Your iPhone is a significant investment and a necessary tool in your life, and protecting it should be a top priority. Repairing or replacing your iPhone is a huge deal, and if you crack your camera lens, you will undoubtedly have to live without your iPhone for several days and shell out some cash to have it repaired.
Preventing a cracked camera lens should be a top concern for your iPhone, especially since a good camera protector is so much more affordable than replacing your iPhone camera. Do you need a high-end camera protector to keep your iPhone safe? Not necessarily! Let’s take a look at the best camera protectors to buy for the different iPhone models.
What is an iPhone camera protector?
iPhone camera protectors are made from tempered glass or good quality plastic, and they’re designed to fit over your iPhone’s camera lens without compromising the quality of your photos.
There are two types of iPhone camera protectors: individual rings that cover each of your lenses or a clear sheet that covers all of your lenses without allowing dust and debris to get inside.
Why you may need an iPhone camera cover
If you’ve invested money in an iPhone with a superior camera and use it frequently, you need to protect that investment with an iPhone camera cover. No matter how careful you are with your phone, accidents happen, and a tiny fumble could leave your iPhone camera cracked and completely unusable. The same scenario with a camera protector would be a very minor inconvenience. Don’t take chances!
Take a lot of photos? Use CleanMy®Phone to Declutter
You’ve purchased a camera protector to safeguard your investment in your iPhone, now it’s time to tackle all those photos and videos that are cluttering up your photo library.
With CleanMy®Phone, all you have to do is scan your photo library and then review the photos in the categories the app suggests. You can tweak the selection as you see fit and discard the photos that you no longer need. You can also use CleanMy®Phone to enhance your photos, select your favorites, and add them to specific albums. With just a few taps, you get an organized photo library and free up some precious space on your device.
iPhone camera protector pros
If you’re on the fence about whether to purchase a camera protector for your iPhone, consider some of these important benefits:
A camera protector safeguards your camera lenses
The most obvious and important benefit of using an iPhone camera protector is that it safeguards your lenses from scratches and cracks, which can distort your images and create unsightly flares. A camera protector may crack from a drop, but they are much cheaper than an iPhone repair.
An iPhone camera protector enhances the resale value of your phone
If you use your current iPhones to trade in and upgrade to new models, then you want to protect that investment and keep your iPhone looking and working its best. A damaged or scratched lens could be a dealbreaker for trade-ins.
A camera protector is a small investment that will protect your much larger investment — your iPhone. Keep your lenses in great shape, and you’ll get a better price when it comes time to sell.
iPhone camera lens protector cons
Are there any reasons why you wouldn’t want an iPhone camera protector? Perhaps. If you are buying the cheapest protection on the market, you may find that the quality of your iPhone degrades to the point that it isn’t worth it.
Low-quality lens protectors can cause light to refract or scatter, affecting the overall quality of your image. This is especially true in low-light conditions.
Cost may be an added consideration for some users, but even high-end lens protectors are cheaper than a new camera. Still, consider cost when deciding which camera protector to purchase.
How to choose an iPhone camera protector
When choosing a camera lens protector for your iPhone, it’s important to prioritize high-quality materials. Opt for tempered glass or high-grade polycarbonate to ensure optimal protection without compromising photo quality. You may also want to look for a protector with an additional coating so that it resists smudges and scratches.
As for which type of iPhone camera protector you choose (single lens protectors or a sheet to protect all the lenses), it comes down to personal preference and ease of application. The single lenses are easier to put on, and if you only scratch one, you don’t have to replace them all.
Best iPhone 15 and 15 Pro camera protectors
Let’s look at the best of both types of camera protectors for your iPhone 15 and 15 Pro.
Best single plate camera protector: CASETiFY Camera Lens Protector
The camera lens protector from CASETiFY is made by one of the world's leading phone case brands and has configurations to protect all of the iPhone 15 models. It is easy to apply using the included cleaning kit and has an anti-smudge guard for added peace of mind.
This protector does not impede image quality and is scratch-proof, so you only have to replace it when it becomes cracked. The only downside to this lens protector is that it only comes with a single plate instead of a multi-pack.
Best individual lens protector: ESR Lens Protector (2-Pack)
This lens protector from ESR features great impact resistance without distorting or compromising your pictures. It protects your camera from scratches, drops, and cracks. This protector works with most iPhone cases and it comes with an aligner to help you fit it perfectly over your camera lenses.
Best iPhone 14 and 14 Pro camera protectors
Here are our top camera protector pics for your iPhone 14 models.
Best single-lens protectors: Fewdew Ultra HD Camera Lens Protector
The Fewdew camera screen protectors are made with high-grade tempered glass fit into an aviation aluminum ring to precisely fit your iPhone 14 or 14 Pro.
Our top pick overall, these camera screen protectors are made of a single individual aviation aluminum metal ring and 9H tempered glass that has been precisely cut to fit the camera unit on the latest iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. They are shockproof, scratchproof, and resistant to cracks, making them a top choice for iPhone users.
Best single plate camera protector: JETech Camera Lens Protector
The JETech camera lens covers are made with 9H hardness tempered glass, which covers the entire camera and offers great protection against drops, scratches, and fingerprints on your iPhone lens. Each package comes with three camera protectors, so you can be sure you will always have an extra when you need it.
How to choose a camera lens protector for iPhone 13 and older
If you’re looking for a camera lens protector for an older phone, you’ll find that they’re easy to come by and easy to install. Just be sure to double-check the models listed in the documentation for whatever product you choose to ensure a good fit. As with camera protectors for newer models, you want to look for high-quality tempered glass so that your camera is fully protected from drops, smudges, and scratches.
A camera protector for your iPhone is 100% worth the investment, especially if you purchase a high-quality protector made of tempered glass that will withstand trauma.
