Develop Bugs

[Poll] Do you have a scratched screen?

I've seen a number of threads about the screen scratch issues, but i am struggling to work out the proportion of people suffering from it.
Does your Galaxy Nexus have any screen scratches?
If you don't have a scratched screen and can post to say if you take any special care with it (like keeping it on a pouch, screen protector etc...)

I have 2 deep scratches.
They are the length of the diameter of the circle exposing the front facing camera.
They're probably from sand that I was around when on holiday.
I highly doubt I would have any noticeable scratches if I didn't expose it to sand.
I was going to return it to the store I bought it from and tell them there was something wrong with it so they'd give me a new clean one, but I'm okay with it now and I returned to the UK 3 days after the 28 day return/exchange policy so I couldn't do anything anyway.
Anyone know any way I could easily mask these scratches? They're on the left bezel so they don't interfere with the screen but I'd like to mask them anyway.

No scratch, no screen protector (hate those things).

just put on a cheap ebay screen protector and you'll be set
nothing to make a big fuss about for some scratches when it can be easily prevented with a $2 screen protector
even Gorilla grass gets scratches too

Have you found your screen protector has stayed on correctly? From my past experience they seem to start peeling from the corners.
I really want a Galaxy Nexus, but I know my OCD will really get to me if I get a scratch on the screen.

My phones with Gorilla Glass have never had any scratches whatsoever. This is my third phone too. I carry it either in my pocket or man purse lol

AllGamer said:
even Gorilla grass gets scratches too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that. I've been using my sgs+ for 4 months and not a single scratch. My phone has been exposed to sand, dirt, even keys but no scatches
Sent from my GT-I9001 using XDA App

I've had a few minor scratches in the bottom left corner of the screen due to the dropping it a month ago. Now, I've got 3 more, quite visible scratches on the screen. Despite the fact I dropped it once, I take care of my Nexie. I keep it in my pocket, without the keys. I don't have screen protector nor the case, pouch. My girlfriend who's got Desire S(no screen protector) has got no scratches on the screen, even though she keeps it in her purse.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Yes, I dont use protector and I have two little scratches in the middle of the screen...

mikeeo019 said:
I doubt that. I've been using my sgs+ for 4 months and not a single scratch. My phone has been exposed to sand, dirt, even keys but no scatches
Sent from my GT-I9001 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gorilla glass is still just glass, its not magic, it can be easily scratched by something harder than glass. take a bit of sand and rub it on it and you will have a scratch.

I just got a small gouge in my screen, not even 1mm wide, near the middle some time yesterday. It's more of a chunk, then a scratch. Reminds me of a minor impact. My phone is in a holster, never my pocket. I was working on my car, and may have touched the screen with a less than clean hand that led to the scratch. About 1 week after the phone I got a small scratch near the top of the phone, out of the visible area.
I have a stenheil / sgpstore Oleophobic on the way. i was holding out for a Ultra Crystal by stenheil (best screen protectors ever made hands down IMHO) but it doesn't seem like they're going to make a crystal for the gnex due to the curved screen :-(

Protonus said:
I just got a small gouge in my screen, not even 1mm wide, near the middle some time yesterday. It's more of a chunk, then a scratch. Reminds me of a minor impact. My phone is in a holster, never my pocket. I was working on my car, and may have touched the screen with a less than clean hand that led to the scratch. About 1 week after the phone I got a small scratch near the top of the phone, out of the visible area.
I have a stenheil / sgpstore Oleophobic on the way. i was holding out for a Ultra Crystal by stenheil (best screen protectors ever made hands down IMHO) but it doesn't seem like they're going to make a crystal for the gnex due to the curved screen :-(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! sorry its just you said you have a phone holster when your pocket is mere inches away.
anyway no screen protector but got scurve case for it, also have it in my pocket with nothing in it but a micro-fiber cloth because that's just how I roll. Also always leave it face down on a clean surface. (curved screen so screen doesn't touch the surface woohoo!!!!)

No scratches only had mine for a week though, no screen protector and just in a TPC case.
I have had my fascinate for a year with no scratches and plan to use Nexus same. Hopefully it stays scratch free.
I always keep it in my right front pocket, where nothing else ever goes in there.

Just sat on my nexus and ruined my... screen protector! Thank god... this would have definitely ruined my screen.
sent from my googletron

tannor said:
No scratches only had mine for a week though, no screen protector and just in a TPC case.
I have had my fascinate for a year with no scratches and plan to use Nexus same. Hopefully it stays scratch free.
I always keep it in my right front pocket, where nothing else ever goes in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the same thing with my gs2 and got serious scratches from grit.
sent from my googletron

No scratches yet
I've had mine for 2 weeks now. Thankfully, no scratches yet. I was really worried about the glass on the Nexus with some of the forum threads I had come across. I was coming from an OG with Gorilla Glass.
So far, in 2 weeks of use (treated the same way as my OG Droid) I don't see even the slightest of scratches. I also love the oleophobic coating on the glass. It really does.wonders.
In comparison, my OG had a big scratch on the screen in the first 2 weeks of owning it, and it almost got me to switch to a screen protector. Not that it means that the glass on the OG was worse, but rather, that these things are all luck related. I'm sure that over 2 years of use, my SGN will also have scratches, just like my Droid did.
Gorilla glass/ reinforced glass is not magic. If you're unlucky, either can get scratched in a heartbeat, no matter how careful you are with your phone.

No screen protector and I have scratches on my screen.

I have some micro scratches on it from day 1 before i was able to apply a screen protector. Seems like the glass is not as hard as my old iPhone 4 where i used it w/o protector for over a week and it seems fine.
J

mikeeo019 said:
I doubt that. I've been using my sgs+ for 4 months and not a single scratch. My phone has been exposed to sand, dirt, even keys but no scatches
Sent from my GT-I9001 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe it. My old G2x had 2 scratches on it. Luckily I had it replaced when an update bricked it. First phone with a Gorilla screen and the only phone that got scratches. Sand and dust are destructive on them. Knives and keys... not so much.
This time I put a screen protector on. XO for me... and a case. No chances.
LTE EX Galaxy Nexus - AOSP KANG
Asus Transformer - 3.2.1 OC/UV

So, are there any methods of masking scratches after they appear?

[Q] Glass

Galaxy nexus glass is horrible, com paired to gorrila glass IMO, zagg screen cover left marks in glass, never happened with any of my high dollar other androids . I need good glass polish or cleaner Any1 no and tried a good one??? Care to share?? There not scratches more like marks from like a crayon on glass??? Not visible on clean screen bit once get dirty stands out bad??

I don't think they are actual scratches in the glass. Most likely it's the oleophobic coating being rubbed away. It happened to mine as well in my pocket.
The area without the coating will attract the grease/crud more quickly making it stand out.
If you clean the screen and breathe on it at an angle you can see exactly where it is.

El Daddy said:
I don't think they are actual scratches in the glass. Most likely it's the oleophobic coating being rubbed away. It happened to mine as well in my pocket.
The area without the coating will attract the grease/crud more quickly making it stand out.
If you clean the screen and breathe on it at an angle you can see exactly where it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes!! Exactly,can it be fixed? My gorilla glass made phones haven't done this

Maybe your previous gorilla glass phones didn't have oleophobic coating? Not all phones have it.
I don't believe it can be fixed. Mine got rubbed off from a nylon threaded seam in my pocket. I put a screen protector on after and it isn't visible anymore.

El Daddy said:
Maybe your previous gorilla glass phones didn't have oleophobic coating? Not all phones have it.
I don't believe it can be fixed. Mine got rubbed off from a nylon threaded seam in my pocket. I put a screen protector on after and it isn't visible anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont no if they did? I have quite a few, nexus one, captivate, euro gs2, at&t gs2, nexus s, in use now skyrocket and this Gn . None have done this, but coating.g being wiped off makes sense, I've been using for a week without screen protection and didn't want to put one back on, but ya I think that would make "flaw" go away cause its not visible with clean screen .... thanks for the knowledge!

drawde40599 said:
I dont no if they did? I have quite a few, nexus one, captivate, euro gs2, at&t gs2, nexus s, in use now skyrocket and this Gn . None have done this, but coating.g being wiped off makes sense, I've been using for a week without screen protection and didn't want to put one back on, but ya I think that would make "flaw" go away cause its not visible with clean screen .... thanks for the knowledge!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know that any of those phones have the coating.
I'd be careful doing any buffing or removal as it perhaps could remove more of the coating...?

The iPad has a similar oleo-phobic coating to prevent fingerprints. Many small scratches that appear on the screen are actually on the coating and not on the glass. I remember seeing a video of a guy who had had enough of the coating and so he buffed it out with a car buffer. The end result was a spotless iPad, but it would now attract fingerprints much easier than before.
Found the link, http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-1133703.html

Crap I use Zagg too, so the day when I take it off there's a risk the coating will come off? Last time I'm using that brand! Not to mention the orange peel effect!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

dnlsmy said:
The iPad has a similar oleo-phobic coating to prevent fingerprints. Many small scratches that appear on the screen are actually on the coating and not on the glass. I remember seeing a video of a guy who had had enough of the coating and so he buffed it out with a car buffer. The end result was a spotless iPad, but it would now attract fingerprints much easier than before.
Found the link, http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-1133703.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow this should be stickied to the other "screen scratches easily" threads.

Gorilla Glass is for the birds

Well, i have done it!!
I have a nice half inch long scratch in my screen. And its not just a scuff, I mean a scratch you can feel!!
Personally I think the whole gorilla glass is a scheme to make you think you have a better product.
I never put anything remotely rough in my pocket with my phone, never set it on the screen, drop it ...blah blah blah. Some how some way I woke up today and found a scratch!! It was nice while it lasted, but I guess it has officially been "broken" in.

should've had one of these screen protectors:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005P15G8K/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

Even if they came out with some crazy diamond hard screen,I would still use a screen protector.it's just insurance.
Not spell checked nor checked for grammar on my genetic phone

Always use a screen protector and a TPU if you value your phone.

Gorilla glass resists breakage and is thinner than comparable-strength traditional glass. Nothing is scratch-proof.

phatmanxxl said:
Always use a screen protector and a TPU if you value your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I use. Dropped my phone for the first time today and not a scratch or dent. I wasn't worried though.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

I used to be one to always use a case and screen protector, but when I had the Evo3d the screen protector ruined the 3d so I kept it off.
I liked the feel of the glass better so I left it off my E4GT, and one day I cleaned the screen and created a inch long scratch. I am assuming there was a piece of dirt on the screen cleaning cloth I always use.
The gorilla glass is to help with broken screens (think how many iphones have broken glass), not scratches. It bothers the crap out of me. I will be an invisashield customer again on my next phone...

Gorilla Glass is Unbreakable,
Unscratchable, Unbreakable. Undeformable, Unsmudgeable and Indestructible!!
Jk about the above :-D
I wrote a post about this topic with links.
Will find it later on.
Gorilla Glass is Resistant to scratches, pits, chips, breaks, etc. under certain conditions, where glass would not be.
Under other conditions, hardly any material which can be used for the screen of a Smartphone screen is Impervious to the above, at this time.
With the above being said, I recently noticed faint, light scratches when viewing my E4GT under certain Sun angles.
I applied a screen protector a short while ago to lessen the risks of deeper scratches, etc.
I think the issues are:
- many believe Gorilla Glass is Impervious to damage.
- advertisement and spec sheets are not as clear as they could be regarding the real world properties of Gorilla Glass.
Oh, Be Careful where there is SAND, aka THE BEACH ;-)
Sand WILL Scratch GG, as that is Etched in Stone lol! Sand has a Hardness of approx. '7' on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
GG, I believe is '6-6.5,' which is slightly Harder than glass. Sand, which are Quartz particles, are a 7 in hardness, hence sand will scratch the crap outta your screen!
Screen Protecters are approx. 3-3.5
in Hardness I believe, but you can easily (subjective) replace them.
Btw, dust in the air contains quartz particles also.
Googling Corning Gorilla Glass will give you a better idea of it's properties.
I found it very informative.

Biker1 said:
Gorilla Glass is Unbreakable,
Unscratchable, Unbreakable. Undeformable, Unsmudgeable and Indestructible!!
Jk about the above :-D
I wrote a post about this topic with links.
Will find it later on.
Gorilla Glass is Resistant to scratches, pits, chips, breaks, etc. under certain conditions, where glass would not be.
Under other conditions, hardly any material which can be used for the screen of a Smartphone screen is Impervious to the above, at this time.
With the above being said, I recently noticed faint, light scratches when viewing my E4GT under certain Sun angles.
I applied a screen protector a short while ago to lessen the risks of deeper scratches, etc.
I think the issues are:
- many believe Gorilla Glass is Impervious to damage.
- advertisement and spec sheets are not as clear as they could be regarding the real world properties of Gorilla Glass.
Oh, Be Careful where there is SAND, aka THE BEACH ;-)
Sand WILL Scratch GG, as that is Etched in Stone lol! Sand has a Hardness of approx. '7' on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
GG, I believe is '6-6.5,' which is slightly Harder than glass. Sand, which are Quartz particles, are a 7 in hardness, hence sand will scratch the crap outta your screen!
Screen Protecters are approx. 3-3.5
in Hardness I believe, but you can easily (subjective) replace them.
Googling Corning Gorilla Glass will give you a better idea of it's properties.
I found it very informative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He speaks the truth about sand!!! Unfortunately.....

Yeah..maybe a sand issue...I was in Florida over the weekend.
Lesson learned...I do like the feel of the bare glass, but may have to invest in a screen protector for the future.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

In the past, I've tried the following screen protectors:
1) Boxwave
2) Zagg InvisibleSHIELD
3) Steinheil Crystal Clear
I am currently using #3, and like it the best.
2 to a pack.
I usually screw up the first application with any protector, so having 2 is a plus.
Very transparent. Feel is very smooth.
Finger gliding is Excellent.
Goes on Dry.
Scratch resistance is pretty good. Actually very good. But remember the MOHs Hardness Scale examples I previously listed.

#3 here also, love it, no bubbles at all, great stuff.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Thats what I have on my screen! Stienheil :O!

I've dropped my phone numerous times from a good distance but one day I had it in my back pocket (not the first time) and sat down. When I pulled my phone out it had a cracked screen -__-

I also have some scratches on my device. Gorilla is not diamond. But I still don't use screen protector, after 2 years, maybe I upgrade another phone.

Like the poster on the first page said..the grains of sand will get you if you aren't careful. I got a little scratch on my Nexus that way and I went right out and got a screen protector for my Epic Touch. I definitely prefer the feel of bare screen but a scratch really irritates me
Sent from either ET4G or NS4G using Xparent Tapatalk 2

Scratches annoy the crap out of me. I've only had this phone for like two months and I'm on my fifth screen protector. Going to try the steinhall one next. How does that lotus glass compare to gorilla as far as scratch resistance?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

erasable said:
Scratches annoy the crap out of me. I've only had this phone for like two months and I'm on my fifth screen protector. Going to try the steinhall one next. How does that lotus glass compare to gorilla as far as scratch resistance?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lotus Glass is called Corning Gorilla Glass 2. I believe Lotus Glass was the speculated name given prior to it officially becoming available. I'm unsure, if any, what devices are currently using it.
I've read on the Corning site that is has the same scratch, break resistant,etc. properties, but that it can be made up to 20% thinner, and keep the same strength and properties as the original Gorilla Glass.
http://www.corninggorillaglass.com/news/press-releases/corning-unveils-new-gorilla®-glass-2

i dropped my phone down some tile stairs. it must have had about 15 contacts and almost slid from the second floor to the first floor.... only had bumps on the bezel and slight scratches on the screen. not noticeable when the screen was on... very durable i must say.

Personally I just can't bring myself to use a screen protector or case. Part of the reason I picked this phone was because of it's profile. The idea of hiding it away in a bulky case and noticeable screen protector makes me cringe.
I don't find it too hard to be careful with my phone. I bought my E4GT at release and I've never dropped it or sat on it and there are no scratches on the screen save for one tiny, faint one that I can only see if the screen is off and the light hits it just right.
Granted people with certain lifestyles can't get away with this. My dad is a mechanic and if it weren't in a case he'd destroy his phone inside a week. Luckily I'm practically a hermit with my face buried in textbooks all day long...
PS I forgot, I do keep a TPU case laying around for traveling. I haven't used it yet, but if I were going somewhere potentially hazardous to my phone I would.

Does the Galaxy Nexus screen scratch without a protector

Hi. I looked for previous threads but wasn't able to find any...so sorry if this is a duplicate.
I saw on the web that various opinions were around on whether the Gnex needs a screen protector. I watched the key test as well on YouTube. Can anyone confirm if this screen is good enough to not require a protector?
Thanks all.

jeffreynothing43 said:
Hi. I looked for previous threads but wasn't able to find any...so sorry if this is a duplicate.
I saw on the web that various opinions were around on whether the Gnex needs a screen protector. I watched the key test as well on YouTube. Can anyone confirm if this screen is good enough to not require a protector?
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously not scratch proof. No gorilla glass. Yes to the arguably "reinforced" glass. As long as you don't put your phone in with keys, coins, etc...you should be fine. I don't use a screen protector or case on mine and so far I only have a few nicks from light drops.

iLeopard said:
Obviously not scratch proof. No gorilla glass. Yes to the arguably "reinforced" glass. As long as you don't put your phone in with keys, coins, etc...you should be fine. I don't use a screen protector or case on mine and so far I only have a few nicks from light drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Watch out for sand, I'm pretty sure that's what scratched mine

There is no scratch proof glass on phones. Even Gorilla Glass scratches against things like sand.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Well gorilla glass is not much more than Cornings branded version of the hardened glass found on any phone including the GN. It is as resistant as any phone, but as it's still glass, it's likely that it will scratch. Personally mine has a bunch of tiny scratches(had it since launch). I bet they are caused by sand, and they are no better or worse than my previous phone with gorilla glass.
Whether you need a screen-protector is a question of whether you will be more annoyed by the protector or the tiny scratches. But it is likely that you will get tiny scratches.

My experience:
Galaxy Skyrocket with Gorilla glass: 1 1/2 years without a single scratch.
Galaxy Nexus: scratched in the first month.

Get a screen protector. These screens are pretty soft. It will easily scratch just from being in your pocket.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I've had mine for about 15 months, and I try to be careful with the phone. But try as I may, things happen. My glass is still crystal clear and free of any visible scratches, but there are multiple spots on the bezel around the glass that are scratched and pitted. I don't use any screen protectors or a case.

tdf666 said:
Get a screen protector. These screens are pretty soft. It will easily scratch just from being in your pocket.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no it wont. just being in your pocket will NOT scratch the screen. however, if you have some sand in there or something harder than glass, it will scratch it.
i have had my phone for 14 months now, NEVER had a screen protector on it. and i JUST got my first scratch and i believe it was from a grain of sand on my thumb. i spend a LOT of time at the beach in Feb and March (live in Florida ) and its my only guess as to how it happened.
if you are careful, you should be OK without one....but getting one is probably a good idea if you are around sand a lot.

Yes it scratches
- wore out your welcome

Got mine at launch, no screen protector and no major scratches. There are a couple MINOR ones but nothing that can bee seen without careful inspection. I don't abuse the phone but I also don't baby it. I have used a holster and had it in my pocket. Go naked you will be fine if you don't abuse it.
G-Nexus Sent

bpyazel said:
There is no scratch proof glass on phones. Even Gorilla Glass scratches against things like sand.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common misconception: Gorilla glass is not scratch resistant. If anything, slightly shatterproof.

iLeopard said:
Common misconception: Gorilla glass is not scratch resistant. If anything, slightly shatterproof.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The misconception is what exactly a "scratch" is. A layer of glass is actually removed and cannot be "fixed". Anything will scratch if rubbed against an abrasive with a greater hardness.

063_XOBX said:
The misconception is what exactly a "scratch" is. A layer of glass is actually removed and cannot be "fixed". Anything will scratch if rubbed against an abrasive with a greater hardness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. My comment was just to reinforce the fact that unlike popular belief, gorilla glass is not at all scratch resistant but rather shatterproof. Not so much as an entire "layer".

Ways to potentially hide/remove scratches on the Nexus %

Well, I've had my nexus 5 for little over 2 months now, and the screen is just covered with surface scratches. It's really annoying as I have never dropped the phone, or left it in my pocket with my keys, nevertheless, despite my best efforts the screen is riddled in micro scratches only visible in the sun. Is there any way I can remove these easily? or could I use a screen protector to hide them? Also, isn't gorilla glass 3 supposed to be scratch resistant, because from what I've seen it's really not.
Any help would be much appreciated.

Avidgamer said:
Well, I've had my nexus 5 for little over 2 months now, and the screen is just covered with surface scratches. It's really annoying as I have never dropped the phone, or left it in my pocket with my keys, nevertheless, despite my best efforts the screen is riddled in micro scratches only visible in the sun. Is there any way I can remove these easily? or could I use a screen protector to hide them? Also, isn't gorilla glass 3 supposed to be scratch resistant, because from what I've seen it's really not.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you posted in this section and didn't use a (?), I thought you where providing a magic product to erase scratches
You can hide/reduce visibility of some or many of them with a screen protector but not all.

+1 to above. Matte screen protector helps a bit. Depends if it's your thing though.

GUGUITOMTG4 said:
Since you posted in this section and didn't use a (?), I thought you where providing a magic product to erase scratches
You can hide/reduce visibility of some or many of them with a screen protector but not all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about that, but yeah, i think I may pick up one of those invisible shields, but these scratches are quite thin and light. so who knows i guess we'll wait and see.

For microscratches pretty much any screen protector will do.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I'll echo the above sentiments. I had (well, have) a barely noticeable, yet nonetheless aggravating scratch, about a centimeter in length, toward the bottom of my display. A regular plastic (non-matte) screen protector solved that issue, as well as completely hiding a giant 'permanent' smudge caused by my oleophobic coating wearing off (but that's another story). So you'll hopefully be good to go.

Metals don't scratch glass. Sand particles do.
If the tiny scratches that can only be viewed at a certain angle under strong light when the screen is off irritate you that much, you may have to use a plastic screen protector and change it every 3 days, or a glass protector and change it every few months.
Gorilla Glass 3 is already the most scratch-resistant thing you can normally get for your phone. Any protectors will scratch worse than it.
There is no way to remove the scratches without damaging the oleophobic layer. A way to "remove" the scratch is to use toothpaste, but that actually scratches the sides of the scratch to "flatten" it. The oleophobic layer will be damaged and you will leave bad smudges on that area.
The best way is to buy a Nexus 5 front frame from eBay and replace it.

timothyung said:
you may have to use a plastic screen protector and change it every 3 days
The best way is to buy a Nexus 5 front frame from eBay and replace it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow isnt 3days too often? I would say with a good quality screen protector it should at least be good for 3-6months.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

bushako said:
Wow isnt 3days too often? I would say with a good quality screen protector it should at least be good for 3-6months.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glass protectors yes, but no matter how good quality a plastic screen protector is, the hardness is still only 4H max, meaning micro scratches can build up pretty soon. I mean those tiny, tiny scratches that you can hardly notice unless under the sun.