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Best GN2 Screen Protector
- Thread starter 57DRP
- Start date
twister6
Android Expert
OK, so I followed rexxcastle ebay link and ordered that $1.99 6-pack. Got it today. Is it cheap? Of course for $0.33 a pop it comes with only 1 piece of cloth for all 6 screens and each protector has only one peelable protective film toward the screen (usually screen protectors come with 2 protective films on each side). The screen is crystal clear. Went on like a butter. I intentionally peeled it off and re-applied a few times to see if it going to loose a grip or get bubbles on the edge, etc. Worked perfectly every single time. S-pen leaves some marks which you can wipe out easily. Under fluorescent light it has a very slight rainbow effect (no weird swirl patterns, etc), and it's hardly noticeable and not as obstructive as the picture of screen protector I posted before. The material is thinner than Spigen, that's expected for a fraction of the price. But overall its a decent screen protector. Can't tell you about longevity, but I do have 4 more left (one out of 6 was actually damaged in the pack) and that should last for awhile. Just my 2 cents 
... I guess my fluorescent light at home is not as intense as it is at work, since now I see the rainbow effect a little more pronounced in my office, but still not as extreme as it was before with other screen protector. It's only noticeable when screen is off; when its back on you can't see it. I guess the next step will be to try out VZW screen protectors
This way i will be fully "educated" about all of them!
... I guess my fluorescent light at home is not as intense as it is at work, since now I see the rainbow effect a little more pronounced in my office, but still not as extreme as it was before with other screen protector. It's only noticeable when screen is off; when its back on you can't see it. I guess the next step will be to try out VZW screen protectors
This way i will be fully "educated" about all of them!
twister6
Android Expert
Here is a few of my personal tips. First of all do it in a well-lit area. I personally prefer kitchen island Wipe the surface of the area with a damp paper towel. Of course, take the Commuter case off. Wipe/clean the whole phone with an included wipe, both screen and back sides. Make sure there is no dust specks. The screen protector will have a protective film labeled 1 and 2 on each side. Prior to removing it, wipe the surface of each side as well. The whole point that screen protector is like a magnet pulling all the dust particles from surrounding area. I even go as far as taking my t-shirt off (yeah, doing it topless lol!!!) to make sure there are no specs on my shirt being pulled off by sp when I'm leaning over. Remove half way only the side which is going on a screen (I believe it will be labeled 1), don't remove the other side film. That was a mistake I made because instruction on the package stated to remove both. Apply it carefully, and be aware that Spigen SP has a lot of margin so you want to space it evenly around home button and between edges of the phone. Don't worry if you see bubbles - those are easy to remove by swiping with a card or just applying pressure outwards with a thumb. If you see a speck of dust underneath, lift the screen side and use included sticky tape strips to remove it. Do NOT use your nail to lift off the edge of the screen protector because you will bend it. Try to see if you can lift it off by pulling on the outer side film tab (with label 2). If that film comes off while sp is still intact, use a scotch tape (rolled in a circle with sticky side outside - actually have that prepared ahead of time just in case) to lift it up.
Of course, there are tons of YT tutorial for Spigen SP, but they all make it look so simple in one move. Just take your time and have patience. Remember you got a pair of those. If you are not sure, you can always go to VZW (or whatever your provider is) or BB and for a fee they can put it on for you.
Good luck!
Btw, I had mine, didn't like it, and returned it back. Ended up buying from 3 different ebay vendors - all having issues. Actually got every penny of my money refunded back because I provided pictures and detailed description of the problem. Next, I'm planning to get VZW screen protectors (3-pack for $9.95 including in-house install). If I'm not satisfied, will try to look into Just Like Glass screen protectors which supposed to be bar none (everybody at xda forum raves about it).
Wipe the surface of the area with a damp paper towel. Of course, take the Commuter case off. Wipe/clean the whole phone with an included wipe, both screen and back sides. Make sure there is no dust specks. The screen protector will have a protective film labeled 1 and 2 on each side. Prior to removing it, wipe the surface of each side as well. The whole point that screen protector is like a magnet pulling all the dust particles from surrounding area. I even go as far as taking my t-shirt off (yeah, doing it topless lol!!!) to make sure there are no specs on my shirt being pulled off by sp when I'm leaning over. Remove half way only the side which is going on a screen (I believe it will be labeled 1), don't remove the other side film. That was a mistake I made because instruction on the package stated to remove both. Apply it carefully, and be aware that Spigen SP has a lot of margin so you want to space it evenly around home button and between edges of the phone. Don't worry if you see bubbles - those are easy to remove by swiping with a card or just applying pressure outwards with a thumb. If you see a speck of dust underneath, lift the screen side and use included sticky tape strips to remove it. Do NOT use your nail to lift off the edge of the screen protector because you will bend it. Try to see if you can lift it off by pulling on the outer side film tab (with label 2). If that film comes off while sp is still intact, use a scotch tape (rolled in a circle with sticky side outside - actually have that prepared ahead of time just in case) to lift it up.Of course, there are tons of YT tutorial for Spigen SP, but they all make it look so simple in one move. Just take your time and have patience. Remember you got a pair of those. If you are not sure, you can always go to VZW (or whatever your provider is) or BB and for a fee they can put it on for you.
Good luck!
Btw, I had mine, didn't like it, and returned it back. Ended up buying from 3 different ebay vendors - all having issues. Actually got every penny of my money refunded back because I provided pictures and detailed description of the problem. Next, I'm planning to get VZW screen protectors (3-pack for $9.95 including in-house install). If I'm not satisfied, will try to look into Just Like Glass screen protectors which supposed to be bar none (everybody at xda forum raves about it).
Fr0stTr0n
Well-Known Member
Phew... that took some patience and redoe but I managed to get a near perfect install on my first screen. Its slightly off kilter that can bee see at home button but no dust or particle bubbles so i'm happy with that.
I have to say, whoever though including the sticky tabs is a freaking GENIUS as I used 3 of them as I was trying to lay down the screen and I got several particles that otherwise would have completely botched the screen and I woulda had to use my second one.
Have hardly used phone but initial impressions are good, no weird glare or rainbow effect at all and S-pen doesnt' seem to be affected other then the screen feels somewhat sticky and dry but apparently that goes away after awhile.
I have to say, whoever though including the sticky tabs is a freaking GENIUS as I used 3 of them as I was trying to lay down the screen and I got several particles that otherwise would have completely botched the screen and I woulda had to use my second one.
Have hardly used phone but initial impressions are good, no weird glare or rainbow effect at all and S-pen doesnt' seem to be affected other then the screen feels somewhat sticky and dry but apparently that goes away after awhile.
twister6
Android Expert
Spigen aside, I have been researching more "premium" screen protectors and narrowed it down to iSmooth (Amazon.com: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Screen Protector - NEW 2013 Ultra Premium HD Version - 3 PACK Ultra Clear - iSmooth - Free Lifetime Replacement Guarantee - Bubble Free Installation Guaranteed - Package Includes BONUS Premium Microfiber Cleaning Clo) or MobC (Amazon.com: MobC Galaxy Note 2 / N7100 Screen Protector HD Film - 99.9% Clarity Japanese Film - Retail Packaging - Fine Crystal [2-Pack]: Cell Phones & Accessories)
Both have very positive reviews on Amazon (only very few 1-star extreme reviews, probably from Spigen or JLG lol!!!). MobC is often referred to as a cheaper alternative to Spigen (the same 3H Japanese screen) and comes in a pack of 2 for $9.95. iSmooth comes in a pack of 3 for $9.95 and praised as the easiest installation and great quality with guaranteed no rainbow effects and lifetime replacement. Any comments/experience with either?
Btw, went to VZW store to look at their screen protector (pack of 3 for $10). They had no idea what I was talking about when I ask them if they have rainbow effect under fluorescent light. Furthermore, they told me if I open the package and install one, and later find a defect or rainbow effect - I can't return it back, and no refund. Forget about it!
So now, either iSmooth (leaning more toward it) or MobC (might be the same as Spigen?).
Both have very positive reviews on Amazon (only very few 1-star extreme reviews, probably from Spigen or JLG lol!!!). MobC is often referred to as a cheaper alternative to Spigen (the same 3H Japanese screen) and comes in a pack of 2 for $9.95. iSmooth comes in a pack of 3 for $9.95 and praised as the easiest installation and great quality with guaranteed no rainbow effects and lifetime replacement. Any comments/experience with either?
Btw, went to VZW store to look at their screen protector (pack of 3 for $10). They had no idea what I was talking about when I ask them if they have rainbow effect under fluorescent light. Furthermore, they told me if I open the package and install one, and later find a defect or rainbow effect - I can't return it back, and no refund. Forget about it!
So now, either iSmooth (leaning more toward it) or MobC (might be the same as Spigen?).
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
I would just be careful with buying based on reviews on Amazon. People who don't know any better give Zagg protectors raving reviews. They don't really realize how crappy Zagg protectors are compared to what's out there.
That being said, I have seen that people who bought the MobC protectors for the Note 2 have been happy with them. iSmooth I haven't really heard of before. I may have seen the name a couple times but not many people talking about it.
SixtyDashOne
Member
I ordered some cheap screen protectors on eBay for a 1.99 surprisingly the quality of them is extremely good I was able to put my first 1 on with not a single bubbles on screen also no orange peel that I have seen yet. I also ordered a spigen that I will put on once this one fails. Also the pen works well with these and I've not scratched it yet. I will not post a link but will provide a ss of the product and seller
Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II on Straight Talk
That's what I got. Really nice quality for the price. I got a perfect install on the first shot. Not a single bubble at all and the fit really could not be any better.
twister6
Android Expert
Install - its your skills to get it perfect on the first shot, doesn't say anything about the quality
I had no issues with install of this sp, no bubbles, and it sticks very nicely around every edge including Home button. But the truth of the matter, it's the thinnest one out of every cheap ebay sp I've tried. I was happy with this sp at first, but as soon as I took it to work under our fluorescent lights - you see rainbow effect. Not as bad, but it's still there. S-pen will leave marks on it, but you can wipe it. Even worse, after 1+ week of use - I'm starting to see scratches, and I'm very careful with my phone and use a case with a decent bumper so the screen never touches the surface. The scartches gotta be from phone in the pocket. Bottom line, its a very budget thin sp with no UV protection. If you are not in the area of corporate fluorescent lights and don't mind accumulation of small scartches (you get a pack of 6 for $1.99 - plenty of replacements) - its a good budget option.
twister6
Android Expert
Getting iSmooth next week. These guys are underdogs; I want to give them a chance! Will post my reviews as soon as I get it and have it on!
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but I used buy Zagg invisishields with every phone, but I recently discovered Armorsuit on Amazon. It is the same thing, same application, at half the price. This screen protector is $10 shipped with free lifetime replacements. I have installed a few of these now and they are a lot easier to do than they look.
Amazon.com: ArmorSuit MilitaryShield - Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Note II Screen Protector Shield + Lifetime Replacements: Cell Phones & Accessories
Amazon.com: ArmorSuit MilitaryShield - Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Note II Screen Protector Shield + Lifetime Replacements: Cell Phones & Accessories
twister6
Android Expert
Thanks for feedback! Can you comment on people's reviews about s-pen marks? I see it as the major common complain in there, and can't figure out if its permanent or easy to wipe. How about under strong fluorescent lights, any rainbow/oily effects?
The s-pen does make marks, but this screen protector is self healing so they are gone within a matter of hours. I haven't had an issue in strong fluorescent lights. The rainbow oily effects only occur after initial installation. You use ionized water to apply this, so for the first 12-24 hours this occurs but it goes away after that.
One thing that is really great is if you put this on and it you notice later it is a bit off center you can use the spray to take it off and reapply. My first concern with this case was messing it up, but honestly its easy. All of my friends have been buying them and having me install it for them. The shipping is fast, I really back this company. My brother ripped his off of his iphone by mistake while trying to put on an otterbox reflex, he messaged the company, they checked their records to prove he ordered one and there was a new one at his door in three days. Can't beat a company that stands by their stuff.
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
Personally, I don't get why or even how people use those rubbery type of screen protectors like the Zagg Invisishield. They have a rubbery feeling making it hard to swipe screens and such and they also look awful. I would be worried about the tip of the S Pen using a screen protector like that. The tip of the pen looks like it could break off easily if it gets snagged on the protector by pressing too hard or something. I can imagine a protector like that also really messes with the Wacom technology that these phones have.
There are much better alternatives on the market that actually feel like the glass of the phone and DON'T require water to apply, which is a big thing because water can seriously mess up your screen or the internals of the phone if even a tiny amount leaks into the phone through the bezel of the phone or some other way. Huge risk for what is a crappy screen protector in the first place, in my opinion of course. I would rather take the risk of scratching the screen by using it without a screen protector than use one of those rubbery type of screen protectors.
For all my devices I usually use the Spigen SGP screen protectors because they feel like nothing is there.
There are much better alternatives on the market that actually feel like the glass of the phone and DON'T require water to apply, which is a big thing because water can seriously mess up your screen or the internals of the phone if even a tiny amount leaks into the phone through the bezel of the phone or some other way. Huge risk for what is a crappy screen protector in the first place, in my opinion of course. I would rather take the risk of scratching the screen by using it without a screen protector than use one of those rubbery type of screen protectors.
For all my devices I usually use the Spigen SGP screen protectors because they feel like nothing is there.
Zagg screen protectors are great if you are clumsy, chuck your phone into your bag/handbag along with keys/coins and anything sharp (eg my girlfriend)
But the fact they dent and imprint is crappy. The screen ALWAYS looks potmarked (even though they self heal) because of it. Totally messes up viewing anything like a video or a webpage.
Added the fact the clarity is naff and they are rubbery to the touch, I just can't see why anyone would have this sort of sticker on a phone like a NOTE.
The way I see it, if you're clumsy, then don't use Zagg, just get a ton of cheap ass ebay clear screen stickers and replace it once a week
But the fact they dent and imprint is crappy. The screen ALWAYS looks potmarked (even though they self heal) because of it. Totally messes up viewing anything like a video or a webpage.
Added the fact the clarity is naff and they are rubbery to the touch, I just can't see why anyone would have this sort of sticker on a phone like a NOTE.
The way I see it, if you're clumsy, then don't use Zagg, just get a ton of cheap ass ebay clear screen stickers and replace it once a week
HTTR
Android Enthusiast
Just ordered this after reading reviews...
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Screen Protector Steinheil
Select ColorUltra Oleophobic
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Screen Protector Steinheil
Select ColorUltra Oleophobic
twister6
Android Expert
You can't go wrong with Spigen or MobC (heard, those are almost identical). I'm waiting for iSmooth screen protector next. Will post my review/comments once I get it.
Anyone knows any screen protector that is made out of thin glass? I could never get all bubbles out of any screen protector and they always ended up looking bad. I just don't have the skill and patient to work out dust and bubble. I think that if it is a thin piece of glass or thicker piece of plastic, it would be easy to install. I already have a bumper case, do I don't even need it to stick to the screen. Just sit on top of it and the metal bumper will clamp it in place.
Fr0stTr0n
Well-Known Member
Fr0stTr0n
Well-Known Member
A thin glass protector would be MUCH MUCH worse. I can just imagine the lawsuits pending as a result of people slicing their fingers open trying to install something like that or shards of glass being embedded in hands when it breaks in use.
In short, no, nothing like that. The Otterbox commuter has something like that built into the case but alot of people have problems with it.
twister6
Android Expert
Check out this link with info and pics about Tempered Glass screen protector:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36740871&postcount=878
Btw, that guy got a case that makes your Note 2 look like iPhone!!!
A thin glass protector would be MUCH MUCH worse. I can just imagine the lawsuits pending as a result of people slicing their fingers open trying to install something like that or shards of glass being embedded in hands when it breaks in use.
In short, no, nothing like that. The Otterbox commuter has something like that built into the case but alot of people have problems with it.
I put one on my iphone 5 and loved it. You obviously have never seen one as its nothing like you say.