Best way to protect phone camera lens?

[Rob]

I got the Galaxy S20 Ultra specifically for its beastly camera but over a couple years it got dings and scratches that eventually made it unusable.

I recently got the Pixel 8 Pro and although I prefer the Galaxy cameras (I'm a sucker for zoom), I have lots of features to still explore. I want the lenses on this thing to last longer than my last devices!

I can't imagine that putting a protective anything over the camera would be a good idea since it would inherently obstruct the view. Surely there must be SOME solution aside from being less clumsy?

Any products or tips you can suggest for protecting phone camera lenses without hindering photo and video quality?

And some photos I took kayaking today! Loving the fall colors starting to come in.

 

[AugieTN]

The raised area by the camera lens has always protected my camera lens enough.

There is a tempered glass lens protector:
https://store.google.com/product/casemate_glass_lens_protector_pixel_8_pro?hl=en-US&selections=eyJwcm9kdWN0RmFtaWx5IjoiWDJOaGMyVmZiV0YwWlY5bmJHRnpjMTlzWlc1elgzQnliM1JsWTNSdmNsOXdhWGhsYkY4NFgzQnlidz09In0=

 

[treb1797]

There are phone cases out there that have a slide part that goes over the lens as well.

 

[kate]

There are phone cases out there that have a slide part that goes over the lens as well.

Probably the best way to keep the camera from being obstructed.

Many Pixel 8 Pro cases available with a camera cover:

Amazon.com : Pixel 8 Pro case camera cover

 

[jhtalisman]

There are phone cases out there that have a slide part that goes over the lens as well.

View attachment 168983

I've used similar at work (horizontal slide instead of vertical) then on my S22 Ultra and now S23 Ultra. The only flaw I have found is when you are trying to get a shot quickly. Other than that they work great.

 

[Rob]

a slide part that goes over the lens

Would love if it slid the other direction and fit credit cards! But that looks super promising... thanks!

 

[ocnbrze]

im a spigen guy. i love their products. my friend uses this on her s23:

https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Camera-Protector-Glas-tR-designed/dp/B0BMF8KRB6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2IEKB43I98MBB&keywords=s23%2Bultra%2Bcamera%2Blens%2Bprotector&qid=1697858704&sprefix=s23%2Bultra%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[treb1797]

Would love if it slid the other direction and fit credit cards! But that looks super promising... thanks!

 

[Fox Mulder]

I use Otterbox Defender cases which provide a nice deep recess for the camera. I've never had any marks or damage on a lens, including my current S9 which I've had almost 5 years.

 

[olbriar]

I use a minimalist case on my S21 Ultra just to gain some grip ability. The first phone that I've cased and have never had an issue with a damaged camera lens. I carry my phones alone in a front pocket and without a screen protector or lens protection.

 

[Windroid]

Some screen protectors come with camera protectors, that is, little screen protectors for the camra-lenses.

 

[Rob]

Here is my S21 Ultra camera trio:

Taken with my Pixel 8 Pro.

I am going to pick something up from the interwebs today, thanks for all the ideas: I will report back!

 

[Milo Williamson]

Thanks Rob that is a very great question, so far my Moto edge plus camera almost add some dust and debris everywhere I put it down though, but somehow it has not got horribly damage one bit vs. my moto z force, it was in the middle of winter, but from cold winters to about ongoing several years now, I wish there was a way to protect my camera's lenses from dust...

 

[Rob]

I decided to buy this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGZHYBSK

The packaging was expectedly cheap and it seems lots of different "brands" sell this same exact product or something similar, probably in an attempt to flood Amazon with their listings.


It is a shame but this case is absolutely terrible.

The reason I bought the case was for the camera protector but it is so difficult to open and close that I am more likely to scratch the lenses trying to open and close it than I am during regular use!

I guess I will try a normal case from a reputable company (any personal faves?) with a deeper than normal camera recess.

Bummer!

 

[AugieTN]

Clear Trendy Pixel 8 Pro Case | OtterBox Symmetry Series Phone Case