Develop Bugs

What screen protectors can be put on with spray?

I like to use the spigen clear glass screens but they are very hard to get on perfectly.
Can you use spray with these or can anyone recommend another brand?

Check out gadgetshieldz.

I had a best skins ever one on my nexus 4 after trying 5-6 others and it was by far the best. Had 2 for my nexus 5 show up today so will fit and post what I think shortly if you're interested I bought the spg ones for my nexus 5 but wasted 2 with tiny specs of dust. Has be perfect for me or it'll be ripped off!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Confused_Cheese said:
I had a best skins ever one on my nexus 4 after trying 5-6 others and it was by far the best. Had 2 for my nexus 5 show up today so will fit and post what I think shortly if you're interested I bought the spg ones for my nexus 5 but wasted 2 with tiny specs of dust. Has be perfect for me or it'll be ripped off!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Dude I bought two packages and went through all 6 with my ocd. Besides little specs of dust it's also hard to put on perfectly lining up with the speaker and stuff. I got it close and it would probably be perfect to many but still pisses me off.
Anyway post your thoughts about this new one when you can.

you can use a spray with any of the rubbery ones, the hard plastic/matte ones do not use liquid afaik

Hand76 said:
I like to use the spigen clear glass screens but they are very hard to get on perfectly.
Can you use spray with these or can anyone recommend another brand?
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Click to collapse
I've got the Skinomi TechSkin, and I'm happy with it. It uses spray for the application, so it's easy to get perfectly aligned and dust-free. I used on my gnex as well, and it held up well over time... for me atleast.

athani said:
Check out gadgetshieldz.
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Click to collapse
Does this screen have am orange peel look to it or rubbery feel?
Also does it come with a solution to spray? If not what did you use?

I am the worlds worst at putting on screen protectors. The best thing I found for putting them on is turning on your shower full blast hot and waiting till the room gets really steamy. That's how I put on my spigen (dry install) and it turned out perfect. I've also used xo skins (wet install) on my old gnex and had good luck with them.
Sent from my Nexus 5

Hand76 said:
Dude I bought two packages and went through all 6 with my ocd. Besides little specs of dust it's also hard to put on perfectly lining up with the speaker and stuff. I got it close and it would probably be perfect to many but still pisses me off.
Anyway post your thoughts about this new one when you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad im not the only one this way

Hand76 said:
I like to use the spigen clear glass screens but they are very hard to get on perfectly.
Can you use spray with these or can anyone recommend another brand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minus the Spigen bubble issue, I've applied all my glass protectors with left over solution from Zagg. After a day or so the liquid goes away. It doesn't hurt it IMHO. I'm pretty OCD about my screen protectors.
If you decide to go with a different type I'd suggest one of the plasticy ones just because you can remove dust easily using a piece of scotch tape. iSmooth gives you scotch tape like dust removers. Most of the people in my office come to me to apply screen protectors...lol
When I say plasticy ones I'm referring to anything that is rigid. The problem with Skinomi and Zagg like protectors is the scotch tape method doesn't work and they are much harder to get aligned. the upside to them is that they don't scratch like the rigid ones.

I think I am the only one that uses the wet method to install dry screen protectors. I used the wet method to install the spigen dry protectors, since they are the "static cling" type and not adhesive as with many other dry protectors. I normally install them in a steamed bathroom, and if i get any lint stuck on the screen i take it off them phone and rinse it under water then try again.
I didn't order the spigen glass protector due to people having bubble problems, but when the new revised version is out i'll buy it and also try installing it wet.

Hand76 said:
Does this screen have am orange peel look to it or rubbery feel?
Also does it come with a solution to spray? If not what did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Skinomi protector came with spray, microfiber cloth, and a rubber wedge for squeegeeing out the excess spray solution and air bubbles
It does have an orange peel effect, but I can really only tell when the screen is off and/or outside light hits the screen at a perfect angle. My personal opinion is that its effect on screen quality is negligible
It does have a more rubbery feel than a bare screen, however that's because it should "self-heal" from light scratches/abrasions
Should you go the spray route for the first time, definitely look up some how-to-apply videos. I want to add that the protector on my g-nex lasted the entire lifetime of the phone (~2 yrs) without a problem, which hasn't been my experience with most traditional protectors. That's the main reason I put it on my N5

xtremeguards.com

[Screen Protector] SPIGEN GLAStR Nano Slim Tempered Glass

Hi guys,
I just installed the Spigen GLAStR Nano Slim Tempered Glass Protector. I bought it off Amazon and it came pretty quick despite the holidays. I've attached pictures of the glass on my Nexus 5. Sorry I didn't get pictures of the installation process. I didn't want to risk getting dust underneath, so I had to do it quick.
I used the "Hinge Method" to put the screen on. And as you can see I got slight bubbles at the bottom (circled in red), so the installation wasn't perfect. I also have 1 tiny micro bubble in the middle...it's hardly noticeable even with the screen off/on and is probably less than .5mm in diameter. I would still suggest using this method for any screen protector installation.
After about 30 minutes, I used a micofiber cloth-covered squeegee to push out those bubbles that were circled...and they're gone! I just have that tiny ass one in the middle.
Overall it feels great, and its definitely smooth with the oleophobic coating...I haven't put my Cruzerlite case on yet, gonna give it some time for the glass' adhesive to settle in. I will comment on that soon!
Any questions? Feel free to hit me up!
Best,
K
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GN1L626/ref=twister_B00GN1L3Q0

Tempered Glass w/ Cruzerlite Case On
Hi all,
Just an update here. I let the glass sit overnight and all the bubbles were gone..even that micro bubble in the middle of the screen. This morning, I slapped on my Cruzerlite TPU case, to see if there was any peeling of the glass, or any fit issues.
Initially, it seemed everything was fine. However, after I got to work, I noticed that in the left bottom corner, the case began to push the glass up a little, especially if I pushed on that edge. As such, I decided to remove the case to prevent any more issues.
Spigen's GLAStR screen protector seems like a good one, but I think if they increased the edges 1mm in each direction, the Cruzerlite case would sit on top and sort of seal the glass rather than hit edge-to-edge like in this case, causing the glass to begin peeling. I've attached pictures to show what it looks like with the case on.
Let me know if you have any questions!
K

Thanks for the review. I got one as a replacement from the previous defective ones.
As I have not applied mine yet, can you describe what is the "Hinge" method?
Cheers

MaelstromXC said:
Thanks for the review. I got one as a replacement from the previous defective ones.
As I have not applied mine yet, can you describe what is the "Hinge" method?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. The Hinge method is where you take the screen protector and tape it to the phone BEFORE you peel the protective film away.
1) Align the screen protector to exactly where you want it
2) Tape one side of the protector so that you can swing it open like a door (tape in two places..I put a piece near the power button and one a little further down
3) Open up the "door" that you just made and clean your naked screen so there is no lint, dust, hair etc.
5) Make sure the protector aligns just as you want it
4) Then peel the "backside" of the film off so that the adhesive side is exposed and "close the door" so the protector is on the phone
5) Immediately take a squeege and cover it in a micofiber cloth and push out any bubbles you may have
6) Peel away the front of the screen protector
7) Using the squeegee that's inside the cloth (VERY IMPORTANT so you don't scratch the glass), push out any remaining bubbles
8) DONE! ENJOY!
Here's an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt9_fZDT-As
Best,
K

Nice review and a +1 for the hinge method. Only way to install a 'dry' screen protector for me!

Just received mine today. Install went great except I noticed an air bubble on the left side about halfway down, right on the edge. Well, when I took a closer look, it was actually a chip in the glass.
Contacted Spigen Support and I am waiting for a response. Hopefully they can help me out.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

eyeisdasteve said:
Just received mine today. Install went great except I noticed an air bubble on the left side about halfway down, right on the edge. Well, when I took a closer look, it was actually a chip in the glass.
Contacted Spigen Support and I am waiting for a response. Hopefully they can help me out.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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That sucks! I hope they are responsive. Did you go with the hinge method as well during installation? I noticed that my glass is slightly off to the right.. Didn't get it perfect.. Oh well.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

KTT16 said:
That sucks! I hope they are responsive. Did you go with the hinge method as well during installation? I noticed that my glass is slightly off to the right.. Didn't get it perfect.. Oh well.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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I didn't go for the hinge method. But I have used it in the past and it works pretty well.
The chip is pretty small so its not interfering with anything on the screen, as long as it doesn't get worse.
Spigen sent me an email back with a case number and said I should be contacted within 1-3 business days. Hoping for the best!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Saved my phone!
Im not 100% sure HOW it saved my phone, but im sold on them and will be buying a replacement!
my son likes to hide my phone, last night he hid my phone under my recliner (which hits the floor when rocking) and as i was rocking away i heard CRACK / CRUNCH....looked under the chair to find my phone with two very prominent pressure cracks on the screen...
i thought NO WAY was this ONLY the Nano.TR....as i pulled up the corners, the glasses started breaking and falling apart, but low and behold, not a single scratch or dent on my phones screen!
Completely blown away that my phone's screen didn't crack under the pressure.....sold on them forever!

eyeisdasteve said:
I didn't go for the hinge method. But I have used it in the past and it works pretty well.
The chip is pretty small so its not interfering with anything on the screen, as long as it doesn't get worse.
Spigen sent me an email back with a case number and said I should be contacted within 1-3 business days. Hoping for the best!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So because of the chip in the edge of the protector it ended up just cracking across the screen.
I can't feel the crack but you can see it.
No email back from Spigen yet. Buy I did update them on the hairline crack across.
Still hoping for the best.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Reminds me if my car's windshield... that was a couple hundred down the tube... Lol.. good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Still no email back from Spigen. Its been almost 7 days with no response. They said I would get an email back in 1-3 days. -.-'
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

It's the first time I try a glass screen protector, this one is very wonderful. There is only a micro-chip somewhere, but I can't see it in normal conditions, I have to examine my screen closely for like one minute to spot it.
Putting it on the screen was very easy, much easier than plastic screen protectors.
It fits nicely with official Google bumper case.

Without a case?
Hey guys, I personally want to buy this Spigen protector (.tr version) because I hate cases on my mobile phone. I'm not going to waste €36 (yes, its the Netherlands) if I also have to apply a case on it. So is this screenprotector drop-proof? If I drop this phone from 1 meter from the surface, would it be able to save the ORIGINAL glass?
Thanks,
Viresh

VireshRamcharan said:
Hey guys, I personally want to buy this Spigen protector (.tr version) because I hate cases on my mobile phone. I'm not going to waste €36 (yes, its the Netherlands) if I also have to apply a case on it. So is this screenprotector drop-proof? If I drop this phone from 1 meter from the surface, would it be able to save the ORIGINAL glass?
Thanks,
Viresh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They recommend a case with this product because they say the protector would crack easily without any case over time.

Ano59 said:
They recommend a case with this product because they say the protector would crack easily without any case over time.
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Click to collapse
What do you mean by "over time", considering my usage, I have only dropped my old phone (SGS+) once in the two years of intensive usage. As SGS+ is a smart strong boy, it doesn't break, not even a scratch. Would the Glas.tR, 0.4 mm, survive a 1 meter downfall? Thanks in advance yo

VireshRamcharan said:
What do you mean by "over time", considering my usage, I have only dropped my old phone (SGS+) once in the two years of intensive usage. As SGS+ is a smart strong boy, it doesn't break, not even a scratch. Would the Glas.tR, 0.4 mm, survive a 1 meter downfall? Thanks in advance yo
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Click to collapse
Well, sorry but I have no idea. It's only written that they strongly recommend using a case along with the glass.

VireshRamcharan said:
What do you mean by "over time", considering my usage, I have only dropped my old phone (SGS+) once in the two years of intensive usage. As SGS+ is a smart strong boy, it doesn't break, not even a scratch. Would the Glas.tR, 0.4 mm, survive a 1 meter downfall? Thanks in advance yo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on how it falls obviously, but I'd say chances are pretty good that the glass screen protector would be cracked or chipped after a fall, especially onto a hard surface like concrete. I have the GLAS.t on my N5 and like you I prefer no case and am very careful with my phone. But even just casual daily use, the screen protector has chipped, and it's been the case with several others too (spanning a variety of different brands as well).
So I would proceed with caution and really consider if it's worth sinking the money into. That being said, if the screen protector chips or cracks after a fall, it's taking damage that would otherwise be applied to your phone, which is its purpose to begin with.

b.spec said:
It depends on how it falls obviously, but I'd say chances are pretty good that the glass screen protector would be cracked or chipped after a fall, especially onto a hard surface like concrete. I have the GLAS.t on my N5 and like you I prefer no case and am very careful with my phone. But even just casual daily use, the screen protector has chipped, and it's been the case with several others too (spanning a variety of different brands as well).
So I would proceed with caution and really consider if it's worth sinking the money into. That being said, if the screen protector chips or cracks after a fall, it's taking damage that would otherwise be applied to your phone, which is its purpose to begin with.
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Click to collapse
Thanks man

VireshRamcharan said:
So, a fall from 1 meter above on a hard surface, with the glass .tR 0.4mm applied, straight on its front would prevent the ORIGINAL Nexus 5 glass from cracking? (i know the spigen **** will crack)
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There's no reason to expect any screen protector would save a phone from a drop. Screen protectors are meant for preventing the glass from being scratched. If the drop is sufficient to damage the screen, I strongly feel it would damage the screen through a 0.4mm sheet of glass overlaying your screen.
Cases, however, are what you use to protect phones from drops.

Glass Screen Protector Experiences

I just got my Nexus 5, my first Nexus phone, and I'm pretty excited about it. Naturally I want to add some protection to it especially since I will likely be going sans-case (at least for use, though I've ordered a leather/wool felt sleeve for it to take refuge in while not in the protection of my hands, which will work well with my Pebble as I don't need to constantly check the phone for notifications). A friend of mine that I talked into impulse buying the N5 ordered the Mime Feather Glass protector after his research. Looking through the threads I could find it looks like a lot of people have had issues with chipping edges on that model, and it sounds like a slew of other issues from other manufacturers like Spigen, and I don't like the extra cutouts on the Nillkin protector (just seems like an extra space for dust to collect and takes away from the sleekness a bit IMO). Anyway it looked like most of those posts originated closer to the launch time of the N5 so I'm wondering if any glass protectors have stood out for quality above the rest over the past couple months?
I know the tempered glass protectors are more expensive, but the feel, look, scratch resistance, and apparently debatable shatter protection of the underlying screen seem to be the best option. I saw the post about the Rhino Shield but the much lower scratch resistance and similar price coupled with the article claiming a ziploc bag offered similar protection deterred me slightly :silly:
tl:dr- looking for a sweet tempered glass screen protector to use without a case, what's the best option (overall/value)
Thanks!

TheBeardedAx said:
I just got my Nexus 5, my first Nexus phone, and I'm pretty excited about it. Naturally I want to add some protection to it especially since I will likely be going sans-case (at least for use, though I've ordered a leather/wool felt sleeve for it to take refuge in while not in the protection of my hands, which will work well with my Pebble as I don't need to constantly check the phone for notifications). A friend of mine that I talked into impulse buying the N5 ordered the Mime Feather Glass protector after his research. Looking through the threads I could find it looks like a lot of people have had issues with chipping edges on that model, and it sounds like a slew of other issues from other manufacturers like Spigen, and I don't like the extra cutouts on the Nillkin protector (just seems like an extra space for dust to collect and takes away from the sleekness a bit IMO). Anyway it looked like most of those posts originated closer to the launch time of the N5 so I'm wondering if any glass protectors have stood out for quality above the rest over the past couple months?
I know the tempered glass protectors are more expensive, but the feel, look, scratch resistance, and apparently debatable shatter protection of the underlying screen seem to be the best option. I saw the post about the Rhino Shield but the much lower scratch resistance and similar price coupled with the article claiming a ziploc bag offered similar protection deterred me slightly :silly:
tl:dr- looking for a sweet tempered glass screen protector to use without a case, what's the best option (overall/value)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Mime feather is my first experience with extremely thin glass protectors. My experience at first was great, but it is starting to fall apart and I'm regretting my purchase. It started with the corners for some reason even though I have the heavy duty ballistic case on the phone. Now I'm getting whole cracks from one side to the other... Not even originating from the corners where it started. I am clueless as to how it happens because I have never dropped my phone.
If you're going to get a glass protector I strongly encourage you to get the non-thin versions. It's not a whole lot thicker and it is less likely to be brittle. I have used several normal thickness glass protectors in the past (Spigen) and was never disappointed in those. So far my experience with MIME is poor, but Spigen has been excellent and that includes their cases.

Thanks. I was tempted buy Iloome's flex glass cause it's on sale right now for $17 but I was thinking the thicker protector might be the way to go.

TheBeardedAx said:
I just got my Nexus 5, my first Nexus phone, and I'm pretty excited about it. Naturally I want to add some protection to it especially since I will likely be going sans-case (at least for use, though I've ordered a leather/wool felt sleeve for it to take refuge in while not in the protection of my hands, which will work well with my Pebble as I don't need to constantly check the phone for notifications). A friend of mine that I talked into impulse buying the N5 ordered the Mime Feather Glass protector after his research. Looking through the threads I could find it looks like a lot of people have had issues with chipping edges on that model, and it sounds like a slew of other issues from other manufacturers like Spigen, and I don't like the extra cutouts on the Nillkin protector (just seems like an extra space for dust to collect and takes away from the sleekness a bit IMO). Anyway it looked like most of those posts originated closer to the launch time of the N5 so I'm wondering if any glass protectors have stood out for quality above the rest over the past couple months?
I know the tempered glass protectors are more expensive, but the feel, look, scratch resistance, and apparently debatable shatter protection of the underlying screen seem to be the best option. I saw the post about the Rhino Shield but the much lower scratch resistance and similar price coupled with the article claiming a ziploc bag offered similar protection deterred me slightly :silly:
tl:dr- looking for a sweet tempered glass screen protector to use without a case, what's the best option (overall/value)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using MIME Ghost glass protector. It is excellent. I am using my N5 without a case.

psy_spy said:
I am using MIME Ghost glass protector. It is excellent. I am using my N5 without a case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long have you been using the Ghost? Any issues with peeling/chipping/bubbles?

I enjoy the spigen glastr nano slim. I haven't had any issues since i put it on week ago. I wrote a thread about it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

TheBeardedAx said:
How long have you been using the Ghost? Any issues with peeling/chipping/bubbles?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using it for 2 weeks. No peeling/chipping issues since it is a bit thicker compared to feather. When I applied it on the phone, I got a very small bubble near the upper left corner. It disappeared after a day. Please read reviews from other mime ghost owners to get a fair idea. I remember seeing a separate thread for mime in the n5 forum.

I've got the spigen glass nano.tr slim (the one with rounded corners) coming the mail. Any tips on applying it? I REALLY get OCD (ADHD) if there's ANY dust or bubbles under the screen, so I have to do it perfectly, since it costs nearly £30.
Any advice on how to do it flawlessly?
I read somewhere about running the shower on hot for 30 mins, then doing it in the bathroom, because the hot air causes the dust to all fall to the ground and isn't flying around - but won't that cause condensation etc to build up on the screen in the seconds before you apply the protector?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

paradoxiumwind said:
I've got the spigen glass nano.tr slim (the one with rounded corners) coming the mail. Any tips on applying it? I REALLY get OCD (ADHD) if there's ANY dust or bubbles under the screen, so I have to do it perfectly, since it costs nearly £30.
Any advice on how to do it flawlessly?
I read somewhere about running the shower on hot for 30 mins, then doing it in the bathroom, because the hot air causes the dust to all fall to the ground and isn't flying around - but won't that cause condensation etc to build up on the screen in the seconds before you apply the protector?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my thread. Use the hinge method. I didn't do it in a steamy room, but it went on near flawless. (No dust, but only very slightly off center)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I got the xgear glass for nexus 4 and it was great. It save me phone, I drop it on is screen and nothing happens only the tempered glass was broken.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

KTT16 said:
See my thread. Use the hinge method. I didn't do it in a steamy room, but it went on near flawless. (No dust, but only very slightly off center)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the hinge method, make sure when you close the hinge it falls smack dab center. No having to pull it to slightly center it, etc. The tape itself has some bit of tension so it will pull the screen protector back. I'm like 0.2mm off center and I'm very annoyed. So maybe when you tape the screen protector down, start slightly to the left (assuming you tape the right).
Also if you have access to a clean room, do it there. I regret doing it at home and not staying late at work to use the CDA and cleanroom to properly dust off my screen. A stupid eyelash fell off in the middle of the procedure and I have a freaking eyelash underneath my screen protector. LOL. Good thing it's at the bezel though.

The most effective method imo is the steamed washroom method which gives you lots of chances to get it right and you'll never get any dust or any other particles on your screen.

The cruzerlite glass screen protector is amazing. I need to write up a review on it now and take some pics as I've had it over a week. It honestly feels better than the real n5 screen.
>^.^< Sent From Meow nexus 5

I have the Mime Feather Glass and it works great. I did have to shave the corners of my Ringke case to prevent the screen protector from peeling up on the edges. See post #30 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2540471
On a side note., the screen protector did crack, from something I did, and Mime sent me a coupon for 50% off a new one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I have a Nillkin protector, looks and feels great. Just wondering how a tempered glass protector fares against drops compared to those shatter proof polyurethane (non glass) screen protectors like Rhino Shield and Zagg Extreme. I know Tempered glass protectors can shatter but those others won't, I’m not worried about that, I’m more concerned about the level of protection they offer. Are glass protectors as good as those other ones at dispersing and dampening impact forces? I've seen a couple of videos on Rhino Shield and they look amazing.

I received the first gen of Spigen's SLIM.t screen protectors in mid-November and have been using it since. Initially, the product was great albeit it still attracted fingerprints. I was highly satisfied and the tempered glass looked and felt amazing (plus I managed to avoid any of the bubbles the majority of early buyers experienced).
But a month after normal use (I don't use a case either, but I'm very careful with my phone) it started chipping on the edges. I never dropped my phone or do anything that would cause damage, but magically out of no where the screen protector started chipping.
Currently today, I have 6 chips around my screen protector (2 at the top, 1 on the right, 3 on the left), and two clear cracks across my phone as well (both stemming from separate chips on the side). I'm not sure how the SPIM.tR Nano performs, but I can tell you that paying over $30 for a screen protector that chips this easily is not a worthwhile investment. Something to be aware of.

Zagg HD shield has no problems
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

KTT16 said:
I enjoy the spigen glastr nano slim. I haven't had any issues since i put it on week ago. I wrote a thread about it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Best screen protector I've ever had, a little pricey but I'm glad I bought it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Like buttered toast...

...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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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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

When do you buy a new glass protector?

I scratched my icarez glass protector this afternoon, I knew it was a bad ides to just throw my phone in my bag but that's why I got a protector. Now I have about a 1 inch scratch down the middle and it annoys me almost as much as if my actual screen was scratched.
Am I crazy for wanting to buy a new one now? 10$ isn't crazy but I should probably try and pace myself.

randyspants said:
I scratched my icarez glass protector this afternoon, I knew it was a bad ides to just throw my phone in my bag but that's why I got a protector. Now I have about a 1 inch scratch down the middle and it annoys me almost as much as if my actual screen was scratched.
Am I crazy for wanting to buy a new one now? 10$ isn't crazy but I should probably try and pace myself.
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I wonder what was in the bag. As all protector companies use terms like 9H hardness usually everything except sand will make such a scratch. So either they are all lying (which of course they are) or something special was in the bag (which I doubt).
Marketing BS sucks

Haha ya nothing special, some plastic headphones and some paperwork. Maybe it was a staple from that or just the zipper on the way in/out. Either way not mad one bit just amused at myself for wanting to replace the protector for doing its job and taking a scratch

I would replace it. Depending on how deep the scratch is it still turn into a crack which isn't fun.

Same i got the Nillkin 9H one, i got a small scratch on it...
Sent from from my LG-D855

My Spigen randomly cracked on my D850, I don't think there was a scratch. Also don't forget its still glass and it will eventually break depending on how deep of a scratch it is.

The only thing I could get to scratch the protector was a serrated kitchen knife. A screwdriver, scissors, keys, etc. couldn't do it.

My Nillkin one scratched in under a week.
I was on a morning flight one day and had the phone resting on my belly/lap whilst taking a nap, when I woke up I found it scratched an inch down the centre, I think it may be from the seat belt buckle.
I ordered a bepak one as that had moulded holes around speaker grille and sensor rather than a big cutout, during the time the bepak arrived a crack formed across the top separate from the original scratch.
Never again Nillkin.

MrDerrickC said:
My Nillkin one scratched in under a week.
I was on a morning flight one day and had the phone resting on my belly/lap whilst taking a nap, when I woke up I found it scratched an inch down the centre, I think it may be from the seat belt buckle.
I ordered a bepak one as that had moulded holes around speaker grille and sensor rather than a big cutout, during the time the bepak arrived a crack formed across the top separate from the original scratch.
Never again Nillkin.
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I've ordered a Bepak one today as well... read good reviews about it till now. Lets see how it holds out. I have a tendency to keep my phone in my bag while gymming & stuff so hopefully it holds a little longer that the normal ones do.
On the main topic though, just be glad you had a screen protector on atleast! That scratch directly on the screen and it would've costed far more than 10$! Then again, you're not crazy about wanting to replace it right away.. the G3 is a piece of beauty and a scratch makes it really annoying everytime you see it.

if4ct0r said:
I've ordered a Bepak one today as well... read good reviews about it till now. Lets see how it holds out. I have a tendency to keep my phone in my bag while gymming & stuff so hopefully it holds a little longer that the normal ones do.
On the main topic though, just be glad you had a screen protector on atleast! That scratch directly on the screen and it would've costed far more than 10$! Then again, you're not crazy about wanting to replace it right away.. the G3 is a piece of beauty and a scratch makes it really annoying everytime you see it.
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In my opinion, the nillkin is probably softer then the screen itself. It scratched up too easily.
The bepak feels "harder"
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

MrDerrickC said:
In my opinion, the nillkin is probably softer then the screen itself. It scratched up too easily.
The bepak feels "harder"
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
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Strange isn't it. Both mention 9H hardness. Yet one feels softer and scratches easily. I guess you cant't really trust what these guys mention on their product description.

I wouldn't worry about it as long as actual screen us not damaged. I would wait until the protector screen actually damaged or cracked.

I had my nexus 4 for over a year without a screen protector and still don't see a scratch on it.
This lg has the same glass I believe. Gorilla glass 3 I think. I don't think a screen protector is needed though maybe it would help with keeping the glass from shattering. I'm not sure though. I would get one if that is the case.
Sent from my LG-D851 using XDA Free mobile app

I might take some hate for saying this, but I've always been an advocate of the plastic screen protectors. I've tried the glass, and encountered the same problems that you states, OP. I find that the plastic ones work better for me.
There was a ton of marketing and advertising for the glass stuff, but I think that it was a little over the top. The plastic is better in my opinion.

dianestory2 said:
The plastic is better in my opinion.
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How is that?
It's considerably more difficult to put on without getting bubbles.
It's considerably less panel-breaking protective.
It's considerably less scratch resistant.
It's considerably less smooth.
These, by the way, are not personal judgments but facts

Plastic screen protectors attract a crap load more finger prints and are harder to clean off compared to glass.

Cailifu brand on Amazon claims to carry a 1 year warranty. Came with the exact same inserts and application tools as the icarez
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA Free mobile app

Does the screen protector just protect from scratches or would it also help with a drop?
Sent from my LG-D851 using XDA Free mobile app

I am using a glass protector for now 1.5 month and not a single scratch yet! It's however significantly thicker than plastic one! Sometimes I feel the touch less responsive.. It also catches fingerprint and dirt like a magnet lol (probably no oleophobic coating) I found the G3 screen itself very very good! your finger just slips fluently across the screen and barely catches any fingerprint! I installed one just for extra protector I'd say worth it if you don't mind cleaning your screen more frequently

Pfeffernuss said:
How is that?
It's considerably more difficult to put on without getting bubbles.
It's considerably less panel-breaking protective.
It's considerably less scratch resistant.
It's considerably less smooth.
These, by the way, are not personal judgments but facts
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1) not if done the right way
2) agreed
3) I've never ever ever had a scratch on my phone, plastic or glass
4) only a little.
For my personal lifestyle, I don't really care that much about all of that. I'm glad you are so supportive, though