Develop Bugs

Almost free screen protectors diy.

I have been experimenting with homemade screen protectors and I have found the perfect long lasting solution. I have tried many commercial types and was unimpressed with them especially when I got a tiny piece of something on the screen side and after smoothing it down ended up with an indented pimple sized mark on my touchscreen
Anyway, I had some A4 perspex folders which are used for holding papers then clipped into a hardback ring binder folder. I got these folders when buying some monthly history magazines as these contained old wartime papers but I am sure they will be available from many office equipment outlets or stationers. The best ones are textured and slightly opaque. This makes a heavy duty protector and are a joy for writing with the stylus as you get good tactile feedback, not slippery, just right. You will need to make a template, the width can be the exact size but add a little to the length so it can be tucked into the top and bottom edge, once fitted its as solid as a rock and great in use, it serves to reduce the screen glare to zero and also takes the brightness down to a good readable level.
Take your time to get the size correct and you will be pleased, I am useless at cutting a straight line with scissors but I persevered doing it freehand and I am really happy with the result. I will save money, no sticky stuff on the screen and a quality product for next to nothing.
P.S. If anybody manages to get the exact size in template form it would be really helpful if they could post the scan so I can print it off to card and use it to make a batch for future use, I didnt make a template because I am crap at anything like that and wouldnt like to inflict my scissors accompanied efforts on anybody.

Protectors
HI
Good idea I'll give it a go. It always bothered me why they had adsive on the back as its nightmare if you an engineer out in the field.
Cheers
Gus

personally i've had some bad experience with such a 'clip-on' screen protector. All is good until a grain of sand/dust gets under the protector. It will move around and scratch up the screen.
Therefore i prefer glue-on protectors.
Just my 0.2€ worth

My experience has been the same as John's - the screen protectors for the original HP jornada was a good quality non adhesive type, sized just right but when I replaced mine after 6 months use, found the screen underneath badly scratched around the edges where dust had got in.

If you make it the correct size and clean the screen you will not get a problem.

If you're in the UK, the best material I've found commercially available is OHP slides from Rymans Stationers. They're quite cheap and last a while.
However, I strongly recommend using a proper silicon adhesive one. First there's no dust to get under the plastic and cause scratching, and They have significantly better optical properties (ie are much clearer!). The screens aren't too bright too begin with, so better not reduce it further.
They can be bought quite cheaply on ebay - I got a pair of EXIM screen protectors quite cheap and they're perfect and last a long time.
V

[SP Review] invisibleShield vs Realook

I have been using Zagg's invisibleShield for my Vibrant. However, recently I got my phone replaced and since I have heard so many good things about Realook, I wanted to give Rk a try instead of just ordering a replacement iS. Now that I have experienced both (albeit, I have only been using Rk for a short amount of time whereas I have plenty of experience with iS since this is my second device with it), I figure I should share my findings with my fellow XDA'ers. Note this is a comparison of only screen protectors - not whole body protectors.
Size/Coverage
Winner: Realook
Both iS and Rk cover 98%+ of the screen, including the touchkeys at the bottom. Both iS and Rk have an opening cut out for the speaker (Rk has a hole for the speaker, covering above and below the speaker, while iS has a cut-out for the speaker, not covering the small area above it). Only iS has an opening cut out for the light sensors - Rk does not have a cut out for the light sensors.
Rk covers more of the phone than iS. With iS, there is about .5-1 cm uncovered area - on all sides - between the screen protector and the edge of the phone. The uncovered area is large enough that a simple case will not cover it (i.e. you may find it catching dust, etc.) but small enough to not cause you protection issues or worries. Rk, on the other hand, covers more area. Depending on how well you apply it, you can potentially have very little uncovered area between the screen protector and the edge of the phone. Any area that is uncovered is small enough to be covered by a simple case, so little to no dust or dirt should get there. Personally, I was able to apply Rk in such a way that for the top, right, and left my case covered whatever Rk did not; I was not so lucky for the bottom -- there is a very minor uncovered gap that will probably catch dirt, etc.
Application/Installation
Winner: Depends on personal preference
Rk and iS differ highly in how they are applied to the phone. Rk is a "dry install' while iS is a "wet install".
With iS you are provided with some liquid solution that you use to apply the protector onto your phone. You spray the liquid on your fingertips - to help avoid fingerprints - and on the protector, before applying the protector onto the phone.
With Rk you have to peel off protective covers (the protector is covered by two "covers" on the front and back which need to be peeled off) before applying the protector on your phone.
Both iS and Rk are easily reapply-able if you make a mistake in positioning the protector. I hear Rk can even be reapplied at later dates, but I have not tested this out personally so I don't know. iS is also supposedly reapply-able, but only if you have any solution left.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the iS/wet and Rk/dry application methods.
Because iS uses a liquid solution to assist in applying the protector, it is much easier to avoid catching dust and dirt particles under the protector and to avoid fingerprint marks. On the other hand, air bubbles are likely to occur and you need to be sure to push out the air bubbles with something like a credit card. Also, since you don't have to worry about fingerprints (thanks to the liquid solution) it is a bit easier to hold and apply iS if you are clumsy, like me. You need to be careful to conserve the liquid solution, though, because once you are out, your short on luck: You can either beg customer service to send you another one, or order extra solution from somewhere.
The advantage Rk's dry install offers is immediate up-time, and little-to-no air bubbles in the main area of the screen (there may be air bubble at the edges and/or around the speaker, though). With iS, you need to allow the phone to "dry" for something like 8-10 hours, whereas you can start using your phone with Rk ASAP. On the other hand, dust and dirt particles will drive you mad while trying to apply Rk, and you need to be careful to not touch the adhesive side with your fingers otherwise you may have fingerprint issues.
Two things that irk me about Rk are the confusing installation directions (you really need to be skilled with your fingers to do it as they want you to), and the fact that there was dirt/dust on the covers that protect the screen protector. The protector itself was 100% clean -- the two covers that protect the front and back/adhesive side, though, were a bit dirty so when you try to position the protector on your screen, as per the directions, prior to pulling off the two protective covers, the dirt/dust gets transferred to your screen and if you aren't careful you may not wipe it off before applying the protector.
Quality
Winner: invisibleShield
Both are excellent quality -- they have little to no effect on picture quality when compared to a naked Vibrant. I bet most people wouldn't even notice you have a screen protector if not specifically looking for one.
However, one very minor issue I noticed is at the lowest brightness setting, Rk caused the screen to be minor-ly less bright than iS. This is very minor and no one will even notice it unless specifically looking for it. At higher brightness settings, this issue is not even ascertainable.
Both Rk and iS attract fingerprints easily, and Rk is a bit easier to wipe off than iS.
One major issue I found, though, are reflections. Rk claims to be "anti-reflective" and "anti-glare" (it also claims to be "anti-fingerprint", which it isn't as I just mentioned), but in reality that couldn't be any further from the truth. I kid you not when I say you may confuse your phone for a mirror if you have Rk -- the reflection is that bad. While inside it isn't too bad as long as you don't have a light source directly behind you. When outside, however, the reflection/glare (whatever you want to call it) is terrible. Even on full brightness the reflection/glare is very annoying while outside -- forget using your phone on low brightness, which is something I could sometimes get away when I used iS.
iS, on the other hand, does well in protecting against glares and reflections. Indoors, even with a light source directly behind me, the phone is still very usable. And as long as I keep the protector clean, iS causes no problems outdoors.
Texture
Winner: Realook
Here is one major area that Rk and iS differ. Rk has more of a "glass" texture to it, while iS is more "plasticky". In other words, with Rk you will have more smooth, glass like feeling while with iS you may find a bit more friction. That is not to say Rk is always smooth -- if you drag your finger on Rk without picking it up for too long you will start to feel lots of friction also. However, in general, Rk has a must better feel to it than iS. In fact, iS has somewhat of a "break-in" period where you may notice your fingers sticking to iS making using a touchscreen near impossible for the first few days.
Price
Winner: Depends on how many times you replace your phone
Realook costs you $10.99 with free shipping (both Amazon and eBay listings provide free shipping) for a two-pack.
invisibleShield screen protector only (not fully body cover) costs you $14.99 + shipping for one protector. (You may be able to get a 50% off coupon for iS if you submit your e-mail for their awards/giveaways program - I did.) However, iS has a "life-time guarantee" where you can get a "free" iS replacement if your screen protector ever gets scratched. (You may also get a free replacement if you get your device replaced, like a warranty replacement -- they allow you to do that.) I put free in quotes because, it isn't really free -- you have to pay $3.99 for shipping and send back the old screen protector (which will only cost you an envelope and a stamp).
Final Words
Both Realook and invisibleShield are top-class. They are both terrific products, both with advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I prefer Realook's "glassy" feeling and better coverage than iS but the reflection/glare on Realook is a deal breaker since I use my phone outside often. So, my next course of action will be to see if Realook has any sort of money back guarantee since this product fails to do as it advertises when it comes to reflection and glare. In other words, I am going with invisibleShield. For everyone else, however, I can't provide a general recommendation since everyone has their own tastes and preferences. I do hope, however, my comparison here helps you make your decision.

I have IS, it works as it should thus far. Does the one you use, tetain its shape after its ben scratched or dented by something like IS. I like the way IS feels, everyone else hates it though lol. Guess it doesnt matter since it is my phone lol.

Invisible Shield is a ***** to install. Its very sticky and kept sticking on my fingers and flapping up. It took me a while to get it right. Other than the install issue, I am very happy with IS. The shield is already scratched up but it is very strong material and I know that my vibrant glass underneath is unscratched. I am thinking about sending the scratched IS back for a replacement but since the install is a ***** I will wait until it is really scratched up.

I've used both and IMO RealLook is superior by far. It doesn't look like I have anything on the screen. I haven't personally noticed any glare issues. I hated InvisibleShield. It looked like I had a covering on my screen, it smudged easily, and was hard to wipe the smudges off. With RealLook, I just use my shirt and it looks sparkling new. I had a go of it getting all of the bubble around the edge to come out, but once they were out, it was flawless.

I have also had both screen protectors on my Vibrant and the Realook beats the InvisibleShield hands down. If you are looking for a screen protector that is invisible in every way... The Reallook is the one for you.

Realook all the way. I had IS on my HD2 and hated it, it's thick, sticky even after install around the edges and kept peeling up.
Realook is easy to clean, looks like there's nothing there, as very low glare, and your fingers glide over the screen.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I just got mt real look yesterday, I love it. It looks like nothing is there, easy to put on too. I was surprised how fast I got it. I ordered it thursday and got it monday. Awesome
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

*Bump.. (hopefully it's not a problem resurrecting this thread )
Firstly, I want to thank DarkAgent for the very comprehensive review. Props to you! The review is intelligent, thorough, and very sensible.
And on that note, I have been a 'long-time' user of the BestSkinsEver (or BSE) products ever since they became more main-stream; I believe one of my first orders dates back to 2006. I have personally put more BSE/IS skins on devices than I can remember, literally dozens. And I must say the main reason I switched/used BSE's products in the first place was for that of their low cost, especially in consideration to InvisibleShield. With that said, I will have to admit that perhaps the most annoying thing about the skin in general I have found is its ability to attract dust/dirt/junk on, and along, the edges of the skin. This is often not only upsets the look of the device, but it in turn starts to gum up the adhesive of the skin and ultimately separates the skin from the device.
A rather long way to get around to saying that while I am quite happy with the product, and that I can now quite consistently get good results, I am open to other options.
The Realook has me tempted, if for nothing else it will help me in my own personal knowledge and for future recommendations to others.
Thanks again for the review/comparison, it was thoroughly appreciated!

I'd say Realook is look. I do get glare sometimes, but more of the time my screen is sharp as can be.

I love the phantomskinz screen protector. You don't even know there is one on it and it self heals itself.

Here's my problem..I love IS bc it really feels like it adds a layer of protection to the screen, it applies great and I've never had a single issue with bubbles, peeling, scratches, or the application process. I've used IS on at least 5 devices. What i dont like is the friction you experience with the protector and the screen quality has always been negatively affected in terms of brightness and clarity.
Now I've also used many hard protectors and have issues with them too, mainly its that they always get scratched up, begin to peel and quickly look terrible. So does RF have these issues? If I'm spending $10 on screen protectors I'd rather buy 10 $0.99 protectors and just swap them when they're scratched up. So is RF actually scratch resistant or only a screen protector? I'd rather stay with IS and not have to worry about ever replacing it due to scratches or peeling if RF is just like every other "dry" protector out there.
Thanks for the review, perfect timing for this too since I plan to order some accessories this weekend
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

buru898 said:
I love the phantomskinz screen protector. You don't even know there is one on it and it self heals itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bodyguardz does the same thing, scratches get buffed out with normal use, and fade away.
Ginger Clones of the World Unite!!! via the XDA App

I've tried both, first iS then Realook.
I teared off iS the same day I put it on. That sticky feeling simply kills! It reminds
you constantly that there's something on your screen. Yes it is visually invisible, maybe. But mentally, it's NOT. And that sticky touch feels nasty as well.
Realook is a total different story, after putting it on (yes, I managed to put it on without a single dust getting between), I almost don't feel any screen protector there. It's smooth and responsive. All the way hands down.

I've used both and Realook is miles better. The IS yellows over time and distorts the screen too much. The friction on the screen is also annoying and is a constant reminder that you have it on. Finally, over time the edges will attract dust and dirt and start to gum up which eventually causes it to peel off. The only upside is that the stickiness (friction) is nice when you're holding the phone if you have it on the entire body.
I've had my realook on for almost a year now and don't have any problems. I've used it heavily and it doesn't show a scratch. The best part is that it's completely invisible both by looks AND feel. There is absolutely no comparison, the Realook is the superior product.
My advice for anyone putting it on is to dust your area with a damp rag and clean the phone off well. Once it's dry and polished pat it down with scotch tape to get the dust off before you apply the protector (also works on the underside of the Realook if you need to take it off).

Giveaway PROFILM SGSII Screen Protector- Need Reviews! *Update 11/1 Shipped*

Hello All,
We did a round of review giveaways for the Asus Eee PC Transformer a while back and we got some awesome reviews! We would like to do the same with the Samsung Galaxy S II Screen Protector.
Previous thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1273490 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1278436
The materials are the same- imported high quality optical PET. These are just customized to fit the SGSII (i9100 version for now, we will be getting US carrier variants later on). This is a dry application screen protector.
This time we would like to see more comprehensive reviews. Something like this with pictures:
nxdelirium said:
Received mine the other day, and have had a few days to use the protector.
The following is my opinion. Screen protectors aren't for everyone, but personally I'd rather make a $20 'oops' than have to live with scratches. I don't see the harm in a protector, and in my experience they reduce fingerprints and glare like mad... so, do what you want.
Anyway, here's what I think of this protector:
Installation:
Handy set of instructions. Protector went on without any problems. I used a credit card as suggested to get rid of the air bubbles, which worked out very very well. This installation method is much much easier (and safer?) than Zagg, and similar to other adhesive-type protectors.
Fit:
The protector is cut slightly smaller than the size of the glass. My alignment was spot on, so I don't have any air bubbles around the edges, but there is probably a 1mm (or less) gap around the outside of the protector, which in my opinion is the perfect fit. The cutout for the front camera also is perfect.
Feel:
The protector offers minor friction for fingers. Initially my hands were very clean from the application process, and therefore were not leaving any finger prints. I have since used the TF for a few days, and even let a baby with greasy hands play with it, and the fingerprints/smudges were a minimum. In summary: the protector feels VERY GOOD and appears to cut down fingerprints like crazy. For me, this protector is better than just the glass, and much much better than the protector I had before (I had some 3 for $10 ebay style protector.. it was garbage). This protector is on par with Zagg protectors and their lack of fingerprints (for those who have used them).
Look:
Its hard to tell that there's even a protector on except for a few pieces of dust. Glare is reduced, colors don't seem to be affected. The protector I had before this one was much worse for letting the true colors through. Everything was faded and coarsened (dunno how to best describe that, but it looked bad). All in all, this one looks as good as no protector, with added benefit of reduced glare and minimal fingerprints.
Overall:
Most of my protector experience is with Zagg protectors; on a Nook Color, galaxy s and iPhone. I didn't want to have to fight with putting a Zagg on for a screen the size of the TF, so I have been looking for alternatives. If this protector is competitively priced then imo its one of the better ones for the TF. I once tried a skinomi for a G-tablet, and that thing was a complete waste of money.
Pending price, would get another one of these.
Thanks OP for the protector.
Keep us updated on their availability (I'll probably get another one).
Another question: would it be difficult to make one to fit a G-Tablet?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will put in another piece of screen protector of your choice (another Samsung Galaxy S II, Asus Transformer (Eee Pad), iPad II, iPhone 4/4S, or HTC Desire) if you can post a video in the review.
I have limited quantities available for review and I will cover all shipping to the US and Canada. So PM me ASAP!
I will be listing the usernames of those receiving samples. Our last giveaway had too many people sign up for freebies and not provide feedback/reviews as promised. This is NOT the purpose of this thread. So far, the reviewers are:
1. joquio
2. XT69
3. antiochasylum
4. babadudu
5. Tyrol
6. tomqman
7. ratatouille

I'm in if you'll send to the UK? ill cover shipping if need be.
ill pm you my address
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

I will pay for shipping via USPS First Class Mail. However, I'm not sure how long it will take to get to the UK. Seems like ~ 1 week.
If you want to get it sooner let me know what shipping method you would like.

chienb said:
I will pay for shipping via USPS First Class Mail. However, I'm not sure how long it will take to get to the UK. Seems like ~ 1 week.
If you want to get it sooner let me know what shipping method you would like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great Address sent, waiting for the protector

I can do this. I have previous experience with this type of thing. PM me if you still need people and are interested.
EDIT: I just realized this is for the I9100. I have the I777. Anyway, I've done a review for the Seidio Rugged combo and it's over at AndroidForums.com if you're interested. I also reviewed the ReEarthUSA Ringke case on AndroidForums. When you get the I777 model, feel free to contact me about a review. I'd be happy to do one.

Me too. I am in canada. PM me

Me too, I am currently in Hong Kong though. I can do a video review for you.

I can do a video review too .. I m in India if ur interested, PM me

i can help you with a review of my own too. PM me if you wish to send one to me.
I live in Greece thank you, we can talk about the shipping cost

I am also willing to write a detailed review, but I'm in Brazil. I'll foot the shipping costs if needed. PM if you are interested.

Im willing to write a deep review, Im from Serbia. I also have a scratch in the display - who knows, maybe with this screen protector it will be invisible. PM me if You interested.

Hey, I have some scratches in my screen aswell and would be willing to do a review. I live in norway, pm me if your interested!

I'll happily do a video review and a written review if needed. Living in the UK though. PM me if interested .

Sreen protector test
Hi guys!
I'm from Hungary with SGS2, and I would like to test a foil if it's possible!
I would write a test about it.
Thx!
Best regards,
Akos

Count me in, I live in Spain though. I´ll pay for shipping if needed.
I´m using an Ultra Crystal Clear atm so I would be able to compare them.

I just got the ProFilm for the SGS2 and put it on. Previously I was using Power Support's Anti-Glare, and I've also used SGP's Ultra Crystal before that (& a bunch of no name SPs in between). Since I've literally *just* put this on, I'll just give my initial impressions. I didn't take many photos beyond the initial opening of the package but I'll definitely do so in my follow-up.
Packaging: It came in an envelope via USPS First Class International. Inside was just a set of handy instructions and the screen protector itself, a no fuss affair. If/when this is on the market, I'd recommend bundling it with the standard microfiber cloth but since this is for testing & reviews, I'm not complaining.
Photo here.
Screen Protector: It came with 2 pieces of backing plastic, but there was no confusion whatsoever about which to take off first as they were labelled numerically and the instructions on the piece of paper was clear.
The screen protector is pretty thin but not to the point of being flimsy, though it's definitely thinner than the SGP Ultra Crystal and Power Support Anti-Glare, so I would assume it's a little lacking in terms of hardness. It's well-cut, with holes of the right size and at the right position for the speaker grill, front camera (U-shaped cut, not a circular cut) and home button. There's very little space between the edge of the screen protector and the chrome rim of the phone, perhaps 1mm or less. Very good fit. It's of a matte finish, designed to reduce glare under bright lights or the Sun. It's night time right now so I'll add on to this review after a few days re: glare and such.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure if it's standard or perhaps just the one that I got but I noticed micro-scratches on the screen protector after I'd applied it and I've only touched it with scotch tape and a microfiber cloth. You can't see it when the screen is on but if you scrutinise it from certain angles when the screen is off, you can definitely see it.
Application: Okay I'm not inexperienced with applying Screen Protectors (I've applied numerous times on my phone, my brother's HTC Sensation, my dad's Galaxy S Wifi 5.0 or the Galaxy Player as it's known in the USA, and so on) but this was by far the hardest I've yet to apply. This is in part due to the perfect cut of the screen protector; it took me a long time to align the SP well enough for the anal, OCD part of me to stop screaming in my head. While I am a fan of the fit, it does take quite a bit of effort to align it (or it could just be me).
Plastic backings come off easily, no fuss there. Bubbles are rubbed away easily as well, and any artifacts you may find trapped under the SP during application is easily removed with some tape. I didn't use a credit card or squeegee, just pushed it down onto the screen and it flowed on and stayed there easily. Very easy to apply (once you align it).
Usage: First thing I noticed after I turned the screen on was that this screen protector gave me more light and clarity than the Power Support Anti-glare I was using; it was obvious to me 'cause my eyes hurt from the sudden increase in brightness (no settings were tweaked, phone's always on lowest brightness). I would say that in terms of light passing through and clarity, it's almost as good as SGP's Ultra Crystal, which is a clear protector, not matte.
Touch-wise, though, I could feel a fair bit more friction compared to Power Support's AG; it definitely lacks the powdery smooth feeling I had there. I haven't played any games yet so I'll update again with more details. Just feels a bit squeaky right now.
Initial conclusion: The ProFilm seems to be trying to combine the best of both worlds in bringing the clarity of clear protectors to matte ones. (Sidenote: I'd love to have someone familiar with the 3M Estoc+ review this as well and compare them as this balance brings to mind the lauded Estoc+.) It's too early for me to judge yet, so I'll withhold doing so until I've had more time with this. But from my impressions, it seems promising!
Many thanks to OP for sending it to me all the way over here on tiny Singapore!
------------
Tapatalking to the beat on Galaxy S II.

^Nice Review
I'm still waiting for mine to arrive.
Don't worry about pictures. I'll take care of that part

I have the Estoc. Problem is, even after more then a month, it's still not "ruined" yet. Not as clear as the day I first applied it (now with some microscratches) but nothing severe enough that I'd wanna take it off.
So, I can't risk taking it off to test this lol (I might ruin it, and the Estocs ain't exactly cheap).
But if the TS has a Profilm cut for the iPhone 4 (or the BB Torch, which has crap protector choices really), I'll be glad to try and compare.

only USA and Canada ? (
Romania wants to test this aswell

Thank you Tyrol for the indepth review
Packaging: It came in an envelope via USPS First Class International. Inside was just a set of handy instructions and the screen protector itself, a no fuss affair. If/when this is on the market, I'd recommend bundling it with the standard microfiber cloth but since this is for testing & reviews, I'm not complaining.
Photo here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the units I've sent out are samples. We will be including the microfiber cloth in the retail package for sure. A thin but sturdy cardboard piece will be used to prevent package from being bent. Screen protector will be wrapped in a clear biodegradable plastic bag. All texts will be printed with soy ink.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure if it's standard or perhaps just the one that I got but I noticed micro-scratches on the screen protector after I'd applied it and I've only touched it with scotch tape and a microfiber cloth. You can't see it when the screen is on but if you scrutinise it from certain angles when the screen is off, you can definitely see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure to peel off both sheets labeled 1 and 2. The actual protector is wrapped between them. Unless it's a manufacture defect (unlikely as I manually inspected them before mailing), the screen protector should provide ample protection against pretty much everything. I redid the stress test with different sharp objects, really scratched and drilled hard with scissors. You can see the slideshow here: http://www.slideshare.net/chienb/profilm-2-layer-protection-covers.
Usage: First thing I noticed after I turned the screen on was that this screen protector gave me more light and clarity than the Power Support Anti-glare I was using; it was obvious to me 'cause my eyes hurt from the sudden increase in brightness (no settings were tweaked, phone's always on lowest brightness). I would say that in terms of light passing through and clarity, it's almost as good as SGP's Ultra Crystal, which is a clear protector, not matte.
Touch-wise, though, I could feel a fair bit more friction compared to Power Support's AG; it definitely lacks the powdery smooth feeling I had there. I haven't played any games yet so I'll update again with more details. Just feels a bit squeaky right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This series is finished in matte but preserves the transmittance and clarity of a "clear" type. I believe this is the best type of film for screens. Personally, clear types were too bright with factory settings and PROFILM's matte finish tones it down a little bit. Here are the specs, a few % deviation for different products:
Haze: 6±2%
Luminosity/Transparency: 94±3%
Material: High Quality PET
Thickness (µm): 50µm/100µm
Still waiting on more reviews...

SPIGEN SGP roudup: GLAS.t, Stehen, Valentinus

1.0 Introduction
This thread is a combined review of some Spigen products designed for the Samsung Galaxy Note. I chose these three items because of their special features. I will be reviewing each product individually.
1.1 Initial Impressions
When I first opened the delivery, I was very impressed, the company have designed their packaging to be minimalistic, clean and… “stylish” – as SGP put it.
Now, I know a lot of people on XDA are not a fan of Apple, but in my honest opinion, Apple have some of the best looking packaging – and SGP’s products really look as good as Apple’s – so credit to them!
One of the first things that I thought about was the name of the company: is it SGP? Is it Spigen? Spigen SGP? – and to add to the confusion they have the slogan: “Stylish people’s Good Partner” – which I guess is what SGP stands for – but it could be SPGP, SPG, SGP, etc etc. And anyway, where does Spigen come into it? What I am trying to get at is: I feel the brand needs a tidier image. Personally I feel that “Spigen” sounds a lot better than SGP. And “Stylish people’s Good Partner” just sounds… cheesy. I would have the company rebranded with simply: “Spigen”. It may seem that I am picking on a relatively insignificant detail in a product review, but I know how important brand image is.
Anyway, enough of all that.
The thread now splits into the three sections:
1) Stehen Leather Case
2) Valentinus Leather Wallet Case
3) GLAS.t Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector
4) Final Thoughts

2.0 Stehen Leather Case
N7000: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...g-galaxy-note-leather-case-stehen-series.html
I717: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...axy-note-at-t-leather-case-stehen-series.html
Available in: Black, Camel and Dark Green
2.1 Exterior
The Stehen case is a product that I am particularly excited about because it has a sturdy polycarbonate housing AND a flip cover that folds into a stand for movies – which is a really useful feature!
When you first take the case out of the packaging, you immediately notice the quality of the product. All the stitching is straight, the same colour as the leather and finished properly so it won’t unravel after 10 minutes.
Similarly the leather feels like it should on a premium product – very smooth/supple, with realistic ridges, and a faint aroma. I know the leather is not real, and the product even says “Faux Leather” on the back – so it doesn’t try to deny it – but the faux leather that they have used is very high quality.
Another thing I really like is the fact that on the back, they have not tried to cover every inch with leather – they have let you see the polycarbonate shell which, in my opinion, was a good decision.
The black and brown really complement each other and with the black Note - it really looks like a professional outfit. Another reason I like the fact they have not covered the shell in leather is that when you try to wrap contoured edges in leather, the leather creases and it looks bad – and the device doesn’t sit in it as snugly.
The tab to close the case is something I am unsure whether I like. At first I wondered why they haven’t just put a popper like on their Valentinus case, but that is not possible due to the fact that this case has a stand feature (something you will see later). On one hand I like the tab because you can push it in tight to control the slack. On the other hand it is a bit fiddly to get out and I can see the leather fraying over time. At any rate, it is a little fiddly to open the case and so I imagine that would annoy a lot of power users.
I hope that SGP revise this in a later edition.
Take note that the shell gives the camera lens, flash, and speaker about 2-3mm of protection which is very good – don’t want to scratch your camera lens!
The construction of the case is simple, but effective; it is a leather and microfiber exterior glued on one side to the polycarbonate shell. The construction is very strong and I doubt it would unstick without some serious effort on your part. This really is a premium product in every sense of the word.
2.2 Interior
When you open up the case you are greeted with a greyscale colour scheme – very professional looking. There is a sticker on the inside of the shell that lists the details, serial number for warranty purposes, and a reassuring authenticity logo.
The polycarbonate shell has all the cut outs that you would expect and the device sits very nicely inside. You can press the buttons easily and the cutouts are large so access for micro usb and headphones is good. When you put the device into the shell, I recommend you put in the side with the power button first and then snap it down. It goes in with a satisfying snap and sits in it very solidly.
The other side of the case is the microfiber backing of the leather. The microfiber is soft and provides a little extra protection to the screen. Do not, however, think that you can polish/clean your screen with this as there is very little play (because of the cases solid construction).
Creeping in on one side of the microfiber cloth is the company logo. This is a very nice addition and these small details are what make me think the company really designs their products for a premium market and not just pump out as many cases (for as many devices) as possible - like so many other manufacturers.
2.3 In Use
Here you see my Note sitting atop my Official Samsung Pouch and the Stehen case. What is apparent is that the Stehen hugs the Note much closer than the pouch. The pouch is much wider than the Note and so feels a lot larger in your pocket – the Stehen, however, feels much tighter to the device and so not as large.
The two sections in the front leather are so that you can fold the front back and then push the tab back through the loop – in doing so, the front leather folds so that the device can stand. The stand is ingenious as it allows the device to sit at two angles: both a shallow angle for reading and a steep angle for watching TV shows. Personally what I do is have the device in the stand position with my BF3 stats/unlocks as I game
Interestingly, the positioning of the embossed “Stehen” is just so that it comes up above the top of the device when in stand mode – just enough to frame the device – a very nice touch.
One thing to mention is that, at first, I found the flip cover kept getting in the way and my natural response would be to try to bend the flip right the way back and try to hold the device normally (without a case). Now I hold it differently and it is much more comfortable; I open the flip and hold it like a book – it promotes the use of the s-pen too!
2.4 Conclusion
I have been pondering how I would award the Stehen case for quite some time. It IS a premium product, but it demands a premium price tag – and I’m not sure everyone would be comfortable putting down $44.99 for one.
Pros:
- Great quality leather
- Very sturdy shell
- High grade microfibre
- Useful Stand feature
- Fantastic Customer service
Cons:
- Leather tab a bit cumbersome
- Expensive
I have been thinking whether it is unreasonable to ask $45 for a case, and my answer to that is NO, it is not unreasonable. The whole point about SGP is that they offer a premium product that they stand by with their great customer service – so I think it is, in fact, very reasonable.

3.0 Valentinus Leather Case
N7000: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...te-leather-wallet-case-valentinus-series.html
I717: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...te-leather-wallet-case-valentinus-series.html
Available in: Black, Camel and Dark Green
3.1 Exterior
The Valentinus is advertised as a “wallet” case – I’ve never had one of these before so was excited to try out its special feature!
When you first take the case out of the packaging, you immediately notice the quality of the product. All the stitching is straight, in the same colour as the leather, and finished properly so it doesn’t unravel after 10 minutes. Similarly the leather feels like it should on a premium product –supple, with realistic contours, and a faint aroma. (Interestingly, the back of the Stehen said “Faux Leather”, the Valentinus did not have this imprinted.)
The backing of the Valentinus is much more “book-like” than the Stehen. With the Stehen, the leather is wrapped around the shell; with the Valentinus, the shell is glued onto the leather – you’ll see what I mean in the images.
The style of the Valentinus is more mature than the Stehen, the leather has been punched through for the camera/speaker – a much more premium look.
The leather front has an embossed look, personally I would have preferred if it said “Galaxy Note” or something but I fully understand why they didn’t: 1) they’d have had to pay royalties to use the name I imagine 2) they want it to be about the case, not the device.
The popper that closes the case is excellent: it feels secure and solid, but not so tight that it feels like you’ll damage the case prying it open.
I much prefer the fastening on the Valentinus compared to the Stehen (but I understand why SGP had to go with it).
Another small addition is the “Designed by…” on the side – another quality touch!
On a side note, I have been told by SGP that the Valentinus is their newest case, and I really hope that they update their older cases (like the Stehen) so that all their products are uniform. There are a few styling differences between the cases:
1) The polycarbonate shell on the Valentinus feels slightly smoother and better finished than the shell in the Stehen
2) The polycarbonate shell on the Valentinus has a hollow corner on one side
3) The backs of the cases: one reads “SGP CASE, Faux Leather” and the other reads “spigen”, which I much prefer. On the website, however, the images on both read “SGP CASE, Faux Leather”.
4) The “Designed by…” print on the side of the shell is not there on the Stehen
5) Different positioning of “Valentinus” and “Stehen” on the cases, and different fonts
6) Different patterns on the microfiber
7) There are different colour names for the cases on the website: “camel” and “brown”, even though they are the same.
I hope that SGP revise their product line with their new design tweaks so that the range of products looks a little neater/tidier.
Please note that I am being very picky and this is not detracting from the quality of the cases – it is just an observation.
3.2 Interior
When you pop the clasp on the Valentinus and open the case, you are greeted with a brown and black interior that looks fantastic.
Microfibre backs the right side of the case, all of it embossed with the SGP logo – another exquisite touch.
And the main event… the wallet part of the case
Here we see space for 4 cards and a slot to store “larger valuables”, as the diction reads.
The Note sits very snuggly inside the case, it is a well rounded package and really suits the device.
The polycarbonate shell has all the cut outs that you would expect and the device sits very nicely inside. You can press the buttons easily and the cutouts are large so access for micro usb and headphones is good.
When you put the device into the shell, I recommend you put in the side with the power button first and then snap it down. It goes in with a satisfying snap and sits in it very solidly.
One design feature that I would have like to see from the Stehen, is the small SGP embossed logos coming in from the bottom left – it really is a lovely touch – and I would have rather that than the embossing on the microfiber backing (but this is a personal choice).
Overall I feel that the Valentinus has been made for a more mature audience than the Stehen. The Valentinus feels like it was designed for use by a businessman and as such, has very professional look to it. The Stehen has a much more urban-chic-youth look to it in my eyes.
3.3 In Use
This portion of the review was difficult for me to write. The original PR states that the case: “…combines the essentials of your phone and wallet, rendering an all-in-one solution…
Also on the website it states: “Additional Storage Space - The Valentinus Wallet also includes additional storage space for cash or miscellaneous items.”
Now, I have never had a wallet case before, and I was very excited at the prospect of being able to combine two things that I always carry into one
As you can see, the case will accept £5 notes, but £20 notes are too large to fit flat (they would need to be folded)
I know that US money is smaller than UK money, so I felt that if it fit US money, that would be acceptable
But even a $20 note wouldn’t fit flat
Now, I am from the UK and when I think about my wallet, there is both a mixture of cash and cards. However, I know people in the US that carry a wallet and will only have cards (perhaps an emergency $20 note)
So it is excusable that not all notes fit in it properly – manufacturers design largely for their target audience, which I imagine is the US in this case, so to carry 4 cards and some emergency cash is acceptable imho.
Also remember that SGP design the case to fit the device, not the money, and money is different all around the world – so I’ve cut them some slack– if you need money in it that badly, just fold it up and put it in
On a final note, I would be a bit careful not to apply too much pressure - the edges of the cards rest directly on the device’s screen so it may leave a few marks over time.
3.4 Conclusion
The Valentinus is SGP’s newest case, and I feel it is a step in the right direction for the company.
Pros:
- Great quality leather
- Very sturdy shell
- Cards (and cash) wallet feature
- Fantastic Customer service
- “spigen” not “SPG CASE” on the back
Cons:
- Consider what you carry in your wallet
One final thing I would like to say is that this is both a premium case AND a premium wallet, so would I pay $44.99? You betcha!

4.0 GLAS.t Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector
N7000: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...tor-glas-t-premium-tempered-glass-series.html
I717: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...tor-glas-t-premium-tempered-glass-series.html
Make sure that you order the correct one because there is a physical difference between the two (home buttons are different)
Also, there is a $5 difference between them which I imagine is because the N7000 needs more machining for the home button cut-out
4.1 Overview
The tempered glass screen protector is something of a novel idea and I really wanted to try it. The plastic screen protectors that you can get are only really useful against scratches – if you drop the device, the screen will still shatter.
Now, I am not ruthless enough to fit the protector and then go and drop my device, screen-down, to see if the screen protector stops my device’s screen from cracking – youll have to jump onto youtube for that
In the package, you get the protector itself, an alcohol swap for cleaning (NOT Dutch Courage ), a squeegee, a microfiber cloth and an authentication card
One comment that I read on XDA was someone who questioned whether having the Glas.t meant they had to also use a normal screen protector ontop of it. My answer is: NO – this should provide incredible protection by itself – and I feel it does.
4.2 Installation
Installation of the Glas.t was very nerve wracking – you are holding a $40 piece of tempered glass and just one single piece of dust can ruin the whole event – and you don’t have a spare.
My advice is to run a hot shower/bath, let the room fill with steam, stop the water running, let the steam settle down, hold the screen protector like you hold your device when watching a movie and slowly lower it down
You can slightly adjust the protector if it is a millimetre out – and then push it down and watch as the protector works out all the air and bonds to your devices screen – AH SWEET RELIEF! :fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Notice that the protector has such good clarity that dont even need to cut out a hole for the front facing camera
4.3 In Use
This screen protector is unlike any I have ever used. I have used the El Cheapo $1 ones, I have used more expensive SGP ones, but this beats the lot hands down!
The protector is SSSSOOOOO SMOOTH – it is exactly like your touching the devices screen!
Not only that but there are no fingerprints at all – I have been using SGP’s STEINHEIL ULTRA CRYSTAL for the past 4 months and it smudges… badly – but the Glas.t has a oleophobic coating which stops all that.
One thing that you do need to get used to is the home button is a lot deeper than it once was – the protector may only be 0.4mm but the home button feels much more recessed.
It isn’t a problem, but it would have been nice for SGP to include that bit of glass they cut out (N7000 only) so that we could choose whether to stick it onto our home buttons, after all, the N7000 version is $5 more.
(bare in mind the Iphone version gets lots of cool colored home buttons to choose from as well)
In terms of actual hardness, the Glas.t has the same hardness as Gorilla Glass (a 9 on the Mohrs hardness scale) but i know id much rather give $40 for Glas.t than $150+ for a device screen replacement!
When using the device, the responsiveness, colours and general usage is exactly as if you had no protector on at all – it is really fantastic!
The edges of the glass are not sharp, but I would recommend that you use the device with a case as you don’t want to chip it
4.4 Conclusion
The Glas.t is a very impressive product, it has really changed my opinions on screen protectors
Pros:
- Anti fingerprint coating
- Rivals Gorilla Glass’s hardness
- Colours/clarity are excellent
- Very smooth
- Protects front camera too
Cons:
- One shot installation
- Cant be reused
- Home button feels a bit deep
- Expensive considering there is no spare in case of a bad installation
The Glas.t is a product that I really love, it provides more protection than a normal screen protector, but doesn’t succumb to any of the limitations.
What I would like to see, however, is SGP include the bit of glass they cut out for the home button because for the extra $5, N7000 users aren’t getting anything more.

5.0 Final Thoughts
I have guided you through some of SGP’s greatest accessories for the Galaxy Note, giving my thoughts and opinions in what I hope is a fair and thorough analysis.
I would like to just comment on the company as a whole. In all my dealings with SGP, their website, their representatives, their products, etc – I feel that they really want to design and make quality products.
The people that work there really think about the end user, and yes, they have overlooked some small details, but compared to 99% of other case manufacturers, they are leagues ahead.
I have already mentioned that, I feel, SGP need to consolidate their branding a little, but considering their products, and their excellent customer service – I honestly feel that they could be market leaders.
So... Which of these products will _I_ choose? Well I certainly am going to use the Glas.t, but I think my heart lies with the Stehen - the Valentinus is too grown up for me

Great review, thanks!
I've been considering a wallet case for a while now and your review was of big help.

^ my pleasure

Nice review mate. Cheers!!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

panyan said:
4.0 GLAS.t Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector
N7000: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...tor-glas-t-premium-tempered-glass-series.html
I717: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...tor-glas-t-premium-tempered-glass-series.html
Make sure that you order the correct one because there is a physical difference between the two (home buttons are different)
Also, there is a $5 difference between them which I imagine is because the N7000 needs more machining for the home button cut-out
4.1 Overview
The tempered glass screen protector is something of a novel idea and I really wanted to try it. The plastic screen protectors that you can get are only really useful against scratches – if you drop the device, the screen will still shatter.
Now, I am not ruthless enough to fit the protector and then go and drop my device, screen-down, to see if the screen protector stops my device’s screen from cracking – youll have to jump onto youtube for that
In the package, you get the protector itself, an alcohol swap for cleaning (NOT Dutch Courage ), a squeegee, a microfiber cloth and an authentication card
One comment that I read on XDA was someone who questioned whether having the Glas.t meant they had to also use a normal screen protector ontop of it. My answer is: NO – this should provide incredible protection by itself – and I feel it does.
4.2 Installation
Installation of the Glas.t was very nerve wracking – you are holding a $40 piece of tempered glass and just one single piece of dust can ruin the whole event – and you don’t have a spare.
My advice is to run a hot shower/bath, let the room fill with steam, stop the water running, let the steam settle down, hold the screen protector like you hold your device when watching a movie and slowly lower it down
You can slightly adjust the protector if it is a millimetre out – and then push it down and watch as the protector works out all the air and bonds to your devices screen – AH SWEET RELIEF! :fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Notice that the protector has such good clarity that dont even need to cut out a hole for the front facing camera
4.3 In Use
This screen protector is unlike any I have ever used. I have used the El Cheapo $1 ones, I have used more expensive SGP ones, but this beats the lot hands down!
The protector is SSSSOOOOO SMOOTH – it is exactly like your touching the devices screen!
Not only that but there are no fingerprints at all – I have been using SGP’s STEINHEIL ULTRA CRYSTAL for the past 4 months and it smudges… badly – but the Glas.t has a oleophobic coating which stops all that.
One thing that you do need to get used to is the home button is a lot deeper than it once was – the protector may only be 0.4mm but the home button feels much more recessed.
It isn’t a problem, but it would have been nice for SGP to include that bit of glass they cut out (N7000 only) so that we could choose whether to stick it onto our home buttons, after all, the N7000 version is $5 more.
(bare in mind the Iphone version gets lots of cool colored home buttons to choose from as well)
In terms of actual hardness, the Glas.t has the same hardness as Gorilla Glass (a 9 on the Mohrs hardness scale) but i know id much rather give $40 for Glas.t than $150+ for a device screen replacement!
When using the device, the responsiveness, colours and general usage is exactly as if you had no protector on at all – it is really fantastic!
The edges of the glass are not sharp, but I would recommend that you use the device with a case as you don’t want to chip it
4.4 Conclusion
The Glas.t is a very impressive product, it has really changed my opinions on screen protectors
Pros:
- Anti fingerprint coating
- Rivals Gorilla Glass’s hardness
- Colours/clarity are excellent
- Very smooth
- Protects front camera too
Cons:
- One shot installation
- Cant be reused
- Home button feels a bit deep
- Expensive considering there is no spare in case of a bad installation
The Glas.t is a product that I really love, it provides more protection than a normal screen protector, but doesn’t succumb to any of the limitations.
What I would like to see, however, is SGP include the bit of glass they cut out for the home button because for the extra $5, N7000 users aren’t getting anything more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great review, I hope you can keep us notified over the months to see if there are any changes, because for example people complained that over a certain amount of time the protector would just fall off.

Dsteppa said:
Great review, I hope you can keep us notified over the months to see if there are any changes, because for example people complained that over a certain amount of time the protector would just fall off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quote the WHOLE OP, seriously??
Had my glas.t going on 7 months now, no problems here.
Great review OP

Just want to share my experience with the GLAS.T Tempered Glass Screen Cover for the Galaxy Note.
It's awesome! It's quite expensive, but definitely worth it. I got it 2-3 weeks ago and it's been protecting my Note extremely well. I've already dropped it more than 5 times, and even tried scratching it with pens, car keys, and normal stuff I would put in my pocket; and the screen protector only has a few, hardly noticeable scratches.
The case actually gives me a little more confidence using my Note without a case. It's definitely worth it for me. :good:

I highly recommend Spigen.
Their customer service and attention to detail is impeccable.
The GLAS.t is by far the most expensive screen protector I've owned but it is also the best in terms of quality, level of protection offered and does not impact the display at all. It is superb.
Feels like I'm using my Note naked, which is wonderful.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

I bought GLAS.T Tempered Glass Screen Cover Note for the Galaxy.
And everything was fine, but then began appearing air bubbles = (

Alanunger said:
I bought GLAS.T Tempered Glass Screen Cover Note for the Galaxy.
And everything was fine, but then began appearing air bubbles = (
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats wierd, ive not got anything like that, can you post up a pic?

Review: Martin Field's Overlay Screen Protector

I purchased this based on some feedback I had read one some other forums. I have tried nearly every major screen protector out there (Spigen, RearthUSA, Incipio, Switcheasy, BodyGuardz, XO Skins, Best Skins Ever, a ton of cheap ones off Amazon, Zagg, etc.). Up until this point, I had always found the Ultra Crystal from Spigen to be the best overall. Not anymore.
Before I get started I want to mention that the Martin Fields Screen protectors are not cheap. One screen protector for the Galaxy Nexus is $16.99 ($34.99 for one iPad protector and $29.99 for one Nexus 7 protector)and it only comes with one screen protector and a set of instructions. That's it.
One issue I've always found to be a huge problem with these dry, crystal clear screen protectors (Again, think Spigen Ultra Crystal) is that they show fingerprints so easily that it really can become a huge nuisance and to my surprise this one doesn't show much at all. I would say it's nearly as good at resisting fingerprints as a matte finish screen protector.
A very innovative feature this screen protector offers is that it is completely removable. They include a Mylar sheet that you can stick it to if you need to take it off. Just apply a small piece of scotch tape at the bottom corner and slowly pull to remove it. This does bring up the biggest problem that I have with this protector though. It is somewhat brittle. It will crease if you aren't careful with it. In fact, if you look in the pictures I have posted, you'll notice a slight crease in the bottom right corner. I've emailed the seller that I purchased it from on Amazon to see if they'll replace it. Not sure if that'll happen and it isn't all that distracting.
Quick Summary:
PROS:
As clear as any I've ever used
Does not pick up oils like most clear, dry application screen protectors generally do
Feels as close to glass as anything I've ever used
Reusable
Covers entire screen
Comes with a Camera Lens cover as well
CONS:
Not cheap. If you purchase directly from MartinFields.com it is $16.99 + $4.99 shipping. Be aware of fakes on Amazon.
Doesn't come with much. Just a simple paper package, a screen protector and a Mylar sheet to apply it to if you decide to take it off and use it later.
Fragile, it will crease if you aren't careful
Almost too big. If you don't line it up absolutely perfect it will not adhere on the sides, bottom. It's almost cut too perfect to a fault.
Anyway, here are some pictures. I had just ran my palm down the screen to show you just how well this does on hand oils.
Martin Field's Link

Well I take it no one found this helpful?

Breezer23 said:
Well I take it no one found this helpful?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already have one but I will concur with everything you said
Mine creased before I put it on but I was able to bend it back and can't tell you where the crease ever was at this point. Mine is scratched up pretty good at this point but I'm hard on phones so it's not surprising. I've yet to find a screen protector that holds up to my use.

Mind had a crease initially. I contacted their support line in Hong Kong and they had one sent out to me the next day. I ended up buying one for my Nexus 7 and my iPad 3.
It's weird, the Ultra Crystal's and many other dry application protectors leave blue smears when you try to wipe away fingerprints. These don't. They are there but they don't leave that annoying blue greasy smudge.