For the past few phones 12 Pro Max and X I have gone without a screen protector and plan doing the same with 14 pro max. I do put a case on, but the reason for not using a screen protector is because the dust and lint it collects on the sides of it and when they install it, all the dust and lint or whatever stays behind the protector bothers me and OCD goes on. Scratches which both of my previous phones had but were very minor did not bother me as much as the dirt and lint, weird isn’t it. But well scratches aren’t seen while screen is on while dust particles or lint behind the screen protector is and yes I have done the tape method to remove the left over dust and lint but man that is time consuming and anxiety issue for me..

I do have Apple care+ and with it they usually do send the replacement unit first before sending yours.

Enjoy the phone