• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Choosing The Right Screen Protector

UCGoody1

UCGoody1

Newbie
So I am going to *hopefully* be picking up the Thunderbolt later today, switching from a Blackberry Tour.

Now, I know the importance of a good screen protector, especially on a touch screen phone.

However, I have done a little bit of searching around and for the most part have come to these conclusions based on posts that other users have made:
- There are screen protectors that focus on reducing glare.
- There are screen protectors that focus on reducing fingerprints.
- There are screen protectors that focus on preventing scratches.

I guess my question is: Why aren't there protectors out there that can do all of these things? My main concern, I believe, would have to be scratches, since glare and fingerprints (especially if they are already on a screen protector) aren't going to physically damage the phone whereas scratches will.

Now, since I am aware that even just sliding the phone into my pocket, unprotected, can immediately result in tiny scratches, I will most likely end up purchasing one of the basic cheap ones right in the store, that way I can at least have the phone be somewhat protected for the time being.

Once I figure out the best 'higher quality' screen protector to purchase, I will do so, and then ultimately remove the original one and replace it when it arrives in the mail.

So- can someone please explain if I have been mistaken or if there actually are different protectors which focus on preventing different things.

I have heard many different names, ranging from Zaggs, Steinheil, BodyGuardz, etc and I know many of you are going to have your personal (and maybe biased) opinions, but I would just like to hear from people who have already had to deal with screen protectors on touch screen phones, since I am going to be new to this.

Thank you so much; any help is greatly appreciated.




Edit: So it seemed a large portion of you guys recommended the SGP Steinheil Ultra Crystal, so that's what I ended up ordering (off eBay; Free Shipping). Should be here soon. Now my only problem remains a case... I really want an Otterbox for my Bolt because I know (or personally feel) it will be one of, if not, the best protective cases I could put on the device. I have used their products before and am anxiously waiting for the release. I do not want to have to drop $30 on a case when it's not what I am going to end up using once the OB comes out. In the meantime I feel terrible without this baby being covered, and have even made an impromptu case out of a bubble mailer envelop, cut and taped to size; even including a hole for the charging port... ^_^
 
Honestly, I would snag a few of the cheapies off of eBay for now to see if they work for you. I personally like them. I don't like any of the protectors that involve soapy water for installation. I like the feel of the cheaper ones, and they do the job just fine. If installed right, you can't even tell it's there.

Then if you don't like it, you're only out like $3. I actually got a pack this morning for $1.25 for three. :)
 
lamoglinsgal said:
Honestly, I would snag a few of the cheapies off of eBay for now to see if they work for you. I personally like them. I don't like any of the protectors that involve soapy water for installation. I like the feel of the cheaper ones, and they do the job just fine. If installed right, you can't even tell it's there.

Then if you don't like it, you're only out like $3. I actually got a pack this morning for $1.25 for three. :)
Click to expand...

That's a very good idea.

I wouldn't expect much from the cheap ones but at the same time I wouldn't mind paying $10-$15 for a very high quality protector that will do it's job.

I forgot the brand but I watched a video of a screen protector on an iPhone in which they keyed the screen, dumped nuts and bolts on it, and even took a Dremel to it, and afterward they peeled back the protector and sure enough the phone was as good as new. I would feel a lot more secure with protection that strong.
 
I have tried several screen protectors in the past. By far, my favorite is Steinheil. I currently have a Seidio protector on my Thunderbolt because Steinheil didn't have theirs out yet when I bought mine several weeks ago. The Seidio is not very good....quality seems okay, but it will not stay stuck down along the edges. I went ahead and ordered a set from Steinheil. They also have 3 different varieties: Ultra Crystal; Anti-Fingerprint; Ultra Oleophobic. Here is the description of the 3 from their website:

Q) What are the different between the Steinheil Ultra Crystal, Anti Finger, and Ultra Oleophobic Screen Protectors? How’s the Clarity?
A) All of our screen protectors are Japanese made, enhanced optical hard films. Ultra Crystal and Ultra Oleophobic screen protectors are both clear type where it absolutely doesn’t affect the screen image quality. Ultra Crystal has glass-like surface coating with the best resistance against scratches. Ultra Oleophobic has an oily resistant coating to resist oil and other contaminants. Anti Finger screen protector is matte type hard film which resists against fingerprints, and smudges, but it is less clear compared to other Steinheil screen protectors.

Here is the link to their site: SGP HTC ThunderBol?t Screen Protector Steinheil Ultra Series - ThunderBolt - HTC - Cell Phones
 
UCGoody1 said:
So I am going to *hopefully* be picking up the Thunderbolt later today, switching from a Blackberry Tour.

Now, I know the importance of a good screen protector, especially on a touch screen phone.

However, I have done a little bit of searching around and for the most part have come to these conclusions based on posts that other users have made:
- There are screen protectors that focus on reducing glare.
- There are screen protectors that focus on reducing fingerprints.
- There are screen protectors that focus on preventing scratches.

I guess my question is: Why aren't there protectors out there that can do all of these things? My main concern, I believe, would have to be scratches, since glare and fingerprints (especially if they are already on a screen protector) aren't going to physically damage the phone whereas scratches will.

Now, since I am aware that even just sliding the phone into my pocket, unprotected, can immediately result in tiny scratches, I will most likely end up purchasing one of the basic cheap ones right in the store, that way I can at least have the phone be somewhat protected for the time being.

Once I figure out the best 'higher quality' screen protector to purchase, I will do so, and then ultimately remove the original one and replace it when it arrives in the mail.

So- can someone please explain if I have been mistaken or if there actually are different protectors which focus on preventing different things.

I have heard many different names, ranging from Zaggs, Steinheil, BodyGuardz, etc and I know many of you are going to have your personal (and maybe biased) opinions, but I would just like to hear from people who have already had to deal with screen protectors on touch screen phones, since I am going to be new to this.

Thank you so much; any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
There is another discussion on the forum

( http://androidforums.com/htc-thunde...-ordering-cases-combos-screen-protectors.html)

where they talk about screen protectors. Zaggs is a "wet" application. Seidio offers one that is anti glare, anti finger prints and allows you to still "feel" the touch screen. It is "dry" (so you don't to worry about not placing it correctly the first time).

Here is another link for Seidio for more info:
seidioonline.com

Good luck!
 
I also have Steinheil on my TB. I've never used them before, had Zagg on my OG Droid and was happy with it until.....


I tried Steinheil! Ultra Crystal. PERFECTION.

I was just in a VZ store today (swapping Sim card), and the tech says "You know, you really should get a screen protector for this phone " as he is wiping his fingerprints off of my phone. " Um, there IS a screen protector on it!" He had to search to see it on the phone, and then silly boy asked if it was a VZ protector! I had to break his heart and say no.

Anyway, thumbs waaaayyy up for Steinheil. So slick, feels exactly like glass. No glare, wipes easy, love it!
 
Wrapsol Ultra. The best I've used and I've used a ton of brands over the years. It's been on for almost a year now and still going strong. Can't even tell it's on there but yet offers crazy protection. Highly recommended.
 
mbarcus said:
I have tried several screen protectors in the past. By far, my favorite is Steinheil. I currently have a Seidio protector on my Thunderbolt because Steinheil didn't have theirs out yet when I bought mine several weeks ago. The Seidio is not very good....quality seems okay, but it will not stay stuck down along the edges. I went ahead and ordered a set from Steinheil. They also have 3 different varieties: Ultra Crystal; Anti-Fingerprint; Ultra Oleophobic. Here is the description of the 3 from their website:

Q) What are the different between the Steinheil Ultra Crystal, Anti Finger, and Ultra Oleophobic Screen Protectors? How
Click to expand...
 
I put a Phantom Skinz on my DInc when I got it, and it's still holding strong almost a year later. I already ordered one for my new TB
 
mbarcus said:
I have tried several screen protectors in the past. By far, my favorite is Steinheil. I currently have a Seidio protector on my Thunderbolt because Steinheil didn't have theirs out yet when I bought mine several weeks ago. The Seidio is not very good....quality seems okay, but it will not stay stuck down along the edges. I went ahead and ordered a set from Steinheil. They also have 3 different varieties: Ultra Crystal; Anti-Fingerprint; Ultra Oleophobic. Here is the description of the 3 from their website:

Q) What are the different between the Steinheil Ultra Crystal, Anti Finger, and Ultra Oleophobic Screen Protectors? How
Click to expand...
 
I personally luv the Zagg screen protector i seen a demo video and was impressed so for every phone i get i always suit it up wit one, it covers the full face of the screen which i really like...its supposed to be lifetime warrantied but not really sure how that works...
 
As I see it, there are two main types to consider. Crystal clear and orange peel. Any screen protectors that don't specifically say crystal clear will cause some distortion of the screen, no matter how slight. Look at it carefully from an angle with light shining on it and you will see the orange peel texture. They usually provide some glare reduction also, just by nature of the bumpy surface diffusing reflected light. The crystal clear ones are usually smooth like glass and have no orange peel. Benefit being you won't see any difference in clarity vs a naked device. Cons being they don't do squat for glare and may show fingerprints and minor scratches more easily. They both seem to always advertise scratch resistance.
 
HTCThunderbolt said:
Got a zagg.. Fine for me
Click to expand...

+1. I rocked a Zagg on my Inc and got one on my Bolt immediately after I purchased it. Never had an issue with it on my Inc and don't expect one with it on my Bolt. I like the free replacements for life, minus shipping, once you register it on zagg.com
 
jr313 said:
....its supposed to be lifetime warrantied but not really sure how that works...
Click to expand...

Just go to zagg.com and register it. They'll ask if you bought it from them or 3rd party retailer, what device you have and whether you bought the screen or full body protector. Once you're done, you can go back to zagg.com if you need a new one and just paying shipping. Other than the demo I saw at BBY (the kid who worked there took a stapler to his X and scratched it all over his zagg, no marks what-so-ever) the free replacements for life of device was why I purchased it.
 
I have never used screen protectors on my glass touchscreen phones. I only got one small hairline scratch on the storm I had a long while back. My droid x still looks perfect since July and I'm sure my thunderbolt will do the same until I'm ready for a new phone. Glass is a very hard material and pretty damn hard to scratch. Instead a putting time and effort into finding a screen protector that doesn't look like a turd, just use your how its meant to be used.
 
I second the 'no screen protectors on glass screen' notion. I never had one on my Storm (2+ years until I got my Thunderbolt) and no scratches despite me tossing it in my pocket with lots of other stuff in there.

Also, no scratches on my iPad yet (1 year old) - I do tend to baby this thing a bit more but it's still scratch free.
 
I hate anti glare ones they ruin the quality if the screen. I live ghost armor way better than zagg. Zagg sucks. Too much orange peel
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom