Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The best iPhone 12 Pro Max screen protectors: Tempered glass, film, privacy

Apple iPhone displays were always fairly fragile — from the first iPhone all the way through the iPhone 11 Pro Max. For the iPhone 12 Pro Max and, of course, the newest iPhone 13 range, Apple started using a new display technology developed in conjunction with Corning: Ceramic Shield. Ceramic Shield mixed Nano Ceramic crystals into the display glass, which Apple says makes the newer iPhones four times more resistant to damage from drops than older models.

Regardless of whether that theory holds over time — and Apple swears it does — with that much screen real estate, you should probably do something to protect that vast expanse of glass. Slapping a screen protector on your iPhone never hurts. We scouted a variety of screen protectors from reputable manufacturers at various prices, and some even come with extra added privacy and health-related features. Here are some of the best iPhone 12 Pro Max screen protectors.

Olixar Screen Protector and Camera Protectors for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Olixar Screen Protector and Camera Protectors
Jump to details
Tech21 Impact Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Tech21 Impact Glass
Jump to details
PanzerGlass iPhone 12 Pro Max CamSlider Glass Screen Protector.
PanzerGlass CamSlider Glass Screen Protector
Jump to details
iPhone 12 Pro Max EZ Tempered Glass Screen Protecto
Whitestone Dome EZ Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Jump to details
Gadget Guard Black Ice+ Flex
Gadget Guard Black Ice+ Flex
Jump to details
Belkin Screenforce
Belkin Screenforce with Privacy Filter
Jump to details
ESR Tempered-Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Jump to details
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [Glas.tR EZ Fit] designed for iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Jump to details
Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector
Jump to details
OtterBox Phone 12 Pro Max Amplify Glass
Otterbox Max Amplify Glass
Jump to details
Supershieldz for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Supershieldz Triple Pack
Jump to details
amFilm Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
AmFilm Glass Screen Protector
Jump to details
Zagg Glass Elite+ for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite+
Jump to details
Olixar Screen Protector and Camera Protectors for iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Olixar Screen Protector and Camera Protectors

Pros
  • Features anti-shatter film
  • Twin-pack of camera lenses included
  • Good price
Cons
  • Tricky installation

This is a great midrange iPhone 12 Pro Max screen protector made from tempered glass with a 9H hardness rating, which is durable enough to protect your phone's screen from drops and shocks. As a bonus, it incorporates an underlying anti-shatter film, so even if you drop it from a substantial height, it shouldn't break into pieces. Despite its ruggedness, it offers a 95% light-penetration ratio, making it highly transparent as well as responsive. Another nice addition is the inclusion of a twin-pack of camera lens protectors, which gives your iPhone's camera extra insurance against damage.

Olixar Screen Protector and Camera Protectors for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Olixar Screen Protector and Camera Protectors
Tech 21 Impact Glass for Apple iPhone 12.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tech21 Impact Glass

Pros
  • Features antimicrobial properties
  • MagSafe compatible
  • Alignment applicator included
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Difficult installation

This comprehensive iPhone 12 Pro Max screen protector from Tech21 features toughened glass with an anti-scratch finish, so it should withstand punishment and abuse before showing visible signs of wear and tear. It also has an antimicrobial layer, which helps to reduce bacteria and microbes by up to 99.99%. The protector is thin and fully compatible with MagSafe accessories. The pack includes an alignment applicator for easier installation.

Tech21 Impact Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Tech21 Impact Glass
PanzerGlass iPhone 12 Pro Max CamSlider Glass Screen Protector.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

PanzerGlass CamSlider Glass Screen Protector

Pros
  • Features anti-shatter film
  • Includes a privacy filter
  • Oleophobic coating repels smudges
Cons
  • Expensive

As the name implies, the PanzerGlass is tough, with its high-tension, chemically reinforced 9H tempered glass capable of enduring everyday impacts and accidents, including extreme hazards. Thanks to the anti-shatter film, excessive impacts may cause the glass to crack but not shatter, so it’s safer than other glass products. Extra features include a privacy filter, preventing people from looking over your shoulder on the subway. It also includes an oleophobic coating for repelling smudges and an antibacterial layer for killing germs. Even though the protector is pretty sturdy, its thickness measures only 0.44mm, making it especially discreet and functional.

PanzerGlass iPhone 12 Pro Max CamSlider Glass Screen Protector.
PanzerGlass CamSlider Glass Screen Protector
Whitestone Dome iPhone 12 Pro Max EZ Tempered Glass Screen Protector.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whitestone Dome EZ Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Pros
  • Made of economical composite materials
  • Highly transparent and responsive
  • Dual-pack
Cons
  • Not a great fit for some slim cases

Whitestone Dome is mostly known for making extremely strong protectors that cost more than the competition. This item, however, is a little different since it offers high-level protection at a fraction of the usual price. The trick here is that the protector is not actually real glass, although it feels just as smooth while also being almost as hardy. Its use of composite materials means it’s a little thinner than the usual Whitestone Dome protector, making it highly transparent and responsive. It’s sold in a pack of two and comes with an easy alignment tool.

iPhone 12 Pro Max EZ Tempered Glass Screen Protecto
Whitestone Dome EZ Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Gadget Guard Black Ice+ Flex for iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Gadget Guard Black Ice+ Flex

Pros
  • Uses five integrated layers
  • Anti-glare and scratch-resistant
  • Supports a variety of cases
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Does not cover the entire screen surface

If you’re willing to spend for the ultimate protection, this Gadget Guard screen protector is for you. It uses five different integrated layers, including a fingerprint coating, hybrid flex layer, and cap sheet. Together, they’re designed to ensure neither the screen nor the protector will shatter or chip. It’s also made to be anti-glare and scratch-resistant — the edges even provide a bit of impact protection. With all that, you may not feel the need for a case at all, but the protector is still slim enough to support a variety of cases without affecting touch sensitivity.

Gadget Guard Black Ice+ Flex
Gadget Guard Black Ice+ Flex
Belkin Screenforce with Privacy Filter and tray.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Belkin Screenforce with Privacy Filter

Pros
  • Includes a biocidal disinfectant microbial layer
  • Privacy filter shades the screen
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Doesn't completely cover the screen

An affordable Belkin option, this screen protector offers a little bit of everything. The tempered glass ensures your iPhone 12 Pro Max stays free from annoying scratches, while the biocidal disinfectant microbial layer can help reduce bacteria up to 99% on the screen’s surface. One of our favorite features is the privacy filter, which helps shade the screen when viewed at an off-angle and helps to keep others from spying on what you’re doing, no matter where you are at. The screen protector is also designed to help guard against impact if your iPhone happens to drop.

Belkin Screenforce
Belkin Screenforce with Privacy Filter
ESR Tempered-Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Pros
  • Can handle up to 5 kilograms of pressure
  • Facilitates easy Face ID unlocking
  • Ships with a cleaning kit and installation frame
Cons
  • Doesn't fit well with some cases

This triple-strength tempered glass shield can handle up to 5 kilograms of pressure for extra added protection against drops, bumps, and all kinds of impact. It’s precisely cut for this specific iPhone model to facilitate easy Face ID unlocking, and it ships with a cleaning kit and installation frame, making it easy to install.

ESR Tempered-Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector with tray and applicator.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Pros
  • Features oleophobic coating
  • Includes auto-alignment kit
  • Twin-pack
Cons
  • Difficult to install

This Spigen screen protector comes in a two-pack, providing tempered glass durability rated at 9H hardness and paired with oleophobic coating added in for extra fingerprint resistance. It features an easy-to-use auto-alignment kit for application onto the iPhone’s glass surface, and if you have another Spigen protector to use, the kit will work for it as well.

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [Glas.tR EZ Fit] designed for iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector

Pros
  • Lithium aluminosilicate makes it extra durable
  • Extremely thin
  • Trusted name
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Difficult to install

Chemically reinforced using a double ion-exchange process, this tempered glass protector from Belkin claims double the impact protection of standard glass protectors. It has also been treated with lithium aluminosilicate (LAS), which makes it particularly scratch-resistant and durable, so it’s unlikely you’ll crack it. While it is one of the toughest protectors you’ll find anywhere, it’s also very slim at only 0.29mm.

Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector
OtterBox Phone 12 Pro Max Amplify Glass with iPhone.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Otterbox Max Amplify Glass

Pros
  • Features EPA-registered antimicrobial tempered glass
  • Numerous anti-scratch properties
  • Otterbox case compatibility
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Durability issues reported

If you want to keep your iPhone’s surface sanitary, check out OtterBox’s Amplify Glass with Antimicrobial Technology. Co-developed with Corning to emphasize scratch resistance as well as proprietary antimicrobial attributes, this protective shield features EPA-registered antimicrobial tempered glass that shields your screen from damage and infectious microbes. It also features numerous anti-scratch properties for clarity, plus you can pair it with any Otterbox case.

OtterBox Phone 12 Pro Max Amplify Glass
Otterbox Max Amplify Glass
Supershieldz for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max with packaging.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Supershieldz Triple Pack

Pros
  • Features 2.5D rounded-edge glass
  • Includes hydrophobic and oleophobic coating
  • Triple-pack
Cons
  • Installation issues reported

The Supershieldz three-pack is constructed from high-quality tempered glass for maximum scratch, drop, and bump protection. Its 2.5D rounded-edge glass offers comfortable handling and eases pressure on your fingers and hand — which is handy with a phone as big as the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It features 9H hardness and a nearly 100% clarity of view. Its hydrophobic and oleophobic coating reduces the occurrence of sweat and fingerprints on your screen.

Supershieldz for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Supershieldz Triple Pack
amFilm Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max with packaging.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

AmFilm Glass Screen Protector

Pros
  • Ultra thin
  • Accommodates most cases
  • Features oleophobic coating
Cons
  • Durability issues reported

The AmFilm is a reasonably priced tempered glass screen that will do the job of covering your iPhone 12 Pro Max’s vast display area while still accommodating most cases. It’s ultra-thin at 0.33mm, but it’s a reliable partner for your capacitive touchscreen. Durable and scratch-resistant, the surface has a hardness of 9H and is topped with an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprints. This product comes in a three-pack that includes the protectors, installation tray, wet wipes, and dust removal stickers.

amFilm Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max
AmFilm Glass Screen Protector
Zagg Glass Elite+ for iPhone 12 Pro Max with iPhone.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite+

Pros
  • Made with the strongest materials
  • Features anti-microbial properties
  • ClearPrint oil-diffusion technology
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Difficult to apply

The InvisibleShield Glass Elite+ is made with ion exchange technology and aluminosilicate glass, which the company touts as its strongest screen protection, coupled with anti-microbial properties embedded in the glass. It also features ClearPrint oil-diffusion technology to mask fingerprints. The anti-microbial tech promises to kill up to 95% of human coronavirus and up to 99.9% of Staph and E. coli surface bacteria. Ion exchange technology increases surface compression for hardness and scratch resistance. The Glass Elite+ surface has a smooth, silky finish, similar to your phone’s screen.

Zagg Glass Elite+ for iPhone 12 Pro Max
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite+

Editors' Recommendations

Jackie Dove
Contributor
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app…
Speck’s ClickLock interlocking technology enhances Apple MagSafe on the new iPhone models
Speck Presido2 cases for the iPhone 15.

This content was produced in partnership with Speck.
Apple's MagSafe technology is one of the more interesting additions to the iPhone in the past few years. It's a magnetic system that essentially allows you to easily connect compatible accessories to the back of the device to charge wirelessly or enhance your experience -- like adding a wallet case, for instance. It adds a whole new layer to both usability and customization, allowing you to transform your phone in innovative ways practically. MagSafe cases have the same magnetic functionality built into the case, snapping directly to the phone but still allowing for accessories to be attached in the same way. That's precisely what

do, with a twist. Speck's newest cases for the four newest 2023 iPhone models incorporate a patent-pending technology called ClickLock™.

Read more
The best camera phones in 2023: our top 9 photography picks
google pixel 5 review camera app

When it comes to camera phones, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the new champ. Although the competition was stiff, Samsung's latest offering emerged victorious in our head-to-head comparison with the Google Pixel 7 Pro, thanks to its exceptional software and edge in crucial categories. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra produces stunningly vibrant and shareable images, solidifying its status as one of the top camera phones available. Of course, if you're not partial to Samsung, there are other options to consider, such as the best Apple phone, the most cost-effective phone, and the best budget phone on the market.

At Digital Trends, we are passionate about photography and take thousands of photos every month. We enjoy comparing the performance of different phone cameras by pushing them to their limits and conducting direct camera shootout comparisons. We do this because we understand that camera quality is an important factor for most buyers. Have different priorities? We offer guides for the best overall smartphones, the best cheap smartphones, and the best old phones so you can find the right one for you.

Read more
This lingering Labor Day deal brings the iPhone 12 to $555
iPhone 12 in purple.

If you were planning to buy an iPhone from this year's Labor Day sales but you missed them for any reason, don't worry because some iPhone deals are still online. For example, the 64GB model of the unlocked Apple iPhone 12 remains available for $555 from Best Buy, for a discount of $75 on its sticker price of $630. We're not sure how much time you've got left to take advantage of this offer though -- it could disappear at any moment -- so if you're interested, you shouldn't hold yourself back from pushing through with the purchase.

Why you should buy the Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 isn't the latest model the popular smartphone -- it's the Apple iPhone 14, and very soon, it will be the Apple iPhone 15. However, that doesn't mean that the iPhone 12 is no longer a worthy purchase, as Apple's A14 Bionic chip still provides smooth performance by today's standards. It ships with iOS 14 pre-installed, but you can update it to iOS 17 so that you can enjoy all of the features of the newest version of the operating system.

Read more