[REVIEW] Gobukee Screen Protector

[Mr. Orange 645]

There's been a lot of discussion about the screen protector on this phone. Removing it, not removing it, replacing it, etc. I bought my ZF2 second hand, and the previous owner had already removed the factory screen protector, so part of that decision had been made for me. He had replaced it with a matte screen protector, inside and out.

Honestly, I TRIED to get used to it. I WANTED to like it. It felt nice and there were no fingerprints. But if you watched a movie, it looked like an 80s VHS bootleg copy.

So I removed the screen protector and could instantly tell why people love this phone naked. The screen is genuinely beautiful. But I just can't take a chance at scratching it, so I replaced both screen protectors with the Gobukee screen protector.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KRXVXFT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_EiwZFb0ZWH70Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Installation is a dry installation, and is very similar to the Ringke Easy Dual screen protectors, but instead of the whole thing being sticky, there's only a strip that sticky to align it. I actually prefer the Ringke method, as it removes dust on the whole screen as you align it, but fortunately I didn't have any dust issues with these when installing.

Like all dry install TPU screen protectors, I had some bubbles after installation, but after 24 hours they were all gone, and I was left with a perfectly clear and smooth surface. Maybe not as smooth as glass, but it's very, very close. I'm not sure if I would be able to tell the difference between this and bare glass.

It's still a bit of a fingerprint magnet, but comparing it to the demo unit at Best Buy, which still has the factory screen protector, this one is MUCH better at repelling fingerprints. And it seems easier to clean as well. And it definitely feels much better.

As a bonus to an interior and exterior screen protector, it includes a skin for the back glass and the hinge. The hinge skin is just almost invisible once installed and doesn't affect the folding action at all. I haven't used the rear skin, as the previous owner installed a matte rear skin, which I actually prefer on the back glass.

If you're on the fence about removing your screen protector, because the factory one is terrible, but you still want protection, I can highly recommend the Gobukee screen protector.

This was NOT a paid/sponsored review. I just wanted to share my experience and hopefully help others.

When this screen protector wears out, I will likely try the Ozero, since it gets pretty decent reviews.

 

[imapfsr]

With you on this one...just installed the front and inside and they are way better than the factory installed ones and are not at all rubbery like the factory. I loved not having the screen protector on but these are as close to not having in on there as possible.

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

With you on this one...just installed the front and inside and they are way better than the factory installed ones and are not at all rubbery like the factory. I loved not having the screen protector on but these are as close to not having in on there as possible.

I agree. I really like it. I've been using these TPU protectors for a while on my other devices. I've used them on the S10+, Note 10+, Note 20 Ultra, and now this device. I usually use the Ringke Easy Dual protector, but it's not available on the fold yet. But I'm convinced they're all mostly the same, just different brand and packaging.

 

[Mekrel]

I bought this screen protector for my fold but unfortunately my experience of it was poor. Its a shame as the install went perfectly because unlike two other brands I tried, the Gobukee is actually designed specially with the Fold in mind. What I mean by that is the two halves you remove before the protector sticks to the screen (as in tab 2 and 3) run parallel to the fold crease. This means you can push the squeegee and therefore the protector into the crease.

Honestly, the install was great and I was thrilled to finally find a protector for this device that wasn't poor. Unfortunately my hype was short lived as after having the device folded for 5 minutes, the protector developed a clear band of purple and green tinting where the crease is. You'll have to excuse the poor picture quality as I only had my work iPhone 7 to hand.

Did you not experience this?

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

I bought this screen protector for my fold but unfortunately my experience of it was poor. Its a shame as the install went perfectly because unlike two other brands I tried, the Gobukee is actually designed specially with the Fold in mind. What I mean by that is the two halves you remove before the protector sticks to the screen (as in tab 2 and 3) run parallel to the fold crease. This means you can push the squeegee and therefore the protector into the crease.

Honestly, the install was great and I was thrilled to finally find a protector for this device that wasn't poor. Unfortunately my hype was short lived as after having the device folded for 5 minutes, the protector developed a clear band of purple and green tinting where the crease is. You'll have to excuse the poor picture quality as I only had my work iPhone 7 to hand.

Did you not experience this?

Not at all. I literary can't tell the protector is there.

Plus, mine didn't split parallel the fold, it actually split perpendicular to it. Also mine has a hole punchout for the camera. Either you're using a different brand, or a different iteration of it.

On mine, you removed the back sheet, which exposed a slightly sticky strip on the screen protector that ran left to right and was located in the upper half of the protector, if I recall correctly.

Once it was aligned, you removed a second bottom layer, exposing the real screen protector adhesive. This was done in two halves as you said, but the splet ran side to side, not up and down like the screen fold.

Step one was

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

I bought this screen protector for my fold but unfortunately my experience of it was poor. Its a shame as the install went perfectly because unlike two other brands I tried, the Gobukee is actually designed specially with the Fold in mind. What I mean by that is the two halves you remove before the protector sticks to the screen (as in tab 2 and 3) run parallel to the fold crease. This means you can push the squeegee and therefore the protector into the crease.

Honestly, the install was great and I was thrilled to finally find a protector for this device that wasn't poor. Unfortunately my hype was short lived as after having the device folded for 5 minutes, the protector developed a clear band of purple and green tinting where the crease is. You'll have to excuse the poor picture quality as I only had my work iPhone 7 to hand.

Did you not experience this?

Wait... You did remember to remove the TOP layer after install, correct?

 

[Mekrel]

Wait... You did remember to remove the TOP layer after install, correct?

Thanks for your detailed response and I'm glad to hear you achieved a good install, as you say, it appears that this brand has different variations. Here's the link to the one I bought - you'll see from the pictures in the listing that there's an adhesive column that sticks into and parallel to the crease.

I did indeed remove the top layer, as you say, after removing said top layer it was hard to even see there was a protector installed.

I've even looked on Amazon UK for other listings for the Gobukee protector and came across one that at first, looked similar to the listing you linked to in regards to it having images of the packing which the listing I originally bought from didn't. However, that listing then also shows the protectors that look to install the same way as the original one I bought (adhesive strip running parallel to the fold). There was also a review that said a rainbow effect appeared but clicking on that to read more of the review took me to a completely different and positive review.

I've also tried the Newzerol and Miimall protectors but these are the same protector but in different packaging. These do two halves that run perpendicular to the crease but the biggest issue I had with these was they showed lines left by the squeegee, even days after the install which is strange considering how delicate I am when applying them to such a delicate device.

Edit - okay, so I've ordered the second one I linked to because the listing seems different enough to hope I get one line yours. As you pointed out, my original one did not have a cut out for the camera and this is reflected in the two listings - one shows no cut out, the other does. Perhaps they revised the product after feedback about the fold issue and also added a cut out? I'll update the thread with how I get on.

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

Thanks for your detailed response and I'm glad to hear you achieved a good install, as you say, it appears that this brand has different variations. Here's the link to the one I bought - you'll see from the pictures in the listing that there's an adhesive column that sticks into and parallel to the crease.

I did indeed remove the top layer, as you say, after removing said top layer it was hard to even see there was a protector installed.

I've even looked on Amazon UK for other listings for the Gobukee protector and came across one that at first, looked similar to the listing you linked to in regards to it having images of the packing which the listing I originally bought from didn't. However, that listing then also shows the protectors that look to install the same way as the original one I bought (adhesive strip running parallel to the fold). There was also a review that said a rainbow effect appeared but clicking on that to read more of the review took me to a completely different and positive review.

I've also tried the Newzerol and Miimall protectors but these are the same protector but in different packaging. These do two halves that run perpendicular to the crease but the biggest issue I had with these was they showed lines left by the squeegee, even days after the install which is strange considering how delicate I am when applying them to such a delicate device.

Edit - okay, so I've ordered the second one I linked to because the listing seems different enough to hope I get one line yours. As you pointed out, my original one did not have a cut out for the camera and this is reflected in the two listings - one shows no cut out, the other does. Perhaps they revised the product after feedback about the fold issue and also added a cut out? I'll update the thread with how I get on.

Yeah, the listing for the one I bought shows the hole cut out. But when I look at the UK listing it doesn't. That's weird. Doesn't make sense to make different variants for the UK.

Now, I do have faint lines from the squeegee. But you have look at you screen at an extreme angle, and get a light to reflect right on them to see them. I don't know if I could even photograph them.

Let me. Know how the second order goes. I'm genuinely curious.

 

[Mekrel]

Okay so the screen protector came today and wow, I'm extremely impressed and very happy that I now have a screen protector on this device.

This Gobukee protector was very much different than the first one I bought from Amazon UK (so there's two different variations on the same Amazon UK store), in the following ways:

• The protector comes with a hole punch for the camera for the inner, large display
• The install method is different, essentially this display protector anchors at the top near the selfie camera

The install went really well, initially I was left with a fair few bubbles around the crease but these disappeared after 30 mins of trying to work them out with the squeegee and leaving it for an hour open.

You'll see from my pictures that you can't tell there's a protector on at all and it feels much better than the stock protector that comes in the device. Also, unlike the original Gobukee protector, no rainbow discolouration where the device folds.

I wouldn't dare not use a protector on either display on this device. Even with Gorilla glass Victus on the front and not putting this device in any pocket with items that could scratch the display, the front display has picked up some very faint hairline scratches. Not a big deal as you really need to look for them at the right lighting angle to see them but if the front display can scratch then the inside display definitely can. Plus dust and debris can easily get to the inside screen due to the large gap between the two halves near the hinge.

So Mr. Orange 465, thanks for bringing this protector to my attention and leading me to discover there were different versions doing the rounds.

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

Okay so the screen protector came today and wow, I'm extremely impressed and very happy that I now have a screen protector on this device.

This Gobukee protector was very much different than the first one I bought from Amazon UK (so there's two different variations on the same Amazon UK store), in the following ways:

• The protector comes with a hole punch for the camera for the inner, large display
• The install method is different, essentially this display protector anchors at the top near the selfie camera

The install went really well, initially I was left with a fair few bubbles around the crease but these disappeared after 30 mins of trying to work them out with the squeegee and leaving it for an hour open.

You'll see from my pictures that you can't tell there's a protector on at all and it feels much better than the stock protector that comes in the device. Also, unlike the original Gobukee protector, no rainbow discolouration where the device folds.

I wouldn't dare not use a protector on either display on this device. Even with Gorilla glass Victus on the front and not putting this device in any pocket with items that could scratch the display, the front display has picked up some very faint hairline scratches. Not a big deal as you really need to look for them at the right lighting angle to see them but if the front display can scratch then the inside display definitely can. Plus dust and debris can easily get to the inside screen due to the large gap between the two halves near the hinge.

So Mr. Orange 465, thanks for bringing this protector to my attention and leading me to discover there were different versions doing the rounds.

Awesome!! I'm glad you found one that works!!

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

I just installed the Ozero about five days ago. I noticed yesterday that it was starting to peel up on the edges right at the crease. Planned to change it out this weekend. Then today I opened the phone and the Orzero completely let go at the crease. From top to bottom it came loose from the screen. I'll try to post a pic tonight of it when I'm home and have access to my other phone.

I'll try the other Ozero screen protector I have and hope this was a fluke, since I love how smooth these feel, but if the next one lets go like this one, I'll go back to Gobukee. I never had an issue with them.