Anyone use GLASS vs. film as screen protector?

[GoodEnough]

Is this worth getting?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Tem...l_Phone_Screen_Protectors&hash=item58ab59f264

 

[gorcorps]

Had one and hated it. It scratches easier than the glass it's protecting so my screen looked terrible, and it's very fragile. One drop and you have a shattered screen protector. Obviously I've only tried one brand but IMO glass screen protectors are a joke.

 

[GoodEnough]

So just stick with the film covers for $1
and get an otterbox style cover with deep bevels?

 

[GoodEnough]

These guys seem to like the glass.
http://androidforums.com/lg-g2/839718-anyone-use-glass-vs-film-screen-protector.html

 

[gorcorps]

Personally I'm not even using a screen protector anymore and it's great. But yeah, before this I had a regular film screen protector. I'd certainly get better ones than $1 but whatever floats your boat budget wise.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Sorry but I disagree with the overall sentiment here. The plastic screen protectors suck. Even the ones that say oleophobic, the coating wears off in no time, not to mention it's never as good as the glass screen itself. There's also friction in using a plastic film when its clean. When its dirty with fingerprints your fingers slide easily across it like glass, but clarity is reduced.

The glass screen protectors are way better. Not only are they optically superior to the plastic screen protectors, they're also hard and don't get scratched. I had one on my Nexus 5 and it was great until I got the phone pinched (long story) in some corner and it shattered the protector. I replaced it with another one, but as to the possibility of shattering your screen protector, you have that same issue without a screen protector. I'd rather shatter a $30 glass protector than a $150 screen.

One case where I see glass protectors are overkill is for SLRs. See, those glass protectors really started with DSLRs. But considering the screen of a DSLR is protected by a plastic protector, it's quite pointless. You can pop the Canon screen covers with a suction cup and replace them for $20. What's the point of covering the plastic part with a glass part that costs more? Now maybe things will change as they go touchscreen and go for a 1 piece screen construction.

 

[s44]

Get a TPU or hybrid case and avoid screen protectors altogether. If you give the phone its own pocket you should never get a scratch (the case will prevent glass-ground contact during drops).

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Get a TPU or hybrid case and avoid screen protectors altogether. If you give the phone its own pocket you should never get a scratch (the case will prevent glass-ground contact during drops).

You need to make sure you have a case with a front lip in that case. With smaller and smaller bezels it becomes harder to swipe from the edge if you have a case with a lip. I would argue that it's not true that you won't scratch your phone. My iPhone has gone naked for 6 months and I can see a few microscratches. It just depends how picky you are. I like being able to take off my case and screen protector to a mint condition phone after I'm done using it.

 

[gorcorps]

Sorry but I disagree with the overall sentiment here. The plastic screen protectors suck. Even the ones that say oleophobic, the coating wears off in no time, not to mention it's never as good as the glass screen itself. There's also friction in using a plastic film when its clean. When its dirty with fingerprints your fingers slide easily across it like glass, but clarity is reduced.

The glass screen protectors are way better. Not only are they optically superior to the plastic screen protectors, they're also hard and don't get scratched. I had one on my Nexus 5 and it was great until I got the phone pinched (long story) in some corner and it shattered the protector. I replaced it with another one, but as to the possibility of shattering your screen protector, you have that same issue without a screen protector. I'd rather shatter a $30 glass protector than a $150 screen.

One case where I see glass protectors are overkill is for SLRs. See, those glass protectors really started with DSLRs. But considering the screen of a DSLR is protected by a plastic protector, it's quite pointless. You can pop the Canon screen covers with a suction cup and replace them for $20. What's the point of covering the plastic part with a glass part that costs more? Now maybe things will change as they go touchscreen and go for a 1 piece screen construction.

Everybody has different experiences and opinions. I know I'm in the minority regarding the glass screen protectors but I think they're a huge waste of money right now. I've wasted my money on one once already, and it scratched incredibly easily. You use screen protectors to keep your screen clean, so what's the point of putting sub-par glass over my gorilla glass when it scratches easier? Maybe if they made a gorilla glass screen protector I'd try it again but until then I'd rather just have a bare screen than slapping cheap glass over my good glass.

 

[s44]

My iPhone has gone naked for 6 months and I can see a few microscratches.

Case+naked screen isn't the same as full naked though. The lip will protect in the pocket, too, preventing anything from getting pressed up against the glass for long.

I've always used a case and never used a screen protector for as long as I've used smartphones, and never had a scratch.

 

[lothar]

My strategy is this...
1.) Get a TPU case like Cruzerlite Bugdroid or Diztronic.
-I used Cruzerlite for my Nexus 4 and Diztronic for my Nexus 5.

2.) Keep the original plastic screen protector that the phone ships with as long as possible(meaning I never remove that original sticky film from the glass initially).
-The screen protector that the Nexus 4 shipped with was completely clear and I took it off after almost a year when I passed the phone to my friend. The Nexus 5 screen protector only lasted about a week before I decided to rip it off. I couldn't stand the fact that they printed the word "Nexus 5" in white(or was it gray, not sure) on the screen protector itself meaning it was an obstacle from me seeing the screen properly. They should have just made it clear like the Nexus 4 with nothing printed on it and I would have left it on.

Buying screen protectors(whether glass, plastic, or otherwise) is a complete waste of money.
Just get a TPU case and be done with.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I love a glass screen protector. It provides more protection than plastic, feels better to the finger than plastic, and is easy to apply. The downside are as mentioned, they can crack and scratch when dropped (that is part of the point though, they take the shock instead of the screen).

Getting ones off ebay makes things cheaper, but for example I have gone through 4 on my Galaxy S4 since May 2013. My wife goes through an iPhone 5 one once every three months.

BUT when I am replacing them the OG screen look impeccable and we are pretty clumsy people. They certainly work for that extra cost.

I just buy like 4 at once from China now for sub-$30/40 and be done with it.

 

[Kelvrick]

I'll never go back to plastic after getting a glass one for the wife's S4. My enjoyment when playing games and "swyping" is definitely worth the cost (and replacement cost).

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

My strategy is this...
1.) Get a TPU case like Cruzerlite Bugdroid or Diztronic.
-I used Cruzerlite for my Nexus 4 and Diztronic for my Nexus 5.

2.) Keep the original plastic screen protector that the phone ships with as long as possible(meaning I never remove that original sticky film from the glass initially).
-The screen protector that the Nexus 4 shipped with was completely clear and I took it off after almost a year when I passed the phone to my friend. The Nexus 5 screen protector only lasted about a week before I decided to rip it off. I couldn't stand the fact that they printed the word "Nexus 5" in white(or was it gray, not sure) on the screen protector itself meaning it was an obstacle from me seeing the screen properly. They should have just made it clear like the Nexus 4 with nothing printed on it and I would have left it on.

Buying screen protectors(whether glass, plastic, or otherwise) is a complete waste of money.
Just get a TPU case and be done with.

I dunno. The plastic protector that comes with the phone is about as bad as most plastic screen protectors. Spigen might make a slightly better protector because it has oleophobic coating, but everytime someone takes off their screen protector (plastic), they are so impressed at how good the screen looks and feels. Your approach seems to compromise the screen for some cheap protection. That might be ok to you and I used to go that route too, but after going naked on my iPhone 5 and Nexus 4, I realized that the screen is indeed beautiful.

I don't notice the glass at all on my Nexus 5 and it feels just as good as the screen itself with just as good clarity. The only thing that feels it is my wallet, but honestly, considering we're gadget geeks here and buy new phones every year and shell out so much money, what's another $25?

TPU cases are nice and I have one, but I don't think they replace a screen protector.

Case+naked screen isn't the same as full naked though. The lip will protect in the pocket, too, preventing anything from getting pressed up against the glass for long.

I've always used a case and never used a screen protector for as long as I've used smartphones, and never had a scratch.

To this point, I'd argue that the lip is less effective in the pocket given that your leg isn't machined flat. Putting a phone in my pocket isnt the same as laying the phone flat on a table with the lip protecting the screen. Any spec of sand or dirt that goes into your pocket isn't guaranteed to be at the bottom of your pocket. It could stick to your inside pocket and contact your phone as you slide it out.

That being said GG3 is pretty hard stuff, so unless you work at the beach, you won't be scratching your phone that often anyway. The way I see it is that TPU case is a totally separate issue from the screen protector.

 

[GoodEnough]

Screw it, I will get both and see for myself.

$8 for glass
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380831920740?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

$2 for film.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121197260277?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

[Bateluer]

Get a TPU or hybrid case and avoid screen protectors altogether. If you give the phone its own pocket you should never get a scratch (the case will prevent glass-ground contact during drops).

Seconded. I've yet to see a film screen protector that didn't look like total crap. Decent TPU case and a little common sense care and you're good to go.

 

[s44]

To this point, I'd argue that the lip is less effective in the pocket given that your leg isn't machined flat.

FWIW, I may be the only one but I always carry my phone screen-side-out. When pressed tight the case lip will stretch the pocket material taut... a milimeter or so away from the screen.

 

[cronos]

I keep my screen protector cheap (~$10 for 3 at Amazon). Call me crazy, but I actually enjoy the 'rubbery' feel on my finger tips and the 'bouncy' feeling I get when typing on it.

 

[gorcorps]

Seconded. I've yet to see a film screen protector that didn't look like total crap. Decent TPU case and a little common sense care and you're good to go.

:thumbsup:

yup

 

[BrightCandle]

I have always found the over screen protectors to reduce the quality of the touch screens response in various ways. It fails to respond to touches, you need to hold longer etc and it looses some accuracy. I really hate effect, whether it be plastic, glass or film. These days I just use a neoprene case in my pocket and no other protection for the phone (I don't tend to drop them!). After 2 years or so my phone has only 1 noticeably scratch because the modern glass is pretty resilient.

 

[lothar]

I dunno. The plastic protector that comes with the phone is about as bad as most plastic screen protectors. Spigen might make a slightly better protector because it has oleophobic coating, but everytime someone takes off their screen protector (plastic), they are so impressed at how good the screen looks and feels. Your approach seems to compromise the screen for some cheap protection. That might be ok to you and I used to go that route too, but after going naked on my iPhone 5 and Nexus 4, I realized that the screen is indeed beautiful.

I don't notice the glass at all on my Nexus 5 and it feels just as good as the screen itself with just as good clarity. The only thing that feels it is my wallet, but honestly, considering we're gadget geeks here and buy new phones every year and shell out so much money, what's another $25?

TPU cases are nice and I have one, but I don't think they replace a screen protector.

Exactly my point why people shouldn't pay for screen protectors.
In this case, I paid nothing and I only use it because it's free and already applied to the phone and stamped to perfection automatically and completely free off defects(meaning no air bubbles or fingerprints that occurs from trying to apply it manually). The moment I see micro scratches develop on it, or the moment I feel it obstructs my view of the screen in any way(like the word "Nexus" printed on the stock Nexus 5 screen protector), it gets removed.
If OEMs decide to stop shipping the plastic protector that comes with new phones for whatever reason, I still won't go out of my way to buy one(whether plastic or glass). And if they decide to ship phones and plastic screen protection separately with it not already applied to the screen, I won't waste my time trying to put it on either.

I don't feel that I'm compromising the screen at all, and certainly not for some cheap protection because a screen protector doesn't do anything if the phone already has Gorilla Glass like most Android phones already do. I only use it because it's there, not because of some "questionable" protection that it may offer.

I certainly haven't noticed much of a difference with it on my Nexus 4 and with it off on my Nexus 5. Maybe it's because both were already calibrated for their intended uses(Nexus 4 was calibrated with the screen protector on) and Nexus 5 isn't with a screen protector. Again calibrated Nexus 4 with screen protector vs. Nexus 5 without screen protector isn't much difference to me. Maybe if someone were coming from using "stock" calibration(which was already crap to begin with) on the Nexus 4 screen, there may be a large difference I don't know about.

The same could also be said about many expenses...If you're going to spend $25 every 3 months to change your glass screen protector due to it breaking instantly from any drop, why not spend another additional $25 every 3 months to change your case while you're at it? What's an additional $25?
I may be a phone geek, but I'm not a screen protector or case geek.

Maybe when someone starts shipping "Gorilla Glass" glass screen protectors, maybe this issue should be revisited.
I don't see the point of wasting money every 3 months with the current glass screen protectors.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

^ If you're going to change your glass protector every 3 months because of a break, then likely you would've broken your screen every 3 months without a protector.

I think your argument is flawed because you're assuming glass protectors break that often. I broke mine because I left it on the roof of my car and my phone slid in between the hatch door opening and got pinched. The pinching action is what broke my screen protector, which would've happened to the screen instead. I stopped because I heard a crunch noise. Maybe my case is special, but I don't see how I would break my screen protector otherwise. It's protected from drops with my TPu case, and if it's enough to crack the protector still, my screen would likely be damaged if naked.

If anyone feels that they need a new screen protector every 3 months (glass), then likely their usage pattern demands a more rugged phone overall. I'm talking about spending $25 with the phone (or you can even get a sub $10 version off eBay). Maybe you're ok with the look of the plastic protector on my phone, but I'm not. It's a fingerprint magnet, hard to wipe off for grease, and hard to swipe.

 

[poofyhairguy]

^ If you're going to change your glass protector every 3 months because of a break, then likely you would've broken your screen every 3 months without a protector.

Exactly. It is not breaking in my pocket. It breaks during the two times a week I drop my phone on my tile floor. Much cheaper than a new phone.

 

[lothar]

^ If you're going to change your glass protector every 3 months because of a break, then likely you would've broken your screen every 3 months without a protector.

I think your argument is flawed because you're assuming glass protectors break that often. I broke mine because I left it on the roof of my car and my phone slid in between the hatch door opening and got pinched. The pinching action is what broke my screen protector, which would've happened to the screen instead. I stopped because I heard a crunch noise. Maybe my case is special, but I don't see how I would break my screen protector otherwise. It's protected from drops with my TPu case, and if it's enough to crack the protector still, my screen would likely be damaged if naked.

If anyone feels that they need a new screen protector every 3 months (glass), then likely their usage pattern demands a more rugged phone overall. I'm talking about spending $25 with the phone (or you can even get a sub $10 version off eBay). Maybe you're ok with the look of the plastic protector on my phone, but I'm not. It's a fingerprint magnet, hard to wipe off for grease, and hard to swipe.

Incorrect. Unlike a glass screen protector, the screen on my phone has Gorilla Glass. I never use glass screen protectors and I've dropped my phones plenty of times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DOW_IuZQ-5E
Gorilla Glass on a phone is pretty resilient. Try doing this on a regular glass screen protector and see how far you get.

I'm going based on a guy in this thread that mentioned that both he and his wife has replaced their glass screen protectors 4 times in the last 12 months. That's 2 different people(both he and his wife) four times each.

Here's another testimony for reference:

Had one and hated it. It scratches easier than the glass it's protecting so my screen looked terrible, and it's very fragile. One drop and you have a shattered screen protector. Obviously I've only tried one brand but IMO glass screen protectors are a joke.

It's not that surprising that glass screen protectors are breaking easily given the fact that they themselves are not reinforced with Gorilla Glass.

 

[gorcorps]

Exactly. It is not breaking in my pocket. It breaks during the two times a week I drop my phone on my tile floor. Much cheaper than a new phone.

I wish people would stop making this argument. The screen protector and screen glass are not the same material... Your phone glass would NOT have broken under the same conditions as the screen protector.