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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
I just installed a SGP Ultra Crystal and I'm in love. After using a JLG that popped up off the screen when it had an unknown pact with something in my sleep, I needed a replacement. I did have to pull the SGP up to take out 3 dust particles but now I have a 100% perfect install and it looks and feels amazing. Very clear and very slick. Not to mention the SGP comes with 2 protectors, I'm a very happy camper.
installed the just like glass screen protector and so far i'm really liking it. the wet application really helps to reduce the bubbles as well as aiding in alignment. feels...just like glass.
I used JLG and there is smth that i didn't like about it. you'll never know whether you have dust or specks of whatever not until it is already too late to do anything about it. the biz owner do not recommend for users to peel of the screen protector to removed those specks of dust, but instead buy a new one from him at 50% off. so, i swapped to Tank Protection screen protector. as i couldn't stand the speck of dirt under the screen protector. usually i get lint under the protector but specks of squarish dust is too much. my first time trying a wet application type.
installation was a breeze with the tank protector, had it aligned right at one go. imho, i find it equally clear, equally smooth and much easy to get it right in one try. hence, it is also cheaper for somebody like me, who lives outside of the US.
I used JLG and there is smth that i didn't like about it. you'll never know whether you have dust or specks of whatever not until it is already too late to do anything about it. the biz owner do not recommend for users to peel of the screen protector to removed those specks of dust, but instead buy a new one from him at 50% off. so, i swapped to Tank Protection screen protector. as i couldn't stand the speck of dirt under the screen protector. usually i get lint under the protector but specks of squarish dust is too much. my first time trying a wet application type.
installation was a breeze with the tank protector, had it aligned right at one go. imho, i find it equally clear, equally smooth and much easy to get it right in one try. hence, it is also cheaper for somebody like me, who lives outside of the US.
I was able to lift mine up to remove dust and then respray it so it would adhere again.. no problems so far... iirc, the instructions say that its not recommended but if you do, use tape to remove specks.
* Included in one box - 2 x screen protectors, 4 x anti-dust stickers (for picking up dust), 1 x microfibre cloth and 1 x serial number sticker (yes, I know).
* Application was easy, and fit is quite good, leaving around 1mm gap around the edges. Suitable for cases with lips (no overlap or lifting when using with Seidio Surface).
* Material itself is very smooth, and extremely clear. Basically looks and feels like factory. Extremely satisfied with the result, no distortion whatsoever. I've used dozens of screen protectors over the years on various phones, and this is the first time I've splurged over the no-name eBay brands (some of which had rainbow effects, scratched easily, or had terrible fitment).
* Cost around $15 off eBay for the pack of two.
I thought your reviews were excellent. Do you have the text of them so you can post it up again?
Btw, I currently have a Just Like Glass on mine, but there was a dent or glob of glue or something in it (it's not a dust speck as it's not the right shape for that) right in the middle of the screen. I applied the JLG about 6 weeks ago and to be honest, that dent (and to a lesser extent, the rainbowing) have been annoying me ever since.
Just bought a pack of iSmooths this morning which I hope will be do the job. Under £10 delivered from the states to the UK. Not a bad deal for 3 protectors
I have been using the Cellet Screen Guard for about a week now, a brand I haven't seen anything about here before. I picked it up because it was the only one they carried at Fry's for the Note 2. It is the rigid film type. It went on very easily (I am usually no good at installing these), with no bubbles or any other problem. The packaging says "scratch resistance" and so far that has proven to be true. It is very clear, hard and smooth, and the spen does not leave any marks on it. The only problem is that it does smudge and pick up fingerprints easily, but they wipe right off with a microfiber cloth.
I thought your reviews were excellent. Do you have the text of them so you can post it up again?
Btw, I currently have a Just Like Glass on mine, but there was a dent or glob of glue or something in it (it's not a dust speck as it's not the right shape for that) right in the middle of the screen. I applied the JLG about 6 weeks ago and to be honest, that dent (and to a lesser extent, the rainbowing) have been annoying me ever since.
Just bought a pack of iSmooths this morning which I hope will be do the job. Under £10 delivered from the states to the UK. Not a bad deal for 3 protectors
Awww... thanks! I just really hoped my reviews helped someone choose what they wanted, even if it was something that I wasn't fond of.
I spoke to the mods and they are hoping to carry over the good reviews, so hopefully they will carry my reviews over and bring them to this thread.
I didnt save any of my review text from before (Lesson Learned) so I am really hoping the mods can bring my posts/threads back. I would at least like to copy them down somewhere else.
Ive changed the format of my reviews and should have a few more for this thread, along with 2 bumper and 2 case reviews.
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
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.
Just bought a pack of iSmooths this morning which I hope will be do the job. Under £10 delivered from the states to the UK. Not a bad deal for 3 protectors
I just got my BoxWave Clear Touch Anti glare screen protector and installed it. Note I have never installed a screen protector before but I have read the horror stories.
I decided to install one on my Note 2 because I wanted it to change the feel of writing on glass to make it more like paper.
My wife has installed several screen protectors and some were ok and some were murder to install. The BoxWave Clear Touch Anti glare screen protector was so easy to install and quite forgiving.
I cleaned the phone screen with my clear screen wipes I use for my laptop drying it with a micro fiber cloth. Then wiped it with the cloth they provided, but did not use their cleaning wipes (saved them for later). I started and had trouble getting it to stay aligned as I removed the backing (65 with shaking hands) so after getting about and inch and a half from the corner I took it off. Then got some tape and taped it in place in 2 spots. Then started removing the backing again. Real smooth.
When done I saw I had a couple pieces of dust under the screen protector so I tried to lift it with some tape. No way it was really stuck and the tape would just come off. So I tried with my fingernail and the corner came up. I just grabbed it with my thumb and finger (worried about contaminating the back) used some tape wrapped around my finger, to remove the dust. Put the corner back down used the cardboard they provided wrapped in the cloth they provided to push out the air bubbles and done.
It's not truly straight and one edge is too far to the side and may not stick well due to curve of the glass but so far it looks good and really helps with the feel of the pen. Quite pleased and because of the deal from slickdeals I have 2 more and only spent $3.00. Note it does not change the colors nor does it have any color bands at angles. I does reduce the brightness a tiny and I mean tiny bit.
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
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.
+more for iSmooth. As much as I dig their original screen protector currently being shipped from Amazon:
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!
