So I have gone through quite a few screen protectors, as I am on a family plan with 3 of my friends, all of which have Evos. Being the one to get all of them on these phones, I naturally went ahead and got the screen protectors for all of us. All the ones I have used before today have been the cheap kind, albeit from different sources. In a rush to collect my $25 from AMEX for small business Saturday, I hastily bought some screen protectors online on new years eve (turns out it had to be a local small business, so I won't be getting any money from AMEX).
So I bought a Steinheil Ultra Crystal pack, a Steinheil Anti Fingerprint pack, and a 3 pack of handhelditem.com generic clears.
Installation was quite easy for me, as I had practice installing cheapies on three phones, which can sometimes be hard due to bad cutouts. The Ultra Crystal is cut a bit small to the screen, leaving about a half millimeter all the way around. I'm used to laying these down so you don't have any bubbles, although there was a small bubble by my buttons due to lint underneath. The included sticker "lint removers" were great because they had strong enough adhesive to easily pull up the screen protector from the corner, although I'm sure some tape would have done the same thing. Pulled out the lint, relaid the bottom quarter, and everything was perfect.
The last screen protectors I had been using I bought from an Ebay vendor, and they were quite cheap, something like $1.35 each. Holding one next to the Ultra Crystal, you can tell the Steinheil is slightly thicker, and the cutout for the top was different (the ebay ones were cut in a rectangle shape up top as to not cover the camera/sensors, the Steinheil covers all of these).
Clarity wise, I can barely tell the difference. I am inclined to say the ebay one had the tiniest bit more white hue to it, but I'm not even so sure that is the case. All the cheap clear protectors I have used have had excellent clarity, in a way that no one can tell you are using a screen protector and the screen looks brilliant.
So really, what are you getting? People swear by Steinheil, and looking at the anti-fingerprint one I can see why. The AF one looks a lot better than the cheap AF ones, but the cheap AF protectors are pretty much unusable for me.
You do get a nicer cutout, but no one noticed with the last ones I had anyways. The ebay one was cut closer to the side edges and the top/bottom, and the edge never bothered me, so I'd say the fit was better in those respects. I've had the DC Mugen ones, which were an identical fit to the Steinheil up top, but were cut short of the soft buttons on the bottom. I have a feeling the handhelditem.com ones will be almost the same cutout if not closer to the outside edges. I'll wait to see when I get them, they shipped those separately to me.
So do I recommend it? Well, only if the cutout is particularly important to you. They do come in nicer packaging, the included microfiber cloth is bigger then some of the ones I've gotten with other protectors, not to mention the ebay purchase which came with cloths that almost feel like wax paper.
A little time and I'll know if this protector is more scratch resistant than the others I've had, but most of those held up pretty well so it's tough to say that will happen.
I don't see why you wouldn't want to save the money and get the cheap ones. I got 5 for $7.50, shipped, handheld items charged me 6 dollars for shipping alone. Five protectors means you can always replace yours when any scratches on it actually bother you, and you get plenty of tries if you mess up install.
I'm debating whether I should try out the Anti-Fingerprint ones or just try to sell them, they do look quality and holding them up to my phone/monitor makes for a reasonable tradeoff between clarity and glare, and that's with a protective film on it.
For reference, I bought the ones off ebay from seller spshop88, here's a recent auction he put up here, they're quite cheap now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/5x-Clear-LCD-Sc...189206?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item43a3febb96
Note, these do have a rectangular cutout for the top that leaves your camera and sensors exposed.
I've tried all those $25 protectors like zagg and invisible shield. I ended up trying GTMax off Amazon and there great. Three for $7 shipped. They feel like the original bare screen and crystal clear. Very nice coverage. It fits absolutely perfect. Here's the link if you want to try them out.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003T1WI02/ref=oss_product
Related
I've used many different kinds of screen protectors in the past, and this time I tried XtremeGuard which I found on eBay. The cost was only $2.50 shipped. I must say hands down, this is the best screen protector I have used.
Other kinds I've used in the past were a thin hard plastic, kind of like a clear overhead sheet, but thinner and sticky on one side. These were not good IMO, because they make the touchscreens less sensitive and since they were hard, the edges would start to peel first and it would be all downhill from there.
The XtremeGuard is a more stretchy film material, kind of like 3M clear bra, or the kind you would find on a car. Its got a nice grippy rubber feel to it, which I actually like. Its "softer" so it sticks better to the screen.
I used a mild soapy water solution to put it on, and at first was kind of concerned with my results. Some areas were cloudy, there were some visible bubbles and when the screen was on it looked all rainbow cuz of the water trapped inside. After a couple days though, all the moisture evaporated, the cloudiness cleared up and all the bubbles were gone. I was left with a perfectly crystal clear screen that adhered all the way around, even on the edges. You would not be able to tell there was a screen protector on here (I have the OEM HTC silicone skin that covers the edges as well so you can't see the edge of the screen protector). The touchscreen works perfectly, and the screen protector does not interfere at all.
The screen protector was the exact size of the screen, perfect cut. Which is good, but makes it challenging to install, if you're off by a tiny bit, the screen protector will stick off the screen and that will be prone to peeling up later on. So take your time during the install to ensure its on there straight and perfectly. I started from the top where the speaker is and lined it up around those lines, and used a credit card to press it down and get as many bubbles out as I could. If this is your first time installing a screen protector, I would suggest getting 2-3 to make sure you get it right. At only $2.50ea, you really can't go wrong here. I'm 100% satisfied.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-XtremeGUARD...ewItem&pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item35a9e73eed
I would also like to note that I do not work for, or am in any way affiliated with XtremeGuard at all. I simply tried their product, and I liked it, so I'm leaving my feedback here.
I have tried it, but it is like a mm to long on top to bottom. And it was like 2mm to short in width.
That was my experience. Could be wrong for everyone.
I like mine, it fits perfectly. Doesn't stick over the edge and covers the whole thing. Mine was a perfect fit, not too long or short on any sides.
I'll try to get some pics up later when I get the chance
Man, I want to order it so bad, but with Otterbox covers around the corner, I think its a little waste of money.. :S
Any tackiness or stickiness with this protector? I'm currently using Phatom Skinz and love it, but I'm always looking around for something that may potentially be even better...especially with a price like this. How about orange peel?
thanks,
Alan
There is a very slight tackiness with this screen protector, but I actually like it. It gives a good feel when typing. It might interfere with pong or some other games where you need to move your finger really fast, but that doesn't really apply to me.
No orange peel, or any peeling at all for that matter.
The cloudiness really bugs me. The Zagg I had did not cloud like this one does.
The item from ebay is too pricier. This site offers products with much lower price and free shipping world wide. The 3 packed screen protector is much cheaper than 1 packed from ebay.
http://www.geartaker.com/product/3x...opers&utm_medium=minqing&utm_campaign=FA0070B
this 3 packed protector was once sold at $0.01 during its 2nd super deal.
Hey guys, I recently bought one of these off Amazon when I ordered my Otterbox case, it was only $2 so I figured I had nothing to lose. Here's my take on it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19109961#post19109961
There are always a ton of threads on devices asking about which screen protector to get or which is the best. In light of that I thought I would throw my thoughts and observations out here. I have noticed that there are 2 primary types of protectors. There are those that are made of the military grade polymer. They are all made of the same material. The only differences you will find is the finish of them(orange peel feel vs. not having that feel), how well they are cut to fit, and the accessories for easy installation. Other than that they are basically the same.
The other main type are the ones that are based on PET films. I have a steinheil on my evo, a rearth on my epic touch, and a boxwave on my tablet. All 3 of these brands claim to be ultra clear and to have a 3H hardness. Looking at them installed I have to say that I can't really tell any difference in how they look. They all look nice and are all very clear. I wouldn't be able to tell you which brand was which by just looking at them. Now what good does this information do you? The way I see it is that for the military grade polymer protectors, if you already have a bottle of the fluid and a squeegee left over from a previous install, I think you would do just as good by getting a cheaper one rather than the high dollar brand name ones. As far as the PET based ones, again as long as it is ultra clear and has a hardness of 3H I would think you would do just as well with a cheaper brand than the name brand.
One last option for people is to go without one. Since the ET is made from gorilla glass this would probably work for most people. I live in an area with a lot grit in the air and quite a bit of that is sand. You can scratch glass if you try to clean it by rubbing a cloth on it when there is sandy grit on it. So I prefer to spend a few bucks for extra insurance. Just my 2 cents worth.
I seem to like the PET ones the best. They have a nice feel when you slide your finger on them, closer to glass. The problem is that you are probably going to have to place it once or twice over the life of the phone because it gets scratched. They can be a pain to install with out bubbles.
The polymer films. Are you out of your mind? I just spent $400 on a phone and you want me to spray water on it! They are not the same. I have noticed that some of the cheaper ones tend to lose their plasticizer unevenly. BestSkinsever seemed to get spots where the platicizer collected (bubbled). I'm currently try Skinomi and it seems like it will suffer the same fate as Bestskinsever. You dig your nail into it a little and just feels and looks likes like it doesn't want to flow back together. It's only a day old, maybe it will get better. I have only had Zagg once but I bought them when they were calling themselves Invisible Shields, they did seem to be better the other two I mentioned but I just can not justify their prices.
My experience the polymers I have used(Zagg, Ghost Armor, Bodyguardz, BKE) has been as I stated. I think different people have different experiences with. I thought they all offered good protection but I don't like their feel on the screen. I use pet films now myself as well. I usually get one of the 3 I mentioned depending upon which is on sale.
I purchased this based on some feedback I had read one some other forums. I have tried nearly every major screen protector out there (Spigen, RearthUSA, Incipio, Switcheasy, BodyGuardz, XO Skins, Best Skins Ever, a ton of cheap ones off Amazon, Zagg, etc.). Up until this point, I had always found the Ultra Crystal from Spigen to be the best overall. Not anymore.
Before I get started I want to mention that the Martin Fields Screen protectors are not cheap. One screen protector for the Galaxy Nexus is $16.99 ($34.99 for one iPad protector and $29.99 for one Nexus 7 protector)and it only comes with one screen protector and a set of instructions. That's it.
One issue I've always found to be a huge problem with these dry, crystal clear screen protectors (Again, think Spigen Ultra Crystal) is that they show fingerprints so easily that it really can become a huge nuisance and to my surprise this one doesn't show much at all. I would say it's nearly as good at resisting fingerprints as a matte finish screen protector.
A very innovative feature this screen protector offers is that it is completely removable. They include a Mylar sheet that you can stick it to if you need to take it off. Just apply a small piece of scotch tape at the bottom corner and slowly pull to remove it. This does bring up the biggest problem that I have with this protector though. It is somewhat brittle. It will crease if you aren't careful with it. In fact, if you look in the pictures I have posted, you'll notice a slight crease in the bottom right corner. I've emailed the seller that I purchased it from on Amazon to see if they'll replace it. Not sure if that'll happen and it isn't all that distracting.
Quick Summary:
PROS:
As clear as any I've ever used
Does not pick up oils like most clear, dry application screen protectors generally do
Feels as close to glass as anything I've ever used
Reusable
Covers entire screen
Comes with a Camera Lens cover as well
CONS:
Not cheap. If you purchase directly from MartinFields.com it is $16.99 + $4.99 shipping. Be aware of fakes on Amazon.
Doesn't come with much. Just a simple paper package, a screen protector and a Mylar sheet to apply it to if you decide to take it off and use it later.
Fragile, it will crease if you aren't careful
Almost too big. If you don't line it up absolutely perfect it will not adhere on the sides, bottom. It's almost cut too perfect to a fault.
Anyway, here are some pictures. I had just ran my palm down the screen to show you just how well this does on hand oils.
Martin Field's Link
Well I take it no one found this helpful?
Breezer23 said:
Well I take it no one found this helpful?
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I already have one but I will concur with everything you said
Mine creased before I put it on but I was able to bend it back and can't tell you where the crease ever was at this point. Mine is scratched up pretty good at this point but I'm hard on phones so it's not surprising. I've yet to find a screen protector that holds up to my use.
Mind had a crease initially. I contacted their support line in Hong Kong and they had one sent out to me the next day. I ended up buying one for my Nexus 7 and my iPad 3.
It's weird, the Ultra Crystal's and many other dry application protectors leave blue smears when you try to wipe away fingerprints. These don't. They are there but they don't leave that annoying blue greasy smudge.
Does anyone have one? or used one? If you did are they any good?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10833&cs_id=1083306&p_id=9239&seq=1&format=2
Haven't tried it, but it looks decent -- maybe you could find one on eBay for cheaper?
No doubt eBay has some cheaper, but since I was placing a monoprice order anyway, I grabbed a couple of the clear ones (not matte) for short-term disposable use as needed.
They're decent screen protectors (dry application, go on super easy w/o bubbles, stay in place, etc.), but they definitely don't extend all the way to the edge of the glass. If precisely centered, there's probably a 2mm gap around the side edges, with a little more (3-4mm) at the top and bottom. Three "dips" are cut at the top so that the protector doesn't cover the front camera, light sensor, or speaker.
Just to be safe, I used one on vacation 2wks ago with a TPU cover and was happy with the protection it gave. It was easy to clean and most of the time I didn't even know it was there. As soon as I got home, I pulled it (and the TPU cover) off and can confirm that there was no residue left behind.
As I typically use my phones "naked", this isn't the best review as I've very little experience with other screen protectors for comparison purposes. However, I can confirm that the monoprice protector was leaps and bounds better than the OtterBox screen protector I recently installed on a Photon Q (although, as I understand it, that isn't saying much).
Hope that helps!
--DC
I was supplied a sample for test and evaluation, and I promised that my review is fair and honest.
Product 4/5
The product itself is excellent, its very resistant to the likes scratches from keys/money etc. in your pocket with your phone or if you put it in your bag with plastic cables and the like and very clear.
Installation 5/5
Installing the screen protector onto my phone was simple however me being myself I always find it hard to get them perfectly aligned and without bubbles, apart from the user error the 3 sheets were perfectly cut and easy enough to peel off their protective sleeves, the bubble remover was great however a tad small so I used my credit card as well. The dust sticker although not needed was tried on another phone just to see its effects and worked a treat. Finally the microfibre cloth was superb by far better than a lot of other manufacturers.
Who is this used for, well anyone with a nexus 5 and have seem the drop tests or places there phone screen side down from time to time, regardless of a bumper not all surfaces are flat.
Comparison to everything else, well in my opinion the only thing that comes close or beats this is the rhino shield however your paying nearly 10x as much for it and its delivery and you only get the one shot with that so make sure you have a steady hand.
Overall impression - an excellent product that lives up to its name and gladly there are 3 of them inside or my fumbling fingers would cost me a fortune!
Images of whats in the box http://imgur.com/a/tATSo
see source http://www.amazon.co.uk/Protector-D...nse-Lifetime/dp/B00GHD28BS/ref=cm_rdp_product
Thanks for the review man. Hopefully the matte version will not disappoint either because I ordered that one a few days ago. I didn't want to spend a lot on screen protectors and this one was cheap, but wasn't sure how good the quality would be.
Have you tried out the Spigen ultra clear? Is it better? And also, are there any holes for the proximity/camera or is it full covered like Spigens'? I hope it's fully covered.
j831 said:
Thanks for the review man. Hopefully the matte version will not disappoint either because I ordered that one a few days ago. I didn't want to spend a lot on screen protectors and this one was cheap, but wasn't sure how good the quality would be.
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specifically for the Nexus 5, I cant remember many makes that I have used on my previous phones, I have tried 3 so far, for the N5 the one with that came with my SPIGEN case, the evolabs rhino shield and the anker protector of which the rhino shield is of superb quality and a really high price tage and the Anker one granted is cheap and maybes just somehow (cant think of what it is exactly) but comes very very close at a exceptionally cheap price and in multiples which is always good!
arzbhatia said:
Have you tried out the Spigen ultra clear? Is it better? And also, are there any holes for the proximity/camera or is it full covered like Spigens'? I hope it's fully covered.
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I got a one that came with my SPIGEN case but I cant remember what it was, it was ok, but attracted a lot of fingermarks I thought and felt exceptionally thin which worried me slightly from larger knocks on the phone which luckily It didn't happen at the time of use.
Do you have TPU case? Does this protector fit with it on? I noticed that it's thicker than other tempered glass, which are usually 0.3 mm, the Anker is 0.38 mm.