[REVIEWS] Screen Protectors

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JohnnyRocks

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2012
61
10
You will understand it when you scratch your screen. Gorilla glass isn't nearly as scratch resistant as the manufacturer would have you believe. My wife had a very noticeable scratch on her screen within the first 30 days of use, and without having dropped it. Normal wear and tear, of putting it into and out of her pocket. This is, of course, before we decided to put on screen protectors.
 

JohnnyRocks

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2012
61
10
There is a very common misconception that Gorilla Glass is scratch proof. It's not. Trust me. It may or may not be more scratch resistant than regular glass (it probably is more scratch resistant) but, it's certainly NOT scratch proof. In fact, it doesn't take all that much effort to scratch it. With a 5.5" screen, I can all but guarantee that anyone and everyone will have scratching on it (in varying degrees) within the first 30-60 days of normal, everyday use.
 
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farfromovin

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2011
2,105
459
Oxnard, CA
Once you go glass, you'll never go back ;)

If you want to use your cases you most likely have now, the MIME protector doesn't go all the way to the edges. If you want a SP that goes all the way to the edges, I recommend either the voyager 2 or the one on eBay that I linked a couple pages back. The voyager and the eBay one are colored black around the edges as well as being adhesive only on the black part, and the MIME is clear and fully adhesive throughout.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

I had issues with the voyager 2 and I've just ordered the Mime. Kinda surprised its not here 5 days after ordering. Hopefully it shows up by the weekend :)

Sent from my GIANT internet thingy.
 

MysteryE

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2011
156
9
Tangerang
adaduku.com
Are there any cheaper alternatives full body protection that cover the entire bezel / side Note 2?
I found out that Skinomi and Spigen Incredible Shield has this.
Ghost Armor only protect some of the bezel, not entirely.
The problem, Skinomi doesn't ship to my country.
Spigen Incredible Shield is expensive (I already put protector to back and front, I only need the bezel / side protector).

Any recommendation?
 

farfromovin

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2011
2,105
459
Oxnard, CA
Just got my MIME in and installed. Very nice packaging on this SP. I'm enjoying it so far with one caviat, it hasn't "stuck" on the edges and around the home button yet. Besides that it looks good and feels great! I'm surprised it feels slicker than my JLG did or my SGP. I suppose nothing feels like glass more than glass lol.

Sent from my GIANT internet thingy.
 

layziebone

Senior Member
Dec 21, 2010
375
24
MelBURN
Just installed my iSmooth screen protector. Installation was really easy. I noticed the spen doesn't slide as smooth as I thought. When im using s note and drawing or writing, I really need to press a bit hard or it wont write at all. Anyone else notice this with the iSmooth compared to not having a screen protector?

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
 

netsyd

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2006
488
201
If anybody has one of the bodyguardz pure glass screen protector I would be interested in knowing how well it fits on the screen.

Just the Bodyguardz Pure in today (bought it on sale as well). I'll write up a review at some point soon - but I figured I could at least attach a couple pictures so everyone could see how it fits.

I was a little concerned that it didn't cover enough, but after writing a bit with the Spen and swiping out some emails with Swiftkey - I didn't run in to (or over) the edge of the protector once. I also stuck mine down a little left of center. Not by much though. Make sure you line it up right since there isn't much room to screw up or you cover the front facing camera.

I will also say .. anyone buying a screen protector to add some "grip" to the screen so it feels more like writing on paper, this isn't the one for you. The Spen and your finger slide over this thing like they're on ice.
 

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T.J. Bender

Senior Member
Jun 25, 2012
1,135
1,263
Just installed an iSmooth. Not thrilled, honestly. There's an orange peel/rainbow when viewed at an angle. Strongly considering ordering a Spigen (my previous protector)

Sent from my SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
 

layziebone

Senior Member
Dec 21, 2010
375
24
MelBURN
Just installed my iSmooth screen protector. Installation was really easy. I noticed the spen doesn't slide as smooth as I thought. When im using s note and drawing or writing, I really need to press a bit hard or it wont write at all. Anyone else notice this with the iSmooth compared to not having a screen protector?

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2

PLEASE DISREGARD WHAT I ORIGINALLY POSTED.
After several hours from installing the iSmooth SP and writing my post, I can actually say now that the sPen slides sooo smoothly with this SP. I think it just needed sometime to for the SP to adjust with the screen.
So for those who have just installed the iSmooth, give it a few hours and that rubbery feel will go away.

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
 

noobhero

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2010
911
144
just received my China made tempered glass. I think I can never see myself going back to normal screen guard again if there is a glass option. this is after a few brand less ones and 2 pieces of just like glass.

Sent from my GT-N7105
 

c0rsaro381

Senior Member
Nov 23, 2012
206
209
Rome
R: [REVIEWS] Screen Protectors

I'm using the pure screen protector

Inviato dal mio GT-N7100 con Tapatalk 2
 

soulesschild

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2010
153
24
California
A lot of hate here for JLG it seems.

Put me as one of the customers satisfied overall with my JLG. I had 3 defective ones (small glue bubble or what not) and every time I asked nicely for a replacement it was sent to me no questions asked. Usually came within 2-3 business days. Allison and Scott were very polite and cordial so no complaints on customer service from them here.

I have been noticing some weird S-Pen behavior, not sure if it's due to my JLG or not as it was fine before but I don't feel like peeling it off just to test and having to buy a new protector.

I think the only other protectors that interest me currently are the Mime glass protector and the kickstarter Rhino shield.
 

T.J. Bender

Senior Member
Jun 25, 2012
1,135
1,263
To update, the "orange peel" seems to have disappeared from the iSmooth, and it's got a very nice feel to it. It's not sealed quite right at the top, though, which is a disappointment.
 

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  • 6
    [Review] JLG Screen Protector

    I LIKE

    Feel:
    It really is smooth. Smooth as hell. Sometimes, feels even smoother than the glass did. This is really great. It seems very hard, the stylus doesn't leave any marks on it and did I mention it is smooth? Finger beautifully glides across the screen and there is no hang ups. Felt better than the Belkin I was also installing.

    Clarity
    Since i still have haze, I don't want to completely comment on the final product, but i do have a few things to say:

    • I have installed lots of wet installs and even have my own little squeegee. Never have i had this much water stuck under the protector.
    • There was something on the bottom. Not sure if it was clumped glue, or what, but it was there. It wasn't dust, and it would not come off the bottom of the protector. It currently rests in the middle of a haze field so I'm not sure if it will go away, but I will update if/when it does.
    • NO ORANGE PEEL. On the Belkin, I could immediately see "orange peel" and with this one, none whatsoever. This is great!
    As of right now, it looks like everything will be fine with the clarity, depending on the haze finally disappearing.

    Fit
    It fits well. A tinge smaller than i want it to be (and covers less than the Belkin i was installing) but it covers the view-able area and about another 2 millimeters on each side. It is cut to make room for the front sensors and the bottom button. Like i said, it will work but for me, I could've used maybe a LITTLE bit more screen coverage.

    NO LIKE

    Adhesion
    The haze I can live with and understand, but the fact that it seems most of the edge has not stuck down completely is unsettling. It's really hard to show, but on most of the phone the edges aren't perfectly stuck, and in some areas it extends a millimeter or 2 into the protector.

    It is SOOO hard to take a picture of this, but I am still trying.

    The instructions say to keep pushing the edges for the next couple of days to make sure they stay down. I don't like this. at all.

    I don't use a case, and feel like dust, dirt, loose hairs or whatever will get in there. On top of that, If I don't see the glue sticking immediately, I dont know how it will stick over the next couple of days.

    Only time will tell... but that's how i feel right now.

    On the topic of the edge:

    The Edge
    For some reason... there is a little like, lip there. It's hard to describe, but running your finger from the middle to the edge of the phone, it feels as if the protector is thicker or lifted on the edges. This is ALL THE WAY around the protector. Makes me feel it has to do with the way it is cut.

    This actually is the part I dislike the most. I want my finger to not be able to notice the difference between the glass and the protector. On the Belkin I installed, it was a subtle step down from the Protector to the glass. You know its there, but your finger doesn't catch on it at all and it doesn't drag on the edge. With this one?
    It absolutely does. You can feel the edge "biting" into your fingertip before dropping down to the glass. This not only makes you notice the protector more, but also makes me worry about the longevity of the protector, as if it can "snag" on my finger it can also snag on my pocket material and other things.

    Now understand that I am talking about very minuscule amounts of biting and snagging, but they are there. I've never seen this on any SGP or the cheapo Belkin I was using.

    EDIT: Seems I wasnt clear on my "lip" issue. I am posting from another reply I made:

    On my previous [JLG] protector, the edge had a lip... maybe its better to describe it as a bead. It felt thicker than the rest of the protector... So instead of just having your finger slide off the protector to the glass, it actually got "caught" on this lip. It didnt feel very good, especially since it isnt cut very large you almost always feel it.

    Other protectors do not have this lip or bead. Not one of them.


    Final thoughts?
    It is decent. I need to sit and wait to see how much the haze clears and the edges stick. It is clear, smooth as ****, and was priced just fine.

    Personally, if knowing what i know now, was to purchase a protector... It wouldn't be this one. Id prob go back with the Ultra Crystal i normally use, and might switch to that if there are problems with this one.

    That being said, I am not going to rip this off my phone and I cannot test the additional shatter protection that the film supposedly adds to the glass.

    Take this how you may and feel free to ask questions or thank me. whatever.

    I have since completed testing and posted a final review. It is post #9, and linked here.

    Images



    Here you can see the packaging. Pretty plain and not something I care much about, but some people seem to like fancy packaging that comes with other protectors.

    RIuxc.jpg

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    Package includes the little wet application spray (never had an issue with wet applications), a little cloth (more on that) and a little piece of cardboard and some instructions.

    ZphTi.jpg


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    I wanted to get a closer look at these, hoping you can see what I see. On the plastic itself, you can see some inconsistent lifting off the backing. This really isnt a big deal, but it can mean an issue with inconsistent glue/cutting.

    jhE99.jpg


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    Here is my GN2 clean and sitting on the bathroom counter waiting. You can see its pretty damn clean. I have installed MANY screen protectors and NEVER had an issue with dust under the protector.

    hw5YH.jpg


    So I installed the protector. No pics here because of multiple reason, but mostly because I only have 2 hands and the bathroom was REALLY steamy.

    This is where I ran into a problem. The little sprayers that comes with the JLG is less than half the size of other wet install sprayers. After maybe 6 pumps, I had used it up completely. I used some to spray on my fingers, but I should have just washed them dry and then wet them with a bowl of water. I wanted to make sure that I had the same solution on my hands as the screen to minimize upsetting the glue, but no biggie. Be careful with the amount you spray and you should be fine. For me it was too little.

    Ok, so now installed.
    Below, you can clearly see the haze, wavyness and other odd things that appear with a typical wet install (though more than i remember others, but i wont hold JLG responsible for my bad memory).

    OILpM.jpg


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    I am hoping this goes away soon, as it should. It is almost completely impossible to see when the screen is on. Ill use the next post for my summary and how I feel about it.

    5
    I just got the iSmooth in the mail today after the nightmare known as JLG.

    All I can say is Dayyyyyummmm!

    It had everything I was looking for..
    -great price
    -swag included (excellent silk screen wipe)
    -3 protectors!
    -excellent cuts
    -great adhesion
    -ismooth is smooth... Both for fingers and Spen
    -crystal clear
    -easy install with directions with an offer for another free one with an Amazon review
    -lifetime warranty, even if you mess up the install yourself

    The install was so easy, so perfect, I felt like I was cheating :D

    Not 1 bubble, or mark, or dust, or rainbow steaks (that will "dissappear" in 3-5 days like some companies claim... But 1/2 the time do not)

    Not sure else what to say. Just an overall excellent experience.

    +1 to iSmooth
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    3
    In an effort to clean up the old, very large review thread I have decided to start a new one.
    Should this turn out to be a success, we can expand it to cover cases, etc....

    Please be as descriptive and as creative as you can be, post pictures if you can.
    But a few points to note before you all go wild with your reviews.

    Please keep all reviews,
    • Factual
    • Helpful
    • Constructive
    • Impartial
    3
    This will be a post that compares 4 different types of screen protectors:

    3M Vikuiti ADQC27
    Ebay Cheapo 10 for $3 ultra clear stuff
    Just like Glass
    IQ Shield LIQuidSkin

    I have ordered and used:
    3x 3M Vikuiti, I must have 20 or so of the ebay ones, I had 4 Just like Glass, and 2 IQ shield LIQuidSkin.

    My application procedure is as follows:

    For the dry screen protectors:
    Wash hands, steam up bathroom, vacuum bath room, clean surface that the phone will be sitting on, wipe phone with microfiber cloth designed for glasses (can be obtained at any store that sells glasses), apply screen protector, push out air

    For the wet:
    Wash hands, clean bathroom, clean surface, wipe phone with microfiber cloth, use or create solution as recommended by the manufacture, apply the screen protector, then use a squeegee to push out excess liquid.

    Lets start with my personal favorite out of the four:

    The 3M Vikuiti, this is hands down the best film screen protector I have used on the note 2, and I think the only other one I would replace it with is a tempered glass one. It's smooth, very smooth, very clear, no spen marks, easy to clean, seems to have an oleophobic layer, because out of the 4 it's the easiest one to clean, and after a while in my pocket, it's the only one that has not developed any fine scratches.

    With my technique, I found it very easy to apply and get a bubble free finish, not all is perfect though, the screen protector's width is just slightly larger than the display it self, so you must take care in lining it up, but I found it very easy to remove and reapply. Also the packaging really just comes with the screen protector no cloth.

    Overall I give this 4.5/5 it's the most durable, really bubble free (seriously I haven't used a screen protector that gets rid of bubbles so easy), optically clear, no marks, only hindered by the width.

    2nd Place:

    Ebay screen protectors:

    They are cheap, they are easy to apply, however, compared to the 3M bubbles are harder to remove, and I find they do not clean nearly as well as the 3M, and oil gets stuck on sometimes, requiring some cleaning with a microfiber cloth. Durability is also only meh, they tend to get fine scratches quite easily, but it'll protect the screen, the ones I've gotten are very clear (I have tried 4 different ebay brands, all are basically the same), smoothness is worse than the glass, but as you use it, smoothness tends to go up, I guess due to the oils on your hand. No spen marks. Packaging is meh, tends to come with the screen protectors and a crap cloth.

    Overall 2.75/5 an average screen protector, which is combined with a cheap price, literally for the price of one of the other screen protectors listed, you can get 10 or more depending on the seller.

    3rd Place:

    Just Like Glass:

    I really wanted to like this one, I really did, I like wet screen protectors they tend to be easier to apply than dry to me. JLG is the most expensive out of the 4. Overall I think it has been over hyped by SSHGuru (Scott the owner of DBA cases, and creator of JLG). Lets start with some positives, it's thick, the thickest out of the screen protectors, which means it should also offer the most protection, it's also VERY smooth, but I don't think it's any more smooth than the 3M, this is IMO, and when the screen is on, it's very clear, just the same as every other screen protector here. However, the cons out weigh the pros, lets start with the application, the included "spray" solution bottle is very small, but it is enough, but I've used 4 of these things (yes I have applied and used 4 JLG screen protectors), and even if I get all the moisture out using a squeegie, even after a few weeks, there will be air bubbles, or some dust, or something that doesn't allow it to adhere fully to the screen, which causes bubbles, and in some cases, a "sparkling" effect near those bubbles when on a white screen. This is the only wet screen protector I have ever used that has frustrated me to no end in this regards, I have contacted Scott, and I have been blamed that my installation technique is to blame, and no blame can be given to his screen protector what so ever. Reading on the forums though, it seems I'm not the only one that has had this problem. Another issue is when the screen is off there is a rainbowy haze (which is normal) it also appears under certain lighting with the screen on, this is apparently the UV coating. That didn't bother me nearly as much as the bubbles though. It is the second most durable screen protector on this list, getting only a very few fine scratches after weeks in my pocket.

    Overall: 1.5/5 I cannot recommend this one at all, it's over hyped, too expensive, plagued with adhesion and hazing problems. I hope the JLG dry and tempered glass are much better.

    IQSkinz:

    This one was promising, promising full screen coverage, easy install, clarity and smoothness, and a very attractive price (2nd most affordable, only behind the ebay ones). Lets say it delivers on everything it promised, it is the only screen protector that has full screen and I mean the entire glass front of the note 2 is covered (including the home button). IMO it was also the easiest one to install, I had no issues with bubbles, adhesion, dust, or really any installation issues. Optically it's clear, very clear, and yes it's smooth to the touch...so where does it go wrong...it's just not durable at all, it's a very soft material (similar to zagg, but without the grippyness) after putting it in my pocket for a day, there were marks in it, and even after waiting for the "self healing" properties they never went away, and you could feel them. Not durable at all, very useless IMO for a screen protector, also allowed for a very fine tiny scratch on my note 2's screen where one of the larger marks were, so didn't really protect either! only other issue was when it's off it had an orange peel effect.

    Overall 1/5 again can't really recommend this one only due to it's lack of durability. Fix the durability and it would easily be on top.
    3
    I just got the iSmooth in the mail today after the nightmare known as JLG.

    All I can say is Dayyyyyummmm!

    It had everything I was looking for..
    -great price
    -swag included (excellent silk screen wipe)
    -3 protectors!
    -excellent cuts
    -great adhesion
    -ismooth is smooth... Both for fingers and Spen
    -crystal clear
    -easy install with directions with an offer for another free one with an Amazon review
    -lifetime warranty, even if you mess up the install yourself

    The install was so easy, so perfect, I felt like I was cheating :D

    Not 1 bubble, or mark, or dust, or rainbow steaks (that will "dissappear" in 3-5 days like some companies claim... But 1/2 the time do not)

    Not sure else what to say. Just an overall excellent experience.

    +1 to iSmooth

    +more for iSmooth. As much as I dig their original screen protector currently being shipped from Amazon:

    ismooth-original_zps0d5f7b53.jpg


    They are sampling a new ultra-clear anti-fingerprint one which should start shipping officially once the stock of "green" ones run out. I would like to point out the new "clear" one is:
    - thicker (on par with 3H thickness of Spigen and MobC) and super strong
    - ultra-clear, no color distortion, no tint
    - no rainbow effect (even under fluorescent lights)
    - no issues using s-pen even applying extra pressure
    - an improved cut, especially around home button
    - super smooth, feels like glass
    - covers visible part of the screen, while living enough edge margin for any case lip

    I'm attaching a few edge shots of the new protector. Keep in mind its thickness relative to the phone. The edges are rounded and very smooth. After testing half a dozen of other cheaper and brand new screen protectors, this one is a keeper for me!