[Q] Do soft screen protectors help the screen from cracking when you drop your S3? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

I had the Spectre Tempured Glass screen protector on my S3, until I dropped it twice and the Spectre broke. Shortly after that I dropped my S3 again and the Screen broke. I got my insurance replacement and another Spectre, and dropped my phone again and the Spectre got a hairline crack. I am trying to save money and don't want to keep buying more expensive screen protectors if I don't have to. If I got more common screen protectors like Zagg or Skinomi will it help prevent the S3 screen from cracking as well or close to tempured glass protectors? Or am I better off to keep buying tempured glass so I dont have to risk another insurance replacement? I do have the Seidio Active extended case but I think each time I dropped my phone the case was off. My only complaint of softer screen protectors is the mushy feeling, while I love the glass feeling, but don't want to spend extra money if I don't really have to.

Your best bet would be stop dropping your phone. I don't use a case and up until this moment I've never dropped it.
And to answer your question, I do believe the screen protector may have been the reason your screen didn't crack the first two times.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S III using xda-premium

Related

*ATT S4 demo unit, bunch of micro scratches

I went an ATT store to get a new SIM card and I had a look at the white s4 they had on display. The unit was next to bright light source and it was super sunny outside. I reflected light into screen and there were quite a few micro scratches on the screen. Wiped it several times and the scratches didnt move or fade the slightest bit. Not surprised. So the same story goes for Gorilla Glass 3, the glass is strong, the oleophobic coating will micro scratch. You see a scratch test videos on youtube for every new phone release showing how it doesnt get scratched....dont believe the hype.....that coating can get scratched. Get a screen protector if you are OCD about the screen. Sorry for the PSA....but I know a "oh no, my month old S4 is scratched" will come soon.
Oh i know this would happen lol. I'm ordering a screen protector this weekend. If its glass, it will scratch, there is no way around it.
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I go through this cycle when I first get a device where I buy screen protectors and cases like a madman (eventually settling on one case and removing the SP), but I refuse to dump cash into screen protectors again. I won't put those garbage plastic protectors ones on my phone; they degrade the quality and experience severely. Plus, what if I have a warranty issue and have a glass protector installed. There goes $50 ($35 + replacement of $15) and that is assuming I don't mess up the install.
I'm attempting to go easy on this one, folks.
cfn87 said:
I go through this cycle when I first get a device where I buy screen protectors and cases like a madman (eventually settling on one case and removing the SP), but I refuse to dump cash into screen protectors again. I won't put those garbage plastic protectors ones on my phone; they degrade the quality and experience severely. Plus, what if I have a warranty issue and have a glass protector installed. There goes $50 ($35 + replacement of $15) and that is assuming I don't mess up the install.
I'm attempting to go easy on this one, folks.
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Micro scratches come even if you go easy. I had a GS2 that got scratched on day 2 from the studs on the sides of my jeans pocket! My BB playbook.....yup im a one of those suckers.....got scratched from a wipe with a microfiber cloth ( probably had sand on it). I like to just be able to wipe my phone on my shirt without caring whats on it and put throw it in my pocket. Im willing to sacrifice some screen smoothness/more glare for that. Ive always had good results with Spigen ultra crystal protectors and ghost armor. Very little image degradation.
sam2c said:
Micro scratches come even if you go easy. I had a GS2 that got scratched on day 2 from the studs on the sides of my jeans pocket! My BB playbook.....yup im a one of those suckers.....got scratched from a wipe with a microfiber cloth ( probably had sand on it). I like to just be able to wipe my phone on my shirt without caring whats on it and put throw it in my pocket. Im willing to sacrifice some screen smoothness/more glare for that. Ive always had good results with Spigen ultra crystal protectors and ghost armor. Very little image degradation.
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Ugh...the guilt trip...
cfn87 said:
Ugh...the guilt trip...
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just looking out for ya
Maybe I'm one of the few and proud smartphone owners who never get scratches on the screen, better yet I have never even dropped a smartphone (4 years & running)... No case & SP for me, I don't need it (or want it). As for my friends & family... they need cases built like a tank.
My phones are always naked.. No case, no screen protectors and no problems..
Maybe I am just lucky..
wttisme said:
I haven't really had issues with scratches, but I make sure to always have a pocket dedicated to my phone. I'd like to get one of the glass screen protectors but don't want to pay $35 for it. If I could've gotten a half price one during Spigen's mistake/promo I would've ordered.
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raqball said:
My phones are always naked.. No case, no screen protectors and no problems..
Maybe I am just lucky..
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the thing is these scratches can only be seen in super bright light and in direct sunlight and only in certain angles...that's why they are called microscratches
every phone developes them after some use.....it's just a matter of if you notice them or not
raqball said:
My phones are always naked.. No case, no screen protectors and no problems..
Maybe I am just lucky..
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I agree. But I always buy a minimalistic case at first. Usually it's TPU. Something cheap but thin. Then I'll free it once in a while. The screen for this phone is $335. A $6 case was an easy decision
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
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I just read this thread & went straight 2 Amazon. Mine is on its way. Thanx
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
I was in Best Buy today looking for a case and noticed the micro scratches on another S4 so I bought a screen protector. I almost bought the S View case but wasn't impressed with the amount of protection. I also thought they would have made the cover magnetic so that it wouldn't just blow open on the way to the ground. Ended up buying a bulkier case than I like. Last year I dropped my GS3 on the second day I owned it and chunked the corner of phone. I find that with new phones you tend to drop more because you are always holding it versus it being in your pocket after you are bored/used to it.
I'm pretty bad about noticing any type of scratch on my screen. I have insurance on my phone, with a case and screen protector (Zagg HD) at all times.
People abuse demo units like crazy. I witnessed a guy purposefully scratching at the screen with his keys when no employees were looking to see if it scratched easily
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Anyone using S5 without a screen protector ?

Hi S5 users:
Anyone using Galaxy S5 without any screen protector. I am interested to know whether using S5 without a screen protector cause any damage to screen or not. Since it's gorilla glass 3.
kamrul.auntu said:
Hi S5 users:
Anyone using Galaxy S5 without any screen protector. I am interested to know whether using S5 without a screen protector cause any damage to screen or not. Since it's gorilla glass 3.
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I am using it without case & without screen protector, I may buy a case but a big no to screen protector.
I did the same with S3 and it was awesome, no scratch, nothing.
I always feel using a screen protector delays the touch response a tiny bit & why do that...
I stopped using screen protectors once they started using Gorilla Glass and have never had a problem.
After using the S2 for over two years, the screen had some minor scratches (only noticeable in certain light).
So far my S5 is holding up pretty good - I see one little scratch, but not enough to warrant getting a screen protector. I may put one on, but I'm still undecided.
I'm using all the time since s3, when after few days I discovered few small scratches. Always is beter change screen protector then replace amoled display
My S4 was in my shirt pocket. I dropped a (actual glass) cup and when I bent over to pick it up the device fell out of my pocket, in what seemed as slow motion, and the edge of the device landed on the edge of the cup and shattered the screen. Since then I always go to BB and for $39 I get a "glass" screen cover. You cant see it and it picks up fingerprints less than your ordinary screen cover.
I'm only using a basic cover on mine and no screen protector. I've never really found a screen protector necessary.
Dave
Sent from my SM-G900V using xda app-developers app
No screen protector here. Had a galaxy s3 for three years, no screen protector and no scratches or damage at all, dropped it a few times as well. I am not sure if a screen protector would help in a situation like the dropped phone above?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
It's great to not use one until you get that one scratch on the screen, especially if it is deep and obvious then you will regret it! It really does not matter how careful you are with it, it just takes that one contact with the wrong object and...damn!
For the sake of a few dollars I would advise using one!
Personally i wanted to use screen protector but with the s5 i like to wash my device to make it clean so to those Who has screen protector on would u please tell me if the screen protector still in good condition after the device meets water?
If yes could u please tell me which one cos im going to buy
Thx!
Sent from my SM-G900H using xda premium
Used to be an otterbox defender guy and now i'm using the phone naked. I just make sure i'm extra careful. I always put the screen facing my leg in my pocket
So far i'm not using a screen proctector with the S5.
I have spigen tough armor case so the phone never sits ont the screen or on the photo sensor.
The S5 has some treatment against smudge and fingerprint trace!!
i bought a screen protector, i was using my galaxy s5 without one. unfortunately i put my keys in the same pocket as my s5 and caused quite a few scratches.
good thing tmobile replaced it though, i dont think i would go without a screen protector even if it has gorilla glass.
theoryzz said:
Personally i wanted to use screen protector but with the s5 i like to wash my device to make it clean so to those Who has screen protector on would u please tell me if the screen protector still in good condition after the device meets water?
If yes could u please tell me which one cos im going to buy
Thx!
Sent from my SM-G900H using xda premium
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I used http://mimeusa.com/ on my HTC One, still have it in-fact, and it works perfectly, had one on my wife's iPhone 5 as well. Gotten it wet several times riding my motorcycle in the rain. I just ordered the feather version for my S5. Cheaper than a new screen and it's got a lifetime guarantee. My HTC fell out of my pocket and hit perfectly on the corner against a concrete floor, broke the mime glass, sent them an email requesting a replacement and they sent me a 40% off replacement coupon. Very easy to install as well. Love their product.
fid023 said:
i bought a screen protector, i was using my galaxy s5 without one. unfortunately i put my keys in the same pocket as my s5 and caused quite a few scratches.
good thing tmobile replaced it though, i dont think i would go without a screen protector even if it has gorilla glass.
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+1, these are fantastic, would never go back to anything else.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Ill be grabbing the Oleophobic from Steinheil. Best there is.
Is tempered glass worth it anyone?
I dropped my HTC Aria on the screen, replaced it myself, then dropped it again.. I ended up upgrading to a Galaxy Note, but decided to be smart about it.
I got an Otterbox Commuter series with screen protector, and loved it. I even showed it off to my friends. Lol.
Now with my S5, I got my Otterbox and screwed up the screen protector, so I'm using it without a screen protector until my spigen screen protector comes in. It's a shame Otterbox doesn't sell replacement screen protectors for the S5 yet... Only a few more sleepless nights left though...
Never used a screen protector and has held up just great.
Hate screen protectors.. I mean really. there are people out there with 50 thousand dollar watches, they don't use them. Maybe I'm just lucky(im gonna get a huge gash now, lol) but these screens seem strong!
2 weeks so far without screen protector or case. I bought both in store on release day but since discovered Samsung stated not to use a screen protector as it impacts the sensors.

Tempered glass vs. plastic screen protector

I have been a long time user of the $10 3 pack of plastic film protectors you can get on amazon, they work fine however after a few months they get scratched, hold tons of fingerprints and need to be replaced. What I'm wondering is would a tempered glass screen protector necessarily have any better fingerprint resistance or scratch resistance vs the plastic or is the only real advantage the fact the the tempered glass will shatter if dropped and not your phones screen. I'm considering the zagg glass only because of the free replacement. I previously used their invisible shield on a nexus 7 and was not impressed at all but am willing to give them another try only because of the free replacement.
I've tried many plastic screen protectors and I used to have the same issue after a while they would track tons of fingerprints and wear down. I tried out the iLoome 8H Hardness Premium Screen Protector with Oleophobic Coating for the LG G2 and LG G3 and it's amazing. I feel like it helps against the fingerprints and scratches.
I was previously a hater of screen protectors (because of the plastic ones) until I realized how anal I could be over micro scratches on my actual screen. Once I noticed one, I bought a glass screen protector for the first time. Was the Caribu on Amazon. I failed to apply it correctly because it was a first time thing but I still loved the feel, thought it was great & left it on for a couple weeks. I ordered the Bepak tempered glass on eBay which ships from China. Lined it up perfect first try and the adhesive slowly migrated across my screen leaving no bubbles. It's smoother and resist fingerprints better than the naked glass. No scratches yet.
In short, tempered glass screen protectors are the only reason I can even say I like screen protectors.
Sent from my L2GTriple
I love my zagg glass. I too had issues with scratches on the others.
Fortunately I have not had this one break. My buddy has broken 3 and received replacements no issues
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
I always used the lesser destructible protectors from zagg skins or clearcoat etc. With this device I decided I try out the zagg tempered glass and I don't think I would ever go back to any other screen protector. They give you added protection and are super clear! Definitely worth the extra investment
No matter what, I can never stay away from android for long.
Stay away from the Bodyguardz tempered glass screen protector. It has sensitivity issues. Hopefully AT&T takes mine back when the new one I ordered from Spigen gets here.
I have the XtremeGuard Spartan Tempered Glass screen protector. It feels like glass, it seems to be just as sensitive, and it's not cloudy like some matte screen protectors are. There are only 2 things wrong with it: the top-right corner refuses to adhere, and it normally costs $50. I got it during a 90% off sale so it cost me $5 (totally worth it), but there's no way I would ever spend more than $10 on this thing. $5 was about right.
redhooka said:
Stay away from the Bodyguardz tempered glass screen protector. It has sensitivity issues. Hopefully AT&T takes mine back when the new one I ordered from Spigen gets here.
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My local at&t wouldn't take mine back
Thankfully the sensitivity issue has gotten better with use. But it still messes up from time to time. I did get it 50% off, as well as my otter box case, so I guess I can't complain too much.
Side note: I'm not sure if I'm the only one that does this but I get the otter box defender and I actually pop out their "screen protector" and use a glass screen protector with it. Looks nice and feels protected
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
You are not the only one. I popped mine out too. Did the same on my S3.
I has the screen sensitivity issue when I first put the zagg on. I haven't noticed it lately however. Could be that I've just completely forgotten about it or it genuinely could have gotten better.
No matter what, I can never stay away from android for long.
Wanted to chime in that I am also having issues with the Bodyguardz tempered screen protector. Traded a s5 for the g3 (So happy I did) and I've noticed things will get selected when I'm trying to scroll. Then other times I have to select something multiple times to get it to work. Driving me nuts.
Zagg Tempered Glass
Figured I'd add my 2 cents I've had my Zagg glass on about a month and it has been absolutely flawless.. and like the video shows.. that sumbitch will not scratch. Its got those hard plastic covers beat by a mile. I'd swear by it.. Once you put on a Zagg glass protector.. you'll kick yourself for ever having messed with others.
Sensitivity : 10
Clarity : 10
Ease of application : 10
and its lifetime gauranteed ... will be on every phone I ever use from the g3 on out :good:
I bought ZeroLemon Tempered Glass and love it. Simple to install and feels great. Never going back plastic screen covers. For 8.99 plus .69 cents for S/H cant beat it.
Wanted to update, I went to best buy and bought the zagg glass one and it's great. Way better then the bodyguardz. No finicky screen issues and not as thick so cases fit just fine. I have to agree with dlbcell.
Zagg Glass +1
Just thought I would chime in and say the Zagg Glass is amazing and I would rec it to anyone. Just as a plus, show this at any bestbuy and you can get it for 22 bucks. Now that is worth it 100%. Would have gladly paid 40 bucks for it if I hadent found this.
http://www.staples.com/Zagg-invisibleSHIELD-Glass-Screen-Protector-For-LG-G3-Smartphone/product_IM1VR5657
ice3186 said:
Just thought I would chime in and say the Zagg Glass is amazing and I would rec it to anyone. Just as a plus, show this at any bestbuy and you can get it for 22 bucks. Now that is worth it 100%. Would have gladly paid 40 bucks for it if I hadent found this.
http://www.staples.com/Zagg-invisibleSHIELD-Glass-Screen-Protector-For-LG-G3-Smartphone/product_IM1VR5657
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Thanks for the link. I had cracked the glass screen protector I had on my G3 and I have been in the market for a Zagg one due to their lifetime guarantee. Can't pass up that price!
Got my G3 at best buy today. Ordered a Zagg glass screen protector from Amazon after hearing all off the good things.
redhooka said:
Stay away from the Bodyguardz tempered glass screen protector. It has sensitivity issues. Hopefully AT&T takes mine back when the new one I ordered from Spigen gets here.
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I had the same issue with Bodyguards. At intermittent times parts of the touchscreen failed to respond to touch. Going to make a complaint and see if I can get my money back or at least a credit on my bill. I have since put on a Zagg Glass and have not noticed the issue...and it actually feels better for swyping.
I swear by Realook protectors. Sure, they're plastic, but they are the best fitting and best feeling I have found. Crystal clear and no orange peel or rubbery drag. I tried the Ziess glass cover on my g2 and could never get over the combination of the extra thickness at the edges and that cases either lifted it or eventually just plan broke it.
You have fingers, you will put prints on anything.
I'll never buy another plastic screen protector. Glass is the way to go..
Its like Cassette tapes vs CD's there's no contest...
I get mine of Amazon and pay between 5 and 10 dollars ..
__________________
ITS OVER 9000!!!!

Will you use a screen protector?

Curious of people's thoughts given the inclusion of gorilla glass 4 which is supposed to be pretty good. If you are going to use one, standard or going to thicken it up with tempered glass?
I don't put them on with phones using a curved display, in this case 2.5d or whatever they're calling it. I don't like when the tempered glass doesn't cover the entire screen. I'll just be using one of the clear spigen cases
Already ordered a $4 tempered glass protector on Amazon and should have it here by Tuesday.
I prefer glass since it feels better than the plastic protectors but thats just my opinion. It's either you protect with a case and some form of screen protector, or you don't at all.
I haven't tried a screen protector since my droid incredible and even took that one off. I get phone about every 6 months and have never used them. No scratches visible to naked eye on any. Doesn't mean they're not needed at all, just not for my uses or wifes
Nope. Never had, never will. No screen protector, no case. I'm just careful with my stuff.
Protagoras said:
Nope. Never had, never will. No screen protector, no case. I'm just careful with my stuff.
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youre just like my dad, i don't know how he has kept his iphone 5 and currently 6, in perfect condition w/o any protector or case
I've got an S3 in perfect condition without a screen protector. I won't be getting one for the S6 either but I WILL be purchasing a warranty plan from Samsung.. just in case.
i never installed one on my S3 and sold it after having it for a year without a single scratch,. i have an S4 now for the past 2 years, no protector and screen is still flawless as if it came out of the box.. so my S6 won't have one either.
My Nexus 5 shattered pretty easily, so I'll be using a tempered glass screen protector
I'll be ordering this.
Had my current device (at least the one I've kept) with nothing but the paltry Gorilla Glass 2 on it for over two years now. Screen remains in immaculate condition.
No screen protector for me.
Droid_Evo_8 said:
I'll be ordering this.
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be careful, some verified purchased reviews have been posted... not good. i would wait to see if they improve their design bc their first iteration seems to suck
There are two versions of it. The dry one is the one in the link and it doesnt cover edges of the S6 edge. There is a wet application version which covers the edges.
chillsen said:
be careful, some verified purchased reviews have been posted... not good. i would wait to see if they improve their design bc their first iteration seems to suck
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K, thanx for the heads-up.
Yes. It wouldn't hurt to have a screen protector on your phone. It's added protection. Here's what I've found on Amazon. It's currently on sale for $1.95, pretty cheap yet high quality screen protectors. Check this out.
IllumiShield
i work construction, phone is in my pocket all day. i use my legs to help pick things up and push so im real interested in this temp. glass
never bother with a screen protector with any of my phones with gorilla glass. Even though gorilla glass still scratches none were noticeable with the screen on. The feel and clarity of a naked screen is so much better than any screen protector including temp glass ones. I would only consider a temper glass screen protector if im not using a case but i rather have a bulk of a case than having to use a screen protector.
Yes, Spigen as always!
Protagoras said:
Nope. Never had, never will. No screen protector, no case. I'm just careful with my stuff.
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^^what he said^^
I literally never ever drop my phones and can usually keep my phones scratch/ding free, even on the screen.
at most i'll buy a phantom skin/invisihield to use on the back of the phone when i lay it on a surface, but the screen always stays uncovered.
I ordered a screen protector yesterday for $1.99. It'll be more than sufficient until some of the glass ones are refined and are perfect.
http://www.amazon.com/Protector-amF...rds=samsung+galaxy+s6+screen+protector+amfilm

Need a screen protector?

Hi! I just bought this phone a few days ago. Waiting for it to show up. Was wondering if anyone thinks it needs a screen protector? I currently use a Galaxy S3 with no screen protector and don't have any scratches or scuffs really. Was wondering if the glass on this phone is just as sturdy?
Thanks in advance!
The glass is very durable. I have owned 4 of these devices so far (bricked them all, except #4) I have noticed a minor scratch on my glass on one unit, but I believe this was either there when I got it or caused by a drop. currently, my device has no protector and no scratches. Until last week when I got a holster case, it lived in my pocket completely unprotected. Also almost always put it screen down on tables and whatnot. I think a glass protector might be nice, since I have no love for plastic ones, but I do not feel it is entirely necessary.
Take a look at Nillkin H+ Tempered glass screen protector.

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