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I have been using Zagg's invisibleShield for my Vibrant. However, recently I got my phone replaced and since I have heard so many good things about Realook, I wanted to give Rk a try instead of just ordering a replacement iS. Now that I have experienced both (albeit, I have only been using Rk for a short amount of time whereas I have plenty of experience with iS since this is my second device with it), I figure I should share my findings with my fellow XDA'ers. Note this is a comparison of only screen protectors - not whole body protectors.
Size/Coverage
Winner: Realook
Both iS and Rk cover 98%+ of the screen, including the touchkeys at the bottom. Both iS and Rk have an opening cut out for the speaker (Rk has a hole for the speaker, covering above and below the speaker, while iS has a cut-out for the speaker, not covering the small area above it). Only iS has an opening cut out for the light sensors - Rk does not have a cut out for the light sensors.
Rk covers more of the phone than iS. With iS, there is about .5-1 cm uncovered area - on all sides - between the screen protector and the edge of the phone. The uncovered area is large enough that a simple case will not cover it (i.e. you may find it catching dust, etc.) but small enough to not cause you protection issues or worries. Rk, on the other hand, covers more area. Depending on how well you apply it, you can potentially have very little uncovered area between the screen protector and the edge of the phone. Any area that is uncovered is small enough to be covered by a simple case, so little to no dust or dirt should get there. Personally, I was able to apply Rk in such a way that for the top, right, and left my case covered whatever Rk did not; I was not so lucky for the bottom -- there is a very minor uncovered gap that will probably catch dirt, etc.
Application/Installation
Winner: Depends on personal preference
Rk and iS differ highly in how they are applied to the phone. Rk is a "dry install' while iS is a "wet install".
With iS you are provided with some liquid solution that you use to apply the protector onto your phone. You spray the liquid on your fingertips - to help avoid fingerprints - and on the protector, before applying the protector onto the phone.
With Rk you have to peel off protective covers (the protector is covered by two "covers" on the front and back which need to be peeled off) before applying the protector on your phone.
Both iS and Rk are easily reapply-able if you make a mistake in positioning the protector. I hear Rk can even be reapplied at later dates, but I have not tested this out personally so I don't know. iS is also supposedly reapply-able, but only if you have any solution left.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the iS/wet and Rk/dry application methods.
Because iS uses a liquid solution to assist in applying the protector, it is much easier to avoid catching dust and dirt particles under the protector and to avoid fingerprint marks. On the other hand, air bubbles are likely to occur and you need to be sure to push out the air bubbles with something like a credit card. Also, since you don't have to worry about fingerprints (thanks to the liquid solution) it is a bit easier to hold and apply iS if you are clumsy, like me. You need to be careful to conserve the liquid solution, though, because once you are out, your short on luck: You can either beg customer service to send you another one, or order extra solution from somewhere.
The advantage Rk's dry install offers is immediate up-time, and little-to-no air bubbles in the main area of the screen (there may be air bubble at the edges and/or around the speaker, though). With iS, you need to allow the phone to "dry" for something like 8-10 hours, whereas you can start using your phone with Rk ASAP. On the other hand, dust and dirt particles will drive you mad while trying to apply Rk, and you need to be careful to not touch the adhesive side with your fingers otherwise you may have fingerprint issues.
Two things that irk me about Rk are the confusing installation directions (you really need to be skilled with your fingers to do it as they want you to), and the fact that there was dirt/dust on the covers that protect the screen protector. The protector itself was 100% clean -- the two covers that protect the front and back/adhesive side, though, were a bit dirty so when you try to position the protector on your screen, as per the directions, prior to pulling off the two protective covers, the dirt/dust gets transferred to your screen and if you aren't careful you may not wipe it off before applying the protector.
Quality
Winner: invisibleShield
Both are excellent quality -- they have little to no effect on picture quality when compared to a naked Vibrant. I bet most people wouldn't even notice you have a screen protector if not specifically looking for one.
However, one very minor issue I noticed is at the lowest brightness setting, Rk caused the screen to be minor-ly less bright than iS. This is very minor and no one will even notice it unless specifically looking for it. At higher brightness settings, this issue is not even ascertainable.
Both Rk and iS attract fingerprints easily, and Rk is a bit easier to wipe off than iS.
One major issue I found, though, are reflections. Rk claims to be "anti-reflective" and "anti-glare" (it also claims to be "anti-fingerprint", which it isn't as I just mentioned), but in reality that couldn't be any further from the truth. I kid you not when I say you may confuse your phone for a mirror if you have Rk -- the reflection is that bad. While inside it isn't too bad as long as you don't have a light source directly behind you. When outside, however, the reflection/glare (whatever you want to call it) is terrible. Even on full brightness the reflection/glare is very annoying while outside -- forget using your phone on low brightness, which is something I could sometimes get away when I used iS.
iS, on the other hand, does well in protecting against glares and reflections. Indoors, even with a light source directly behind me, the phone is still very usable. And as long as I keep the protector clean, iS causes no problems outdoors.
Texture
Winner: Realook
Here is one major area that Rk and iS differ. Rk has more of a "glass" texture to it, while iS is more "plasticky". In other words, with Rk you will have more smooth, glass like feeling while with iS you may find a bit more friction. That is not to say Rk is always smooth -- if you drag your finger on Rk without picking it up for too long you will start to feel lots of friction also. However, in general, Rk has a must better feel to it than iS. In fact, iS has somewhat of a "break-in" period where you may notice your fingers sticking to iS making using a touchscreen near impossible for the first few days.
Price
Winner: Depends on how many times you replace your phone
Realook costs you $10.99 with free shipping (both Amazon and eBay listings provide free shipping) for a two-pack.
invisibleShield screen protector only (not fully body cover) costs you $14.99 + shipping for one protector. (You may be able to get a 50% off coupon for iS if you submit your e-mail for their awards/giveaways program - I did.) However, iS has a "life-time guarantee" where you can get a "free" iS replacement if your screen protector ever gets scratched. (You may also get a free replacement if you get your device replaced, like a warranty replacement -- they allow you to do that.) I put free in quotes because, it isn't really free -- you have to pay $3.99 for shipping and send back the old screen protector (which will only cost you an envelope and a stamp).
Final Words
Both Realook and invisibleShield are top-class. They are both terrific products, both with advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I prefer Realook's "glassy" feeling and better coverage than iS but the reflection/glare on Realook is a deal breaker since I use my phone outside often. So, my next course of action will be to see if Realook has any sort of money back guarantee since this product fails to do as it advertises when it comes to reflection and glare. In other words, I am going with invisibleShield. For everyone else, however, I can't provide a general recommendation since everyone has their own tastes and preferences. I do hope, however, my comparison here helps you make your decision.
I have IS, it works as it should thus far. Does the one you use, tetain its shape after its ben scratched or dented by something like IS. I like the way IS feels, everyone else hates it though lol. Guess it doesnt matter since it is my phone lol.
Invisible Shield is a ***** to install. Its very sticky and kept sticking on my fingers and flapping up. It took me a while to get it right. Other than the install issue, I am very happy with IS. The shield is already scratched up but it is very strong material and I know that my vibrant glass underneath is unscratched. I am thinking about sending the scratched IS back for a replacement but since the install is a ***** I will wait until it is really scratched up.
I've used both and IMO RealLook is superior by far. It doesn't look like I have anything on the screen. I haven't personally noticed any glare issues. I hated InvisibleShield. It looked like I had a covering on my screen, it smudged easily, and was hard to wipe the smudges off. With RealLook, I just use my shirt and it looks sparkling new. I had a go of it getting all of the bubble around the edge to come out, but once they were out, it was flawless.
I have also had both screen protectors on my Vibrant and the Realook beats the InvisibleShield hands down. If you are looking for a screen protector that is invisible in every way... The Reallook is the one for you.
Realook all the way. I had IS on my HD2 and hated it, it's thick, sticky even after install around the edges and kept peeling up.
Realook is easy to clean, looks like there's nothing there, as very low glare, and your fingers glide over the screen.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I just got mt real look yesterday, I love it. It looks like nothing is there, easy to put on too. I was surprised how fast I got it. I ordered it thursday and got it monday. Awesome
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
*Bump.. (hopefully it's not a problem resurrecting this thread )
Firstly, I want to thank DarkAgent for the very comprehensive review. Props to you! The review is intelligent, thorough, and very sensible.
And on that note, I have been a 'long-time' user of the BestSkinsEver (or BSE) products ever since they became more main-stream; I believe one of my first orders dates back to 2006. I have personally put more BSE/IS skins on devices than I can remember, literally dozens. And I must say the main reason I switched/used BSE's products in the first place was for that of their low cost, especially in consideration to InvisibleShield. With that said, I will have to admit that perhaps the most annoying thing about the skin in general I have found is its ability to attract dust/dirt/junk on, and along, the edges of the skin. This is often not only upsets the look of the device, but it in turn starts to gum up the adhesive of the skin and ultimately separates the skin from the device.
A rather long way to get around to saying that while I am quite happy with the product, and that I can now quite consistently get good results, I am open to other options.
The Realook has me tempted, if for nothing else it will help me in my own personal knowledge and for future recommendations to others.
Thanks again for the review/comparison, it was thoroughly appreciated!
I'd say Realook is look. I do get glare sometimes, but more of the time my screen is sharp as can be.
I love the phantomskinz screen protector. You don't even know there is one on it and it self heals itself.
Here's my problem..I love IS bc it really feels like it adds a layer of protection to the screen, it applies great and I've never had a single issue with bubbles, peeling, scratches, or the application process. I've used IS on at least 5 devices. What i dont like is the friction you experience with the protector and the screen quality has always been negatively affected in terms of brightness and clarity.
Now I've also used many hard protectors and have issues with them too, mainly its that they always get scratched up, begin to peel and quickly look terrible. So does RF have these issues? If I'm spending $10 on screen protectors I'd rather buy 10 $0.99 protectors and just swap them when they're scratched up. So is RF actually scratch resistant or only a screen protector? I'd rather stay with IS and not have to worry about ever replacing it due to scratches or peeling if RF is just like every other "dry" protector out there.
Thanks for the review, perfect timing for this too since I plan to order some accessories this weekend
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
buru898 said:
I love the phantomskinz screen protector. You don't even know there is one on it and it self heals itself.
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Bodyguardz does the same thing, scratches get buffed out with normal use, and fade away.
Ginger Clones of the World Unite!!! via the XDA App
I've tried both, first iS then Realook.
I teared off iS the same day I put it on. That sticky feeling simply kills! It reminds
you constantly that there's something on your screen. Yes it is visually invisible, maybe. But mentally, it's NOT. And that sticky touch feels nasty as well.
Realook is a total different story, after putting it on (yes, I managed to put it on without a single dust getting between), I almost don't feel any screen protector there. It's smooth and responsive. All the way hands down.
I've used both and Realook is miles better. The IS yellows over time and distorts the screen too much. The friction on the screen is also annoying and is a constant reminder that you have it on. Finally, over time the edges will attract dust and dirt and start to gum up which eventually causes it to peel off. The only upside is that the stickiness (friction) is nice when you're holding the phone if you have it on the entire body.
I've had my realook on for almost a year now and don't have any problems. I've used it heavily and it doesn't show a scratch. The best part is that it's completely invisible both by looks AND feel. There is absolutely no comparison, the Realook is the superior product.
My advice for anyone putting it on is to dust your area with a damp rag and clean the phone off well. Once it's dry and polished pat it down with scotch tape to get the dust off before you apply the protector (also works on the underside of the Realook if you need to take it off).
Given that the phone has gorilla glass, do you guys thing the phone even need a protective screen cover?
Coming to the end of 2 yr. contract with dhd with screen protector that is looking A little beat up, so am on the fence right now.
any thoughts gratefully recd!
Al
Yes, if you ever plan to re-sale down the road, it will help on pricing. Plus, if you do get scratches, at least its on the screen protector.
Yes, I learned this the hard way on my Galaxy Nexus.
Yes, especially considering how many layers are all glued together. Don't want to replace all that, all at once
better be safe than sorry. also, if you're planning to resell the phone to get better value in the future, it's better to have screen protector.
ive never had a screen protector on any of my smarthphones.
i might try one on this phone though. its my first super expensive smarthphone.
Yes holding this phone is like trying to talk into a living big mouth bass.
falconeight said:
Yes holding this phone is like trying to talk into a living big mouth bass.
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lol wut
1. Yes, you need the screen protector. I learned it the hard way: Desire with scratched screen.
2. Yes, this is my first super expensive phone ever. Never went above €400 before...but this...I know €600...just could not resist
No, didn't for the s2 and no problems. Any scratches should be tiny, and invisible when you're using the thing.
Never had a screen protector on any phone for the past 14 years, not about to start now both my HD2 and S2 have stayed in pristine condition without.
Sent from my CM9 TouchPad
wow, $2 screen protector is too much for you guys? Do you even need to ask this question? I've used it on my iphone4 since day one with nice gel cover and same with LG O3D. Both look like new when i take them out of the cover. O3D is since last Sept 2011 and Iphone 4 i bought in Sept 2010. Already got good trade in price for ip4 for SIII. Coud'nt wait to get the screen protector for it as well as hard plastic cover which enhances the look of the phone.
Gorilla glass or bullet proof glass it's your gadget you should do whatever it takes to minimize wear and tear. My 2008 Lumina SS still wows passengers as they can't believe it's almost 4 years old car.
Nothing to do with the cost of a screen protector,I just really can't see why I would want one. As I've said, in 14 years of owning mobiles I'm yet to scratch a screen (or drop a phone). I don't use a case either unless I go to the beach - my phone, my choice. Do you guys also wrap all your furniture in plastic so that it doesn't get damaged?
Sent from my CM9 TouchPad
I've never used a screen protector on my Droid X and there isn't a mark on the screen. My assumption is that Gorilla Glass 2 is even better than Gorilla Glass so I'm not considering a screen protector on my SIII when it arrives. I just don't think any screen saver feels like the original glass of the phone and I just don't like them in general.
Ansextra said:
I've never used a screen protector on my Droid X and there isn't a mark on the screen. My assumption is that Gorilla Glass 2 is even better than Gorilla Glass so I'm not considering a screen protector on my SIII when it arrives. I just don't think any screen saver feels like the original glass of the phone and I just don't like them in general.
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Gorilla glass 2 is stronger than 1, but they use less of it to make the phone thin as possible.
I don't know if thickness has anything to do with resisting scratches as I would need to look at their data sheet and experiments but I do know that you will have the same impact resistances.
They advertise "same strength at less thickness" when they presented it a few months back. So don't expect the SGS3 to be better than the SGS2, but expect GG2 to be better than GG1 at the same thicknesses.
Thx to all you guys that responded!
I might look up the specs of gorilla glass and see how scratch proof it is... would pref to go without cover if poss, but then i see the fairly mangled cover of my dhd and think hmmmm!!!
if I find good info i will post
http://bcove.me/5ywumwc9
impressive!!!
info here
HOW IS CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS 2 DIFFERENT?
Gorilla Glass 2 can be up to 20 percent thinner than the original, but still just as tough. This exceptional thinness enables greater design possibilities for slimmer and sleeker devices with brighter images and improved touch sensitivity. Gorilla Glass 2 is elegant and lightweight, but scratch resistant and durable enough to withstand the unexpected abuses of everyday life.
WHY DO I WANT GORILLA GLASS ON MY DEVICES?
Scrapes, bumps, and drops are a fact of life, but Gorilla Glass enables your device to resist damage from the abuses that come with everyday use. Gorilla Glass also has strong aesthetic appeal. It’s thin, lightweight, and cool to the touch – enabling the sleekest designs.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE ION-EXCHANGE PROCESS?
Ion exchange is a chemical strengthening process where large ions are “stuffed” into the glass surface, creating a state of compression. Gorilla Glass is specially designed to maximize this behavior.
The glass is placed in a hot bath of molten salt at a temperature of approximately 400°C. Smaller sodium ions leave the glass, and larger potassium ions from the salt bath replace them. These larger ions take up more room and are pressed together when the glass cools, producing a layer of compressive stress on the surface of the glass. Gorilla Glass’s special composition enables the potassium ions to diffuse far into the surface, creating high compressive stress deep into the glass. This layer of compression creates a surface that is more resistant to damage from everyday use.
WHAT MAKES GORILLA GLASS SO DAMAGE RESISTANT?
The unique composition of Gorilla Glass allows for a deep layer of high compressive stress (created through an ion-exchange process). This compression acts as a sort of “armor,” making the glass exceptionally tough and damage resistant.
HOW DO I KNOW IF GORILLA GLASS IS ON MY DEVICE?
Gorilla Glass is currently used by more than 33 major brands, designed into hundreds of product models, and featured on more than 750 million devices. Check out this list for the most current, comprehensive collection of devices that Corning can confirm for Gorilla Glass.
DOES THIS LIST INCLUDE ALL DEVICES THAT HAVE GORILLA GLASS?
No, unfortunately, customer agreements prevent us from identifying all the devices that feature Gorilla Glass. This list shows all devices we can talk about. We’ll continue to update the list as customers allow us to share that information.
CAN I BREAK GORILLA GLASS?
If subjected to enough abuse, Gorilla Glass can break. However, Gorilla Glass is better able to survive the real-world events that most commonly cause glass to scratch, chip, or break.
I LIKE THE IDEA OF GREATER DAMAGE RESISTANCE, BUT WON’T GORILLA GLASS ADD BULK TO MY DEVICE?
Corning’s ion-exchange process makes Gorilla Glass exceptionally durable, while allowing it to remain thin and lightweight enough to enable the sleekest smartphones and slates. Gorilla Glass can be produced at a thinness of 0.5 millimeters just four times thicker than a human hair.
IS IT TRUE THAT GORILLA GLASS WAS ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED IN THE 1960S?
No. That has been a popular myth, which apparently resulted from a misunderstanding of the facts. It’s true that Corning experimented with chemically strengthened glass in 1960, as part of an initiative called “Project Muscle.” In 1961, Corning developed a glass composition it promoted under the Chemcor® brand, which featured state-of-the-art strength and durability. Chemcor glass was incorporated into tableware, ophthalmic products, and applications for the automotive, aviation, and pharmaceutical industries. When Corning began developing a tough new cover glass for electronic devices in 2006, Corning scientists, of course, drew upon the company’s prior expertise with strengthened glass. However, Corning Gorilla Glass is a different product and glass composition than Chemcor. We implemented significant compositional as well as other changes to achieve superior product characteristics including outstanding damage resistance, while making the glass compatible with Corning’s proprietary fusion-draw manufacturing process. Corning’s fusion-draw process produces exceptionally thin glass with unparalleled surface quality. The result is a tough and damage-resistant glass that is ideal for today’s sleekest electronic devices and most sophisticated touch technology.
IS GORILLA GLASS RECYCLABLE?
Yes. Gorilla Glass is environmentally friendly and can be recycled.
Depends...
My G1 didn't have gorilla glass and after nearly 2 years it was scratch free. I had one on my Samsung GS1 (don't know if it did anything though), but I didn't put one on my Thunderbolt, Droid1, DX1, Bionic, or my Sensation and those are all just fine. Gorilla glass 2 can be scratched, I mean it's still just glass. Gorilla Glass2 can also break. Sadly a screen protector will not prevent your screen from breaking; They only prevent hairline scratches which really shouldn't lower the resale price more than what you would have spent on the screen protector and huge bulky case anyway. I personally like my phones naked.
Just take care of it, don't run around with keys or a bag of sand in your pocket and your phone should be just fine.
-Dr B
I prefer them naked.
Paging Dr B said:
My G1 didn't have gorilla glass and after nearly 2 years it was scratch free. I had one on my Samsung GS1 (don't know if it did anything though), but I didn't put one on my Thunderbolt, Droid1, DX1, Bionic, or my Sensation and those are all just fine. Gorilla glass 2 can be scratched, I mean it's still just glass. Gorilla Glass2 can also break. Sadly a screen protector will not prevent your screen from breaking; They only prevent hairline scratches which really shouldn't lower the resale price more than what you would have spent on the screen protector and huge bulky case anyway. I personally like my phones naked.
Just take care of it, don't run around with keys or a bag of sand in your pocket and your phone should be just fine.
-Dr B
I prefer them naked.
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Actually, a soft screen protector will work as a shock absorber and turn impact energy into heat. This means that it actually does reduce the risk of screen damage. It's fairly basic physics.
Skickat från min GT-I9300 via Tapatalk 2
I didn't put one on my GS1 and to this day it doesn't have a single scratch on the screen. The back cover...that's another story. I've even taken it to the beach on several occassions. I don't plan on putting a screen protector on my GS3.
I prefer the feel of the glass without anything on it.
Greetings all!
I'm interested in people's opinions and experiences for and against using a screen protector, particularly with regards to my expected usage patterns.
I plan to put my Note 8 in a book-cover style case (ie, a case with a protective cover that can be folded flat behind the case, such as, the official book cover, or this pic of the STM Skinny, for Note 10.1). I'm currently leaning towards the STM Cape (though I'm waiting to hear back from STM regarding several questions, such as confirmation that the case will indeed fold flat against the back). With most of these kinds of cases there is a soft type of inner lining that is intended to protect the device screen. And, if you fold the cover behind the back of the device you must be careful about where you lay the device as the soft inner lining can pick up dust, debris, etc. and then transmit those potentially abrasive items to the screen. As a side note, if anyone has come across a book style case that somehow avoids this problem I would be interested to hear about it!
I go back and forth about whether to bother with a screen protector or not. I am glad to know that there are good options if I do go with a screen protector (eg, the MiniGuard Screen Protector), but I do sometimes write with a heavy hand which I've read doesn't always work well with screen protectors (ie, it sounds like the protector can be a little spongy such that you can end up inadvertently digging into the screen protector a little, or at least experiencing an increased resistance).
But a part of me thinks that if I'm going to be trying to be careful about the surfaces I lay the opened Note on anyway (wherein the soft inner lining is being exposed to the table surface, etc.), then am I really gaining much/anything by adding a screen protector to the mix? To put it another way: Just because I add a screen protector, I'm not therefore going to be less careful about where I place the Note 8 because I'm still going to want to avoid the soft inner lining picking up debris.
And of course the case itself should protect the Note 8 while in transport (especially a case like the STM Cape which should be very secure at staying closed).
I guess an implied question with all this is just how vulnerable is the screen on the Note 8? And how important is a screen protector when you're already using a case?
Obviously this is a personal decision that I have to come to for myself, but I am interested in people's thoughts on the above from any who wish to share based on the experience and perceptions.
Thanks!
I get it for all my devices and I typically purchase the wet apply self healing skins/screen protectors. I like the texture of the skin and it typically doesn't get damaged regardless of what I clean my device with.
A word of warning, the S-Pen kinda "warps" the skin more than usual. It tends to have a tangerine or orange like texture more than usual.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using XDA Premium HD app
I used to get screen protectors for my phones and tablets. Then I realized, my phones are often in my pockets, sometimes with my keys, etc. So there is an actual risk of scratching. My tablets, however, are generally in some kind of case with a cover and the only time the screen is "exposed" is when I'm using it...and I don't have adamantium claws or anything, so the risk of scratching the screen is nearly non-existent for me. So I don't waste the money anymore. With regards to the Note lineup, I'm not sure how well the S-Pen works through a screen protector either...
So I wouldn't say I am "against" them as much as I don't really see a need...
The screen protector doesn't affect the s pen accuracy (at least I don't notice any difference)
I usually apply one of the anti-glare types to protect against stupid things (like if it the case flap opens and it hits something in my backpack) and also so make the screen a little less shiny (my office lights are annoying on reflective surfaces)
Most high end tablets and phones have gorilla glass or other hardened glass which is pretty scratch resistant but i still feel better throwing a layer of plastic on...
Bonisaur said:
I get it for all my devices and I typically purchase the wet apply self healing skins/screen protectors. I like the texture of the skin and it typically doesn't get damaged regardless of what I clean my device with.
A word of warning, the S-Pen kinda "warps" the skin more than usual. It tends to have a tangerine or orange like texture more than usual.
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Thanks for sharing details about the type of screen protector you use (including texture, etc.), as well as the S-Pen interaction. When you say "warps" do you mean that the skin of the screen protector is a little spongy and so it gives a little under the pressure of the S-Pen? Does that bother you, and how does it feel for writing, drawing, etc. then?
ExploreMN said:
My tablets, however, are generally in some kind of case with a cover and the only time the screen is "exposed" is when I'm using it...
So I wouldn't say I am "against" them as much as I don't really see a need...
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I appreciate knowing that you approach your tablets that way and that things have worked well for you (ie, no screen catastrophes due to lack of screen protector). And I like your distinction between phones vs tablets regarding the potentially different sources of trauma they can be subjected to (adamantium claws notwithstanding ).
kisaten said:
The screen protector doesn't affect the s pen accuracy (at least I don't notice any difference).
I usually apply one of the anti-glare types...
Most high end tablets and phones have gorilla glass or other hardened glass which is pretty scratch resistant but i still feel better throwing a layer of plastic on...
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Thanks for the comment regarding S-Pen accuracy and for sharing your preferred screen protector type (eg, anti-glare). I also appreciate hearing your assessment of the glass in high end devices tending to be fairly durable (regardless of whether it is officially gorilla glass). Anti-glare is one of the things I have been considering. Does the anti-glare protector "dim" or "dull" the screen vibrancy (ie, colors, brightness, etc.) to a degree that bothers you?
Thanks for the great contributions thus far folks! These are exactly the kinds of comments, observations, etc. I was hoping for!
pluginalong said:
Thanks for the comment regarding S-Pen accuracy and for sharing your preferred screen protector type (eg, anti-glare). I also appreciate hearing your assessment of the glass in high end devices tending to be fairly durable (regardless of whether it is officially gorilla glass). Anti-glare is one of the things I have been considering. Does the anti-glare protector "dim" or "dull" the screen vibrancy (ie, colors, brightness, etc.) to a degree that bothers you?
Thanks for the great contributions thus far folks! These are exactly the kinds of comments, observations, etc. I was hoping for!
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I've used "gloss antiglare" and "matte antiglare" ones --I live in Japan and there are a tons of different screen protectors. I found that with the Elecom branded ones, the gloss "anti-glare" wasn't really anti glare (still looked reflective), but the Matte ones are pretty good (very little reflection).
The Matte protectors take a little getting used to (as you'd expect glass to look shiny and suddenly it looks a little dull. <- It doesnt dull the vibrancy of the colors or brightness, it just looks like a different texture like printing a photo on regular paper vs glossy paper.)
I enjoy having it because it kills the reflection of my office lights which was the main purpose for me to buy it.
The s-pen interactions feel the same regardless of matte or gloss (very smooth <- I have the s-pen with the eraser and changable tips and both the rubber and hard tips feel fine)
I would imagine that with a wet apply (self healing) skin, the texture would change the s-pen experience (i have a wet apply protector on my NDS and the stylus feels different on it because it has some grip and texture <- Hover would be the same but once you touch the screen perhaps it wouldnt be as smooth <- Bonisaur, care to weight in?
If you are asking the question, its on your mind. So you might as well just put a protector on, and give yourself peace of mind.
Plenty of reports on various devices of even Gorilla Glass getting scratched from what the owners swear as "normal usage". So don't take for granted that GG or other treated glasses won't scratch.
I'll agree that tablets are usually not exposed to the same use and abuse as a phone. But on the HTC Flyer tablet, the pen alone was enough to scratch the screen. Yes, that device is 2 years old at this point. But certainly a "high end" device for its time. With the screen getting scratched from the pen that was intended to be used with it.
It largely comes down to personal preference. There are plenty that don't use a screen protector on tablets or phones. I don't question that choice at all, I can certainly understand the reasoning (better feel, mostly). But the fact of the matter is, that once you do scratch the screen, there is really not going back, and it can't really be undone. So if you choose to go without a protector, you better be prepared to live with the consequences, if the screen does get scratched. There are inevitable post by folks that regret not using a protector (even on devices with Gorilla Glass) after getting the screen scratched up.
pluginalong said:
Thanks for sharing details about the type of screen protector you use (including texture, etc.), as well as the S-Pen interaction. When you say "warps" do you mean that the skin of the screen protector is a little spongy and so it gives a little under the pressure of the S-Pen? Does that bother you, and how does it feel for writing, drawing, etc. then?
Thanks for the great contributions thus far folks! These are exactly the kinds of comments, observations, etc. I was hoping for!
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No problem! It has a slightly higher amount of push-pull to it. If you have a skin on any other device, I suggest you try "writing" over it. It has never once bothered me while I've taken notes for lecture or drew on Sketchbook. I can still use the S-Pen with pressure accuracy and without any hiccups. I.e. if I want to draw a straight line, it will be a straight line. When you hold the device at an angle though, you can see where the line is. It disappears over time as you just continue to draw over the skin or it just naturally heals. Like I said though, it has a very slight "tangerine" texture that is only visible if tilted at a certain angle or if there is a very intense glare. I only noticed it after reading a few reviews from Amazon.
kisaten said:
I've used "gloss antiglare" and "matte antiglare" ones --I live in Japan and there are a tons of different screen protectors. I found that with the Elecom branded ones, the gloss "anti-glare" wasn't really anti glare (still looked reflective), but the Matte ones are pretty good (very little reflection).
The Matte protectors take a little getting used to (as you'd expect glass to look shiny and suddenly it looks a little dull. <- It doesnt dull the vibrancy of the colors or brightness, it just looks like a different texture like printing a photo on regular paper vs glossy paper.)
I enjoy having it because it kills the reflection of my office lights which was the main purpose for me to buy it.
The s-pen interactions feel the same regardless of matte or gloss (very smooth <- I have the s-pen with the eraser and changable tips and both the rubber and hard tips feel fine)
I would imagine that with a wet apply (self healing) skin, the texture would change the s-pen experience (i have a wet apply protector on my NDS and the stylus feels different on it because it has some grip and texture <- Hover would be the same but once you touch the screen perhaps it wouldnt be as smooth <- Bonisaur, care to weight in?
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Thanks for all that very helpful info!
redpoint73 said:
If you are asking the question, its on your mind. So you might as well just put a protector on, and give yourself peace of mind.
Plenty of reports on various devices of even Gorilla Glass getting scratched from what the owners swear as "normal usage". So don't take for granted that GG or other treated glasses won't scratch.
I'll agree that tablets are usually not exposed to the same use and abuse as a phone. But on the HTC Flyer tablet, the pen alone was enough to scratch the screen. Yes, that device is 2 years old at this point. But certainly a "high end" device for its time. With the screen getting scratched from the pen that was intended to be used with it.
It largely comes down to personal preference. There are plenty that don't use a screen protector on tablets or phones. I don't question that choice at all, I can certainly understand the reasoning (better feel, mostly). But the fact of the matter is, that once you do scratch the screen, there is really not going back, and it can't really be undone. So if you choose to go without a protector, you better be prepared to live with the consequences, if the screen does get scratched. There are inevitable post by folks that regret not using a protector (even on devices with Gorilla Glass) after getting the screen scratched up.
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Click to collapse
Very good points! And that is scary stuff regarding the HTC Flyer--I had not heard about that!
Bonisaur said:
No problem! It has a slightly higher amount of push-pull to it. If you have a skin on any other device, I suggest you try "writing" over it. It has never once bothered me while I've taken notes for lecture or drew on Sketchbook. I can still use the S-Pen with pressure accuracy and without any hiccups. I.e. if I want to draw a straight line, it will be a straight line. When you hold the device at an angle though, you can see where the line is. It disappears over time as you just continue to draw over the skin or it just naturally heals. Like I said though, it has a very slight "tangerine" texture that is only visible if tilted at a certain angle or if there is a very intense glare. I only noticed it after reading a few reviews from Amazon.
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Thanks--that is very helpful! I'm thinking then that for my preferences I'll probably lean more towards a dry apply (like the MiniGuard that's been reviewed here).
I'm using a cheap anti-glare matte screen protector from eBay with my Note 8. It doesn't affect the S Pen sensitivity the slightest and in fact makes it feel more like writing on paper. As a matte screen lover I have no complaints with it.
Hey guys. I've never used TGSP before. I've always opted for the wet-install self-healing ones and am quite used to those. They do have some cons, but I have felt the pros outweigh them. OTOH, I've never had a $1000 phone and I'm wondering about the true benefit of TGSP.
I realize that a TGSP will give a glass feel and some people opt for it over the others for that sole reason. I'm more interested in the actual protection offered. For sake of this conversation let's dismiss clarity, fingerprints, etc and talk about actual protection offered from impacts (and to a lesser extent scratches, though I think any protector will protect against a scratch).
My questions are:
1) Do those of you using TGSP simply not care about laying the protector in direct contact with the surface? Because it isn't the original screen you aren't as concerned if scratches were to appear? Or the TGSP just have a good enough scratch resistance that you aren't concerned? I ask this because I can see just by looking at many of your user installed pics and looking at the cases on my current phones (different makes/models) and all 16 cases I reviewed here. I would say that none of these cases have a high enough lip that I don't forsee a TGSP making the screen flush (or even past) the lip of the case.
2) How well does a TGSP actually protect against a break of the glass compared to the actual screen? I mean the screens are made of break resistant glass and are much thicker than a TGSP. I have seen quite a few people with phones with what looked like cracked screens, but turned out it was just their TGSP that broke and they hadn't replaced it yet. My belief/guess though is that whatever cracked their TGSP wasn't necessarily powerful enough it would have cracked their actual screen. IOW, I feel that they would break more easily than the actual screen and anything powerful enough to break the actual screen the TGSP probably wouldn't do much. Now saying this I realize it isn't completely useless - there is probably a level of pressure which the TGSP might protect, but clearly it isn't 100%.
I've looked extensively online and found lots of videos that show people surviving stress/drop tests with TGSP. Many times they break, but the phone is undamaged.
I have not found a SINGLE one where they take the same phone, one with TGSP and one with nothing and do the same test. Can anyone point me to any?
I guess many of you might say that it is only $5 for an average one, so why take the risk? I guess there is logic there, but it really isn't $5 if you don't want so many of the issues presented in this thread. You either spend $40+ on a dome or you spend half that for a DIY LOCA install or you suffer with halo, raised edges, etc. Again many of you may argue that even $40 for the Dome is worth the cost just for the piece of mind. Again, there can be logic there - but peace of mind/"just in case" is just that - it isn't fact and I have a really hard time spending the money for what might just be a placebo. I haven't used TGSP in the past and never broke a screen. Additionally, to the best of my knowledge phone screens have only gotten better over time (higher levels of Gorilla Glass, etc) that as time moves on I'm less likely to break one.
Can anyone offer anything more than anecdotal evidence that TGSP really have major benefits in this area? Again, I'm not saying they don't have benefits over other types of protectors, I'm just not convinced that protecting the screen from shattering is one of them.
Thanks.
The TGSP are much smoother than the self healing protectors, the Whitestone Dome is even smoother than the other TGSP that I've tried on the 3XL. I've personally seen several people with the self healing protectors who have dropped their phone and had the screen break. I have never heard of, or seen, anyone breaking the screen with a TGSP installed, the protector breaks instead. As you said there is no real proof on youtube that a TGSP is better than a self healing one so I think we'll have a hard time convincing you that they are worth the money. For me spending $40 to protect the screen on my $1000 device is a no brainer especially considering the quality/coverage of the Dome vs. the others that are available.
Long ago when I bought my first Nexus device, the Nexus one, I used the Zagg invisible shield. I was able to get a perfect application and it was great. The phone was less then a week old when it fell off my night stand and the screen died, the glass didn't break but it didn't work either. It started with a one Pixel width line down the screeb then eventually the screen just stopped showing anything/working all together. I had to send it back for repair. Worst birthday in a long time.
Since then I went off on the long and arduous journey of finding the perfect balance of screen protection and phone protection. Generally I buy several cases and TGSPs when I buy new phones, which is 2-3 times a year.
Since the Nexus one I've had numerous drops, broken TGSPs, and damaged cases but never once have I had to send my phone to get repaired. I'm so adament about it I make all my family/friends get TGSPs and cases. And luckily everyone I know minus one guy who goes swimming with his phone has been "saved" from costly repairs.
Microscratches aside, the idea is to "protect" your investment. Most people don't buy a new phone every year. And with the cost of replacements/insurance getting higher every year it's worth a few extra dollars and a bit of a bulkier phone in the end.
I get it there are those that don't do anything because that is how the phone is meant to be used. However minus the iPhone XS (and Max) I have yet to see a phone take any kind of fall without damage. I have a 19 month old and she loves phone's almost as much as I do but for very different reasons. When she throws a tantrum she'll throw whatever is in her hands, including my and my wife's phones. While coming back from Hawaii this year, United airlines messed up big time and I was stuck with wife and toddler in an airport in Chicago. Needless to say the daughter threw my phone umpteen times. She has an arm like a cannon, lol. No damage to the Pixel 3 XL, my iPhone X, or any of my other devices and everything works fine. But I can attest to the fact that if I didn't have a TGSP or case they would have all been costly repairs.
In the end it's up to the user but I can say that TGSPs over the skins and cases go a long way to save some headaches. The reviewers online might say otherwise but I truly believe they don't hold on to phones as long as the general populace.
So on the TGSP side what you get is, higher phone screen shatter resistance through absorbtion. Think of it as a bullet proof vest for your phone. The TGSP will take the brunt of the incident but don't think its 100% protection. It really does a good job of reducing the likely hood of a broken screen glass. Avoiding Microscratches, are a side effect of having a TGSP. I know of many people who don't listen to my advice and then complain that the screen is scratched or broken. Even a skin is better than nothing but as my story goes to prove nothing is 100%.
It sucks that I can't really keep the asthetic of the phone but hey if it cost less then maybe I'd be willing to make that sacrifice. Lol
Your question is complex, but the answer is very simple:
TGSP's are designed to take the brunt of the impact force and dissipate it across the area of the TGSP instead of transferring to to your phone. It's why we buy $5 TGSP's and just replace them when they break to avoid paying $100 to replace the phone's screen.
As mentioned already, the wet install TPU screen protectors have ZERO shatter protection for your screen. They are only there for scratch protection and are really an outdated technology.
The biggest down side of the TGSP though is lack of full screen coverage. None of them (not even the whitestome dome) can cover 100% of the phone's glass. There will always be 1-2mm gap around the edge of the protector that is exposed to potential scratches, but worse yet, is the awkward cut-out shapes that are required to avoid the proximity sensor. Your phone will almost always land on that spot when it falls lol - Murphy's Law!
If you're really worried about the TGSP being too thick and sticking above the raised lip of the case, then try a flexible glass or hybrid screen protector. They are super thin and still offer shatter resistance. Only downside, is they aren't as hard, so they can get scratched after a few months. Get 2 or 3 and you'll be good for a year.
from a materials perspective, glass is abrasion resistant by being very hard. plastic is soft and susceptible to abrasion. in terms of cracking, plastic is less likely to have crack initiation (which typically takes place near microcracks) and crack propagation, and it is also able to absorb energy in the form of deformation (plastic is more springy). glass is more likely to break than bend, but if an impact would have broken the phone screen and instead that energy goes into breaking the glass cover, then you have a sacrificial layer of protection (much like aluminum has an oxidized surface layer that promotes corrosion resistance of the whole). Plastic may transfer more energy than it is able to absorb considering the energy required to deform plastic is much less than that of glass, and once the plastic has bent, that bending can then bend the glass of the phone. by transferring the force.. which glass doesnt like.
It would be interesting to compare the performance of the two types under various drop conditions.
Hello,
I want to buy a P6P, but the only thing holding me back are the Reddit complaints and some YT reviews stating that the device gets scratched very very easily due to the GGV used on it? Can you share your experience.
Thanks.
Welcome to XDA, @dimitarfive.
I haven't noticed since I have an OtterBox Defender case and Whitestone Dome tempered glass screen protector. Same with my wife's P6P.
I don't think it scratches any more than other phones. I use a flip case without screen protector. I do have 2 or 3 miniscule scratches that are only visible under certain angles or lighting conditions. I would say that it all depends on how you protect and treat your phone.
Sand scratches all glass. Use a case and a screen protector. My 2.5 yo N10+ has no scratches or damage in spite of more then a few drops because it's always in a case with a screen protector. The case should have slightly raised guards on all sides of the display to help prevent contact on face plants.
A good case lessens high G loading that can damage internal components like BGA chipsets during an impact.
I've never used a screen protector, since the beginning of smartphones (Dell Streak 5). I keep my phone in a slim case, and it goes into a padded belt clip case (turtleback brand). My phone is used constanly, and I've never scratched one. But, I also don't go to the beach, or other functions that would allow dirt/rock/debris to get to the screen.
I know accidents can happen, but I try to treat my phones as the EXPENSIVE things they are.
p51d007 said:
I've never used a screen protector, since the beginning of smartphones (Dell Streak 5). I keep my phone in a slim case, and it goes into a padded belt clip case (turtleback brand). My phone is used constanly, and I've never scratched one. But, I also don't go to the beach, or other functions that would allow dirt/rock/debris to get to the screen.
I know accidents can happen, but I try to treat my phones as the EXPENSIVE things they are.
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I live the desert. Just for giggles I finally took the screen protector off my old S4+, it felt good.
Within 4 months in spite off being careful it had a couple scratches. One grain of sand is all it takes... and sand is found everywhere.
Any pocket grit can mar glass.
Your dry fingers are also abrasive to glass and will gradually wear it down over time.
No screen protector, never used them. Day one purchase and no scratches. I don't think it scratches any easier than any other phone.
6 month old P6P here and it is scratch free.
Somehow, I got a scratch on my screen. It's a small ding and it doesn't bother me, but it's there. I don't use screen protectors, don't like them.
No screen protector but got a case since day 1 in October. No visible scratches.
I noticed micro scratches within the first week - so I am using a screen protection for the first time in my life.
dimitarfive said:
Hello,
I want to buy a P6P, but the only thing holding me back are the Reddit complaints and some YT reviews stating that the device gets scratched very very easily due to the GGV used on it? Can you share your experience.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an interesting topic.
And, factually, it is true that the Pixel 6 Pro scratches quite easily, compared to previous models.
Now, why is that?
The reason is the so-called Gorilla Glass Victus. It's a new product by Corning - a product that is in use in a number of phones, including IPhones. And that's where the interesting part comes in. All Gorilla Glass Victus phones are more prone to (micro) scratches.
Meaning that the Pixel 6 Pro does scratch more easily compared to previous models, but so does any other flagship with Victus glass, currently.
You might ask yourself: Why did Corning release a product that is prone to get scratched more easily? Well, the answer is quite simple: Drop protection. Gorilla Glass Victus is harder to scratch on a deeper level and is much more resistant to drop damage, at least in theory, according to Corning.
In the end, you will be best advised to get a screen protector on. The Pixel 6 Pro is a good phone. I can't call it great, since battery life and reception could both be much better, but you will have a hard time to find a package this good (awesome camera, many software features, timely updates, good root support (Samsung hates root), decent hardware quality, good hardware values on paper) somewhere else. The Pixel 6 Pro is a phone that I can recommend, but it's still a phone that can improve in a number of areas, but so does any other phone.
Considering that the P6a is on the horizon, and it's usually a much better bang for the buck, you might be best advised though, to hold out and wait for that phone (as far as I know, the P6a will be revealed in May).
Morgrain said:
That's an interesting topic.
And, factually, it is true that the Pixel 6 Pro scratches quite easily, compared to previous models.
Now, why is that?
The reason is the so-called Gorilla Glass Victus. It's a new product by Corning - a product that is in use in a number of phones, including IPhones. And that's where the interesting part comes in. All Gorilla Glass Victus phones are more prone to (micro) scratches.
Meaning that the Pixel 6 Pro does scratch more easily compared to previous models, but so does any other flagship with Victus glass, currently.
You might ask yourself: Why did Corning release a product that is prone to get scratched more easily? Well, the answer is quite simple: Drop protection. Gorilla Glass Victus is harder to scratch on a deeper level and is much more resistant to drop damage, at least in theory, according to Corning.
In the end, you will be best advised to get a screen protector on. The Pixel 6 Pro is a good phone. I can't call it great, since battery life and reception could both be much better, but you will have a hard time to find a package this good (awesome camera, many software features, timely updates, good root support (Samsung hates root), decent hardware quality, good hardware values on paper).
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Which phone do you call good?
Scratches at a level 6 with deeper grooves at a level 7 just like all other glass phones...
;-)
In my experience, yeah, it scratches really easily.
I've never used screen protectors before, and I baby my phones, but within the first two weeks I had multiple scratches on the screen to the point where I had to put on a screen protector just for my sanity. I'm seriously considering getting the screen replaced entirely because of it.
stroke55 said:
I noticed micro scratches within the first week - so I am using a screen protection for the first time in my life.
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Same happened to me, I never used screen protectors in the past and I could go several months to a year with very minor scuffs. With the P6 I got a heavy scratch after 3 days.
If you're worried about scratches and want peace of mind just use a screen protector. Glass is glass and will always scratch under the right conditions no matter how much GG hypes it up.
I think the oleophobic coating could be better but scratches are not a problem for me. My release pixel was 4 months without a screen protector and it looked fine, same for my new device after 2 months.
Had mine since mid January, no screen protector...not one scratch. I use a turtleback case. I've never had a screen protector on any of my smartphones. Last phone I had with a protector, was one of those old PDA type phones.
My back glass is COVERED in scuffs and scratches. I'm glad I got the white model because you really do have to inspect it properly to see it