Database Users

Good screen protector?

I'm getting a HTC Hero next week (Telus, waiting for it to be shipped) and I'm wondering what's a good screen protector to buy for it. I have an iPod Touch with a giant crack through the screen (still works) from dropping it so I want to have some protection this time around. Can screen protectors cause damage to the screen, if they're cheap ones or whatever? Do they impair the touch screen functionality at all? This is my first touch screen phone.

Stojko said:
I'm getting a HTC Hero next week (Telus, waiting for it to be shipped) and I'm wondering what's a good screen protector to buy for it. I have an iPod Touch with a giant crack through the screen (still works) from dropping it so I want to have some protection this time around. Can screen protectors cause damage to the screen, if they're cheap ones or whatever? Do they impair the touch screen functionality at all? This is my first touch screen phone.
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Screen protection is completely unnecessary. The screen is made of glass, and won't be scratched by normal use.
You can put any kind of protection on your screen, but it won't help anything if you drop your Hero in an unfortunate way.
Screen protection wouldn't have helped your iPod either...

besides from that this belongs in the accessoires section, and i believe there were some brands and models discussed already... i think you can find out which is the best, my vote goes for none. the screen won't scratch, and the surface feels way to good to be covered, and my hero has its own pocket in my jeans, and/or sits in a protective pouch.

kendong2 said:
besides from that this belongs in the accessoires section, and i believe there were some brands and models discussed already... i think you can find out which is the best, my vote goes for none. the screen won't scratch, and the surface feels way to good to be covered, and my hero has its own pocket in my jeans, and/or sits in a protective pouch.
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i wish i could say this. my hero has a scratch right on the screen and its was only put in my pocket with nothing else. Also now i have dust under the left bottom side of the screen also. If your going to get a screen protector, i recommend Zagg Invisible Shield. When i had an iPhone 3G i got this put on and it was the best investment i made ( i got the whole body cover ) which i felt was much better than some case.

Ska8erMush said:
i wish i could say this. my hero has a scratch right on the screen and its was only put in my pocket with nothing else. Also now i have dust under the left bottom side of the screen also. If your going to get a screen protector, i recommend Zagg Invisible Shield. When i had an iPhone 3G i got this put on and it was the best investment i made ( i got the whole body cover ) which i felt was much better than some case.
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so your hero was scratched by the garment in your pocket?
in the end it is your decision. the dust argument is true, there is a lot of dust in the pocket, that is why is use a microfiber pouch.

I would buy a clear-coat, same as invisible shield but you get lifetime replacement all you have to do is pay the 3.99 shipping

screen protector yes or no

any one with recommendation on screen protector

I'm currently using a Zagg max coverage protector that I had installed at Best Buy, and have no complaints so far. The only thing I've noticed with it is that my finger tends to get stuck when using Swype, but not often enough for it to bother me.

I don't have this phone but I don't think you need a screen protector. I haven't seen any videos on the screen durability test like they do for the iphone scratch test. But I think the screen should be sturdy enough. The screen won't be as smooth to scroll with a plastic layer. And if you accidentally get even a drop of water in the corners of the phone with the squeegee, you are screwed. Good luck.

Using an Invisible Shield on mine. This is the only phone I've ever used one on. I figured with a screen this huge I want to keep it looking nice.

You don't need you it is glass like the Iphone and hero. I have seen test's on both using key to try and scratch nothing happened. Anything that would damage the screen (scratch it) would go right through the screen protector and still damage it. As it would take a lot of force to scratch. Just a wast of money not to mention it hampers the touch screens ability to pick up your finger.

someone apparently water damaged their evo with putting on a protector. Careful. I would cover up the indicator on mine once I get it.

i have a zagg on mine and hate it. its sticky and has a "orange peel" like appearence. i ordered a hard plastic one on amazon and am waiting for it to come in the mail.

I also feel that a screen protector is unecessary...glass is very hard to scratch, and can only be scratched by something harder than it is.

Zaag one here and I think it's too sticky. It messes with my swiping. Catches my finger too much.

chazglenn3 said:
I also feel that a screen protector is unecessary...glass is very hard to scratch, and can only be scratched by something harder than it is.
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I used the same logic with my hero and ended up getting a few scratches just from unforseen sh!t happening. this screen is too beautiful for me to risk.
also whoever water damaged their phone while putting on a screen protector is an idiot.

I put one on for peace of mind and it works just as it did without the protector.
However, if it's like the iPhone screen, then you shouldn't need one at all. I had the same iPhone since the release date and had zero scratches as of Friday... it's last day in service!

We pre-ordered out Evo's at RS so we used out accessory credits for Zaggs and car chargers and I put them on. They do have an orange peel like look when looking at them at a angle with the screen off and reflecting off some light. But with the screen on and looking at them there is no issue with the display. They were not hard to put on either.

I'm using the "anti-glare" protector that comes in the 3-pack you get at the Sprint store for $12 (the other two are "clear"). I love it - it doesn't interfere with my user experience at all. Why on earth would you risk scratching your screen? To save $4 and 5 mins time?

Boxwave Crystal Clear screen protectors. I have a 3-pack on order (I have 2 Evo's between me and my girlfriend). We're using them "naked" so far until they arrive.
I highly recomend the Boxwave protector though, I have used them for about 6+ years on various PDA/Smartphones. I even have one for my P&S Camera.

Here is my experience:
Zagg:
Good -
Works well as protection
Hides fringer prints decently
Bad -
Blurs your screen a very small amount
Makes the surface feel like rubber
Hard to put on without getting a little dust under it
Generic hard plastic sheet:
Good -
Works well as protection
Feels very smooth, smoother than glass
Easy to put on, and normally you get 2 or 3 in case you make a mistake
Perfectly clear
Bad -
Finger print magnet, oil really builds up
You can see where the protector ends around the edges
Added glare in sunlight(small amount)
Unprotected Glass:
Good -
Feels very smooth
Easy to clean off, just rub it off on your shirt
Perfectly clear
Bad -
Medium finger print problem, but easy to clean
I feel scared to place it face down, once I get a case that recesses the face I will feel better.
Over all I decided to go with unprotected. Its the middle of the road and I feel the best over all experience.

Zagg Invisible Shield is NO GOOD.. Its almost sticky. Don't get it! I warned ya.

zone23 said:
Zagg Invisible Shield is NO GOOD.. Its almost sticky. Don't get it! I warned ya.
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Agreed, the Zagg is sticky. But I deal with it so that I can protect it. I don't have a huge issue with viewing it or the orange peel look when it's off because you don't notice it when it's on. The fit is nice. On my hero, I had a really clear smooth one from ebay which was great, but was all scratched up. The zagg shouldn't even mark up which is why i'm dealing with it. Sticky, but not to the point that it pisses me off. I put it on myself relatively easily, just spray lots of that solution on it, no bubbles, no dust, 2 minute application.

Maybe the Zagg is sticky if you put it on backwards but I have ZERO complaints about mine.

I ordered a 3 pack of anti-glare/anti-fingerprint screen covers from handhelditems for 7.99 (for the 3pack). They have crazy deals on evo 4g accessories right now. I also got a car charger for like 3.99.
I bought it more for the anti-glare/anti-fingerprints than the actual screen protection.

Warning!
There is a whole thread started on water damage and most of this comes from any screen protector that requires you to spray on water... ei Zaggs
When you squeegiie the water off the screen it leaks in to the back of the phone and Sprint has been sneaky about placing water damage indicator right on the tip of the phone.. below battery.
Either cover the indicator with protector or stick to the regular screen covers..

HD2 Criss Cross on LCD

So I just purchased a second hand HD2 and WOW, this thing has it going on!. It doens't look like it has a screen protector on it but I'm not sure. When the LCD is off you can see a criss cross pattern on the screen. Is this some sort of protector?

maxpower097 said:
So I just purchased a second hand HD2 and WOW, this thing has it going on!. It doens't look like it has a screen protector on it but I'm not sure. When the LCD is off you can see a criss cross pattern on the screen. Is this some sort of protector?
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No, that's the capacitive touch screen sensors. All capacitive screens have that.

So thats why it feels so iphony. 10-4! Thanks. Now do you reccomend I buy one of the expensive ones at best buy or a cheapo off feebay? Is there a big difference?

maxpower097 said:
So thats why it feels so iphony. 10-4! Thanks. Now do you reccomend I buy one of the expensive ones at best buy or a cheapo off feebay? Is there a big difference?
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you might be able to get away with not using one...the glass screen on the HD2 is treated to be much harder and more scratch resistant than regular glass. I've been using mine "naked" since I got it a couple of months ago, and don't have a single scratch even though it usually just gets stashed in my jeans pocket.

maxpower097 said:
So thats why it feels so iphony. 10-4! Thanks. Now do you reccomend I buy one of the expensive ones at best buy or a cheapo off feebay? Is there a big difference?
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I agree with SirPhunkee but it couldn't hurt to have one on there. I saw a video on youtube of some guy going to town on the screen with a box cutter and knife and not a single scratch was on it. I got a screen protector, car charger, wall charger and case on amazon really cheap and it works great. All in all it is up to you! Good Luck

The screen is scratch resistant, not scratch proof.
I did and currently have my phone "naked" but like a dumb ass, i had in my pants pocket along with my kershaw knife. The small steel rounded allen head screw put 2 nice little scratches along the center bottom half of my screen.
Its an expensive, amazing device but sh!t happens

I love freaking people out by taking my keys to my screen. I've been using mine "naked" as well because I think screen protecters take away from the clarity.

My main gripe with screen protectors is it doesn't feel as accurate to the touch. I may go commando, maybe not. I bought one of those invisible sheilds from best buy tonight and so far I'm impressed. Much more then those ebay kits and feels like a real silicon layer. Hopeing touch sense will still be good too. Usually though if I pay under $150 for a phone I don't use a protector. More and if the phones mint I do.

maxpower097 said:
So thats why it feels so iphony. 10-4! Thanks. Now do you reccomend I buy one of the expensive ones at best buy or a cheapo off feebay? Is there a big difference?
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if you got the phone through t mobile. it comes with a silicone case. back cover check. now you can buy a screen protector at walmart for 5 dollars. the same brand radioshack sells it for $11! rip off. i say you go with a screen protector. the hd2 lcd is a fingerprint magnet!

nikoskavliaris said:
if you got the phone through t mobile. it comes with a silicone case. back cover check. now you can buy a screen protector at walmart for 5 dollars. the same brand radioshack sells it for $11! rip off. i say you go with a screen protector. the hd2 lcd is a fingerprint magnet!
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The silicone is downright filthy. It attracts dust and clogs up the ear-piece grill like there is no tomorrow.

The $20 one I got from BB is like a sticky guey and wierd. You lube it up and work it on, then after 12 hours the micro bubbles are supposed to be gone. So far I'm 3 hours in and its looking pretty good. Its way thinner then the wallmart cut your own's. Which I have on me and realized how easy it would be to make one with the custom cuts.

nikoskavliaris said:
if you got the phone through t mobile. it comes with a silicone case. back cover check. now you can buy a screen protector at walmart for 5 dollars. the same brand radioshack sells it for $11! rip off. i say you go with a screen protector. the hd2 lcd is a fingerprint magnet!
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If you dont mind spending $20 you can get the Zaag Invisible Shield from Best Buy for $20. They do have one custom cut for the T-Mobile HD2, I saw it in person last weekend at one of the Best Buys here in Tampa. I did not look closely enough at the box to see if it was just the screen protector or the full body protection kit.
I bought the full body kit off Zaag's site shortly after I bought the HD2, I think I spent $25 for it. In the end I ended up just using the screen protector and put the OEM silicone case back on it. The HD2 teetering on its camera lens bothered me, and I really wasn't crazy with how the body covering part of the Zaag kit looked, picked up lint along the edges of the sheets too. I also like the extra grip the silicone skin provdes. I can leave it lying on my car seat and not worry about it launching to the floor if i have to slam on the breaks. Seems you end up doing a lot of that here in Florida, between the crazy old people and the people who are just plain nuts or distracted
The Zaag protector did seem to slightly desensitize the screen a bit, but i actually like that. i found it to be way too sensitive after coming from a resistive screen device.

Yah I got the zag one. Looks great but I got a defective one. Has a lazer cut about half inch on the back of the screen. Looks great but I'm gonna return it for a perfect one. I figure if I'm spending $22 on a piece of PET it better be perfect. I like that you can buy replacements for $14 though and they will replace it for free if its damaged defending your phone.

Zagg invisible shields equal awesome. And I am not just saying that because the company started where I am from, lol.

I scratched mine the 2nd day I got it. I was placing it on a granite counter and just barely nicked the screen. It was driving me crazy.
Man..Whoooooww, Good thing that very day my phone's vibrator stopped working. Lucky I took it back and got a new one. ;-)

I scratched mine as well right in the middle because I had it in my pocket with my keys. I wish I could peel the film off and get rid of the scratch ! I hear that if I put a screen protector on it that it will hide the scratch though so I hope it works!

[Q] Is it possible to fix screen scratches

So heres what happened I've had this phone since it first came out and its been kept in perfect condition. I just got a new job and left it in my pocket one day and got some dirt in there apparently. Needless to say i now have about 20 small scratches on my phone. And the reason i didnt have a screen protector on it is cause i bought a zagg one and put it on and found out that water and phones dont mix. The phones touchscreen was completely broken so I just took it to best buy and they gave me a new phone. I know i could buy a new digitizer for like 50 dollars but the scratches arnt noticeable when the screen is lit, just knowing that they are there is enough to bug me

i got 3 or 4 little ones within 2 weeks of owning the phone. similar to yours in that they could only be seen at certain angles and/or lighting situations.
I put a screen protector on to make sure to not get anymore, and it actually helped to make the other little scratches pretty much disappear.
hope that helps.

Yeah i ran to the sprint store after work today and picked up a screen protector... except i didnt realize that the protectors only cover the lcd part and not the rest of the touchscreen. It does minimize the visibly of the scratches but it just bugs me. ill just have to sell it for less when the evo 3d comes out due to the scratches.

Those Sprint branded screen protectors are terrible...truly worse than the "universal" type.
I'd check out another one of the custom-cut InvisibleShield ZAGG types. They have the textured, soft and pliable surface that may allow it to settle into the cracks and cover them up.
I'm not sure what you did when you put your first one on to make you say "Water and phones don't mix", but it sounds like you may have gone a bit crazy with the spray bottle?

TechnoBill said:
Those Sprint branded screen protectors are terrible...truly worse than the "universal" type
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+1 bought some from Sprint after putting a big scratch on my original screen protector and it's terrible.
Sent from my Gingerbread Speedy 4G using Tapatalk

i used the ones from radio shack they work great
but to fix scratches if they are small you can get the scratch spray for eye glasses for a few dollars and use it with a cleaning cloththen apply the screen protector

Hey warstroke, do you have a specific glass scratch remover you can recommend. Cause after hours of searching on google i found displex for touch screen phones but i cant tell if its for plastic or glass. Thanks in advance for the help
Edit... So it looks like its gonna be a huge pain to fix the scratches, so im just gonna wait till my summer job is over and then buy a new digitizer and replace the whole screen. There only like 30 dollars on ebay. Apparently sand is the mortal enemy of cell phone screens.

Try out buying Otterbox's new Evo Shift case. Its great protection and comes with a screen protecter. Its $34 but definitely worth buying for the quality. You can find this on Otterbox's site.
Of course I found this after a shattered my Evo Shift. Now I have to deal with a refurbished one.

Screen protector necessary?

Sorry for what is quite possibly a really dumb question, but with the Nexus 7 having Corning glass, is a screen protector even necessary?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk 2

C2fifield said:
Sorry for what is quite possibly a really dumb question, but with the Nexus 7 having Corning glass, is a screen protector even necessary?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk 2
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corning glass is scratch resistant, not scratch proof and not shatter proof.
the galaxy note has corning scratch resistant glass and yet many of us have managed to scratch it with the stylus that samsung included with the device.
so i would recommend using a screen protector if, like myself, you are easily annoyed by even the smallest scratches.
i already ordered 20 screen protectors from ebay, simply because i dont like having any air bubbles or dust underneath them. this way, if i screw up the first one, i have 19 more tries to get it right.

Quite simply....yes its necessary!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I'll be purchasing one when someone posts a good review on here of one they received

I hate screen protectors.
They never feel right to the touch and I can always see the edges which is annoying.
I've had several smartphones starting with the D1 when it was first released and other than the random very minor hairline scratch I've never had any issues with my screens.
Considering my N7 will never be pocketed (my phones live in my front pocket) there is even less of a chance of getting scratched.
This is just my personal preference.

Speeding Wheels said:
I hate screen protectors.
They never feel right to the touch and I can always see the edges which is annoying.
I've had several smartphones starting with the D1 when it was first released and other than the random very minor hairline scratch I've never had any issues with my screens.
Considering my N7 will never be pocketed (my phones live in my front pocket) there is even less of a chance of getting scratched.
This is just my personal preference.
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Can't agree with you more. I used to have one for my Galaxy Nexus, but I hated how I could see the sides and air bubbles. I just took it off and it's been scratch-free for literally months. I also don't use a case with it, just goes in my pocket and it's been fine. Sure, the occasional finer smudge, but it's comes off. I'm also not going to bother with a screen protector for my Nexus 7. I have, however, ordered a case for it.

Thanks everyone. Now I'm off to ebay to buy some cheap ones....

the screen is the device PROTECT IT WELL
Skinomi or zag or any of the other brand name protectors work well. The cheap plastic ones will make your touch less precise and scratch easy. spend the money 10-15 dollars is not much to protech a 250.00 device. I have hand the skinomi protector on my iconia a500 since day one . the screen is beautiful and exactly as it was new.
now what about some type of slip on cover that has a build in two way kick stand that will rotate for horizontal and vertical positon.. I WOULD Love that. I do not want this tablet in a CASE. just would like a stand built into the back of it . Even one that would Stick on the back with maybe two sided tape or velcro. if done correctly..

erica_renee said:
Skinomi or zag or any of the other brand name protectors work well. The cheap plastic ones will make your touch less precise and scratch easy. spend the money 10-15 dollars is not much to protech a 250.00 device. I have hand the skinomi protector on my iconia a500 since day one . the screen is beautiful and exactly as it was new.
now what about some type of slip on cover that has a build in two way kick stand that will rotate for horizontal and vertical positon.. I WOULD Love that. I do not want this tablet in a CASE. just would like a stand built into the back of it . Even one that would Stick on the back with maybe two sided tape or velcro. if done correctly..
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The thing I hate about buying expensive screen protectors is that $10+ easily adds up if you have to use several of them to finally get it right. I hate getting any dust or bubbles on the screen and that is usually difficult for me to get right the first time.

If you're looking for a very good screen protector I'd go with skinomi probably spelled that wrong or xo skin. Xo skin
looks the most invisible when its done drying but will lift up easily if you put it too close to the brezzle. Skinomi is also very good there just less forgiving if you mess up putting them on make sure to use lots of spay when applying. Don't get zagg after about two months of me owning it it has a yellow tent to it and there more expensive then the both I recommended. Whatever you decided make sure to look up online for coupons the usually have some you can use and that my two cents hope it helps out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I usually hate using them as well. The feel is just never quite right and this screen glides wet. The only ones I ever considered are the ones that give you screen privacy as well.

Cybore said:
The thing I hate about buying expensive screen protectors is that $10+ easily adds up if you have to use several of them to finally get it right. I hate getting any dust or bubbles on the screen and that is usually difficult for me to get right the first time.
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I am on my 3rd http://www.skinomi.com/ screen protector since my iconia. they give you a 100% life time no questions asked warranty. I have kinda long sharp fingernails and i tend to touch it down there the middle far reaches of thumbs keyboard.
you fax them copy of your recept with reason you want it replaced and credit card number. they charge you a small shipping fee. i think 3.00 and in a few days you get a new one in the mail.. send the old one back in a STAMP envelope 44 cents .
They cost more but cheap and easy to get replaced . They come with special spray to put them on with and can be removed cleaned and reattached. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO BUBBLES NO CORNERS Coming up .And i use my tablet i would 3 hours a day. everyday if not more on days off work.
You Truly get what you pay for . I have heard same type of happy customers with Zag and a few of the others so i do NOT Want to make this all about the one i have . p THEY SHIP YOU THE NEW ONE FIRST. you ship old one back after you change it out. i paid i think 18.00 for the original one.

This is asked often.
Watch this;
Scratch Test: Does Your Phone Really Need A Screen Protector?

Had mine for under a week, already a fine scratch 4 cm long.

Screen protector means you can be rough with it

I learn from the mistakes of others. I have two friends who didn't use a screen protector on a Galaxy Note and a Galaxy S 2. Both got minor fine scratches that can only be seen if looked for. They're desk jockeys.
I work "in the field" often off-roading to get to my sites and my hands commonly get dirty from fine dust and sandy particles. There's no way I'd use my phone and Nexus 7 without a screen protector. If a desk jockey can get minor scratches imagine what a finger with fine dirt swiping across a screen will do.
So my lesson I learned: spend the money on a good screen protector if you're OCD about a perfect screen. Over the years I've learned how to apply wet screen protectors on so that they're not even noticable. (Zagg, Bodyguardz, and Skinomi). The trick is to apply a lot of solution to the sticky part.

I ordered a KaysCase Screen Protector. They are made for the device and fit perfectly. They are almost invisible and feel just like the glass itself. I got it on amazon along with my Aduro membrance case for my Gnex.

No screen protectors foe me, ever. I'd rather risk and/or deal with scratches than have a screen with a protector on it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

I don't have a screen protector on my Nexus and I've been fine. I'm careful enough, and if it happens to pick up a scratch or two as time goes on, that's alright. I'd rather not deal with the protectors, I like the screen the way it is.

I'm not 100% if screen protectors actually stop smart case covers from putting the nexus to sleep/awake, because it ever since I put a screen protector on, the sleep/awake function doesn't work effectively.