[REVIEWS] Screen Protectors

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calichelozano

Senior Member
Nov 22, 2012
145
19
Always use one, you don't know when it'll fall off your hands, it's big enough for it to happen.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
 

dhangejr

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
51
0
Leave a review of it here. Might order one myself.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

YES!

It came with a nice home button sticker some dust remover tape could cut in half and use as hinge tape but i used duct tape for that..worked well for me...Install was easier than I expected with hinges. the instructions are really hard to read (magnifying glass) and confusing
the item was well packaged. Being that it came from the us it was super fast ship too all though it is made in china.

lets see now the real reiview.

Does not seem to pick up oils quit as much as stock glass does. It is still very r3flective as the shiny glass too.
That being said none of these are 100% glass based on what I have seen but I think this one was 90% glass...

the spen works perfect!
ALL touch functions including menu and back keys work with no problems.

I have pre and post install pics if that helps you make a decision. I would recommend the purchase!


cheers and happy saturday!
 
Last edited:

Alexei Volkoff

Senior Member
Feb 22, 2013
84
33
Vikuiti ADQC27 10 months review

Vikuiti ADQC27 10 months review

I started to write this review back in February 2013 when I first installed the Vikuiti ADQC27 on my brand new Galaxy Note 2. I just got the Note 3 and I thought it might be interesting to tell the tale of my 10 month use of this protector. But let’s start from the beginning. I’ll classify each aspect on a 1 to 5 scale:

1- It sucks!
2- Poor
3- Average
4- Good
5 - Excellent

What you get
Depending on promotions etc. you may get 2 or 3 screen protectors. The package is rather Spartan. You get the protectors and a 3 step installation instructions. No cleaning tissue, no squeegee to remove the air bubbles, just the protectors.

View attachment 2484288 View attachment 2484289

2/5

Coverage
I always check the fit of my protectors before I install them. I immediately noticed that it barely covered the screen. I always use the adhesive tape technique to align and apply my protectors but it this one it was a must. The protector is just about 2 mm wider on each side than the actual display (see pictures). If you are looking for full screen coverage, look elsewhere. This protector will leave a substantial amount of the screen unprotected, around the edges.

View attachment 2484300 View attachment 2484301 View attachment 2484302

2/5

Installation
As I said before, you have to precisely align the protector with the screen or you risk leaving the actual display unprotected. If you are not familiar with the adhesive tape technique I advise you to Google for it of search the forums and try it.

Apart from that, the installation is pretty simple and stress free, provided you took the care to discharge yourself and the protector from any static electricity before installation. Air bubbles are rare and ease to remove. If it wasn’t for the short width of the protector, it you be quite easy to install

View attachment 2484298

4/5

Clarity
The protector is indeed crystal clear and you’ll have a hard time noticing there is actually a protector in front of the screen. However, reflections are just as bad as without a screen protector.

View attachment 2484299

5/5

Initial use
The Vikuiti ADQC27 has a nice feel to it. It is almost as smooth as glass and the fingers slide easily. There is no rubbery fell or drag. The S-Pen is also easy to use.
The ADQC27 is a dirt and finger magnet and it is not as easy to clean as glass. Sure, you can clean it (more on that latter) but after half hour of use you’re back to square one. It misses a 5/5 because of this.

4/5

Continued use and duration
This is the whole point of a 10 month review. How long does it last? How are its properties affected with the passing of time?
First, let me tell you my daily habits: I use my phone a couple of hour per day, on average. My S-Pen use is no more than 10 min a day. I find the S-Pen useful for taking notes but for everything else I use my fingers.

The first couple of months went by without any major changes. I didn’t worry much about the fingerprints and dirt because I could not notice them with the screen on. So, in those first 2 months I guess I cleaned it about 3 times. I always clean the screen with a soft cloth made to clean photographic lenses and a couple of drops of lens cleaning fluid. This is the same combination I have been using on my photographic lenses for years with good results.

On the third month I started to notice something that I really hate in protectors: the rainbow effect. I started noticing those rainbow-like smudges that diffract the screen light into its components and make the screen look like there are mini rainbows on it. I hate that. Coincidence of not, I also noticed that after cleaning, the protector would feel rubbery and I had to use it for about 15 minutes until fingerprints and dirt started to show up again in order to return to the smooth glide feel. I guess dirt must have and upside :). As far as scratches, there were no noticeable scratches. I use my phone in my pockets (both trousers and jacket) but on a different pocket than the one I keep my keys and change.

After about six months of use the rainbow effect became a real PITA. I had to clean the screen much more often and truth be told, I should have replaced the screen by then. But since I already had my eye on the about to be released Note 3 I decided to keep it. I no longer had the 2nd protector that came with the original because I (unwisely) had sold it to a friend. Scratches were still hair thin and only noticeable in incident light which means they were not visible in normal use. I could not see any depressions or other signs of use of the S-Pen.

The rainbow effect got a bit worsts between the 6th and 10th month but not much worse than it already was. The scratches are still invisible with the screen on and still no traces of use of the S-Pen. It is worth mentioning that the protector always adhered very well to the screen, even around its edges. There is just one thing I only noticed now: the yellowing of the protector. When I compared my Note 2 side by side with my Note 3, with both displays showing a white background, I could clearly notice a yellowish tint on the Note 2’s display. Once I removed the protector the tint was gone.

3/5

Protection
The Vikuiti ADQC27 effectively protected the screen from major damage for 10 months. When I finally removed all I had to was wipe the screen with a soft cloth and it was as good as new.

5/5

Conclusion
I guess I stretched the life of this protector beyond its reasonable limits. Its performance clearly starts to degrade after 2 months and becomes unacceptable (to me) after 6 months or so, considering my daily use of the phone.
So in a nutshell:

PROS
- Easy installation
- Air bubble are easy to remove
- Glass-like clarity
- Performance when new
- Scratch resistance

CONS
- Fingerprint and dirt magnet
- Rainbow effect after fairly short use
- No accessories provided for installation

Would I buy one again? Actually, I’m looking for a different protector for my Note 3. I hate the rainbow effect and this protector does get dirty very easily. For me the rainbow effect is the dealbreaker.

Overall score

3.5/5

I hope you found this review useful. Comments are appreciated.
 
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nbock01

Senior Member
Dec 19, 2007
350
36
YES!

It came with a nice home button sticker some dust remover tape could cut in half and use as hinge tape but i used duct tape for that..worked well for me...Install was easier than I expected with hinges. the instructions are really hard to read (magnifying glass) and confusing
the item was well packaged. Being that it came from the us it was super fast ship too all though it is made in china.

lets see now the real reiview.

Does not seem to pick up oils quit as much as stock glass does. It is still very r3flective as the shiny glass too.
That being said none of these are 100% glass based on what I have seen but I think this one was 90% glass...

the spen works perfect!
ALL touch functions including menu and back keys work with no problems.

I have pre and post install pics if that helps you make a decision. I would recommend the purchase!


cheers and happy saturday!

Ended up ordering one. Arrived and installed today. So far so good. Will report back on usage and how it holds up over the next few weeks.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
 

SoundBeacon

Member
Mar 18, 2013
12
4
Hrm. Just saw this thread, have used multiple screen protectors on the note 2 for a year now without any sort of sensor issues or issues with spen.

Currently using xtreme guard, works great for the price. Nice and clear and doesnt leave a big indent like the zag did when using spen.
 
Last edited:

DarkChylde-QC

Member
Apr 22, 2011
36
6
Spigen fan here - Steinheil Ultra Oleophobic. While I question the effectiveness of the oil-resistant coating, it's hard-coated film aspect is definitely durable. Had it since the device launched - hasn't rolled up at the edges, no bubbles, and shows nary a scratch.
 

SpiffySelf018@yahoo.com

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
50
3
lahore
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

Zagg’s award-winning invisibleSHIELD lineup is a solid screen protector choice with a variety of options to choose from. The screen protectors feature 0.2-mm thick strips that cover your Note 2′s screen and frame, offering a bit more coverage and protection from the elements. Zagg’s Nano-Memory technology adds durability, maintains clarity and reduces glare. The screen protectors vary in price by whichever model you choose, whether it is the original version or the Hi-Definition, but the style and fit remains the same. And who can complain about a lifetime guarantee?
 

monkor

Senior Member
Mar 22, 2012
577
133
DC
CellPhoneShop.net may seem shady as hell haha but they're actually pretty good. I got a tempered glass oleophobic protector per you guys suggestion and there is no way my screen will scratch now. The price was like eight bucks during the memorial day sale.

Installation was a complete joke (in a good way). Clean screen off with microcloth and wetnap, then put on. The protector is really think so I can see where that may bother the nitpicky type, but they do provide a adhesive button to help with that.

Overall it's a 10/10 for now, I'll update it later.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Free mobile app
 

alexander2020

Member
Apr 21, 2014
25
1
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

I have used some cheap Chinese protectors and some expensive glass ones just to realize later that I could have opted for a silicone adhesive one and saved myself all the hassle. The screen protector that I use is "gearmaxx" which I found on ebay. It was easy to install and didn't produce bubbles like a wet screen protector. It didn't turn yellow or make my screen look violated. Instead, My screen looks clear and there are no scratches. I am very happy with the way my screen looks
 

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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

    pAK4L.jpg


    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


    iGNS2.jpg


    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


    cHrX3.jpg


    rNyOy.jpg


    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


    TuVFo.jpg


    YXSDk.jpg


    QzWCN.jpg


    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!