Related
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
As some of you may know that Spigen has developed the new version "Ultra Crystal"
Customer service emailed me the answers to questions that I had regarding this protector as shown below in this post. In research I found that the hardness is higher then the "nano clear" and the "ultra curved" therefore being more scratch resistance. The other specification is the size is slightly shorter then the "nano clear". There response didn't describe the actual size but I was able to find it on EBAY New Ultra Crystal
The cons of the other protectors such as in the "ultra curved" where it scratches easily per reviews in comparison and it could lift up depending on the case being used and the "ultra nano" where again it scratches easily per reviews in comparison but is cut short and not a full protector. The cut or gap distance from the bezel to the side edge of the "ultra nano" somewhere in the middle of the frame border whether it is the pebble blue or white S3 whereas the "ultra crystal" lies exactly on the edge of the display. The edge of the "ultra crystal" lining up with the edge of the display "maybe" less noticeable but being a thicker maybe not. Hopefully I shed some light on the pros and cons along with speculation and opinion on these protectors and having said that would you choose the "ultra crystal" over the other Spigen brands described above.
Thank you for contacting SPIGEN.com Customer Service Department.
Hi, my name is from SPIGEN.com.
The improvements we have made to our Ultra Crystal is that it will better
adhere to the curved screen with a stronger silicone bond.
It is cut slightly smaller than the Nano Clear to accommodate the extra
thickness of the screen protector.
In order for the bond to stick securely, we needed to design the size
smaller to ensure that it will not lift at the edges.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
again.
Thank you.
=================================================================
Customer Service Representative,
-
[email protected]
www.SPIGEN.com
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPIGEN-SGP-...Samsung-Galaxy-S3-international-/110929465274
Yeah, so the new&improved ultra crystal is just cut smaller so it won't lift. thanks.
Pros: It's thicker and more scratch resistant than the Nano or Curved Crystal
Cons: It's not full coverage (which is also a Pro, if you have tight case that lifts up fullcoverage protectors)
edit: and I think you linked to the OLD ultra crystal on Amazon, because Amazon still shows that I "bought this item on June 12th" (and returned it). should have a new SKU.
Thanks zmore, The link is now corrected. Ebay actually shows the new dimensions of the ultra crystal.
Yeah I ordered from their amazon page last week and the listing even stated that it was the new and improved version yet I was still sent the old defective version that they originally discontinued. Sending it back today for a refund.
i really wanna buy his on amazon because i have a gift card i could use but dont want to take my chances with it being the old version
I ordered a new one from SGP directly on Wednesday and should get it Monday/Tuesday.
titans1187 said:
Yeah I ordered from their amazon page last week and the listing even stated that it was the new and improved version yet I was still sent the old defective version that they originally discontinued. Sending it back today for a refund.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the new one on amazon and sent them an email noting that i specifically want the new one. but just incase they sent an old version, how can i tell the difference between the two?
Got mine today...
Installation was tricky.The width of the protector is the width of the screen. You have to get the alignment dead-on.
Once it's on, it looks good. However, this is not for everybody.
The protector is thicker. You can feel the edge because it only covers the width of the LCD. If you go without a case that has a lip around the edge, the protector edge may bother you.
Got mine yesterday too, it is just the width of the screen and you have to be precise, but the feel is more like the original screen now. And like mentioned above it does have a lip but I have the Incipio case on it and don't notice it.
bookmonke said:
Got mine yesterday too, it is just the width of the screen and you have to be precise, but the feel is more like the original screen now. And like mentioned above it does have a lip but I have the Incipio case on it and don't notice it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post a few pics close-up of the ultra crystal on the S3?
I bought it and it is being shipped to me, can't wait.
This was the second install, wasn't happy with the first try, still a little off for my taste but its working for now.
I have the same case, the down to the color.
I don't mind the protector most of the time, but I do notice it whenever I need to run my finger around the edge of the screen. There is a gap between the edge of the protector and the edge of the Incipio silicone.
Is this protector the final solution? For now.
I wonder if I should sell the second protector?
Sent from my Spirit Galaxy S3 (SPH-L710)
it doesnt scratch easily like the nano right?
steveim said:
it doesnt scratch easily like the nano right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's identical to the ultra crystal for s2, in which case doesn't scratch easily. I only had micro scratches which are only visible under strong light on my year old ultra crystal.
What is the best/everyones favourite screen protectors? I head that the Nillkin H+ . Is this true? Thanks :good:
Not sure if there is a best, it's just tempered glass. The major differences would be minor features like thickness, cutout accuracy, and edge rounding.
I have tried many different glass screen protectors, from iVolver to Nilkin. I am back with Nilkin now cause I think it is the best. Especially Im very OCD with fingerprint smudges, and Nilkin does wonderful with the anti-oleophobic coating so, I am very satisfied.
There is no the best, just has the fit. i had just bought a cheap OPT glass screen from here, and cost 2.99, free shipping, and i use well.
I have ordered /cool mango/ tempered glass from Amazon
Pretty cheap just 299rs including delivery, lets see how it goes ..
Similar questions like these are being asked all the time.. And honestly they are all more or less the same. Regardless of what brand you buy and the source, they all claim to do the exact same thing, and after using several glass protectors for different devices, I can safely say this is true. What you'll want main is the thickness, try go get the thinnest possible ones. However do take note that quite often those glass that claim to be 0.2mm is in reality 0.26mm, with some being as thick as 0.3mm. You may not feel that much of a difference by the time you slap the glass on your screen though. So the next important thing to look out for is the quality of the oleophobic coating, which you will only find out how good it is by the time you use it.
My suggestion is just buy any low priced tempered glass off Aliexpress or something. They only cost a dollar or two and usually ship for free, so just go ahead and grab 2 or 3 pieces. If you want to play it safe you may buy different types from different sellers so you can try out different brands and see which one you prefer.
Same boat with cr0wnest.
I bought probably 3 screen protectors from different manufacturers ( and different prices) for Oneplus 1. And all of them either got broke/ chipped ( served there purpose of course, that is protect the screen of the phone).
Now, I just bought 2 pieces of cheaper screen protectors for my Oneplus Two just in case they get damaged.
I got two from Aliexpress which costed $1.28 , fits perfectly and happy so far. I don't think you should pay "genuine" glasses that much money. They are almost identical and do the same jobs.
They are not all the same. I've experienced uneven adhesive coating at the edges of the cheaper ones. It happened once on my LG G3 and now on the OPT. As far as Nilkin is concerned, they are the most consistent in product quality, which is why I used them if I can (I bought the cheaper one as a temporary measure until I could get the Nilkin shipped to me).
Oh, one more thing. I had polarisation issues with cheaper tempered glass protectors but not with Nilkin. This happened when I use the phone for navigation in the car, with polarised sunglasses.
blurblur said:
They are not all the same. I've experienced uneven adhesive coating at the edges of the cheaper ones. It happened once on my LG G3 and now on the OPT. As far as Nilkin is concerned, they are the most consistent in product quality, which is why I used them if I can (I bought the cheaper one as a temporary measure until I could get the Nilkin shipped to me).
Oh, one more thing. I had polarisation issues with cheaper tempered glass protectors but not with Nilkin. This happened when I use the phone for navigation in the car, with polarised sunglasses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear that perhaps you got unlucky. I've tried tons and tons of tempered glass for different devices and they are all almost identical in overall quality. Never had any issues with adhesive as far as I'm concerned, unless the protective film protecting the adhesive was damaged. You are far more likely to get a glass damaged during shipment rather than getting one that is of poor quality.
Casebase Premium Tempered Glass...
...is the best!
Anyway to remove the air bubble inside the glass other than taking it off....
The Toughest Tempered Screen Protector for OnePlus 2 Tested ! Casebase Review - Tortured !
Orzly is in my eyes the best one. It has rounded edges and the fit is perfect. I tried Nillkin but it cracked the first day in the thin area around the home button.
original oneplus protector is pretty good, but evolutive labs makes one thats quite strong. but quite expensive ($25)
The OnePlus Tempered glass is very bad its get scratches.
So far if you install it properly, Nillkin is the best. Mocolo/glass4m and Ultimate Shield is good too
I'm currently using the official tempered glass on my OnePlus Two (my daily driver), and a brandless third-party one for my OnePlus One and I must say that my experience with the official protector has been better.
I dropped my OPT from shoulder height and it landed facedown on a marble floor and it miraculously survived (no visible scratches). So based on my experience it's pretty durable.
I know it probably is accidental but the protector on my OnePlus One is starting to loosen up near the capacity buttons, and I have not even used it that much.
I'm not saying it's first-party > third-party because there are a lot of good third party protectors out there (e.g. Nillkin), but in my case the official one has been treating me better.
Since there is only a thread for the Nillkin cases and tempered glass I thought it would be nice to have some thread for the accessories in general.
Until this day I tried 3 cases, two screen protectors (films) and two tempered glass protectors.
Case No. 1 ) Slim, silicone case http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transparent-Clear-Silicone-Slim-Gel-Case-For-Huawei-Honor-9/112446352466?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 - Very slim and light case made from nice silicone BUT the protection when dropped would be none. It's not made 100% precisely and since it's silicone it doesn't look any good on the back where it creates bubbles. I've ordered this as the first case to have at least some protection. Nice thing is they include free screen protector but the quality isn't very good - doesn't cover the whole display (I'm not talking about edge-to-edge) and there are 2mm gaps on each side and when the display is on it looks terrible. 2/5
Case No. 2) Nillkin Super Frosted http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-HUAWEI-Honor-9-NILLKIN-Super-Frosted-Shield-Hard-Plastic-Back-Covers-Cases-/152596952252?var=&hash=item23877cb4bc:m:mtNLCAV-KRHaAK2TUOYLPTg - very nice case, really sturdy BUT I have few complaints - it's kinda slippery on the sides but this will go away after some use maybe and the bottom side around jack, charging port and speaker is a bit sharp and if you're holding the phone with the little finger on the bottom it't not really comfortable. Besides that it's really nice case for the price but I expected a bit more. But once again for the price it's more than OK. 4/5
Case No. 3) TPU Shockproof case with "carbon" http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Carbon-Fiber-Slim-Shockproof-Soft-TPU-Back-Case-For-Huawei-Honor-9-Magic/112325496837?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=412748326145&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 - as you can imagine, there is absolutely no carbon at all, just some kind of "sticker" or what it is. Nevermind, this case is the best of the three. Really nice case made from TPU, sturdy, should have the best drop protection and fits just perfectly. There is a small "rim" around the screen that should protect the screen from scratches when the phone is "face down". 5/5
Screen protector (film) No. 1) Nillkin Super Clear Protective Film - in terms of size the best screen protector I've had. Obviously it's not edge-to-edge but it does cover the whole display with gaps on the edges BUT the display is fully protected so thumbs up for me. In terms of "anti-fingerprint" it's nowhere close to the display or the back but is much better than some noname protector I've got with TPU case. Overall very nice screen protector for free but I'm still waiting for the Nillkin H+ tempered glass and some noname edge-to-edge tempered glass. 4/5
Tempered glass No. 1) Edge-to-edge blue 2.5D tempered glass http://www.ebay.com/itm/9H-2-5D-Full-Cover-Real-Tempered-Glass-Screen-Protective-Film-For-Huawei-honor-9/152593109357?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=452016649496&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 - really nice tempered glass (2 pcs) for the price. It has the adhesive only on the top, bottom and the sides but the application was very easy and the glass holds on even with any of tested cases. It has some "dots" in the screen area so I got no rainbow effect whatsoever. The blue color is a bit different from the original color od the phone but it's not a problem since you have your phone in a case. Overall for the price pretty good. 4/5
Tempered glass No. 2) Normal tempered glass Caliber (bought in CZE) - not edge-to-edge, doesn't cover the whole screen, gaps on the sides. Overall sh*t. 1/5
Still waiting for the Nillkin H+ tempered glass.
Nilkin Amazing H+ Pro is No Go
Got the 0.2mm H+ Pro. It's cover the display area for like 99%, with-out just about 0.5mm on each side, after all still the best.
BUT. The silicon layer doesn't hold the tempered glass on both sides, looks like the phone display curve started a bit earlier than its needed for the protector.
It doesn't stick to the display, making it looks like ****, with 3mm frame from each side. Top/bottom sides stick OK, all the way to edges.
So Nilkin Amazing H+ Pro is No Go for me.
Well, got it yesterday so I'm still waiting to try it but not sure if wan't to :laugh:
cases
sooooo, I bought these from tvc mall. They were so cheap that I bought three different ones with the intent of disposing of whichever were poor. Thing is, they are all good in their own way. The plain bumper is just very slimline. The rugged looking one is cool as it has a stand in landscape mode, and the wallet is exceptional quality, given the price. All three fit perfectly, but the plain bumper makes the power and volume buttons so much more tactile. The rugged one looks really cheap in silver, perhaps black would have been a good choice. As i wasn't expecting much from the wallet one, I also oredered the nilkin wallet but that hasn't arrived yet.
https://www.tvc-mall.com/details/dr...r-9-auspicious-dragon-black-sku10174840d.html
https://www.tvc-mall.com/details/fo...casing-with-kickstand-black-sku10174919a.html
https://www.tvc-mall.com/details/ma...ot-for-huawei-honor-9-black-sku10175044a.html
https://www.tvc-mall.com/details/ni...se-for-huawei-honor-9-black-sku10174916a.html
I have also ordered the ultimate sheild screen protector, which is edge to edge, in black as I think it will make an excellent contrast to the silver rear of the handset....which wont be visible when the (absolutely necessary) bumper is fitted!
Ultimate sheild screen protector
.... And the ultimate sheild protector turned up. It is excellent. A word of caution, unless this is fitted absolutely perfectly, it will render one or both of the capacitance keys inoperable. This happened to me as i fitted the sheild a fraction of a millimetre to the right. I carefully removed and replaced it with more accuracy.
Here is a pic of the black sheild fitted to my silver H9, and a photo of the plain bumper fitted from my previous post. Svelt but rugged!
After a couple of hours of use I can say that there has been no loss of sensitivity on the screen or capacitive buttons, but on darker details and the blacks, it does look like the screen is behind a sheet of glass. You will know what i mean if you have used a screen protector which bonds over its entirety, whereas this one has a mild adhesive at the top and bottom of the protector, where the bezels are. A small price to pay i think to protect my new device. It is mostly noticeable in bright light, not so much in low light. And I love the new black look of the bezels with the silver fingerprint sensor still visible.
Right, so, some more hours on....the ultimate sheild has begun to show its flaws. Towards the middle of the screen there is now what i can only describe as a "woodgrain" effect. This could be caused by tiny amounts of moisture getting between the screen and protector, which I guess there is nothing to stop that happening. They offered a refund for dissatisfaction so I guess I will be chasing that up. Pfffft. So disappointed.....
Is there a smart cover for it ?!
Just bought the TPU Shockproof case and it is amazing! It's a very good quality and it doesn't makes the phone feel like a toy.
I really like it and definitely recommend it!
NotoriousNick said:
Just bought the TPU Shockproof case and it is amazing! It's a very good quality and it doesn't makes the phone feel like a toy.
I really like it and definitely recommend it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you upload a photo of the phone with the case applied?! That would be awesome
The nilkin "sparkle series" wallet turned up. Its awful. Unlike the cheap wallet I purchased, which remains closed under magnetism, the nilkin just falls open and feels poorer quality.
The Ipaky bumper with the clear perspex back is, however, very nice. The only caveat, it sits flush with the screen so offers no protection if you decide to place your device screen down.
I'm waiting for the smart cover case, if it didn't come fast, I'll go with a skin.
I have bought an honor 9 few days ago. Somebody could suggest me a screen protector that cover whole display? With 3D display is so difficult find a good screen protector....
danygold95 said:
I have bought an honor 9 few days ago. Somebody could suggest me a screen protector that cover whole display? With 3D display is so difficult find a good screen protector....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go
https://www.ultimateshield.co.uk/collections/honor-9
PalakMi said:
Here you go
https://www.ultimateshield.co.uk/collections/honor-9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I don't like this type of tempered glass (i know that is the only solution for cover 3d display without space).
So, someone has tested "invisible film screen protector"?
danygold95 said:
Thanks.
I don't like this type of tempered glass (i know that is the only solution for cover 3d display without space).
So, someone has tested "invisible film screen protector"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't test, I will try it once I get my honor 9
PalakMi said:
I didn't test, I will try it once I get my honor 9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:
If someone else has tried this protective film, please give us a feedback.
Did someone try the Mofi screen protector? According to a review on Aliexpress it has minimal space at both sides.
I've seen ones from ultimate shield, I'm considering getting one.
PalakMi said:
I've seen ones from ultimate shield, I'm considering getting one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck with that. Did you read my earlier post? As the protector does not actually sit on the screen, due to the adhesive around the edges, it is susceptible to the "rainbow effect" which i think is caused by humidity between screen and protector. It seemed to manifest itself after the phone had been in my pocket and warmed up. I don't have an overly sweaty crotch.....
Anyhow, they apologised and promptly sent a replacement and the same happened again.
By all means give it a go and they will refund you without issue.
Hi everyone. I've heard that the Sonic Sensor Gen 2 might affect screen protectors, and wanted to know if there were any companies that people trust for screen protectors? Amazon's products for the past few generations of galaxy screen protectors have been garbage inflated with fake reviews.... bait & switch stuff. Obviously the phones aren't out yet, but wanted to see if anyone knows a company that will make something that's not instant garbage material?
Cheers,
Simon
Yep,
I 'll be watching this thread, ordered the Ultra 21 yesterday. First question I'll ask is will the glass protectors work with the fingerprint sensors, or should we use the film type to make sure??
I also read somewhere that these new phones don't come with a protector installed, yes or no??
Ken
My screen on my Oneplus 6 stil looks just about perfect after 2.5 years. I ripped off the factory screen protector shortly after I bought it.
So... I won't bother with one for my S21 either. This new generation Gorilla glass is supposed to be even more durable.
Unless you have like diamond ear rings or something that it might rub up against when you make calls, then you might need something.
I could not sleep without protection (of my phone)
I think i will pre-order one of the around 20 display protections avaliable form amazon (germany)
With in-display fingerprint sensor, I've never been able to get a screen protector that worked. Hopefully this new gorilla glass will be enough
MeisterGigi said:
I could not sleep without protection (of my phone)
I think i will pre-order one of the around 20 display protections avaliable form amazon (germany)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you pre order it yet? i can't find a promotion code like US one in EU. i just found a student discount which is nice but want something more to get it slightly cheaper!! dm me if you found a promotion code in EU
@karandevilocs
I did not order with discount, i am not a student.
Ah, lets see if fingerprint works with protector, but on my wife´s phone (p30 lite) its working with a cheap screen protector, so i think it will do it too on the s21u
I pre-ordered the S21+ and for me this is the only screen worth having:
[Dome Glass] Galaxy S21 Plus Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen Protector Tempered Glass | Limited Time Discount : S21PREORDER * Free Shipping over $30 in US | Hot Deals & Special Promotions Offer | Limited Lifetime Warranty * Ultra Protection | Ultra Clear | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Compatible | Ultra Everything for Galaxy S21...
www.whitestonedome.com
and for the camera: https://www.whitestonedome.com/coll...camera-screen-tempered-glass-protector-2-pack
Yes I know they are expensive.
On my S9+ their screen protected my phone. The protective screen shattered but the phone was perfect. The company also send me a replacement glass for free at that time. If I spend $1,000 on a phone I want to be able to sleep so I'll spend the money on something I can trust.
I am a fan of the Ringke Dual easy Wing. Although like most screen protectors that use a similar installation method I often get the line across the middle of the screen.
Anyone ever use the EGV brand? Looks to be the same process as WhiteStone Dome but at 1/2 the cost
Thanks
Note20U owner here. I've tried out many protectors. The cured tempered glass protectors are the best protection but gave me slower fingerprint unlocks and/or more errors. The first whitestone protectors had issues with the fingerprint sensor and they made a v2 which was better. The TPU protectors ended up being the best compromise for scuff protection and good fingerprint sensor response. I'm hoping QC's updated sensor might make tempered glass viable for me again. Btw, the Note20U had GG Victus and while it's very strong and durable, the screen is surprisingly easy to microscuff even when slid into pockets . It's a shame. I would use TPU at the least. Very few drawbacks IMO.
I used the Spigen Neoflex on the S20 Ultra with no impact on the performance of the fingerprint sensor so I intend to use the same again on the s21 https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08PCJYS6Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
honestly my zagg ones have been fine for the last decade or so ... just get them installed at best buy etc... and buy the best version etc not the cheap ones
this one has anti microbial so in covid is piece of mind
GlassFusion+ with D3O
Flexible hybrid protection with anti-microbial treatment
www.zagg.com
furfmonkey said:
honestly my zagg ones have been fine for the last decade or so ... just get them installed at best buy etc... and buy the best version etc not the cheap ones
this one has anti microbial so in covid is piece of mind
GlassFusion+ with D3O
Flexible hybrid protection with anti-microbial treatment
www.zagg.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks pretty appealing, I’ll have to find a Zagg store and have them install it. Hoping the fingerprint scanner works the same afterwards
furfmonkey said:
honestly my zagg ones have been fine for the last decade or so ... just get them installed at best buy etc... and buy the best version etc not the cheap ones
GlassFusion+ with D3O
Flexible hybrid protection with anti-microbial treatment
www.zagg.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered one of these for the S21, and I'm not thrilled. I haven't applied it yet since the phone is coming today, but this is FAR from glass. It's thin, flexible, obviously plastic, but not floppy like TPU. Considering they advertise it as glass, I'm not amused. Glad I paid nowhere near MSRP for it.
Avoid UniqueMe screen protectors, I just bought them because I needed something to protect the front. Very easy to install and lays flat, but the fingerprint sensor is busted:
Amazon.com: [3 Pack] UniqueMe Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - 6.2 inch Tempered Glass Screen Protector with Easy Installation Frame [HD Clear][Anti-Scratch][Bubble Free]【Not for Samsung S21 Plus】
Amazon.com: [3 Pack] UniqueMe Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - 6.2 inch Tempered Glass Screen Protector with Easy Installation Frame [HD Clear][Anti-Scratch][Bubble Free]【Not for Samsung S21 Plus】
www.amazon.com
I know there's already comments regarding the ZAGG D3O Hybrid Glass, but wanted to give my thoughts since I purchased and installed it: Best Buy Link
It's Not Glass
I too was expecting a glass protector even though they called it a "Glass Hybrid". It is definitely NOT glass, so do not expect that. That being said, it does feel pretty good under the fingers. Not quite as flawless as real glass, but I'd say it's better than the preinstalled one that came on the S20 and previous devices (also, the new S21 I received did come with a preinstalled protector, but it also had a large tab off the corner indicating intent for it to be removed before use). Also, use it for a few minutes after cleaning and it gets smoother. I'm not talking about getting it all greased up, but just using it for a few minutes makes it feel more like genuine glass.
Installation
Installation was horrible for me, but I think I got a defective one. There's a tab that indicates which side of the protector you pull off first, and despite my best efforts, the other layer kept separating, and it was nearly impossible to get the correct layer of backing off of it. That led to it popping off, and me needing to re-adhere it. This resulted in it not being quite perfect, and there being TONS of bubbles under the protector.
Luckily, I bought it at Best Buy and they hooked me up. I brought it in, explained the issue with the backing, and they replaced it free of charge. I just decided to pay 8$ there to have the guy install it for me, and he did it in about a minute flawlessly (seriously). I would definitely recommend buying and installing with Best Buy if you're even remotely nervous about it, as it wasn't as simple as a typical hard, real glass protector (because it's not one). Additionally, that 8$ gets you a free replacement/reinstall through Best Buy as needed.
Fingerprint Sensor
My fingerprint sensor works just fine with this protector. I had no issues even with the first one I installed that had bubbles everywhere. It's certainly more performant than my S20's sensor with the stock Samsung screen protector installed. I use the trick to register both thumbs under the same imprint, and then I do that twice. It's likely not as secure, but it certainly makes it easier to unlock my phone.
Look & Clarity
Look and clarity is excellent. There's no weird visual effects or noticeable modifications to screen colors or clarity. It's also extremely hard to tell it's on my phone. There's enough of a gap on the edge for a case, but I see no gap between my case and the screen protector. It also sheds fingerprints pretty well, so I'm happy with it there.
Overall
I'd give it an 8/10. It's a reliable option with great support and peace of mind through Best Buy, and it's certainly better than the stock protectors that used to come on phones like the S20 through Samsung. You also get a protector that seems to work really well with the fingerprint reader. The Dome glass may be a better option, but I did get this one for about half the price of a Whitestone with a Honey coupon at Best Buy (10$ off, equating to $31 total). I may try a true tempered glass at some point down the line if this one gets damaged, but I'm in no rush to do so.
Just did a review on Reddit from the 3 brands I tried. I'll copy and paste here:
OK, so there's a lot of misinformation going around on here, so I'm going to try to clear the air and give my experience of what works and what doesn't on the S21 (FLAT) screen, and we can assume the same thing for the S21+. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ULTRA, which still needs the LOCA/UV protectors due to the curved screen.
First things first, how I add my fingerprints: I follow the method everyone recommends, which is using the lightest pressure possible to register your prints, so you can ideally tap the display to unlock your phone. I do NOT press as hard as I can, because, honestly, who wants to do that every time they unlock their device?
I register my right thumb 3x and my left thumb once, getting all areas of my right thumb scanned (tip, sides, towrds the tip, towards the knuckle, etc)
OK, so what I've tested so far:
Ouba tempered protectors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RDR1394/
These work. Not especially well, but they work. You have to jam your thumb down ONCE when registering your prints, then light taps work after that. This constantly gives the "cover the entire sensor area" when registering, and when you unlock, your thumb has to be in a pretty precise spot. If you were DEAD SET on tempered, I'd get this, but I still wasn't thrilled.
UniqueMe Protectors - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8ZPC34/
Worked about as well as the Ouba, maybe a little worse. I wasn't happy with these at all. Tore it right off.
AmFilm "Hybrid" glass, designed to work with fingerprints - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RYV6PD5/
First things first - These are NOT glass. They feel like glass on the phone, which is the most important thing, but they're not glass. Anyone who says screen protectors protect your screen from breaking are full of ****. They protect your screen from SCRATCHING, and tempered protectors do the best job of that. I don't know how well these will resist being scratched themselves, but they feel great. It does NOT feel like plastic.
Now, as for how well they work? Perfectly. Like there was nothing on your screen in the first place. Fingerprints were registered quickly, easily, and the slightest tap unlocks the phone. This is where it's at. The protector is also super thin compared to the others, and really feels like a bare phone. If you use a case, you won't even notice it's there.
Edit: Man, this thing collects fingerprints like it was its job. Do NOT expect any sort of oleophobic coating. Still works great, but it gets smudged quickly.
Now, because these are clearly NOT glass, I can't say how durable they will be and how long they'll last, but recently they were on sale for $4.50 for a 2 pack. Well worth the money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regards to @zachman1750 and his review of the Zagg D3O protector: I have the same protector, and it's a LOT like the Amfilm one. Same installation method, same feel, I'm willing to bet it's the same thing made in the same factory. The difference is $50 for the Zagg with $5 lifetime replacements (I paid $35 for mine), while the Amfilm was purchased for $4.50 for a 2 pack on Amazon, and even off sale, they're $9 for 2. I'd save your money and go for the Amfilm.
BladeRunner said:
I am a fan of the Ringke Dual easy Wing. Although like most screen protectors that use a similar installation method I often get the line across the middle of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked for that in Amazon, that was my favorite for the S20 series... Could not find it. I'll check again I guess. Where did you get it?
I got the ESR "liquid skin full coverage" screen protector for my S21. Not sure why they call it that. Dry application, goes on like the Ringke Dual Easy series (has a lower film that grabs dust and then is pushed off in two stages with the squeegee as the final later is pressed into place). Feels pretty good, a few very small bubbles, has not peeled up on the edges so far (tested with Spigen Thin Fit and the Cyril Color Brick).
I would prefer the Ringke Dual Easy Wing, or something that wraps around to the back, so that cases can't push up the edges. Looking for that still.