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　　If you want to reduce the risk of scratches and the accumulation of smudges on your smartphone or tablet screen, then you need a screen protector. The problem with almost all the options on the market is that you virtually have to be in a vacuum environment if you expect to be able to apply them without any bubbles, trapped dust, or wrinkles. You also need really steady hands or the whole thing can prove to be an exercise in frustration.

　　Enter the Kristall liquid screen protector, from Malaysian company E-Mark Global Trade, with a clever liquid solution. Pop open the kit, clean your phone’s screen with the provided alcohol wipe, dry it off, and then apply the magic solution with the provided pad. Polish it on evenly, leave to dry for a couple of minutes, polish with the cloth again, and a minute later you have a protective layer on your screen that’s completely invisible.

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　　The majority of the top screen protectors on the market boast a hardness rating of 9H and Kristall’s liquid solution matches that. It will safeguard your screen from minor scratches, of the kind typically caused by keys in the pocket, and it could prevent much worse. Our demonstrator at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona attacked his iPhone 6 with some gusto using scissors and keys and there was no scarring whatsoever. Emboldened by the display we agreed to have our phones coated and we’re pleased with the results so far, though we skipped the homicidal scissors attack.

　　The liquid screen protector does make the screen feel a little different once applied, but not in a bad way. It leaves a really nice gloss finish, and it also makes the screen a great deal less prone to fingerprints, smudges, and greasy smears. There’s no visible sign of it at all other than an enhanced glossy sheen.

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　　You can choose from two sizes with the Kristall Liquid Screen Protector: there’s a smartphone pack or a tablet pack. You can do two screens with the smartphone pack — or one front and rear if you have a phone with a glass back like the new Galaxy S6. The tablet pack will cover a 10-inch screen with change and the coating is guaranteed to protect your screen for at least a year after application.

　　If you head over to Amazon you’ll find the Kristall Smartphone Liquid Screen Protector for just $15, but it’s usually $30. The tablet version has a suggested retail price of $50, but you can get it for closer to $30 if you shop around.