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Screen Protector Comparison

Asterdroid

Android Expert
I originally posted this in the pre-release thread, but it was requested that I repost it here.


So, since people are talking about screen protectors, I'll give you guys a little write up here. I tested many different screen protectors on my Incredible about a year and a half ago. My findings on the more popular models are below.

First off, a general statement. Don't buy fingerprint-proof or fingerprint reducing screen protectors. They will decrease the quality of the screen as well as interfere with the front facing camera and proximity sensor.

Steinheil Crystal:
Pros: Best optics of any screen protector I've seen. Perfectly smooth, no tackiness, and zero orange peel effect.
Cons: Does not stand the test of time. They don't last as long as the wet application screen protectors. They scratch up much easier and the corners wear quicker. Expensive.

Zagg Invisible Shield:
Pros: Extremely durable, "self-healing".
Cons: Terrible orange peel effect, tacky feel. Almost impossible to use Swype-style keyboards with this on your screen.

Skinomi TechSkin:
This is exactly the same as the Zagg Invisible Shield, but typically available cheaper on Amazon.

Phantom Skinz Ultra Clear:
Pros: By far the least orange peel effect of all the wet application protectors. Extremely durable, and self-healing. Almost a smooth feeling as the Steinheil Crystal. Very little tackiness.
Cons: Optically still not quite as good as the Steinheil due to slight orange peel effect.

The only popular one I didn't try is Ghost Armor. From what I've read it's the same material as the Zagg, though, so that should be enough info.

Overall, in my opinion the Phantom Skinz are the best. Best of both worlds. Durability of the wet application protectors, with clarity almost on par with the dry application protectors.

I've had the same Phantom Skinz screen protector on my Incredible now for over a year with absolutely no scratches, no peeling, and no wear.

I plan on putting one of the full body kits from there on my Galaxy Nexus once they become available.

Hope that helps everyone!
 
Thanks for the review, you must have spent a lot on screen protectors.

I bought a cheapo no name 3 pack off amazon for my incredible. I'm still on my original one, no scratches or peeling. I don't care for the fingerprints and glare, but all the "glare proof" ones make the screen blurry as you say.
 
My Steinheil Crystal has been more durable than any wet application protector I have used.
About a year now with no peeling around the edges. Still looks new and
I am pretty rough on my phone using it all day at work.
 
I went with XO Skins. Their video was pretty convincing and they are cheaper than most with a lifetime warranty. They also dont have orange peel
 
I couldn't find the Steinheil Crystal one on their site. Must be out of stock?
 
I couldn't find the Steinheil Crystal one on their site. Must be out of stock?

Doesn't exist yet. Phantom Skinz hasn't released the Galaxy Nexus ones yet either.

Just to clarify on the Steinheils, I think they are definitely the best IF you aren't rough on your phone, since they do scratch up with moderate abuse. They are definitely not more durable than the wet application protectors, though. Key scratch tests easily confirm this.

And yes I did spend a lot of money on protectors :)

It started off with me buying two different kinds and not being happy with either. Once I bought the third, I figured I might as well buy a bunch of them and try them all out for future reference.
 
The XO skin sounds pretty interesting as far as protection, but what do you guys think about it in terms of its optics (that's where I'm most picky about protectors). Asterdroid, do you think that you'll try out an XO skin and let us know?
 
yes, durability of the Steinheil depends on the user. i've had a Steinheil Oleophobic on my SGS2 for a little over 6mon and i have no scratches and no worn corners.

in comparison, my ex gf got the exact same one for a Droid X2. she scratched hers up in about a week.

difference between us? she puts her phone in a purse with loose items including keys. i keep my phone in a pocket by itself at all times. basically, i don't need a screen protector because plastic scratches easier than glass because it's softer, but it's just peace of mind :)
 
shame that power support doesn't make anything for the nexus. That's all I ever used on my iphones and there is nothing else even close
 
has anyone used the other Steinheil screen protectors? They aren't stocking the crystal yet, but do have two other options.

I have what is now known as the UOL series on my Droid x. I have had the film on for over a year now with moderate to heavy use. Other than the sheen changing a bit on the areas where I scroll frequently, I have no complaints. I have a new one I could put on, but I am going save it for my friend who will be getting the X... later this week, I hope.

That said, I don't want to inhibit the full wow-potential of the screen on the Nexus; I will order the crystal series this time.
 
I see they also have something called FLEX now... not quite sure what that's all about.

It's out of stock, anyway, and they don't have the Crystal series yet. I will probably leave the factory plastic on the screen until I can get one.
 
I have the Skinomi on my Galaxy Nexus. I agree that like the Zagg, it is ultra durable and "self healing".

But it doesn't have any orange peel effect. If yours does, you probably put it on wrong. And even with Zagg (which I have on my Nexus S), the orange peel effect is entirely cosmetic, it has no effect on touch response. That inability to use Swype comment may be a bit too dramatic. I've had no issues using Swype on the S.

Anyways, I got the Skinomi for like $6 on Amazon. Definitely the best value out of all the options listed above.

Just my 2¢
 
...So nobody even mentions the Wrapsol huh?
Blows every single one of those things out of the water.
Downside? It starts shipping Dec. 8th, following the LTE Nexus release.

Best protector ever. Smoother than Gorilla Glass, no peel, life-time warrenty, A+
 
anyone using matte surface SP? like the SGP Ultra Optics

is it worth it considering the screen is one of the strongest point of the GNex?
 
I originally posted this in the pre-release thread, but it was requested that I repost it here.


So, since people are talking about screen protectors, I'll give you guys a little write up here. I tested many different screen protectors on my Incredible about a year and a half ago. My findings on the more popular models are below.

First off, a general statement. Don't buy fingerprint-proof or fingerprint reducing screen protectors. They will decrease the quality of the screen as well as interfere with the front facing camera and proximity sensor.

Steinheil Crystal:
Pros: Best optics of any screen protector I've seen. Perfectly smooth, no tackiness, and zero orange peel effect.
Cons: Does not stand the test of time. They don't last as long as the wet application screen protectors. They scratch up much easier and the corners wear quicker. Expensive.

image-3215015-10550783
Zagg Invisible Shield:
Pros: Extremely durable, "self-healing".
Cons: Terrible orange peel effect, tacky feel. Almost impossible to use Swype-style keyboards with this on your screen.

Skinomi TechSkin:
This is exactly the same as the Zagg Invisible Shield, but typically available cheaper on Amazon.

Phantom Skinz Ultra Clear:
Pros: By far the least orange peel effect of all the wet application protectors. Extremely durable, and self-healing. Almost a smooth feeling as the Steinheil Crystal. Very little tackiness.
Cons: Optically still not quite as good as the Steinheil due to slight orange peel effect.

The only popular one I didn't try is Ghost Armor. From what I've read it's the same material as the Zagg, though, so that should be enough info.

Overall, in my opinion the Phantom Skinz are the best. Best of both worlds. Durability of the wet application protectors, with clarity almost on par with the dry application protectors.

I've had the same Phantom Skinz screen protector on my Incredible now for over a year with absolutely no scratches, no peeling, and no wear.

I plan on putting one of the full body kits from there on my Galaxy Nexus once they become available.

Hope that helps everyone!


Good review asterdroid!

I tried all four (I'm really anal about clarity), but have you guys tried Skinpea? I feel like nobody knows about them!


Pros: supposed anti-ripple technology really works in preventing orangepeel. really feels high quality. precise cuts. lasts a long time without scratches, and again.. no orange peeling!!

Cons: kinda pricey, yo!


I got some pics of my phone with my friend's zagg. I never knew there was such a big difference until I put them side-by-side:
 

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