color adjustment. You should choose the features that suit your needs and preferences, and also check the compatibility and the quality of the screen protector.
• Size: You should measure the size of your screen and choose a screen protector that fits your screen perfectly. You should also check the cutouts and the alignment of the screen protector, and make sure that it does not cover or interfere with the camera, the speakers, or the buttons of your laptop.
• Application: You should follow the instructions and the tools that come with the screen protector, and apply it carefully and correctly. You should clean the screen thoroughly before applying the screen protector, and avoid touching the adhesive side of the protector. You should also remove any bubbles or dust that may appear during the application, and press the edges firmly to ensure a good adhesion.

Conclusion

Using

a screen protector on a bare OLED panel can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. A screen protector can provide an extra layer of protection and enhance the viewing experience, but it can also compromise the original design and performance of the screen and introduce some potential risks and challenges. You should weigh the pros and cons of using a screen protector on a bare OLED panel, and choose and apply one that suits your screen best.