A 2.5D screen protector covers the flat screen with a slightly rounded edge; a 5D protector extends over the curved edge of the screen. 2.5D is the standard choice, 5D gives edge coverage right into the corners. Check them out in the screen protectors collection.
What do 2.5D and 5D actually mean?
The label refers to the shape of the glass, not its strength. 2.5D means the glass is flat with a slightly rounded top edge, so the sides feel pleasant and aren't sharp. That fits almost any device and is the best-selling variant. 5D refers to a more strongly curved glass with a raised black edge that extends over the curve of the screen. On a device with a flat screen, 2.5D covers the whole display; on a device with curved screen edges, 2.5D leaves the outermost edge uncovered, and that's the gap 5D fills. Both are made of tempered glass 0.3 mm thick with a hardness of 9H, resistant to scratches from keys and sand. The difference lies in the fit and edge coverage, not in scratch resistance.
Which one do you choose for your phone?
Choose 2.5D for a flat screen
If you have a device with a flat screen, 2.5D is the logical choice. It covers the whole visible display, bonds over the full surface, and works without any issues with most cases. The NuGlas 2.5D screen protector for iPhone 14 Pro is an example of that.
Choose 5D for curved edges or a thick case
If you want coverage right into the corners, or you use a case with a raised edge that a 2.5D protector bumps up against, go for 5D. The black edge blends in with the housing and the protector fits neatly against the case. The NuGlas 5D for iPhone 14 Pro is one such full cover glass. On a flat screen, 5D adds little.
Privacy glass: who's looking over your shoulder?
Besides the shape of the glass, there's another choice: a privacy filter. Privacy glass only shows the screen clearly when you're sitting directly in front of it; from an angle it turns dark, so the person next to you on the train can't see what's on your screen. The downside is that the image is a little less bright straight on, and in low light you might sometimes turn the brightness up a bit. For anyone who often works on public transport or in an office, that's a deliberate trade-off. The NuGlas privacy screen protector for iPhone 14 Pro combines that filter with the same 5D edge coverage and 9H hardness.
2.5D, 5D and privacy glass side by side
| Feature | 2,5D | 5D | Privacy glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | flat centre section | right into the curved edges | right into the curved edges |
| Edge | transparent, slightly rounded | raised black edge | curved, rounded edge |
| Brightness straight on | fully clear | fully clear | slightly dimmed by the filter |
| Viewing angle | readable from every angle | readable from every angle | only readable straight on |
| Who it's for | flat screen, standard choice | curved screen or thick case | anyone wanting to prevent prying eyes |
All three are tempered glass 0.3 mm with 9H hardness and an oleophobic coating against fingerprints.
What else should you pay attention to?
More important than 2.5D or 5D is choosing the glass for your exact model, since the cutouts for the camera, speaker and sensors differ per device. First clean the screen grease-free and remove dust with the included wipes; a speck of dust under the glass causes an air bubble that won't go away. Place the protector from top to bottom, ideally within 5 minutes of cleaning so no new dust settles on it.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 5D protector fit under every case?
Usually, but not always. A 5D glass has a raised edge that extends over the curve; a case with a high, tight edge can push right against that and lift the corner of the glass. In that case, choose a case labelled as case friendly, or stick with 2.5D. With a flat screen and a regular case, this isn't an issue.
Can you replace a screen protector yourself?
Yes. You can carefully lift the glass at a corner and it comes off without leaving residue, because it's held in place with an adhesive layer rather than glue. Afterwards, clean the screen grease-free again, remove dust with the included sticker, and place the new glass from top to bottom.
