[REVIEWS] Screen Protectors

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sshafranko

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Feb 5, 2013
5,568
4,906
Little Ferry
I found the best screen protector on the market is Steinheil/Spigen SGP, its way better than the cheap ones and there are different types available for your preference. I prefer the nano clear with the pink packaging, you don't lose sensitivity and its extremely clear.

The ones that catches dust are made too big for the actual screen or doesn't stick properly to the screen.

Does it affect the S Pen accuracy? Or the S Pen at all in any way?
 

wgr73

Senior Member
Jan 19, 2012
152
19
The new iSmooth is the best screen protector I've ever had on any device. I've have literally installed over 50 protectors and I have never done it with ease like the iSmooth. 1 try, no bubbles, no dust (highly depends on you), and PERFECT fit...no lifting around edges.

I'd also like to add that the fingerprint resistance on the protector makes a HUGE difference. No more smudges. I would buy these again without thinking twice.
 

donec

Senior Member
Aug 21, 2012
696
106
Here is an update on my BoxWave Clear Touch Anti-glare screen protector. I've had it for about a week now and it has not shown any finger prints yet.

To clean it I just brush it off with a microfiber cloth to get dust off of it, as it just stays clean.

Someone mentioned that I would see some rainbow effect under floresent lights and while this is true the effect is very hard to see and not at all like I have seen on other screen protectors. Useually they show streaks but the BoxWave Clear Touch Anti glare screen protector shows very tiny little blotches that are quite hard to see unless you get the light just right.

It does effect the use of the s-pen in that it makes it much easier for me to write on the screen and feels much more like writing on paper. The s-pen leaves no marks on the screen protector at all.

Eventhough I did not get it aligned perfectly and got part of the edge over the rounded part of the screen the screen protector has not started coming off at all.

The only negative effect is that it reduces the brightness of the screen just a little bit and if you need a really bright screen then you may want to go with one of the non-matte non-antiglare protectors.
 

sshafranko

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Feb 5, 2013
5,568
4,906
Little Ferry
Here is an update on my BoxWave Clear Touch Anti-glare screen protector. I've had it for about a week now and it has not shown any finger prints yet.

To clean it I just brush it off with a microfiber cloth to get dust off of it, as it just stays clean.

Someone mentioned that I would see some rainbow effect under floresent lights and while this is true the effect is very hard to see and not at all like I have seen on other screen protectors. Useually they show streaks but the BoxWave Clear Touch Anti glare screen protector shows very tiny little blotches that are quite hard to see unless you get the light just right.

It does effect the use of the s-pen in that it makes it much easier for me to write on the screen and feels much more like writing on paper. The s-pen leaves no marks on the screen protector at all.

Eventhough I did not get it aligned perfectly and got part of the edge over the rounded part of the screen the screen protector has not started coming off at all.

The only negative effect is that it reduces the brightness of the screen just a little bit and if you need a really bright screen then you may want to go with one of the non-matte non-antiglare protectors.

Cool. Its on my list. I love the SPen part.
 

sshafranko

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Feb 5, 2013
5,568
4,906
Little Ferry

donec

Senior Member
Aug 21, 2012
696
106
I noticed last night that after using the s-pen it appeared I had scratches all over the BoxWave Clear Touch Anti-glare screen protector. However! after wiping it lightly with a microfiber cloth the protector was looking as good as new. I don't understand why the pen would leave marks that simply wipe away but it does.
 

sefelizrc

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2011
120
70
I would like to see a extreme review off the buff screen protector...that one that resist everything,or that says in the web...
 

Daemos

Senior Member
Dec 1, 2005
676
93
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.
 

acb77

Senior Member
May 1, 2011
53
8
CBF reading the infinity posts about screen protectors so I'll just say Ive been using PDA's for +15yrs so I know a thing or 2 about screen protectors - in that Ive used many.

On the Note 2, only tried the Spigen Ultra Fine and Ultra Oleophobic. Hated the ultra fine, really like the Oleophobic - its is nice protector - glare, feel etc. Do recommend. Using it on a de-screened Defender.
 

hankbear

Senior Member
May 16, 2008
53
6
The new iSmooth is the best screen protector I've ever had on any device. I've have literally installed over 50 protectors and I have never done it with ease like the iSmooth. 1 try, no bubbles, no dust (highly depends on you), and PERFECT fit...no lifting around edges.

I'd also like to add that the fingerprint resistance on the protector makes a HUGE difference. No more smudges. I would buy these again without thinking twice.

How do you get the anti-fingerprint one? That's the only thing about the regular iSmooth for me.
 

noobhero

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2010
911
144
any guys know where can i get the hodoo tempered glass protector still?

edit: nvm got it off taobao :)
 
Last edited:

mdt73

Senior Member
Jul 11, 2011
724
125
Clarksville
I am glad I am not the only one who has been blamed by SSHGuru... Customer service from the JLG owner is about a piss poor as they come. I would take a generic protector from ebay over their product any day of the week, simply due to the way I was treated by SSHGuru alone.
 

Daemos

Senior Member
Dec 1, 2005
676
93
I am glad I am not the only one who has been blamed by SSHGuru... Customer service from the JLG owner is about a piss poor as they come. I would take a generic protector from ebay over their product any day of the week, simply due to the way I was treated by SSHGuru alone.

I would too :) And I don't rank the generic protectors very high, so that just shows how poor the JLG is.
 

EarlZ

Senior Member
Jun 21, 2010
6,290
327
After reading the description it seams like it should be the best one out there...I'm so lost right now i dont know which one to get. I think i'm gonna order yours and see what happens.

Seems like a good screen protector, right now im using an SGP ultra oleo and I would not mind to swap it for something that is washable and has the very same optical clarity.
 

tifozif1

Member
Dec 30, 2010
48
4
Xiaomi Mi 2
Xiaomi Mi 5
I have ordered 3x vikuiti ADCQ27 for 18Euros (about 20USD) and installed the 1st of them. In the past I used many cheap (ebay) and not so cheap (amazon) screen protectors but the 3M Vikuiti ADCQ27 are BY FAR the best I have ever used.
 

Mekki99

Senior Member
Jan 12, 2010
56
10
Bratislava
I have read many reviews of many screen protectors and I can't decide between 3M Vikuiti and Spigen Ultra crystal / Oleophobic. Which one would you recommend? It has to work with Spen perfectly.
 

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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
    nu9abu3a.jpg

    5y6abeda.jpg
    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!