Screen protector recommendations/discussions

[PattiCakeUS]

I never tried the oleophobic one before, simply because they didn't have it at the time that I purchased the crystal clear for the EVO. I'm still upset that SGP never made one for the Photon, but oh well. Nonetheless, whatever I decide on for my last 1 year upgrade, I'm gonna give the Oleophobic version a shot.

There is one thing I've noticed with the oleophobic, I haven't seen anyone else mention it but it seems to get a little oily sometimes. I wash my hands a lot and even when I know my fingers are clean and dry, I sometimes see little oily smudges appear where I just touched the screen. I don't know if all screen protectors are that way since I haven't used one in years but I figure it's worth mentioning. Or maybe it's because of the special coating?

 

[drexappeal]

There is one thing I've noticed with the oleophobic, I haven't seen anyone else mention it but it seems to get a little oily sometimes. I wash my hands a lot and even when I know my fingers are clean and dry, I sometimes see little oily smudges appear where I just touched the screen. I don't know if all screen protectors are that way since I haven't used one in years but I figure it's worth mentioning. Or maybe it's because of the special coating?

Really? I thought the whole point of the oleophobic is so that it's oil resistant? That's the main reason I'd consider it over the Ultra Crystal:

The Oleophobic has an oil-resistance coating to prevent smudges resulting from oil, cosmetics, and other contaminants. Any marks and fingerprints can be wiped away easily.

 

[PattiCakeUS]

Well, they can easily be wiped away, but I swear the little oily smudges come from nowhere, that's why I thought I'd mention it. I'm curious to see if anyone else who has the same screen protector chimes in.

 

[CriticalCritic]

Really? I thought the whole point of the oleophobic is so that it's oil resistant?

It is resistant, but that doesn't mean that oil won't still get on it. Basically the oil isn't supposed to smudge as much (because it's repelled by the surface), and it's supposed to wipe away easily (as stated in the above post).

I put a real cheapo protector on my OG Evo (now used as a VOIP Home phone with its own number) and after every use I have to scrub it for about 10 seconds to get the oil off of it.

 

[drexappeal]

It is resistant, but that doesn't mean that oil won't still get on it. Basically the oil isn't supposed to smudge as much (because it's repelled by the surface), and it's supposed to wipe away easily (as stated in the above post).

I put a real cheapo protector on my OG Evo (now used as a VOIP Home phone with its own number) and after every use I have to scrub it for about 10 seconds to get the oil off of it.

Thanks for clarifying, CriticalCritic. SGP didn't make a screen protector for the MoPho, so I can identify with having to scrub away at the screen in order to get the oils off (although, i just use a sunglass cloth and it works fine). Nontheless, still sounds like Oleophobic is worth a shot, if it's just as clear as the ultra crystal.

 

[PyroSporker]

Thanks for clarifying, CriticalCritic. SGP didn't make a screen protector for the MoPho, so I can identify with having to scrub away at the screen in order to get the oils off (although, I just use a sunglass cloth and it works fine). Nonetheless, still sounds like Oleophobic is worth a shot, if it's just as clear as the Ultra Crystal.

It is the one thing that bugs me about Spigen, their preferential treatment for different phones and manufacturers has been extreme. Though, in their defense, it is a business decision driven by device sales and the perceived market.

I've mentioned it a few different times around these here parts; Oleophobic is not fingerprint/oil proof, just semi-resistant to them. The oil resistant coating simply makes the marks slightly less frequent and after they eventually build up, they wipe off easier. (I haven't used them personally, this is just the consensus from the data I've gathered over the years).
The word "Resistant" is a bit of a marketing spin. :viking:

It is just as clear as Ultra Crystal, and now offered for the same price!
(Clear until you start to wear down and dull the coating after years of repetitive use)

Even the Anti-Fingerprint protectors and Ultra Optics gather oil, they just hide it better. There is no such thing as a Fingerprint Resistant or Fingerprint Proof screen protector, yet.

 

[bupolo]

Aren't there any cheaper screen protectors that are decent? Back in 2010 I bought a pack of 3 screen protectors off Amazon for like $2.99 + $3.00 in shipping and they worked great. Plus when they get messed up (typically after a 5 or 6 months) I would just put a new one on.

 

[xPhantom]

Just received my SGP Ultra Crystal last night and installed it this morning.. absolutely loving it. I can't even tell it's on there!

 

[CyreneK]

I have tried Zagg HD, Skinomi, and Xtremeguard, all wet applications, and have found Xtremeguard is the best. They apply very easily and truly self heal. I have purposely gouged it and saw it return to normal right before my eyes. It seemed a little rubbery at first, but after a few days of use, it feels more like glass. They do not come with a proximity sensor cut out, but my phone has never had an issue with that. I would imagine one can be cut out with a whole puncher, though, prior to application if needed. Now, these are VERY inexpensive especially if you Google search for coupons. I ended up paying about a dollar with free shipping. Their packaging is nothing but a piece of cardboard in an envelope and you need to make your own solution, but instructions are provided. I believe this must be how they keep their cost low. Customer support is awesome and they sent me out a whole new free shipment when I received one damaged. I installed one on my Evo View as well and the stylus works perfectly.

 

[og fance sauce]

I have purchased both the Steinheil Ultra Oleophobic AND Ultra Fine (matte). I prefer the feel and look of the Ultra fine. It has that matte look to it, which i find very attractive, and the surface of it is MUCH smoother to the finger than clear screen protectors.

The oleophobic's coating does wear off after awhile, so the longevity of those are limited. Also, because of how smooth it is, your finger can actually drag from friction as if you were dragging your finger across a mirror..(don't know if that makes sense). If you had any type of moisture on your finger, it tends to grip your skin and not slide as smoothly vs the ultra fine.

The ultra-fine does take away from the crisp/clarity in a sense, but the anti-fingerprint and anti-glare properties make up for it. I honestly don't even notice the loss of clarity until i'm staring at a completely white screen, where you can see more rainbow speckling from the matte finish.

Overall, both screen protectors are awesome. I've removed them and re-applied them with no problems. Just have to make sure to use those dust removal stickers in order to really get rid of the dust particles to prevent any bubbling.

The fit of these screen protectors is also very precise. I have the cruzerlite androidified case, body glove case, and seidio surface case for the evo 4g lte, and none of them interfere with the screen protector.

just my .02 cents!

 

[3vodroid]

I have purchased both the Steinheil Ultra Oleophobic AND Ultra Fine (matte). I prefer the feel and look of the Ultra fine. It has that matte look to it, which i find very attractive, and the surface of it is MUCH smoother to the finger than clear screen protectors.

The oleophobic's coating does wear off after awhile, so the longevity of those are limited. Also, because of how smooth it is, your finger can actually drag from friction as if you were dragging your finger across a mirror..(don't know if that makes sense). If you had any type of moisture on your finger, it tends to grip your skin and not slide as smoothly vs the ultra fine.

The ultra-fine does take away from the crisp/clarity in a sense, but the anti-fingerprint and anti-glare properties make up for it. I honestly don't even notice the loss of clarity until i'm staring at a completely white screen, where you can see more rainbow speckling from the matte finish.

Overall, both screen protectors are awesome. I've removed them and re-applied them with no problems. Just have to make sure to use those dust removal stickers in order to really get rid of the dust particles to prevent any bubbling.

The fit of these screen protectors is also very precise. I have the cruzerlite androidified case, body glove case, and seidio surface case for the evo 4g lte, and none of them interfere with the screen protector.

just my .02 cents!

Side question for you, sorry to be off topic. I have the cruzerlite Androidified case also and the cut-out for the charging port is too tight I'm gonna cut a bit out of it so it doesn't put pressure on the USB ( i am a nazi about the USB being free and clear ). Was wondering if yours is the same?

 

[og fance sauce]

Side question for you, sorry to be off topic. I have the cruzerlite Androidified case also and the cut-out for the charging port is too tight I'm gonna cut a bit out of it so it doesn't put pressure on the USB ( i am a nazi about the USB being free and clear ). Was wondering if yours is the same?

The port is free and clear when not plugged in. When I do plug it in, it looks like the top of the USB charger is slightly, and by slightly, BARELY touching the top of the case. The charger is very flush with the phone's port. Your case is probably the culprit.

By the way, I do have the white evo 4g lte, and came with a white charger. Not sure if its any different with the black/red version.

 

[3vodroid]

The port is free and clear when not plugged in. When I do plug it in, it looks like the top of the USB charger is slightly, and by slightly, BARELY touching the top of the case. The charger is very flush with the phone's port. Your case is probably the culprit.

By the way, I do have the white evo 4g lte, and came with a white charger. Not sure if its any different with the black/red version.

Ok yeah mine is doing the same thing.. It just always bothers me when anything is touching the usb bc I don't want it to get stretched and have problems down the road.. I saw a couple people cut it out a bit more but honestly I would rather not do that. But your right it barely touches it and it seems they all are like that

 

[JohnJSal]

I tried applying a screen protector to my Evo LTE, but I noticed that a couple of air bubble spots would not go away, even after rubbing them. I then noticed that rather than JUST being air bubbles, the bubbles were caused because there seemed to be a small piece of hair or fuzz under there, and so I guess that's what raised up the bubble.

I removed that cover and tried again with my second (and last) one. This time, I still noticed a couple of spots, but luckily they are on the very edges, not in the middle like the first time.

But I'm wondering, will these eventually go away, despite being caused by what appear to be little pieces of something under there? Is that keeping the air bubble from disappearing, or will it go away with time? Rubbing them, even right up to the edge, where they are, is not working right now.

Thanks.

 

[marctronixx]

one of the best ways to apply these is to blow a very LIGHT dust of baby powder onto the screen before applying the protector. this goes for virtually any protector and virtually any mobile device.

the bubbles will not go away, especially if there is debris under there.

bubbles are sometimes caused when there is moist air under the protector. the screen heats up the moisture, and bubbles can form.

try the baby powder way.

 

[PyroSporker]

I tried applying a screen protector to my Evo LTE, but I noticed that a couple of air bubble spots would not go away, even after rubbing them. I then noticed that rather than JUST being air bubbles, the bubbles were caused because there seemed to be a small piece of hair or fuzz under there, and so I guess that's what raised up the bubble.

I removed that cover and tried again with my second (and last) one. This time, I still noticed a couple of spots, but luckily they are on the very edges, not in the middle like the first time.

But I'm wondering, will these eventually go away, despite being caused by what appear to be little pieces of something under there? Is that keeping the air bubble from disappearing, or will it go away with time? Rubbing them, even right up to the edge, where they are, is not working right now.

Thanks.

If there is dust underneath the protector, obviously it will not just go away.

Is it a wet or dry apply? It sounds like a dry application protector. Which brand?

Before applying, you should clean the screen multiple times extremely well with a lint free cloth in a clean low dust environment, bathrooms/kitchens work well. Power off the device beforehand and let it cool for a while before application. Carefully apply and line up while peeling as little of the backing as you can and work your way down the screen.
If you end up with dust underneath near the edges carefully use a new roll of scotch tape and use a piece to carefully lift just the corner/edge of the material while using another piece to stick the dust and pull it out from under the edge of the protector.
Try Youtube if you need a visual guide - beware there is as much bad advice on Youtube as good advice.

One of the best ways to apply these is to blow a very LIGHT dust of baby powder onto the screen before applying the protector. This goes for virtually any protector and virtually any mobile device.

The bubbles will not go away, especially if there is debris under there.

Bubbles are sometimes caused when there is moist air under the protector. the screen heats up the moisture, and bubbles can form.

Try the baby powder way.

Hopefully this does not sound disrespectful, but this method sounds utterly preposterous. If the goal is to get rid of as much dust as possible before application, why would you APPLY dust before installing the protector!? I've never heard of this method.
I can maybe imagine using it to reduce moisture or oil and then cleaning it off, but sealing it under a screen protector is downright ridiculous.

---Edit---
I see now, via youtube, it is an Otterbox trick (which is why I've never heard of it). They have a different kind of screen protector I'm not familiar with. Their protectors have very mixed reviews over the years - lots of people remove them and use other protectors.
While the baby powder trick may work for the specific Otterbox protector which I'm guessing is permeable and can sometimes become moisture filled and oil slicked underneath the protector, I would NOT generalize this baby powder tip to ALL screen protectors. It would absolutely ruin most low/no adhesive silicone cling screen protectors, there would be baby powder stuck on it forever...

 

[marctronixx]

i posted the baby powder trick because i experienced first hand that it worked to remove the oil slick/bubble phenomenon that some experience.

there is no need to disrespect my suggestion buy calling it "preposterous" if you have no first hand experience of testing/using it.

I am a reflection of this site and a volunteer of this site, and i try to lead by example. I would not DARE post up something that would cause any harm to another person's hardware. I used the baby powder trick since 2010 across several devices, not just mobile phones. I have also suggested this to associates who also had success (after a couple of tries).

 

[JohnJSal]

Is it a wet or dry apply? It sounds like a dry application protector. Which brand?

It was a dry application. I got the covers from a Sprint store. They are very good (I used one on my original Evo as well). I cleaned the screen thoroughly before application and did it in the kitchen, but I guess a small piece of something just got on the edge, perhaps from my finger as I held the edges.

I'll just have to get a couple more covers and try again, but fortunately the bubble isn't in the middle of the screen, so it's not such a distraction for now.

 

[CyreneK]

one of the best ways to apply these is to blow a very LIGHT dust of baby powder onto the screen before applying the protector. this goes for virtually any protector and virtually any mobile device.

the bubbles will not go away, especially if there is debris under there.

bubbles are sometimes caused when there is moist air under the protector. the screen heats up the moisture, and bubbles can form.

try the baby powder way.

I never heard of the baby powder way....how does it work and does it work with wet installs?

 

[KenjiSpencer]

I cleaned the screen thoroughly before application and did it in the kitchen, but I guess a small piece of something just got on the edge, perhaps from my finger as I held the edges.

If you see a bubble caused by a particle between the screen and the protector, peel back the protector and use a piece of Scotch tape to remove the offending particle.

Edit: I see now that PyroSporker already recommended this. Ooops.

 

[3vodroid]

If you see a bubble caused by a particle between the screen and the protector, peel back the protector and use a piece of Scotch tape to remove the offending particle.

Edit: I see now that PyroSporker already recommended this. Ooops.

This is the technique I have always used. Very helpful.

 

[Nevis]

+1 for the XtremeGuard. Had one on my original EVO and now on the LTE. If applied correctly you can hardly tell it's there. Works good for me and you can't beat the 5.00 price.

Actually, now you can beat it. They are having a sale. 80% off if you buy 3 or more. So, that $5 screen protector is now $1.

Use coupon code 80off3

I got 2 from their last sale, and I love them. One for my LTEVO, and one for my Acer Tab. IMHO they're just as good as Zagg. I just bought 8 more for some friend's various devices for $9!

The only problem is they do not have one for my wife's MoPho Q yet. Couple weeks, they say. Guess I'll wait for the next sale.

 

[CriticalCritic]

i posted the baby powder trick because i experienced first hand that it worked to remove the oil slick/bubble phenomenon that some experience.

there is no need to disrespect my suggestion buy calling it "preposterous" if you have no first hand experience of testing/using it.

I am a reflection of this site and a volunteer of this site, and i try to lead by example. I would not DARE post up something that would cause any harm to another person's hardware. I used the baby powder trick since 2010 across several devices, not just mobile phones. I have also suggested this to associates who also had success (after a couple of tries).

I know you are an extremely valuable and appreciated member here Marc, but you have to admit that your suggestion sounds like you are running into a conversation over whether the earth is a flat plane or a cube and announcing that it's round. Even though I now see from videos that you are right, I had the same thought that blowing particles onto a screen in order to avoid particles on the screen seems counter-intuitive.

At the same time, Pyro is also an active an valuable contributor, and he did state that he didn't mean for it to be disrespectful. That said, the back-and-forth between you both has been very educational for me! My otterbox commuter case arrived yesterday, and it came with a screen protector (separate, not built-in).

When I first read your (Mar's) post about the baby powder, I thought it might be good to experiment with. Then I read Pyro's response and saw his opinion that it shouldn't be used on all types of screen protectors. Now after looking at a few of the youtube videos for myself, I see that the trick DOES work!, But I also see that all of the examples are using the baby powder trick on protectors that are built-in to the cases.

@Marc, I get the impression that the issue between you and Pryo is actually a miscommunication over particular types of screen protectors where this trick would be applicable. On what types of screen protectors have you used the baby powder trick (wet, dry-adhesive, or dry-cling)?

 

[EarlyMon]

This is terribly interesting on several levels -

For those that need to understand what Gorilla Glass is I suggest you watch this little video - I find the explanation very good and also some of the tests are nice to look at!!! Enjoy and thank the XDA devs!


Truth About Gorilla Glass - Drops, Tests, Composition - YouTube

I've never heard of glass screen protectors before. That's very intriguing...

 

[PyroSporker]

Sorry I've been meaning to get back and reply for a few days, I've just been really busy at work taking on a new position and busy with life outside work.

I posted the baby powder trick because I experienced first hand that it worked to remove the oil slick/bubble phenomenon that some experience.

I never claimed it didn't work for you. I clearly stated that I can see how this method would be slightly applicable for oil slick/bubble phenomenon that effects only certain cases and screen protectors. The questions is can the method be applied to ALL protectors across the board?

There is no need to disrespect my suggestion by calling it "preposterous" if you have no first hand experience of testing/using it.

Honestly no disrespect was meant, that's why I began my post with that line stating no disrespect was meant. I wasn't disrespecting your suggestion, my comments pertain to the method itself.
I realize usually when posts begin with lines like that, it usually has the opposite intended effect and bristles a response like the one I received. How else could I have claimed my innocence while still getting my message across?

I wouldn't try this method even if I had a free set of screen protectors that cost me nothing.
If I had an Otterbox case, and their built in screen protector, like in the many videos online, that personally caused this phenomenon on my phone It might be a last resort effort.

I am a reflection of this site and a volunteer of this site, and I try to lead by example. I would not DARE post up something that would cause any harm to another person's hardware. I used the baby powder trick since 2010 across several devices, not just mobile phones. I have also suggested this to associates who also had success (after a couple of tries).

My critique is completely of the method, and in no way reflection upon you, this website, your leadership style, or your track record... I never said it didn't work. And I never said it would harm someones hardware...

I'm sorry. I have the utmost respect for you Marc and all other members/Mods/Guides/Staff. I honestly did not mean my message that way. Please PM me if there is still further words that need to be said.

It was a dry application. I got the covers from a Sprint store. They are very good (I used one on my original Evo as well). I cleaned the screen thoroughly before application and did it in the kitchen, but I guess a small piece of something just got on the edge, perhaps from my finger as I held the edges.

I'll just have to get a couple more covers and try again, but fortunately the bubble isn't in the middle of the screen, so it's not such a distraction for now.

I always wash my hands with an oil reducing soap (Dawn) right before installation and let my hands air dry. A towel can re-introduce dust to your hands.
Try the scotch tape method and save your money or purchasing more of those protectors. If you utilize the scotch tape method you can fix the distraction in less than a minute.
I'm glad you like the Sprint protectors for your situation. I found them to be otherwise, and in my experience they get scratched extremely easily.

I found a meager example of the scotch tape method:
Removing a dust particle after installing a screen protector - YouTube

I never heard of the baby powder way....how does it work and does it work with wet installs?

I found an official example of the baby powder method from Otterbox:
Solution to Oil Slick for Defender Series

The thing is after it is installed you can literally look at the screen and see that it is clouded and every white particle is visible to the naked eye. With the screen on it may be less visible or masked, but it is still there. Once the powder gets moisture on it, it may dissolve?

I know you are an extremely valuable and appreciated member here Marc, but you have to admit that your suggestion sounds like you are running into a conversation over whether the earth is a flat plane or a cube and announcing that it's round. Even though I now see from videos that you are right, I had the same thought that blowing particles onto a screen in order to avoid particles on the screen seems counter-intuitive.

At the same time, Pyro is also an active an valuable contributor, and he did state that he didn't mean for it to be disrespectful. That said, the back-and-forth between you both has been very educational for me! My Otterbox commuter case arrived yesterday, and it came with a screen protector (separate, not built-in).

When I first read your (Marc's) post about the baby powder, I thought it might be good to experiment with. Then I read Pyro's response and saw his opinion that it shouldn't be used on all types of screen protectors. Now after looking at a few of the Youtube videos for myself, I see that the trick DOES work!, But I also see that all of the examples are using the baby powder trick on protectors that are built-in to the cases.

@Marc, I get the impression that the issue between you and Pryo is actually a miscommunication over particular types of screen protectors where this trick would be applicable. On what types of screen protectors have you used the baby powder trick (wet, dry-adhesive, or dry-cling)?

Thanks, this is it in a nutshell.

This is terribly interesting on several levels -

I've never heard of glass screen protectors before. That's very intriguing...

There is an extreme logical fallacy in this video, that Spigen's glas.t can be considered a comparable or equivalent to Corning's Gorilla Glass...
They are advertising and testing a different product and passing it off as a review/test of Gorilla Glass.

I briefly mentioned their glass screen protector in this post (and others): http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g...-launch-saturday-june-2-a-16.html#post4241491 under the show button. I've tried not to mention them too much since their product is not made for our lovely device. I hate to be the guy that causes others to feel badly that there is a product out there not available to them. It is a stinking feeling.
Spigen has glas.t for some Apple products and Samsung phones, but that's about it.
http://www.spigen.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=glas+t
And XGear has recently put out their glass for Samsung devices.
Spectre for Samsung | XGearlive
Fantom for Samsung | XGearlive