Database Users

Opinions on screen protectors?

I can lurk no further.
I've never actually purchased a screen protector before... But looking around at all these choices... So confusing!
From what I've gathered.
http://www.amazon.com/Skinomi-TechS...TF8&colid=22ZDSI283Y0PB&coliid=I1KCRW9PCVVJ28
http://www.bestskinsever.com/google-nexus-4-skin
http://xoskins.com/cell-phone-skin-...protectors/google-nexus-4-full-body-protector
Are the best options. But some people seem to want the dry screen protectors and I have no idea why, I work at Best Buy and people seem to love the Zagg ones. They are easy to install too. Not cheap, About 25 HD one and 15 for installation for the iPad Mini. But everybody here comments on how crappy Zagg is. I looked at the Skinomi full bodies and I like the idea. Since the N4 has a nice design on the back, I don't want to cover that up with something other than a clear protector.

I'm not really sure which ones are the "best". For my gnex I ended up buying a 6 pack of cheap-o's for like $1.20 and they worked fine. If I end up getting any for my nexus 4 I think I will just do the body one and not the screen. I have never scratched a screen before, am very careful with my devices, but I feel like since the back is glass that could easily get scratched. I dont want to have an amazing screen and have to ruin it by putting a piece of plastic over it. Quick question though, what factors are you interested in in finding the best screen protector?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

I suppose using a screen protector will destroy the whole purpose of the 'zerogap' display tech right

zander145 said:
I can lurk no further.
I've never actually purchased a screen protector before... But looking around at all these choices... So confusing!
From what I've gathered.
http://www.amazon.com/Skinomi-TechS...TF8&colid=22ZDSI283Y0PB&coliid=I1KCRW9PCVVJ28
http://www.bestskinsever.com/google-nexus-4-skin
http://xoskins.com/cell-phone-skin-...protectors/google-nexus-4-full-body-protector
Are the best options. But some people seem to want the dry screen protectors and I have no idea why, I work at Best Buy and people seem to love the Zagg ones. They are easy to install too. Not cheap, About 25 HD one and 15 for installation for the iPad Mini. But everybody here comments on how crappy Zagg is. I looked at the Skinomi full bodies and I like the idea. Since the N4 has a nice design on the back, I don't want to cover that up with something other than a clear protector.
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My personal experience with the full body skins is generally poor. It may due to my lack of skills but I find putting on the back protector utterly infuriating due to the fact that getting the sides and corners to fit perfectly well to be very difficult. I have watched suggestions from some installation videos that ask for the use of a hair dryer to help the corners stick but in general I don't get an exactly perfect fit.
I usually just stick to a generic front faced screen protector, it doesn't seem to be worth it to pay around $20 for essentially a piece of plastic over my screen.

versd said:
I suppose using a screen protector will destroy the whole purpose of the 'zerogap' display tech right
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Exactly. Plus I feel like they take away from the quality too

ctowne said:
Exactly. Plus I feel like they take away from the quality too
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Really?
I suggest you check my BSE thread for the ONE X.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1674946
I've put many photos in there.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

You took a ton of pictures! Ive never had a 100% invisible screen protector, always made the screen look just a tad worse no matter what. I just feel like the plastic holds the oil from your hands a lot worse than glass.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

I was always against screen protectors too but after scratching my screen I now buy like 2 dozen cheap ones from e-bay and use those. It takes me about 6 tries every time I put one on. I don't believe all the hype about one being better than another. Some of the higher priced ones come from the same company with different cool names. Meh.

MN_Bug said:
I was always against screen protectors too but after scratching my screen I now buy like 2 dozen cheap ones from e-bay and use those. It takes me about 6 tries every time I put one on. I don't believe all the hype about one being better than another. Some of the higher priced ones come from the same company with different cool names. Meh.
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I used the cheap ebay ones for my galaxy nexus, they worked fine. They did collect a crazy amount of fingerprints though. I think it is better just to buy a 6 pack of those for about a dollar than 1 "good" one for like 15-20 bucks. Doesnt really make sense
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

MN_Bug said:
I don't believe all the hype about one being better than another.
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You've clearly only used the crappy cheap eBay ones to make such a statement.
I've installed more than I'd like to admit, from manufacturers such as zagg, bodyguardz, phantom skinz, skinomi, BestSkinsEver etc etc
There are differences between all.
There are ones that are better than others.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

chrisjcks said:
You've clearly only used the crappy cheap eBay ones to make such a statement.
I've installed more than I'd like to admit, from manufacturers such as zagg, bodyguardz, phantom skinz, skinomi, BestSkinsEver etc etc
There are differences between all.
There are ones that are better than others.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
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Which do you recommend as the best? I feel like most cheap generic ones take on fingerprints easily and I've never tried a good brand, so I might be willing to buy one this time around.

There should be a small gap between the frame and the back glass, maybe the screen protector could just fit in it, if you know what I mean
Sent from my Wildfire S A510e using xda app-developers app

chrisjcks said:
You've clearly only used the crappy cheap eBay ones to make such a statement.
I've installed more than I'd like to admit, from manufacturers such as zagg, bodyguardz, phantom skinz, skinomi, BestSkinsEver etc etc
There are differences between all.
There are ones that are better than others.
I had a Zag screen protector "professionally" installed and it was terrible. It was sticky and looks like fun house glass. What do you recommend?
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I love Realook on eBay. Their screen protectors look and feel just like the glass in my opinion. Perfectly sized and self adhesive. I hate the ones that require moisture to put on and are stretchy and have the rubbery/orange peel effect. Once I discovered Realook, I buy all my protectors from them. And no, I do not work for them, I just feel that strongly about them haha. My phone screen might not ever get scratched without it, because I am careful, but this at least gives me the peace of mind to not worry.
In my experience, screen protectors are a necessity. Screens may be very scratch resistant, but the keyword is "resistant". There are several minerals that can scratch the screen with ease, and they can be found in many places, even the little grooves of gunked up coins. My wife has scratched almost every phone screen she has had once the screen protector comes off. Whether she keeps it in her clean purse or in her pocket, it doesn't matter.
Take a look at a Realook link: Realook screen protectors

Also, what about tempered glass screen protectors?

chrisjcks said:
Really?
I suggest you check my BSE thread for the ONE X.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1674946
I've put many photos in there.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
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btw, is ur one X quad core or dual core? if it's the quad core, did you experience wifi connectivity problems?

Every time I get a new phone, I have this renewed temptation to find the least horrible looking matte protector. The feeling is just so hard to resist.
I've yet to find one I can stand to look at, though.

zander145 said:
Also, what about tempered glass screen protectors?
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More glass over Gorilla Glass?

Checkout ArmorSuit.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...ld-keywords=armorsuit&sprefix=Armorsu,aps,257

I currently have a Skinomi on my Optimus V, and it has treated me well. It was wet apply, and after more than 2 years, it is only just beginning to peel off in the place where it was slightly off when I applied it. It's completely transparent (you can only tell it's there in certain light, plus the fact it's peeling in the one spot ) and very resistant to fingerprints. I pretty much only have to wipe the screen off if I've eaten something greasy and then touched the screen. It is also very easy to slide your finger over it. It also has a lifetime warranty so if it breaks I can send it in and get a new one for free!
I think I'm going to try out a BestSkinEver for the N4 though. I like the idea of a full body (sides, back, front, camera, etc) protector. Plus its relatively cheap and I've heard only good things about them.
Tapatalk² from my Optimus V

Screen protector, is it really needed?

I'm actually using an extremeguard screen protector and i found it disturbing, swiping with the finger is not smooth anymore
Wondering if the screen protector is really needed, what do you guys think?

I depends how careful you are with your phone I guess. I've never had one on any of my phones and I've never had a scratch.

It depends on what you do with your phone. However, the Gorilla Glass 2 is quite hard. (Vicker's hardness test of 622 to 701)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla_Glass
See the Wikipedia article on Vicker's Test for a comparison to other materials.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_hardness_test
Personally, I'm not a big fan of screen protectors because the screen protectors tend to scratch easier than the glass. Others disagree.
Sent from my Nexus 4

I used that one too and didn't like it either been looking for one that is not a wet apply one and has the right cut out holes and fits perfectly no luck so far
Sent from my Nexus 4

Depends how OCD you are about scratches. Contrary to popular belief, Gorilla Glass can scratch and with bad luck even the most careful user will still get a scratch. I don't really mind small scratches so I'm using mine without a protector right now. I'll probably give the Fantom glass protector a go when it comes out though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

spaceman860 said:
I used that one too and didn't like it either been looking for one that is not a wet apply one and has the right cut out holes and fits perfectly no luck so far
Sent from my Nexus 4
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Wet installation is good to me, also mine had holes, but still swiping is not good enough
Chrono_Tata said:
Depends how OCD you are about scratches. Contrary to popular belief, Gorilla Glass can scratch and with bad luck even the most careful user will still get a scratch. I don't really mind small scratches so I'm using mine without a protector right now. I'll probably give the Fantom glass protector a go when it comes out though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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I would hate scratches, totally. Also i'll probably sell it in the next two years, and scratches will decrease its value

No. They do nothing but look like s*it.

Not sure if you know this or not but it's safe to say that you'll need to wait atleast 72 hours after installing a quality screen protector to regain smooth swiping. It has to do with the oils in your fingers.

i dont use screen protectors because i find the installation process to be annoying. only scratch i ever gotten was from my nexus s.

Depends on how much you care about keeping your phone in pristine condition. I've owned the phone for about 3 weeks now. I've been very careful with it, yet I still have managed to get micro scratches on the back and front. They are barely noticeable, in fact I can only see them when under a bright light, but nevertheless they are still there. I don't plan on ever using a case or any type of protection.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Screen protectors are ugly and take away from the feel of the glass screen which is a beauty
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I've taken off my screen protector... I'm going to enjoy my phone now, it's so much smoother and I love the curved glass.
If I get scratches oh well. My last phone had scratches but they're microscopic.
Last time I sold a phone on Craigslist the buyer didn't even care to see the microscrathces on the phone. I just sold it for 30 less than the going rate. He thought he got a great deal and that was that
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Well, I only have a screen protector on the back of the phone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Live by screen protectors, had a few scratches on previous phones and since then I have always used them as I can remove them (if they go bad) and replace them I know it doesnt effect resale value as much but I prefer it.
Bestskinsever are the best IMO and after applying my screen protector I would say it was the best application ever, no bubbles or anything apart from a little bit at the top right (not on the screen, non issue) looks like there isnt a protector on it for the most part, I actually like the feel of the BSE skins it it enhances grip and I dont need to worry about a bumper now to protect the glass while on a desk along with the fact I notice no real difference in using the touch screen (I prefer it to naked for some reason!).
Each to their own though, Gorilla glass will scratch and I know for a fact random bits of sand and stuff do find there way to me on some occasions so I would prefer to avoid it, for the most part GG is great though.

Every other phone I ever had I put a screen protector on cause they got minor scratches within the first few days just from being in my pocket. I ordered a cheap one on ebay for my N4 but it didn't even fit (too small) so I said screw it and left it naked. I've had it for about a month now and I haven't got a single scratch on it, mind you that I baby my phone... but honestly the glass is very scratch resistent IMO, as long as you don't set it face down on tables or keep it in your pocket with keys or change you should be fine
Sent from my A200 using xda app-developers app

Well its gonna scratch without a screen protector so depends if you care about scratches or not. I already have 2 on my device.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I usually put on a screen protector right away. Since Google decided to send me a replacement handset 3 weeks ago, I've been going without one knowing I'd get a new one anyways. I've had no scratches or marks at all since, even while keeping it in my pocket with my keys.
It's going to be tough for me to go back to using a screen protector since I've grown to love the feel of glass surface and how it doesn't smudge easily.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I always use one mainly because I usually upgrade phones at least once a year. The resale value is higher for a phone which doesn't have any scratches.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

dcfella said:
I usually put on a screen protector right away. Since Google decided to send me a replacement handset 3 weeks ago, I've been going without one knowing I'd get a new one anyways. I've had no scratches or marks at all since, even while keeping it in my pocket with my keys.
It's going to be tough for me to go back to using a screen protector since I've grown to love the feel of glass surface and how it doesn't smudge easily.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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+1 I haven't put one on yet either due to the same reasons of the glass surface and smudging. No scratches that i can tell yet either. I'm probably on borrowed time tho.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Why is the Nexus 4 so prone to scratches?

So, this is an amazing phone. I just came from my Nexus One and I absolutely love it. However, the fact that the screen scratches so easily bugs the living heck out of me. I mean, it's just from when I pocket it and there is nothing I can do about it. How come it scratches so much compared to my phones in the past? I've reverted back to my Nexus One until my pouch comes here.
Also, anyone able to recommend some screen protectors that actually feel like glass that cover the whole phone? Would love to use those, but can't find any that don't feel like rubber or something, and I prefer that glass feeling.

My favourite screen protectors ever: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/google/nexus-4.html

I'm personally rocking a SGP Spigen Dual Protector for days when I want to run my Nexus 4 naked. You can barely tell that there's a screen protector on the front and back.

I came from the Nexus One as well, but I haven't had any problem with the screen (or any other part of the N4) scratching. No screen protectors, but I am using a pouch from Waterfield Designs. Not saying OP is wrong; just saying that it's possible to do just fine with naked phone + pouch if screen protectors aren't your thing.

Had no problems with nexus 4 screen unlike my old galaxy nexus but just ordered best skin ever for awesome protection
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Screen protector?

I'm wondering how many of you have gotten a screen protector, and/or if it's even necessary with the gorilla glass 3??
I know I probably should, but this damn display is SO smooth, it's like sex for my fingertips. lol I almost can't bring myself to cover it and deal with the resulting plasticky feel of said screen protector.
Seriously I never felt a screen so smooth... I'm coming from a gnex, and I'm not sure what type of display that was, but it was not even close to this smooth.
I'm just paranoid because on day TWO of buying my gnex a few years ago, the display got scratched. I remember being in a restaurant and putting the phone down - display side down. I went to pick it up and saw a centimeter sized scratch. It was only slightly noticeable with the display on, but I had to deal with that crap for two years. Unreal.

siciliano777 said:
I'm wondering how many of you have gotten a screen protector, and/or if it's even necessary with the gorilla glass 3??
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It certainly is. Gorilla Glass is NOT scratch proof. Sand (which is all around you) will scratch it.
If you can spend £30 to protect the screen, why wouldn't you? It'll help the resale value and a screen protector is much cheaper to replace than a new screen!

I didn't like to use them too and that is why my note 2 have small scratches on the edges. I bought a pack of tech armor and went through 3 protectors just trying to put them on. I also hate the feel of them.
With the note 3, I decided to get this instead of the tech armor:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EHG0ITQ/ref=ya_aw_oh_pit
I was able to get the first one on perfect and am very satisfied with it. I don't want this one scratch yet.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

tenshiru said:
I didn't like to use them too and that is why my note 2 have small scratches on the edges. I bought a pack of tech armor and went through 3 protectors just trying to put them on. I also hate the feel of them.
With the note 3, I decided to get this instead of the tech armor:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EHG0ITQ/ref=ya_aw_oh_pit
I was able to get the first one on perfect and am very satisfied with it. I don't want this one scratch yet.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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That's still plastic though right? I don't want to give up the wonderful feel of the glass.
I've been doing some reading around the forum and came across a thread recommending the Spigen glas.t protector (glas.tr is even thinner and better). It's a thin layer of actual glass, and apparently it feels just as smooth as the display itself. It's pretty pricy but I'm def getting that one.

Hi there, I'm not a screen protector fans also, it's never have any screen protector from my iPhone 3g until this new note 3. I had ordered a spigen gals.tR through thier web site. It's a real temper glass. I just love it. It's kinda thick compare to others market screen protector and a bit on high budget. Once I put it on (installation was damm easy). You will notice it's very thick, but it's not affect any of my sensitivity nor the screen color. It's remain smooth and sharp. I had ordered along a cover from spigen as well. The Neo Hybrid. Yes, your note 3 is not very big and a bit more heavy. But it's fit beautifully on nite 3.
P.s. I'm just sharing. No commercial involve.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Thoughts on using Screen shields

Was walking through the mall today and came across a kiosk that was selling screen shields (zagg brand) and considered it but with the price being so high (higher than the cost of the case I'm buying) I figured ice see what everyone is using first and your thoughts on the (any brand not just zagg) I personally haven't used one since I bought one for my PSP back in 2005, and with gorilla glass is it even necessary if your using a case?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

What case are you getting? I use the moko slim case and because it covers the front of the device, I am not worried about scratches
Sent from my Nexus 7

Its the moko ultra slim smart-shell stand case
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Get one unless you don't care about the glass getting scratched eventually. Look in the assesories forum for more info.
I wouldn't use having a flip cover case as a reason for no screen protector. I'd think some kind of grit could stick to it and rub against the glass making it more likely to scratch than with no cover at all.

I have owned alot of low end devices both Android and Windows Phone and I can say the Nexus 7.2 is my first somewhat high end portable device.
And I can say I have never used any sort of protection, be it a case, bumper, screen protectors and alike. Never ever.
And I only bought a case for my N7.2 because I needed one for transportation otherwise I wouldn't even bother.
Lumia 520, Huawei G300, Nokia 5800XM are some of the examples. Even with careless usage I haven't found a single scratch on any of those devices. Unless you go to the beach and intend on using the gadgets or you travel with them on your pocket with keys, I wouldn't even worry.

I was rooting a friends N7 yesterday and noticed the zagg really affected the touch screen performance compared to my ghost armor. Sometime I had to double tap as it was unresponsive if not hit just right.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I think I'm gonna skip the screen protector myself, I am getting a case though I got one free with mine but I don't like it very much its to loose and kinda interfere with my grip makes me wanna hold it harder than I should have to for fear of the n7 slipping out.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I had a screen protector but i had to remove it because it interfered with the touch screen too much.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I use PET film type screen protectors. I just got my anFilm screen protector in the mail yesterday and am happy with it. I don't like the feel of "military grade" protectors like zagg though, too rubbery.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda premium

Look on amazon you will find lots of screen protector for nexus 7. Get a screen protector like cheap insurance for your screen, you won't regret it. I have ionic screen protector, no problem and very smooth touching feeling.
Nam Huy Linux Blog namhuy.net

Well, just realized i got a strach already after exposing my nexus to sunlight, and i'm pretty careful with the screen, so i guess the screen is not that stratch resistanct, i'm definitely getting a screen protector now.

I really like their screen protectors. Very durable and easy to apply without bubbles. Much better than cheaper protectors I have used. I'm not using one now, because my case has one built in, but really liked it on my old gtab2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I have a Moko (love this case). I take my Nexus with me everywhere and when I am not looking at it, the case is closed. The only way the screen could get scratched is if my fingers turn into diamonds.
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using XDA Premium HD app

First of all, the Nexus 7 does not have "Gorilla Glass"; the glass is made by Corning, but it is never stated anywhere that is same tempered material.
cobaltleo said:
Was walking through the mall today and came across a kiosk that was selling screen shields (zagg brand) and considered it but with the price being so high (higher than the cost of the case I'm buying) I figured ice see what everyone is using first and your thoughts on the (any brand not just zagg) I personally haven't used one since I bought one for my PSP back in 2005, and with gorilla glass is it even necessary if your using a case?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zagg protectors are a bit overpriced. Go to http://www.xtremeguard.com/ and use code "50OFF" for a much better deal, plus their customer service is outstanding.
Pneumatic said:
I have a Moko (love this case). I take my Nexus with me everywhere and when I am not looking at it, the case is closed. The only way the screen could get scratched is if my fingers turn into diamonds.
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using XDA Premium HD app
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Even if the Nexus had Gorilla Glass, it wouldn't take diamond to scratch it. I have the Moko case as well, but be careful with the metal tab on the front as people have reported that it scratches bare screens over time.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

I got a top rated screen protector(Spigen ultra crystal) and cannot really use the tablet on cold mornings and at other times due to loss of responsiveness caused by said screen proctor especially when I wipe the screen clean.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 06:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:33 PM ----------
And people the screen does scratch I am very careful I did not even want to use my tablet when I got it because the screen protector was coming a bit late. And I manage to scuff it just a tiny bit just TWO weeks before. I still hate it thought and REALLY wanna take it off but its there for a reason. However the scuff is unseen really but I know it's there and it bothers me soooooo.........much *twitch* *twitch*
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I only use glass screen protectors now. All my devices have glass versions, it feels better to touch compared to the normal plastic protectors.
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using Tapatalk

brenty108 said:
I got a top rated screen protector(Spigen ultra crystal) and cannot really use the tablet on cold mornings and at other times due to loss of responsiveness caused by said screen proctor especially when I wipe the screen clean.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Thats odd....cause I find no degree of touch loss with the same protector. I did have some minor issues with or without the SPG protector of some touches not being registered some times.
You might want to try doing what I just did. There is the thread about taking the back of the N7 off and reconnecting the screen ribbon cable. I did this and it made the touches more responsive now. The cable seemed to be plugged in all the way already...but lifting it out of the socket and pushing it back down seems to have made a difference for sure on my unit. Something for you to try anyway, hope it helps.

N7 screen is a dust and fingerprint magnet unlike Apple products I use so I guess a high quality screen protector is a must for protection and clean screen.
I am using Clear-Coat on my iPhone 4 and it is way better than Zagg. I was going to get the same for my N7 LTE but then I decided to sell it and get an iPad Mini with Retina display instead.