Are iPhone Camera Lens Protectors WORTH IT?

Should you get a set of camera lens protectors? Short answer is no.
Your camera lenses are MUCH tougher than you think.
Long answer is maybe, if you like going commando with your iPhone.
Honestly, camera lens protectors would be the equivalent of putting on a bullet proof vest on everyday because you’re afraid of getting shot. Everyday. Which isn't going to be the case unless you're in an active warzone or are a first responder.
BUT this comparison is unfair to Bullet proof vests because I’m implying that camera lense screen protectors offer substantial protection to your camera lens.
They don’t.
Now if my clever analogies weren’t enough, here’s 4 reasons why you don’t need them.
1. The len’s on your camera are INCREDIBLY scratch resistant.
2. The len’s on your camera are QUITE impact resistant
3. Your iPhone case is going to offer all the protection you’ll need
4. Your photos are going to look worse with them on
The best one I've seen so far, is going to be the Spigen Camera lens protector. Maybe.
Amazon US: mreh.ca/3dSxpah
Amazon CA: mreh.ca/2TcSHaz
Amazon UK: mreh.ca/2y5ADI6
Amazon DE: mreh.ca/2zHfQ
At MREH, Monty and I base our videos on actual usage. In the last while, I’ve gotten lots of questions regarding the best camera lens protector and my answer is always the same, you don’t need it.
Also, it’s a dumb product class. BUT personal feelings aside...
Reason #1 why you don’t need one - The camera lens is already VERY scratch resistant
If you’re afraid of your camera lens getting scratched, know that the glass on your iPhone is either sapphire or a variant of sapphire which means it has a hardness of 9 on the MOH’s scale. Not the pencil/graphite scale that every screen protector company uses.
Don’t believe me? On this iPhone, I have a Zagg Glass Elite. This is Zagg’s toughest, double tempered screen protector. It scratches when I use a pic with the hardness of 7.
On the camera lens? Bagel. In fact, I can use the 9 pic and nothing happens. If I use the 9 pic on the Zagg, well, that’s terrible.
On this iPhone 11 Pro Max, I have Zagg’s camera lens protectors. Watch how easily the tiny lenses scratches. That scratch is going to make for some great photos isn’t it.
Reason #2 - The camera lens most likely isn’t going to shatter
Sapphire has amazing scratch resistant and above average impact resistance. I’ve reviewed one of the few sapphire screen protectors available for the iPHone 11’s, the Shellrus Sapphire X and nothing I had could scratch it BUT it breaks at 80 cm’s when Bertha, my 200g steel ball is dropped on it.
The best glass breaks at 108 cm, decent glass between 80-95cm, normal tempered glass between 50-80 and anything below 50 is going to cost you a few bucks and come in a brown box.
Now the chances that you’ll drop your iPHone in a manner that one of these tiny glass lenses cracks because of it is very, very low. I’ve dropped dozens of iPhone’s over the years and I have NEVER broken a camera lens. I’ve had cameras go fuzzy, I’ve had cameras not work BUT I’ve never had a broken camera lens.
Reason #3 - Your case is most likely going to offer all the protection your lenses need.
Most cases have a protruding lip around the camera lens. That keeps the lenses off a flat surface. And if it doesn’t have a lip, there’s a good chance that the case itself is thick enough that it will keep the camera lens’ from sliding on whatever surface you’re keeping your iPhone on.
Reason #4 - Your Photos are going to suffer a bit
Now most screen protectors tout the fact that they have a clarity value in the low 90’s. They want you to think that their glass isn’t going to have an effect on the iPhone clarity BUT screen protectors are made from 5-6 different layers. There’s glue, a film, more glue, the actual glass and coatings.
BUT here’s what 93% clarity looks like on the iPad. See the difference? It is noticeable. Now imagine what would happen to your photos. Now there’s a good chance you won’t notice that degradation in your photos BUT it’s still happening.
So those are the 4 reasons why you DON’T need a camera lens protector!
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[@playur2547]

I love that he gives basically a full run down and answer right in the beginning. Wish more KZbinrs did this.

[@MobileReviewsEh]

I hate it too. Which is why I don’t do it.

[@RagingFlash]

MobileReviewsEh and that’s why I’ve seen the whole video.. 😂

[@ronchua3031]

Yes, makes me want to watch more of his content. He’s the most hardworking tech reviewer I’ve ever seen! Complete and detailed videos, well made cinematography and with humor as well ;) oh and im a dog lover btw, so its 80% because of Monty 🐶.

[@chan21782003]

YES! This was phenomenally helpful (and kept me sticking around to watch the whole thing... lol). Thank you, @MobileReviewsEh!

[@val058]

Agree. Thats my number 1 complaint on reviewers. slow talkers, winding up with irrelevant info and then when it comes to actual important details you never hear them! So this guy rules. "Jack n Vest" could be his nickname :)

[@Blaack215_5.7]

I love how your dog basically admires you while you’re recording 😆

[@rocknroll6857]

I was thinking the same. I love that little dog ❤️

[@raazelb]

I actually thought it was a toy then I saw it move I was omg lol

[@am9299]

Damir Roberts the tie tho 🥰😅

[@ShopperPlug]

That dog is literally there like agreeing what ever the dude is talking about lol

[@random-fish]

Admires him while wearing a tie! Your dog is sooooo cute and hangs on your every word!

[@slacker2747]

I love how your dog just look at you while you're talking. So much focus, So much love and so much good boy.

[@daktadre]

That cute dog is probably thinking, why is my master speaking like this to nobody 😂

[@Texg1rl_]

Lol

[@umchile4990]

Master? I-

[@alishaj4294]

Plot twist: the dog is waiting to have his moment to speak the whole time.

[@tripletmom3915]

p

[@CurlyGirlPink]

😂😂

[@SnoozecoopYT]

Ruff ruff

[@jaiaundria]

He seems so interested 😭

[@JustanotherLisa]

😂😂😂😂

[@BABA-np1gk]

The dog was like"my owner is soo smart"

[@nm7023]

Not sure if anyone else thinks the same way, but this is probably one of the better product reviews I’ve seen. Most are long-winded and get boring after a few minutes without giving any conclusive answers, but with this one I got my answer within the first 30 seconds and that kept me engaged enough to watch the rest of it. Thanks

[@justinmansoer4385]

I just watched this 3 year old video after getting an 15 pro max . Saved me from unnecessary wasting of money . Instant follow too sir

[@vibrantrebel]

Yes! Same here, along with the headache of trying to remove them! I almost bought those protective lenses for my phone arriving tomorrow, but I was concerned about photo/video quality because isn't that the point of the 15 Pro max?!

[@ShanCruz]

I love how the dog just looking to his owner and listening

[@lousmooth]

As a phone repair tech in my opinion a back camera lens protector offers another level of protection, even with a case I have seen plenty of broken back camera lenses.

[@candiitube]

I just found you on KZbin and your videos are fantastic! I've watched a bunch while deciding what to purchase for my new phone. I love how detailed your reviews are and the structure in which you edit your videos (to the point at the beginning, and detailed further on) Also Monty is a huge bonus. haha cheers from a fellow Canadian ! :)

[@KRColson]

Man, you are terrific! Loved watching this informative video and, well, Monty is stealing the show quite frankly. I can't get over how he watches you so intently as if critiquing every moment! Well done! Cheers!

[@glowup4153]

Thank you! Closing my Amazon app now. Straight up, informative, thorough, and entertaining. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@dinahhirata1377]

Great information! Thanks! Love 💕 how Monty is so focused on you and never interrupts!

[@Jefeharris]

Appreciate the video! Awesome insight 😊

[@swinter760]

not to mention that dog, makes the video much more pleasing to watch than it already is. So calm and cute with the little collar and tie

[@asadirountree9344]

The dog is so cute 😍😍😂 I had to keep rewinding the video bc I was losing my focus

[@yuvitv1034]

This is the info I need!! Great work exactly what I was searching for

[@hollychiskimo7357]

Thank you for getting straight to the point. WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO WATCH LONG VIDEOS! Mark my words, short videos that answer upfront are the way of the future. A trusted source, gives a trusted answer, bang, you get my view. I will now check your channel for more videos that hopefully also give the answer straight off the bat. Well done and THANK YOU.

[@edhaluschak244]

Thanks for the info - you are 110% correct! I removed mine from my new iPhone 13 pro and my night pictures went from junk to wow! I could not figure out why they were so bad - I never used a camera lens protector before and never will again. Thanks for the great advise!

[@JKDLIFER]

I literally laughed out loud at 0:13. That was awesome. Also, thank you making this video. I needed some reassurance regarding how strong these camera lenses truly are.

[@onzey4498]

I know this is 7 months too late, but thanks for saying the answer in the first 5 seconds rather than making us wait 💯💯

[@gailsmallwood7676]

You and Monty are such a hoot. Thanks for the chuckles and the wise advice. Happy reviewing. ♥️

[@KittyCatAddict]

You are the best reviewer out there. Hands down, absolutely love your videos. Straight to the point, got a great dog, amusing, and beyond detailed. You deserve way more subscribers!!

[@ernescliffecoalition]

Great no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point and informative video -- which helpfully convinced me not to waste any more of my money on a camera lens protector for my iPhone 13 Pro.

[@infairvarona]

What’s awesome is how Monty is also seemingly interested in you talking about whether or not camera lens protectors are a necessity. Also, totally agree that the lens protector makes my photos worse, I actually have the Spigen lens protector and ended up removing it since it was collecting dust so easily and affecting my photos.

[@MyMomSayNoDota]

glad you mention. i'm really considering buying spigen. but i've used once before, kinda paranoid to try another.

[@user-yb8js5eu3o]

How we can placed the spigen lense protecter in protective case?

[@icymallard3]

Thanks for the info! I am going commando and was thinking about getting something like this but you've convinced me that I don't need it.

[@dylanlehmann1387]

You’re personality is so bright I appreciate it and it’s awesome how much work you put into your channel

[@RubyInferno]

Thanks for this! I was actually looking for a video that shows the proper way to clean the lens (because I am paranoid about scratching it) but this video showed me how durable and sturdy these lenses are. I have first-hand experience with this as well, I have owned: an iPhone 4, iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone XS Max & now I have the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Not once have I had a scratch on any of my iPhones' lens so far.

[@esther5641]

Thank you for your straight to the point video! Saved me buying an unnecessary accessory ☺️

[@ARYABANERJEE20]

Me too

[@pavithramgofficial]

Just the info that I needed.. thanks a ton .. also love how your pet is sitting beside you just staring at you in a cute way🤗🤗

[@ritaruiu325]

I have recently purchased an iphone 13 pro and in the process of purchasing some accessories such phone cases, protector and camera lens protector. Well after watching your review on the camera lens. I have certainly crossed this off my list and I thank you sincerely ! I love your work and adore MONTY!

[@aog8202]

Great video, I have a question if you have a moment. I was looking at the Native Union Click card case, and in order to get the card out of the case, you would have to drag the card across the lens each time the card is taken in and out. Also no camera bump. In your opinion, would the card cause wear and tear on the lens? Thank you! 👍

[@heatherreed4187]

I am so glad I found this video right before I placed an order. Also, this was just so fun to watch. 😂 Thanks!

[@natalyajo2725]

Update us please did your lens’s scratched?

[@swoopskee]

i love it that you just straight up give the answer in the beginning, thank you so much friend!

[@vamshidharreddydevireddy433]

Love ur work.. thanks for ur help... thinking all the possibilities we have doubts about... honest review. Pls keep up the good work and continue the Good work

[@1978Caceres]

While not a phone tech, I know enough to appreciate the value - and rarity - of reviews like these, that incorporate thorough analysis, integrity, brevity and explanations that make sense. It is crystal clear that the priority is truth in the process, which will translate to truth in conclusions. Consistently, I find that the methods and tools used minimize the error margin and help to make the review process interesting, even for those with limited knowledge of electronics and materials science. In sum, I find these reviews trustworthy as well as entertaining. I subscribed after the first video, watched at least 4 more, and relied heavily on them today in making choices for two Iphone 12s I recently purchased for my kids. Thank you for your work and enthusiasm, and please keep up the good work!

[@marcromanbravo]

Thanks for the simple answers, man. And I love the way Monty watched you the whole time :)

[@motogp2375]

This is the answer i was looking for!! Thanks bro!! Very helpful!! 🤙🏼

[@pmjaico1407]

This dude amswered my question at the start and I kept watching. Thanks for the amazing content!

[@lauriekaplan276]

Thank you for explaining why I don’t need a lens protector on my phone and Monty is pretty cool.

[@backpackingtony1779]

Great video. I got a camera lens protector included with my screen protector. I thought “meh why not?” I’m happy with it but likely because of my anxiety issues.

[@tinap1752]

Now that’s what you call true support - what an adorable doggy 😍😭 new subscriber, your videos are 👌🏽 thank you

[@JustDisc]

First video that answered this question quickly and precisely. Thanks !

[@CurrynKimchi]

I am just here admiring the way the dog looks at him 🥺❤

[@talkchit30]

IS THAT DOG FOR REALLL??? 😱 He just stares at you the whole time!!!😍 I subscribed!! 🙌🏼💯

[@PunkRockPetSitter]

Thank You! I have really been wondering if this was necessary for my iphone 13 pro max w/ Lifeproof Next case and am appreciative of your definitive, direct answer!! You saved me $60! Thank you! Love your videos, BTW! They really helped me when I was buying my new iPhone after not upgrading for so long. So much had changed and wasn’t sure where to spend my money, but your videos really make clear, with receipts, what product are necessary and which brands deserve my patronage! And you have an entertaining personality! Your work is absolutely appreciated! Thank you!

[@katscorps]

Thank you for this! Super helpful and enlightening. And I love your dog.

[@Rockbottomsurf]

Bought my son and I an iPhone 13pro when they first came out and had already ordered the casetify case, screen and lens protectors for them. So four months on the lens protector on my phone was cracked (my son’s one is fine) and on inspection it fell straight off. The camera lens below was still perfect. I do believe there was the slightest extra “flaring” when I take my morning sunrise photos each day with the protector on, so I’m going to stay without it for a while. Thanks for the reviews.

[@marthaj67]

We should all have someone who looks at us the way Monty looks at him. That dog flat-out _adores_ him 😍

[@MobileReviewsEh]

Monty’s pretty great.

[@plotakiotrionqui2116]

This is way better for educating and informing people than the multi-million subscriber channels. Those guys are lucky that the subscriber count isn't based on meritocracy. I appreciate your channel and approach very much!

[@richjaneRN]

Loving this channel now. Thanks for the great advice!! All the best!

[@ThePensmith78]

I love how Monty looks at him ... soooooo adorable hahahaha!

[@RPGWeyr]

Years later and the content is still ROCK SOLID. Can always rely on you for my Apple content that is not only unbiased, but honest.

[@MobileReviewsEh]

:)

[@zionmananquil9624]

I love how your dog basically watches you do your review and comments 😍 awesome! 😎

[@giorgiojanen4295]

Very very helpful and straight to the point. Thank you very much!

[@stugooden7826]

I was just looking on Amazon for these things wondering if I needed one to protect my brand new 11 Pro. Thanks for saving me some $$

[@MobileReviewsEh]

No problem 👍

[@westberry1]

This review is 3 years old. It's 2024 and I was thinking about getting one. I was searching for the best one to buy when I came across this video, but he is right. I had an iPhone Pro Max 12 and a car ran over it. The whole phone was crushed and I couldn't even turn it on. But do you know what was not crushed? The camera lens.

[@akmalrcchannel1729]

one of the best honest straight to the point review channel👍🔥keep it up bruhh

[@izumiasuga9748]

tysm man, i was in a huge stress about my camera lenses, this helped me alot, you’re a legend

[@KenStancilJr]

This was some great straight to the point advice. Thanks man!

[@jaysbookaddiction6451]

My iPhone 11 camera glass broke with really good case on it and I dropped my phone on my porch steps and it cracked and I was so shocked that it broke. As much as I watch and love your reviews, It has me wanting to get protection for my camera lens due to my experience.

[@osgabriel20]

Man you made me change my mind, with facts and logic, thank you so much!

[@expressionartdesign]

Thank you for answering right away - made me want to keep watching!

[@Jusswizzle]

The dog needs to be given a lot of treats and kisses for being an adorable co-host!!!✨

[@rachelk5272]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I’ve been worrying bc I don’t upgrade often and just went from a 6 to 11 and don’t want to mess it up bc I’m going to have this phone for a while

[@natashaantoinette]

I did the same upgrade. Your comment help!

[@catt3911]

Just what I needed, thanks dude.

[@blankmeme224]

You know why I sub to you, dude? You straight up said the answer, even in description. I will still watch and support you! 👍

[@markdmg]

That dog is so cute!

[@ACDBunnie]

Thank you for this. Was looking into these and you have kept me from wasting my time and money on this product. You explained in a good, simple, concise, not boring way and show an affable character.

[@iamTW64]

Great video. I was considering buying a lens protector for my iPhone. You answered my questions. Big fan of Monte by the way.

[@donmattoni]

Nice video! Have you tested already the Whitestone EZ camera protector? It leaves the lenses and flashlight open but protects them from impact. Supposedly it doesn’t change picture quality? Any feedback from your side?

[@tristangutierrez8570]

THE DOG IS JUST VIBING. I LOVE IT

[@enp3413]

Hahah awww, Monty is so dapper in that tie ;p

[@MobileReviewsEh]

So dapper.

[@omiami694]

Ok the fact you answered the question within 10 seconds, then go in on clear, concise and well presented info, and ofcourse your DOGGO and his little tieee .... SUBSCRIBED!!!!!

[@mairena1962]

Love, love how your dog is mesmerized with you!

[@louloudallasmultipass]

I think you do a great job in your videos testing products and I’ve been following the channel since you did your very first Rhinosheild impact test. I do think with the lens protectors you’re missing a few real-world materials/ scenarios that might make them a valid buy. I’m from Toronto but living in Sydney, Australia. What I’ve noticed is how much sand from the beach scratches people’s screens and lenses. Could you include that in your testing? I feel like it’s a common enough issue that it should be a material/ scenario to incorporate into your testing. Food for thought. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@opinionatedoliver3680]

For someone who never drops their phone it’s simply annoying that you’d get softer and softer glass from generation to generation of phones. Back then I never used a screen protector and never had a noticeable scratch on the screen. Even after over a year of having it in my pocket. The iPhone 11 I had until recently scratched after a few days, fairly bad even, just from the dust in my pocket. Since I heard the 12 series would scratch even more easily it’s the first time I put on a screen protector :-D

[@vineetsharma189]

Thanks for this informative video !

[@matthewb2060]

Ok this was the most poignant and useful video review I have watched in a LONG time. THANK YOU for being quick to give a conclusion, then offer factual specific examples to support that conclusion.

[@rushfanjames2112]

I’ve been using the Otterbox defender cases. The recessed camera well and the grippy rubber texture are very adequate.

[@emberkeeper1737]

Best case for sure! I just got it yesterday!

[@PhillyPugilist]

Yeah but not for the MagSafe version of the Defender(series XT). The camera well isn’t deep at all

[@carrie8288]

Best co-host ever! What a cutie pie!

[@Tennisfiles]

Awesome and helpful video thanks man!

[@BooStarr888]

Took my lens protector off after watching this. Thanks for talking about this. On a side note, I love LK for screen protection. 💙

[@asdlb4]

So, use case scenario... Now that the magic keyboard is out it forces “commando” iPad use unless you want to strap on a case every time you take it off the keyboard. What I’m having a hard time with is laying my iPad down on all sorts of surfaces and having the camera bump take all that abuse. I thought these products would help solve this because they still allow for Magic Keyboard use.

[@AstroBananna]

Perfect intro man, short and sweet then keep watching for more details. Love it. Liked and subbed!

[@maureenchristine1]

Thanks for the explanation. And thanks for putting the fur baby in the video - Monty was so adorbs watching you.

[@sanjayatlive]

Thank you for making this video, I was about to buy the Spigen protector for lens.

[@MobileReviewsEh]

:)

[@duralate]

I'm someone who inevitably ends up with scratched up camera lenses on my cheaper Androids even with the case on. I saw Jerry Rig Everything's video on how the sapphire lenses aren't as rugged as we're led to believe. I recently switched to iPhone and I want to make sure it stays nice for a while. Would it make sense for me to buy a camera protector to leave on when I'm not using it? (one that could be removed when taking pictures as opposed to one that stays on.)

[@jaciraguedes5691]

camera protector often come with glue to attach to the phone and it's sometimes hard to remove, you can even damage the lenses by doing so. You can buy a case that covers the whole thing, it's a better alternative and you can remove whenever you want without damaging! So, buy a case that covers the whole phone

[@richardsysu6112]

👍 great explanation’ terrific humor’ always a pleasure watchin you sir 👍 Monty’s super awesome!! 😁

[@adamrevello3241]

Dude your videos are so genuinely good and useful. Thank you.

[@elviralopez5275]

Lmao. Dog is listening so well.

[@ag4826]

First of all, huge respect for this guy. Been watching since 2015. Always giving us great content. Second, the fact of the matter is, -some people might need camera lens protector, -while some don’t need camera lens protectors. I wouldn’t say it’s *completely* useless. . . as my iphone 11, got scratches on the camera area. Hence the reason why I even bought a camera lens protector (to prevent further scratches on the camera area) I’ve always thought I never have to worry about the camera lens area since I’ve never had problems with my 6s, 7 and x. But really not sure what happened with my 11. Conclusion: others don’t need it, while some need it (like myself)

[@taibaiftikhar2726]

Same happened to my 11 pro max, bought a camera lens protector afterwards and now that I’m upgrading to the 13 pro max I’m wondering if i need it or not

[@Agirlnamedalisha24]

@@taibaiftikhar2726 hey, so did you buy camera protector? As I recently got my 13pro and so many friends of mine are suggesting me to not to put on. If you have, would you recommend a lense protector? I’ll have a heart attack if my phone gets any scratches.😩 I’ll appreciate if you reply, Thanks!!

[@angelghtimmy22]

@@Agirlnamedalisha24 I’ve got a 13 mini, in all honesty there’s no need for a camera protector. They’re quite durable

[@julius6452]

@@angelghtimmy22 Yeah that's exactly what I thought a month ago while watching this video... Dropped it last week causing a slight crack in the lense :/

[@freakynuell129]

@@julius6452 was there a notable photo quality degradation will the protector was on?

[@V-13579]

Awesome youtuber! I love how you give the conclusion at the start of the video for people who don't want an in depth answer, and really informative details for those who wish to stay on for more! I just wish I could see that pupper of yours getting cuddles or treats, as i'm sure he does when you're not filming! But I would like to live vicariously through you as you cuddle him on camera if that's ok 😅 Is he ok up there? Can he get down if he wants to? 🥺

[@ricardoca3738]

Thanks! This is what I was looking for!

[@275MsParis]

What college do your dog attend? He’s sitting so nicely 🥰

[@katrosea2378]

Thank you! Been asking myself the entire day yesterday when I got my pro max if I should get a lens protector for it. I got an otter case instead.😊

[@Roccinante]

Asking after 7months, any scratches yet?

[@alexanderwilkins1505]

I appreciate this video. It kept me from thinking about getting one

[@coffeeamerikano2657]

Thank you for going straight to the point

[@limitlesszay4847]

Thanks I just cancelled my order lol

[@cynthiakee56]

iPhone 12 Pro camera is fragile and no replacement from Apple service centre.

[@ShopperPlug]

me too lol

[@capalotjohn6221]

lol I had got one from 5below I’m taking it off now