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...my naked N5 slipped from my cold, numb fingers and landed flat but face down on a NYC sidewalk a couple days ago. At first it looked like a "soft landing" but no such luck and now I'm looking at a screen replacement (screen itself OK, but glass cracked all to hell).
So now I'm wondering if this could have been prevented simply by a case and not necessarily a screen protector as well. I've used cases such as an Otterbox Commuter in the past but never dropped any of those phones to the extent this one went down. It seems to me that any case with a slight lip on the front -- as most of them must have -- would be enough since the screen itself would not hit the ground.
From research on this forum and web sites I'm currently favoring the Spigen Thin Armor case but am wondering if a high-quality screen protector would also be worth it. My screen at the time it was damaged really had no scratches at all, so the Gorilla Glass was doing its job. Would one of those tempered glass protectors also provide shatter protection? Or would a decent case by itself be sufficient?
FWIW, I've used thin-film protectors in the past but always found them annoying due to bubbles, making the screen less readable, and/or affecting the touch response.
Even with a case on, if there was a small rock or a jagged edge on the ground that nicks the screen, it would have still been toast anyway. This is regardless of if there was a lip protecting it or not. It all depends on what's on the ground by chance.
A tempered glass protector probably could have saved the screen though, since you said it landed flat on its face. Tempered glass protectors are perfect for impacts that land face down, not so much on edges or sides. You will see most demonstrations of tempered glass done with nails, hammers, drop tests, etc. with the phone being impacted directly on the face. If it impacts from the side, there is a good chance the screen could still break as tempered glass isn't really designed to protect from those types of impacts.
That is where the case with a lip comes in. Those are meant to protect from side and edge impacts. Most drops generally don't land flat like yours, they tend to bounce around on corners first, so the case would absorb most of the impact and not the phone directly.
Your best bet is to both have a tempered glass screen protector (for flat impacts), and a bumper frame or TPU case (for the rest).
I use a Nillkin H+ Tempered Glass screen protector and a bumper frame (back not covered as I put a skin on the back) and I'm pretty much covered for most brain lapse moments.
rochrunner said:
FWIW, I've used thin-film protectors in the past but always found them annoying due to bubbles, making the screen less readable, and/or affecting the touch response.
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Once you learn the hinge method for putting on screen protectors, you won't have air bubbles or dust underneath. You can't even tell my phone has a screen protector on it. Youtube has several videos on how to do it properly.
I refuse to pay big $$$ for glass protectors because you only get one of them, and you either do it right, or throw it away. With plastic protectors, you get several for a few dollars.
wolfen69 said:
I refuse to pay big $$$ for glass protectors because you only get one of them, and you either do it right, or throw it away. With plastic protectors, you get several for a few dollars.
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That's not true. I applied and removed my Nillkin more then 10 times during the application to get rid of the dust I missed trapped underneath because I suck at applying screen protectors. It reapplied the same every time. All you have to do is make sure you don't firmly press it down and you're fine. This is even after you see the adhesion process occur. It will still peel up. The adhesive takes a few hours to a day (depending on brand) to fully stick/cure.
If a person like me can apply one glass screen protector, anyone else will do it better. One is all you need.
Plastic will only give basic scratch protection and leave a greasy screen after a while. If it takes the same fall his did, the screen would still be done for.
mmmmBACON said:
I use a Nillkin H+ Tempered Glass screen protector and a bumper frame (back not covered as I put a skin on the back) and I'm pretty much covered for most brain lapse moments.
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What bumper frame do you use? I've been looking for one myself for a while now...
Cases protect the actual body of the phone, and maybe the screen if it happens to land flat. But if a rock of some other elevated object hits the screen then it will be done for. And a plastic screen protector will do nothing, that protects against scratches like from sand. A glass one would be the best bet for shatter protection. I've seen a person take a hammer to a screen with a glass screen protector on. The protector was rekt but the phone screen was fine.
Awesomepie85 said:
What bumper frame do you use? I've been looking for one myself for a while now...
Cases protect the actual body of the phone, and maybe the screen if it happens to land flat. But if a rock of some other elevated object hits the screen then it will be done for. And a plastic screen protector will do nothing, that protects against scratches like from sand. A glass one would be the best bet for shatter protection. I've seen a person take a hammer to a screen with a glass screen protector on. The protector was rekt but the phone screen was fine.
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There are 2 that I would probably recommend. I'm currently using a transparent bumper case off of ebay. I did a review here http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/accessories/lucency-transparent-bumper-case-review-t2690108. It is $2.88 shipped. If you do choose this one, I would stick to black. After using them for a while now, the various colours tend to stain easily, but the black doesn't. It is just for light drop protection, but since the main body is a harder plastic, it won't absorb a higher drop like a softer bumper frame, or a TPU case would. I personally like it because it is transparent and you can still see the sides of the phone and the skin through it.
The other is the replica Nexus 4 bumper, for the Nexus 5. Mine is still in the mail so I haven't tried it out yet, but others have bought it and it seems to have gotten pretty good reviews overall. http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/accessories/replica-official-nexus-4-bumper-nexus-5-t2698422. It's a little bit pricier at $12.99 off Amazon, or around $8 - $10 off Aliexpress.
rochrunner said:
...my naked N5 slipped from my cold, numb fingers and landed flat but face down on a NYC sidewalk a couple days ago. At first it looked like a "soft landing" but no such luck and now I'm looking at a screen replacement (screen itself OK, but glass cracked all to hell).
So now I'm wondering if this could have been prevented simply by a case and not necessarily a screen protector as well. I've used cases such as an Otterbox Commuter in the past but never dropped any of those phones to the extent this one went down. It seems to me that any case with a slight lip on the front -- as most of them must have -- would be enough since the screen itself would not hit the ground.
From research on this forum and web sites I'm currently favoring the Spigen Thin Armor case but am wondering if a high-quality screen protector would also be worth it. My screen at the time it was damaged really had no scratches at all, so the Gorilla Glass was doing its job. Would one of those tempered glass protectors also provide shatter protection? Or would a decent case by itself be sufficient?
FWIW, I've used thin-film protectors in the past but always found them annoying due to bubbles, making the screen less readable, and/or affecting the touch response.
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Click to collapse
There are many choices for thicker protection cases. Properly applied screen protectors don't have any bubbles.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Hey! There's a kickstarter project for someone: A case with airbags that deploy when the phone finds itself in free-fall .
Claghorn said:
Hey! There's a kickstarter project for someone: A case with airbags that deploy when the phone finds itself in free-fall .
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Those sly people at Honda have already done it.
Claghorn said:
Hey! There's a kickstarter project for someone: A case with airbags that deploy when the phone finds itself in free-fall .
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I don't think I'd feel comfortable having that in my side pocket close to my family jewels or especially not in my back pocket.
BCSC said:
Those sly people at Honda have already done it.
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Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Do you use a screen protector or not? Please be sure to vote!
If not, is the Gorilla Glass enough, or does your naked screen have scratches (or worse)?
I haven't used a screen protector so far and I regret it. There's no deep scratches, but there are micro-scratches that are visible in bright lighting...
MelloZ said:
I haven't used a screen protector so far and I regret it. There's no deep scratches, but there are micro-scratches that are visible in bright lighting...
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Sorry to hear that…*Did you keep it in your pocket with keys, coins, etc.?
I have a pixel XL screen protector on my A7. I cut it to fit the A7.
I thought you had cut a Note 7 cover to fit?
amphi66 said:
I thought you had cut a Note 7 cover to fit?
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I did but it peeled off so I cut a pixel screen protector.
borijess said:
I did but it peeled off so I cut a pixel screen protector.
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Tempered glass or flexible film?
MelloZ said:
I haven't used a screen protector so far and I regret it. There's no deep scratches, but there are micro-scratches that are visible in bright lighting...
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I've had the same experience. I didn't use a screen protector for a period of maybe, 3 weeks? And noticed the micro scratches also when viewing the device at extreme angles. [near 180 obtuse angles? Or near 0 degree acute angles respective to the plane of the phone? Sorry math people.]
One of the few things about the phone that make me a little disappointed with ZTE.
Since then, I've been using a liquid screen protector and it works well.. I've dropped my phone once. From about 4-5 feet up onto concrete with no damage to screen but a metal flake on the upper and lower housing.
I would recommend using something.. Anything, as some protection is better than no protection. Be it from micro scratches, hairline cracks, or complete screen destruction.
MrWilsonxD said:
I didn't use a screen protector for a period of maybe, 3 weeks? And noticed the micro scratches also when viewing the device at extreme angles. [near 180 obtuse angles? Or near 0 degree acute angles respective to the plane of the phone? Sorry math people.]
One of the few things about the phone that make me a little disappointed with ZTE.
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The problem is Gorilla Glass 4… It's more prone to tiny scratches than Gorilla Glass 3. But don't most smartphones, including the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy line use GG4 as well?
No screen protector here as I couldn't find one, and luckily I have no scratches at all. The screen seems incredibly resistant!
baconboy said:
No screen protector here as I couldn't find one, and luckily I have no scratches at all. The screen seems incredibly resistant!
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So you removed the one that came pre-installed on the phone?
Actually the EU version does not come with a screen protector. So maybe he has that version. i do
That's the reason I've always uesd tempered glass - micro scratches! To all the people thinking it's because of keys or coins, etc. in your pocket- it's not, as most keys and coins are usually softer metal that can't scratch Gorila Glass (that's how they're able to make keys for you from blanks).
It's little particles of sand that can end up with the rest of your pocket lint that's believed to be the cause of microscratches. Sand is usually silica which is 6-7 on MOH's scale for hardness which is above what any of the Gorilla Glass 1-5 has been rated to protect.
I'm now on my second Axon 7, due to a cracked screen. I was using an aftermarket flexible protector. Looking for a tempered glass option for the replacement phone.
On the upside, ZTE does at least include accidental damage coverage in the warranty. It's still $80 for accidental damage, but that's a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a new phone or getting the screen repaired.
tsgeek said:
I'm now on my second Axon 7, due to a cracked screen. I was using an aftermarket flexible protector.
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Which aftermarket flexible protector? How did it get cracked, and which case were you using, if any?
In my opinion, the case is the most important element of protection from cracking in case of drops, unless the screen hits something sharp, like a rock or the corner of something —*that's when you need tempered glass.
nuserame said:
Which aftermarket flexible protector? How did it get cracked, and which case were you using, if any?
In my opinion, the case is the most important element of protection from cracking in case of drops, unless the screen hits something sharp, like a rock or the corner of something —*that's when you need tempered glass.
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Good point. I wasn't using any kind of case, and it likely would have helped in my scenario. The protector was a DeltaShield BodyArmor Full Coverage Screen Protector. I dropped the phone on to my concrete porch. I think it hit flat face down on the concrete.
I have 2 different cases on order: a Spigen Rugged Armor case and a CoverON Hard Slim Hybrid Kickstand case. We'll see which one I like better.
Does the mate 20 x come with a glass srceen protector?
bump
No,my 20x comes with Plastic srceen protector
Ditto - plastic
So you guys recommend I get a glass screen protector? Or just leave the plastic one it already has?
.
I would use the plastic until it is no longer usable then switch to temp glass. I still have the plastic and and will keep it that way until it is too damaged.
deloj said:
So you guys recommend I get a glass screen protector? Or just leave the plastic one it already has?
.
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I'm using the pre-installed screen protector and the official Huawei smart case. Been working great for me.
deloj said:
So you guys recommend I get a glass screen protector? Or just leave the plastic one it already has?
.
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If you plan the use the pen the plastic will not last much from my experience and it does scratch easy. Also the plastic does not have oleophobic coating and it will gather finger oils fast. On top of that the finger does not glide as smooth on it as it does on glass.
edit said:
If you plan the use the pen the plastic will not last much from my experience and it does scratch easy. Also the plastic does not have oleophobic coating and it will gather finger oils fast. On top of that the finger does not glide as smooth on it as it does on glass.
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So I should get a tempered glass protector then.
deloj said:
So I should get a tempered glass protector then.
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It depends on your usage patterns and how picky you are... you can use it as it is for a while and see how it fits you... if you are not happy get a glass for it...
Just make sure it's a good glass, meaning it needs to have rounded edges, oleophobic coating, cover the screen properly but fits fine with the case you are using...
edit said:
It depends on your usage patterns and how picky you are... you can use it as it is for a while and see how it fits you... if you are not happy get a glass for it...
Just make sure it's a good glass, meaning it needs to have rounded edges, oleophobic coating, cover the screen properly but fits fine with the case you are using...
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Good advice. Thanks. But when I do decide to get a glass protector for it, what thickness do you recommend I get?
.
deloj said:
Good advice. Thanks. But when I do decide to get a glass protector for it, what thickness do you recommend I get?
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Don't expect the glass to protect the screen much in case on an impact giving the big size of the screen... my glass is around 0.2-03mm thick...
Don't get me wrong It's definitely better to have one sheet of glass on it than a sheet of plastic when are talking about impact just don't expect miracles
I've put a glass on it because I am picky:
- the default sheet although is nice to have and protects from scratches but it does not have oleophobic coating so it smudges pretty bad
- when using a pen you need to push harder and the default plastic sheet gets scratched a lot and also gets some deep scratches fast, also the pen does not slide smoothly like it does on a glass
- the feel of smooth glass while scrolling is priceless... finger slides on glass so much better...
- I watch a lot of media on the phone so I hate having scratches on the screen and no matter how carefull you are, you will get scratches... some will be quite deep and will be visible.
- I use the flip case and with a flip case you have a higher chance of some dirt to get caught between the flip and the screen and get scratched
- the screen is flat so a glass screen is cheap (compared to the ones for the curbed screens are are more expensive and with many drawbacks)
I use a Glass Screen Protector from Amazon.
2 Pieces QDADZD Glass Screen Protector 9H for Huawei Mate 20 X. 0,33mm dickness (Inches 0,01299213)
I am very happy with it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/QDADZD-Protector-Tempered-Bubble-Free-Protective/dp/B07Q3NJ44F
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/QDADZD-Huawei-Mate-20-X-Screen-Protector-Tempered-Glass-Full-Coverage-9H-HD-/223579484620
I've been waiting to install my whitestone dome glass until I finally received a full body case. I finally received 2 of the Spigen cases and I come to find out that if I install the whitestone glass then the front part of the case won't go on, on either of my cases. Has anyone found a case that works with the whitestone dome glass.
Just in case you're wondering I have the Spigen Thin Fit design case and the Spigen Ultra hybrid design clear case.
I wouldn't imagine that there would a front case cover that would be compatible with the Whitestone Dome screen protector due to the fact that the screen protector curves. If the case is made to fit over the tempered glass than the plastic around that area would much thinner and weaker. This might be possible if the case is made out of Aramid. Then this is were my mind goes in circles, why didn't Samsung create an Aramid front cover and just the back one only. When I first noticed that the Whitestone screen protector I immediately thought there will be for sure many complaints regarding either "defective" or bad design screen protectors due to the pressure of the front case cover on the screen protector, causing the protector to shift.
nunyabiziz said:
I wouldn't imagine that there would a front case cover that would be compatible with the Whitestone Dome screen protector due to the fact that the screen protector curves. If the case is made to fit over the tempered glass than the plastic around that area would much thinner and weaker. This might be possible if the case is made out of Aramid. Then this is were my mind goes in circles, why didn't Samsung create an Aramid front cover and just the back one only. When I first noticed that the Whitestone screen protector I immediately thought there will be for sure many complaints regarding either "defective" or bad design screen protectors due to the pressure of the front case cover on the screen protector, causing the protector to shift.
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This is what I was worried about. It didn't seem like the whitestone would fit with a front case. So i guess leads to the next question, what will provide better protection, a whitestone glass or a front case. I feel like day to day, the front case will help prevent a lot of scrapes and scratches but when your drop it, i don't know if it will really protect the screen. Decisions decisions. First world problems....
mmafighter077 said:
This is what I was worried about. It didn't seem like the whitestone would fit with a front case. So i guess leads to the next question, what will provide better protection, a whitestone glass or a front case. I feel like day to day, the front case will help prevent a lot of scrapes and scratches but when your drop it, i don't know if it will really protect the screen. Decisions decisions. First world problems....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So for protection, front case would be the way to go. This wouldn't apply to all case, ie something sharp could still damage the outside screen. If a drop does happen, front case or just case would offer better protection. The downside on most front cases, are the limited ability to swipe down or just touch response around the edges of the screen.
nunyabiziz said:
I wouldn't imagine that there would a front case cover that would be compatible with the Whitestone Dome screen protector due to the fact that the screen protector curves. If the case is made to fit over the tempered glass than the plastic around that area would much thinner and weaker. This might be possible if the case is made out of Aramid. Then this is were my mind goes in circles, why didn't Samsung create an Aramid front cover and just the back one only. When I first noticed that the Whitestone screen protector I immediately thought there will be for sure many complaints regarding either "defective" or bad design screen protectors due to the pressure of the front case cover on the screen protector, causing the protector to shift.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nunyabiziz said:
So for protection, front case would be the way to go. This wouldn't apply to all case, ie something sharp could still damage the outside screen. If a drop does happen, front case or just case would offer better protection. The downside on most front cases, are the limited ability to swipe down or just touch response around the edges of the screen.
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I found this today. This guy installed both the whitestone glass and the Spigen case at the same time. You just have to deal with the front case being lifted a little. But it's not that bad.
https://youtu.be/p2pL7RvykuY
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyFold/comments/jd4bgg/finally_a_case_that_works_with_whitestone_dome/
chuynh1109 said:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyFold/comments/jd4bgg/finally_a_case_that_works_with_whitestone_dome/
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This is good to know. Did you purchase it?
mmafighter077 said:
This is good to know. Did you purchase it?
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yeah, that's my thread over on reddit. The ebay seller is great and it's fast shipping too.
Is the screenprotector that has been pre-installed on the S20 PET or TPU?
Don't know but it protects the screen better than I expected. Saved my N10+ from a nasty fall onto a piece of angle aluminum. Hit right on the curved portion of course. Messed up to protector but spared the glass (wasn't sure until I removed the protector).
Happen the 2nd day I had the phone with a poorly designed case on it that didn't have raised side guards like the ones I use now.
I recommend the Gorilla IQ Sheild, a wet apply hydrogel protector that's long lived, easy to apply, self healing and gives good protection.
The case should be the primary impact protection; raised guards on top/bottom and slightly higher than the screen on the sides.
blackhawk said:
Don't know but it protects the screen better than I expected. Saved mysamsung n10 plus from a nasty fall onto a piece of angle aluminum. Hit right on the curved portion of course. Messed up to protector but spared the glass (wasn't sure until I removed the protector).
Happen the 2nd day I had the phone with a poorly designed case on it that didn't have raised side guards like the ones I use now.
I recommend the Gorilla IQ Sheild, a wet apply hydrogel protector that's long lived, easy to apply, self healing and gives good protection.
The case should be the primary impact protection; raised guards on top/bottom and slightly higher than the screen on the sides.
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Does the fingerprint sensor/reader work with the Gorilla IQ Sheild on?
j_cocker said:
Does the fingerprint sensor/reader work with the Gorilla IQ Sheild on?
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Not sure as I never use it, double tap on/off.
Probably will work, I don't have any touch screen issues but do have increased sensitivity enabled.
The factory screen protector will last a couple months, don't remove it until you have to.
The IQ Sheild protectors are inexpensive so your not going to be set back much if it doesn't work as desired. Much more forgiving to install than the adhesive backed ones that cost 2-5 times as much and don't last any longer.
Never stretch any of these protectors during installation even the slightest bit as it will cause a bonding failure.
Thanks. Only problem I have with mine is that the fingerprint sensor does not work with the protector on, hence my question. Trying to find one where the finger still works, even with a protector.
j_cocker said:
Thanks. Only problem I have with mine is that the fingerprint sensor does not work with the protector on, hence my question. Trying to find one where the finger still works, even with a protector.
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Probably not. The factory one isn't that thick vs the 3rd party ones.
Thanks