Database Develop

Gorilla Glass screen so is a protector necessary?

Just wanted to get some thoughts / experience from you guys on this please.

Gorilla Glass is tough, but it's not the indestructible thing a lot of people think it is. I still have the factory protector in place.

Cheers Rusty!
Was asking as I'm generally pretty careful with my devices and was thinking it should be durable enough for my jean pocket.

Durable, yes, scratch proof, no. Even people that are gentle get scratches once in a while. If one grain of sand gets in your pocket with the phone you could end up with scratches. Do yourself a favor and get a good quality protector that you will never notice once its on. I use Steinheil protectors.
Sent from my Transformer TF101G using Tapatalk

crzycrkr said:
Durable, yes, scratch proof, no. Even people that are gentle get scratches once in a while. If one grain of sand gets in your pocket with the phone you could end up with scratches. Do yourself a favor and get a good quality protector that you will never notice once its on. I use Steinheil protectors.
Sent from my Transformer TF101G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice crzycrkr - you make a fair point, I'll take a look at the Steinheil.
Cheers, H

my only problem is with protectors I can't make the same slick swipe movements, that I used to make on the glass surface... the film just sticks to my fingers, and sliding on it is just not so fluent...

XT69 said:
my only problem is with protectors I can't make the same slick swipe movements, that I used to make on the glass surface... the film just sticks to my fingers, and sliding on it is just not so fluent...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have not tried any good protectors then. Stick with dry application ones. The wet applications are more rubber like. The Steinheil is called the Ultra Optics I think. Have one on my Transformer and you can't even tell its there and can slide across it just like the glass. I used Boxwave in the past, but they scratched too easily. There are a lot of good protectors out there, just do some reading and stay away from Zagg Invisible Shields no matter what you do.
Sent from my Transformer TF101G using Tapatalk

I use a cloth pouch for my phone and haven't got any scratches since I got it (launch)
Like crzycrkr said, sand and minerals/stones in general are kryptonite for Gorilla Glass, whereas coins/keys/metal are no problem.
So, in my opinion, if you keep the phone in a pouch, you shouldn't face any serious problems.

Unless some sand finds it's way into the pouch, then you're utterly boned.

harmohn said:
Just wanted to get some thoughts / experience from you guys on this please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude. Do use a screen protector, my Nokia X6 has Gorilla glass too. but it has some scratches at the screen even when I put it inside a leather case.

Okay fellas, you've convinced me of the use case. I'll invest in a decent protector.
Thanks for all your comments!

i have no display protectors, imho they are unnecessary...
i believe that because when my o2x fell on the asphalt 3 months ago, faced down, i found lots of scratches on the plastic corners, but no scratches on the display. i could post some photos of the phone.
so, if the phone standed the asphalt, i guess it stands my pockets too

markop90 said:
i have no display protectors, imho they are unnecessary...
i believe that because when my o2x fell on the asphalt 3 months ago, faced down, i found lots of scratches on the plastic corners, but no scratches on the display. i could post some photos of the phone.
so, if the phone standed the asphalt, i guess it stands my pockets too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asphalt is not particularly hard. The only people who don't use screen protectors are the ones who haven't scratched their devices yet. Then they curse amd wwonder why they didn't listen. With the quality of the protectors out there, there's not reason not to get one
Sent from my Transformer TF101G using Tapatalk

I use it since April 2nd and do not use any screen protector or any other protector. I have my phone always with me and most of the time it is in my Jeans front pocket. I just came back from an outdoor trip to the polar circle and generally do lots of outdoor activities and my phones screen still is as new.
Sometimes I have sand in my pocket after I have played Beach Volleyball and still no scratches.
Sand will scratch Gorilla Glass, but it needs some force to do so. It wont scratch it if it only gently slides over it in a pocket.
Think about what you do with your phone before you do it and you won't need a protector. And don't worry, the O2X is really well crafted and not easy to damage.

mike-o2 said:
I use it since April 2nd and do not use any screen protector or any other protector. I have my phone always with me and most of the time it is in my Jeans front pocket. I just came back from an outdoor trip to the polar circle and generally do lots of outdoor activities and my phones screen still is as new.
Sometimes I have sand in my pocket after I have played Beach Volleyball and still no scratches.
Sand will scratch Gorilla Glass, but it needs some force to do so. It wont scratch it if it only gently slides over it in a pocket.
Think about what you do with your phone before you do it and you won't need a protector. And don't worry, the O2X is really well crafted and not easy to damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, congratulations, but you are lucky and just one scratch away from kicking yourself for not putting one on.

Screen protector is just a thin film that'll not affect the screen's responsiveness, unless ofc you have that Sony bulky one. It is also cheap less than a buck. Why take the risk of a naked screen outdoor?

Because for one the scratches or damage in general could also happen on the backside and I wont put my pretty phone into an ugly case. Also I like the touch of glass.
And finally when I will sell this phone sometime in one or two years, the price won't differ between a totally unscratched pone and one with a few scratches.

mike-o2 said:
Because for one the scratches or damage in general could also happen on the backside and I wont put my pretty phone into an ugly case. Also I like the touch of glass.
And finally when I will sell this phone sometime in one or two years, the price won't differ between a totally unscratched pone and one with a few scratches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity, have you tried a good quality, dry application protector, like a Steinheil ultra clear? 99 out of 100 people wouldn't even know its on, and all 100 wouldn't have a problem with the feel.

No I haven't.
I've used screen Protectors on my former phones and they did statisfy me.
With this phone I still am happy that I don't need one.

First thing I did was taking off the protector when I bought my phone.
Still no scratch, always carrying in my pocket.
The thin protector will not protect the phone from getting scratched for objects which will damage gorilla glass.
Without protector it feels better also.
I don't leave the plastic around the seats in my car also.

Scratches! help!

Ok am really! careful with my screen! but some how i have some little hair line Scratches! on my screen.. is there any way i can remove them safe? cheers

Should've put a screen protector immediately when you got it.
Sent from my SGH-I717M using xda premium

you may find adding a protector now will hide the scratches if they are small enough

They may be superficial. Did you try some good rubbing with a lint free cloth. I had no sp for the longest with no scratches
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App

crackster said:
Ok am really! careful with my screen! but some how i have some little hair line Scratches! on my screen.. is there any way i can remove them safe? cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly NO, If it makes you feel any better my Note always has a case on and just once i removed it for 5 minutes, I manage to drop the phone on a concrete now my screen is scratched thank good the glass didn't break.

I have a scratch on my Galaxy Note also :/ I've only just had it for a week. I only noticed the scratch when I was about to put the screen protector on. I think it happened due to me showing my sister my phone, and she gave my phone to my TWO year old niece to draw on :/ I'm so upset and angry about it. I've dropped my HTC Desire HD many times and not a single scratch.

Moved To Q&A​
Please post all questions in the Q&A section​

I have a tiny little scratch on my note as well. Its no big deal because it can't be seen unless you direct it to the light at a certain angle but it still bugs me.
It seems like the scratch was made with the s pen as it has the pattern of something I had drawn when I was trying out the s pen.
I'll be getting a screen film soon to avoid any further scratches.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

I got a 1mm deep scratch on my screen to
again always had a cover on it and when i took the cover off ... guess what .. it fell on its face and got the scratch.
Now i have the flip cover on it and wouldn't risk taking it off again.
As they mention : Gorilla grass is scratch resistant only.

Look up 'Displex' - it's the best scratch remover there is, and it's cheap too.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

This isn't for the faint of heart....
I built scale plastic model airplanes for 30+ years until the bifocals & carpel tunnel made it impossible to hold an airbrush.
The clear plastic "glass" parts, if not packaged in a bag, can get scratched, screwing up a good looking model.
For starters, try some mild toothpaste. DO NOT rub very hard. It's glass, but you don't want to really screw it up...just in case. After toothpaste, try buffing it with a sheep skin cloth (chamois). Now this one will sound silly, but it works on plastic, clear future floor wax. I used it from time to time to fill the spider cracks where they didn't get the mold clean when they injected the plastic.
I haven't had to fix a gorilla glass/hardened glass screen, but I've used these tricks on my old windows phones & pda's after too many uses of the stylus.
I don't use a protector on either my streak, for over a year, or my note for the last 3 months. I don't understand how they are getting scratched.

p51d007 said:
This isn't for the faint of heart....
I built scale plastic model airplanes for 30+ years until the bifocals & carpel tunnel made it impossible to hold an airbrush.
The clear plastic "glass" parts, if not packaged in a bag, can get scratched, screwing up a good looking model.
For starters, try some mild toothpaste. DO NOT rub very hard. It's glass, but you don't want to really screw it up...just in case. After toothpaste, try buffing it with a sheep skin cloth (chamois). Now this one will sound silly, but it works on plastic, clear future floor wax. I used it from time to time to fill the spider cracks where they didn't get the mold clean when they injected the plastic.
I haven't had to fix a gorilla glass/hardened glass screen, but I've used these tricks on my old windows phones & pda's after too many uses of the stylus.
I don't use a protector on either my streak, for over a year, or my note for the last 3 months. I don't understand how they are getting scratched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Clear floor polish works on harder clear plastic. Never tried on glass. WOrth trying for $10 from local supermarket. And then put a cover on it
I'm lucky so far - only scratches have been on the screen protectors. But then I need to replace them - used up two so far, and good quality 6H ones too! Better than a scratched glass though - sorry to hear about that!

Does Zagg still make a wet application protector?

I have always used invisible shield on my devices. One reason was the wet application method their protectors use. I always have issues with dust, no matter what I do, but the application solution seems to rinse the dust out with it when you install the wrap. With a dry install if a single piece of dust lands on the screen on the install you're screwed.
Anyway, does anyone know if any of the Zagg (or other brand) protectors use a wet install?
Sent from my Note 5 via Tapatalk
Because I'm probably taking a dump.

Ghost armor does. Not sure why you would want one though.. way too much friction for something with a stylus.

Goronok said:
Ghost armor does. Not sure why you would want one though.. way too much friction for something with a stylus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you say I'm ok without a screen protector then? I'm not one to throw my phone in my pocket with my keys or anything. I keep it in a pocket by itself. I would like one of the glass protectors but I've seen way too many bad things about them due to the screen being curved and causing a "halo" effect.

The "original" on their website I think. But that would be badddd with the pen.

Hezzennater said:
The "original" on their website I think. But that would be badddd with the pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember the original being pretty sticky feeling on my old iPhone. I just bought an HDX Defense, but it is a dry install as I referenced above. Its pretty clear and almost as smooth as glass, but I couldn't get it on without any dust. I ALMOST did but one big piece hit the screen just as I was laying it down, and I ruined the protector getting the dust off. I'll be sending in for replacement to try again but I just don't see how I could ever get one of these on without a single piece of dust. When I clean off my phone and watch if for about 5 seconds I get 10-15 little dust particle in that amount of time..... Ugh.

MrStig91 said:
I remember the original being pretty sticky feeling on my old iPhone. I just bought an HDX Defense, but it is a dry install as I referenced above. Its pretty clear and almost as smooth as glass, but I couldn't get it on without any dust. I ALMOST did but one big piece hit the screen just as I was laying it down, and I ruined the protector getting the dust off. I'll be sending in for replacement to try again but I just don't see how I could ever get one of these on without a single piece of dust. When I clean off my phone and watch if for about 5 seconds I get 10-15 little dust particle in that amount of time..... Ugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do mine right in the bathroom after a shower. The steam helps keep the dust manageable. Also, use the tape hinge method so you can do it really fast after it's clean.

What is this tape hinge method? Also, I ran a ton of hot water in the bathroom to get the steam really going. It helped but I still got one piece of dust in there. =[ Probably took me about 15 seconds to apply, if I could do it in 3-4 seconds I could probably avoid all the dust.

I got the skinomi skin for my screen and its great. fits perfectly and no dust particles. it is not as smooth as glass or the plasticy screen protector, but I can do everything fine. prefer this over halos and dust around the halos.

MrStig91 said:
What is this tape hinge method? Also, I ran a ton of hot water in the bathroom to get the steam really going. It helped but I still got one piece of dust in there. =[ Probably took me about 15 seconds to apply, if I could do it in 3-4 seconds I could probably avoid all the dust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's popular for sticking decals on cars n such. Once you place the protector where you want it, make a hinge out of a piece of tape. Fold back the protector, peel off the backing, and use the hinge to put the protector back on in the same place it was taped. Here's a video.

I wouldn't mind having one for the glass back. It would add some nice grip.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

tbh if you just don't abuse the phone you should be fine without a protector. After reading an article about it back when I had a Galaxy S3, I peeled my Zagg protector off and didn't even use one on the Note 3. After 2 years of heavy daily use, the Note 3 looked nearly brand new - only a few extremely light small scratches viewable from certain angles with just the right lighting. I will definitely not be using anything on the Note 5 for that reason.
I have a desk job though, and am generally careful with everything i own, however. My step brother on the other hand... he delivers/installs large home appliances. In the last 3 years he utterly destroyed 2 Galaxy S4's and an iPhone 5 because he doesn't take care of his stuff at all (both S4's had smashed screens, camera lenses etc destroyed through a full Otterbox Defender case).
In any case - I too would strongly advise against a Zagg wet protector on a phone with a stylus. It would basically make the stylus unusable.

If i recall correctly, the reason they discontinued the wet application was people were applying it improperly and causing damage to their phones.
Basically they stopped selling them to cover their butts from lawsuits.

Question S21 Ultra camera lens scratches

Hello Everyone,
Been using the S21U for 2 weeks now and I have recently noticed micro scratches on the lens element!
The phone is in transparent TPU case since day 1 and I have hardly went outdoors. I traded off my S20+ and the camera bump didn't had a single line from 10 months of usage.
Has anyone encountered this? Maybe others can have a closer look now at their devices.
Any insights, suggestions on what needs to be done or can be prevented will be welcome!

Really sorry to hear that. Just out of precaution, I have placed a whitestone dome glass protector on mine, just because I dont want to experience anything like that with a EUR1300 phone. Not that much expensive and you get two protectors in the box.

shetty08 said:
Hello Everyone,
Been using the S21U for 2 weeks now and I have recently noticed micro scratches on the lens element!
The phone is in transparent TPU case since day 1 and I have hardly went outdoors. I traded off my S20+ and the camera bump didn't had a single line from 10 months of usage.
Has anyone encountered this? Maybe others can have a closer look now at their devices.
Any insights, suggestions on what needs to be done or can be prevented will be welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how was it scratched? only from keys?

Be very wary of scratching this phone. I recently figured out that the S21 Ultra supposedly does not have the same Victus glass design as the Note 20 Ultra... It has a slightly modified form of Victus that's much, much thinner (as it's covered by another, easily scratch-able glass material...and so the cameras might be like this too)... So instead of being resistant to most micro-scratches, they are actually easier to get and become permanent immediately on this phone (learned this by scratching my display with denim jeans - no metal/button contact) =(.
I'm just assuming that they're doing this to increase their glass repair jobs... Granted, Apple has been doing this with their iPhones for an extremely long time now... But hey, Samsung has started acting kinda like they're the Apple-like company of Android, lol.

im sorry, but you what?
you scratched glass with jeans?

I'm a stainless steel fabricator do I'm in the worst possible job for scratching phones so have the screen and camera protected, ESR TPU for the front and LK glass for the camera, don't even notice they are on at all and only coast 20 yo-yos for both

The lenses don't scratch easily, but depending on what you do during your day you might end up with stuff in your pockets that will do it. There are a lot of glass protectors for the cameras out there for the S21U, for example in the US you can get a 2-pack from Spigen for $12, and a bunch more that are even cheaper.
If you get one, get one of the blacked out ones, You will get artifacts in your photos from the flash/AF light as they get channeled across the glass of the protector if you don't; learned that one from using clear cases over the years.

Are you sure the lenses are scratched or the camera bump? Because the camera bump is not made of glass! It's metal and the darker colors of phones will be a horrible one, especially phantom black!!

That's not the lense. It's a factory protector.
May have been marred during assembly.
Don't sweat as it can be replaced if needed. A very slight may no effect the images at all but because the otherall area is so small it might. Protectors are a waste of money; it -is- the lense protector!
Any added optic elements will degrade the image.
It's possible to polish out micro scratches with a clean, dry finger tip by rubbing back and forth on glass or antireflective coatings. Takes at least 30 minutes or more... if it really bugs you. Yes dry callus is abrasive and hard enough to polish glass.
Likewise even the smallest amount of grit, sand etc rubbed against it by your finger can marred it.
Don't use that opening in the case as a pickup point.
It can also be marred by improper cleaning. Only use a clean dry microfiber cloth. Wet it a little if need be. Ordinary cotton cloth will eventually cause scratches owing to unseen debris it picked up. Seen many a pair of glasses made of glass scratched like this. Grit stinks into the microfiber material away from the surface being cleaned helping to protect it.
My 10+ lense protector is plastic. I live in the desert. I occasionally clean it but only with a microfiber cloth the same way I treat high dollar optics. No damage after a year and a half.
Just use a good case with a raised cam guard.

blackhawk said:
That's not the lense. It's a factory protector.
May have been marred during assembly.
Don't sweat as it can be replaced if needed. A very slight may no effect the images at all but because the otherall area is so small it might. Protectors are a waste of money; it -is- the lense protector!
Any added optic elements will degrade the image.
It's possible to polish out micro scratches with a clean, dry finger tip by rubbing back and forth on glass or antireflective coatings. Takes at least 30 minutes or more... if it really bugs you. Yes dry callus is abrasive and hard enough to polish glass.
Likewise even the smallest amount of grit, sand etc rubbed against it by your finger can marred it.
Don't use that opening in the case as a pickup point.
It can also be marred by improper cleaning. Only use a clean dry microfiber cloth. Wet it a little if need be. Ordinary cotton cloth will eventually cause scratches owing to unseen debris it picked up. Seen many a pair of glasses made of glass scratched like this. Grit stinks into the microfiber material away from the surface being cleaned helping to protect it.
My 10+ lense protector is plastic. I live in the desert. I occasionally clean it but only with a microfiber cloth the same way I treat high dollar optics. No damage after a year and a half.
Just use a good case with a raised cam guard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks man for the reassuring reply!
As I said in the post, Its barely been 2 weeks and I didn't even travelled much, put it in jeans with keys, coins etc. It was lying dormant with little use.
On close inspection in direct sunlight / outdoors. I saw lines which are underneath the lens glass and not on the surface.
I just don't want the image quality to suffer and plus the service center sucks (experience in dealing with S20+)
Not sure if they will acknowledge it or tag it as a user handling damage.
What are my options?

nightoooo said:
Are you sure the lenses are scratched or the camera bump? Because the camera bump is not made of glass! It's metal and the darker colors of phones will be a horrible one, especially phantom black!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lens area only, the bump I know is metal and it is intact.

shetty08 said:
Hey thanks man for the reassuring reply!
As I said in the post, Its barely been 2 weeks and I didn't even travelled much, put it in jeans with keys, coins etc. It was lying dormant with little use.
On close inspection in direct sunlight / outdoors. I saw lines which are underneath the lens glass and not on the surface.
I just don't want the image quality to suffer and plus the service center sucks (experience in dealing with S20+)
Not sure if they will acknowledge it or tag it as a user handling damage.
What are my options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's on the internal side there's no way you did. Make sure you specify that if returning it.
If it's on the inside without direct inspection it's hard to tell if it's on or into the glass.
It may simple be a smear albeit a hard to remove smear.
Either way shoddy assembly. Having put together thousands of display assemblies I was always careful that the internal surfaces were spotless.

They are selling camera protectors on aliexpress. However, they are not exactly sticking to the actual lens as they are slightly deeper. That basically would create s small gap between the camera lens and the protector. I would assume it MIGHT slightly degrade quality in some cases. Not sure but it may be worth trying out.

I solved all these problems I bought
Galaxy S21 Ultra Case with Camera Cover,S21 Ultra Slim​
https://www.amazon.com/Polycarbonate-Protective-Shockproof-Upgraded-Samsung/dp/B08RRTLX71

shetty08 said:
Hello Everyone,
Been using the S21U for 2 weeks now and I have recently noticed micro scratches on the lens element!
The phone is in transparent TPU case since day 1 and I have hardly went outdoors. I traded off my S20+ and the camera bump didn't had a single line from 10 months of usage.
Has anyone encountered this? Maybe others can have a closer look now at their devices.
Any insights, suggestions on what needs to be done or can be prevented will be welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I solved all these problems I bought
Galaxy S21 Ultra Case with Camera Cover,S21 Ultra Slim​

oraned said:
I solved all these problems I bought
Galaxy S21 Ultra Case with Camera Cover,S21 Ultra Slim​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had one of these on my note20u ugliest case ever! But yeah it did its job of protecting.

blackhawk said:
If it's on the internal side there's no way you did. Make sure you specify that if returning it.
If it's on the inside without direct inspection it's hard to tell if it's on or into the glass.
It may simple be a smear albeit a hard to remove smear.
Either way shoddy assembly. Having put together thousands of display assemblies I was always careful that the internal surfaces were spotless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey man,
this smear or minute lines on the inside or whatever is really bugging me!
My experience with samsung support (In my region and India) hasn't been good in the past. They all act as fools who recommend factory reset via their tool for every issue.
My question is will samsung own this or pass on the blame to me as improper handling or usage marks.
I just don't want the already botched up image processing to suffer further.

shetty08 said:
hey man,
this smear or minute lines on the inside or whatever is really bugging me!
My experience with samsung support (In my region and India) hasn't been good in the past. They all act as fools who recommend factory reset via their tool for every issue.
My question is will samsung own this or pass on the blame to me as improper handling or usage marks.
I just don't want the already botched up image processing to suffer further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung phone support sucks, real bad.
You can send it in as it's clearly their fault but that will take a lot of time.
Remove back cover and clean or replace if need be. Make sure you have the OEM adhesive strips needed to reassemble it. The replacement lense protector is held on by an adhesive strip*.
It may be easier to get the whole OEM rear panel assembly.
If you do it yourself use heat carefully/evenly and take as long as it takes to carefully pry it open without breaking it. A small amount of isopropyl alcohol can be injected to help break the adhesive seal.
*it maybe replaceable without taking off the rear cover but that maybe hard or impossible to do without marring the cover.

adamlee2012 said:
Keys/coins couldn't scratch the glass anyway. Physically impossible as the glass is harder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sand will easily scratch it. The OP stated that the marks are on the inside, an assembly blunder.

satanatos said:
Really sorry to hear that. Just out of precaution, I have placed a whitestone dome glass protector on mine, just because I dont want to experience anything like that with a EUR1300 phone. Not that much expensive and you get two protectors in the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the Whitestone lens protector myself it's pretty awesome stays on REAL well and adds a bit more sexiness to the already sexy camera bump

General Lots of microscratches

I have been using this phone for about 2 weeks now. I never put it in one pocket with keys and did not drop it as of date.
What I have noticed is that Gorilla glass Victus is pretty bad at microscratches (I heard its a bit softer). There are well over a dozen scratches on the surface by now and it is not obvious to me that any hard material comes to contact with my phone that could be causing them other than random grains of sand.
How does your phones fare in this regard?

Sand and grit. It will mar any glass.
Even dry skin is abrasive to glass.
Use a plastic screen protector some of which actually hold up better than glass. I use Gorilla IQ Sheild, a wet apply that lasts 6-12 months.
My 10+ is over 1.5 years old with no scratches whatsoever on the display.

mestermagyar said:
I have been using this phone for about 2 weeks now. I never put it in one pocket with keys and did not drop it as of date.
What I have noticed is that Gorilla glass Victus is pretty bad at microscratches (I heard its a bit softer). There are well over a dozen scratches on the surface by now and it is not obvious to me that any hard material comes to contact with my phone that could be causing them other than random grains of sand.
How does your phones fare in this regard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a few scratches (2-3) in the first few days and didn't notice any new ones lately. I guess it helped that I vacuumed the pockets in my work clothes

Same here. I mostly use the phone with me right thumb. I can see tiny scratches exactly there. My typical scroll move.
Actually I want to use a screen protector but there seems to be no protector that doesn't stops the fingerprint reader from working.