Otterbox Commuter and Skinomi TechGlass Review - Galaxy S 5 Accessories

Just going to give a quick review on the Otterbox Commuter case and the Skinomi TechGlass Tempered Glass Screen Protector!
I'll hit the case first.
If you've ever had an Otterbox Commuter case before there is nothing more to read because it is again more of the same. I previously ventured away from the defender series once I got my Droid Razr Maxx and have not looked back. The Commuter offers great protection without all the bulk and is much easier to slide in and out of the pocket. Compared to my Seidio Active (Dilex now) that I had on my Droid DNA it has more plastic surface area but I also feel as though this provides a little more protection. That may just be something I think personally but it is what it is. The silicon underneath seems to have a nice thick structure to it and also has a nice "spring" to it around the corners that I also believe helps in protecting the phone. As usual Otterbox includes a plastic screen protector that was ok but if I am going to use a plastic screen protector I prefer a wet application one such as the ones provided by Xtremeguards (which I also use to protect the back of the phone). The buttons work well and the headphone port cover is very easy to disengage and also stays in place very well. There is no cut out for the fingerprint scanner which can make it some what awkward to use but thats no big deal to me personally. The IR blaster and heart rate monitor function flawlessly with this case on.
The Skinomi TechGlass is the first tempered glass screen protector I've ever used. I ordered the Mime Feather Tempered Glass protector but still has not arrived due to problems with USPS. I decided to order the Skinomi one on a whim because I really wanted to get some solid protection on this phone and in a hurry. Needless to say I am very impressed with the Skinomi screen protector. It is slightly thicker at .33 mm but it is an absolute joy to use with the phone. It feels just like the screen does and the Commuter case covers the edges of the TechGlass perfectly. The TechGlass does not extend all the way to the edges of the phone but that is not a huge deal to me as it is rounded and doesn't feel out of place at all(edit: It almost goes all the way to the edges. Maybe 1mm on the top from the edge and about .5mm or less from the bottom and sides.). Application was surprisingly easy. It may just be because I over prepped for it after failing with many plastic screen protectors but it was not difficult at all. I personally cleaned the screen with a cleaning spray, a microfiber cloth, an alcohol pad, the included cleaning cloth, and the anti-dust film. All together this process took less than two minutes and after that the TechGlass was placed on the phone. I had 0 bubbles and the TechGlass went on almost perfectly. There was some strange marking and discoloration but nothing severe and they went away after several hours. I followed the same process for my wife's phone and actually had to lift the TechGlass a couple of times. It still adhered to the phone perfectly. The same effects were on the edges of her protector but they also went away after several hours. These effects never bothered the image output by the screen though.
All in all I'd rate both of these products as a 5/5. Skinomi has a Lifetime Warranty on all of their protectors and I think it's a great investment at 14.99 with Prime shipping. The Commuter case is also well worth the money and Otterbox always stands by their products. I'll probably give Seidio and Incipio some money later on down the road because I also love them for the quality products they make!
TLDR: Commuter- Great case but more of the same. TechGlass- Awesome Awesome Awesome! Definitely a great purchase! Skinomi has a lifetime warranty and it was worth the few extra dollars over other tempered glass screen protectors.

I'm just concerned with that Skinomi being .33mm. I've currently got the .23 Spigen Glas Nano, and I can't imagine having a thicker protector. Does it begin to interfere with the fingerprint scanner at that gauge?

jpmcnown said:
I'm just concerned with that Skinomi being .33mm. I've currently got the .23 Spigen Glas Nano, and I can't imagine having a thicker protector. Does it begin to interfere with the fingerprint scanner at that gauge?
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Click to collapse
No it does not. I was able to very easily add a new fingerprint with the case off and unlock the phone with the case on. The case was the biggest limiting factor to the fingerprint scanner. At .33mm the TechGlass feels like it is almost perfectly flush with the home button.

Related

Two Great Cases for Less Than $10 Total

Just picked up both of these cases, and I'm very impressed with the build quality and styling of both. Very well produced pieces and they fit perfectly. The black gel case isn't a dust magnet like most others, and the clear case looks really sweet (if you like that kind of look), preserving the overall look and color of the N1, and protecting it from drops and scrapes. Total cost was under $10!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035N8VLY/ref=oss_product
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00346T5VC/ref=oss_product
i got a screen protector + that black silicon case off amazon for roughly $5 after tax and shipping costs.
Gonesingle said:
i got a screen protector + that black silicon case off amazon for roughly $5 after tax and shipping costs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. Yeah, I forgot to mention that the clear plastic case came with a belt clip (which I don't use) and a screen protector too. I don't use the screen protector either. Is there any need for one with the Nexus? Isn't it scratch resistant?
Part Four said:
Nice. Yeah, I forgot to mention that the clear plastic case came with a belt clip (which I don't use) and a screen protector too. I don't use the screen protector either. Is there any need for one with the Nexus? Isn't it scratch resistant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should still keep it on there just in case. I'm waiting on my clear case with the screen protector. For the mean time, I had an iPhone screen protector lying around, I cut the top and bottom and temporarily use that as a screen protector.
Kid Poker said:
I think you should still keep it on there just in case. I'm waiting on my clear case with the screen protector. For the mean time, I had an iPhone screen protector lying around, I cut the top and bottom and temporarily use that as a screen protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The clear case is sweet. Love mine.
Overly Excessive Screen Test
looks pretty scratch resistant to me
its rumored to be made of gorilla glass, which is sensitive to aluminum
i just keep the phone in its neoprene pouch it came with
infact i would wager that any screen protector you put on the screen will scratch much easier than the screen itself would.
malicious85 said:
infact i would wager that any screen protector you put on the screen will scratch much easier than the screen itself would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats probably true, but at least the scratch won't be on the actual screen..
My phone fell off my lap the other week, onto some road. Small chip in the frame, the screen cover was scratched to all hell, i suspect a fall strong enough to chip the metal could be enough to chip the glass. So i think i was lucky to have the screen protector on.
I've had an issue with hardcases not wanting to snap shut if you have a protective skin on the phone(like a bestkinever, invisible shield, etc), so a word of warning. I picked up a few gelli cases on the cheap though, and they work great.

[Review] ZeroLemon 9H Ultra Glass Armor tempered glass screen protector

** @ZEROLEMON_OFFICIAL has asked me to make this thread to review their new glass screen protectors. Please don't start your own thread and leave all feedback on this thread. Thank you.**
Hi guys well this is my review of the ZeroLemon 9H Ultra Glass Armor tempered glass screen protector. I liked the packaging. Straight forward, easy to open. It came with the screen protector, cleaning cloth and alcohol wipe.
Installation
I wasn't too fond of the wipe. It left a lot of streak and marks on the screen. It might have been user error but eventually i got the screen cleaned. My method is i grabbed two pieces of packaging tape. I put one pieces of the tape on one side of the screen and the other one the other side of the screen, overlapping the first piece of tape. I then pressed down on the pieces of tape really well to try to get every spot of the screen. I then pulled the tape off and it got about 99% of the dust off the screen. I then pulled the plastic off of the screen protector and applied it.
My Thoughts
I really like it. Its smooth. The screen is still clear and responsive. Its thin and it fits all of the cases i have. I'm not a huge user of the finger print scanner but for the review, I've been using it and it seems to work very well. Following are images of the packaging and cases I've tried this screen protector with. I've used the following cases:
- clear TPU case
- Otterbox Commuter
- Otterbox Defender
- Spigen Neo Hybrid
- Verus Thor
- Verus Iron Shield
Overall I'm very happy with this screen protector and for under $10, it may be the best screen protector for the value available for the Galaxy S5
Less fancy review.
I also received this item from ZeroLemon for review...
My tempered glass package came in on the weekend but was unable to get it in my hands until Monday. The box was rather plain but contents were neatly organized, protected, and all accounted for. This glass is thicker than some others I've used and I have no clue if that's a good or bad thing, but despite the thickness it does not interfere with any of my 4 cases (diztronic slim tpu, ultra tpu, reactor, and ringke slim armor case). I did not use the included alcohol wipe as the screen was already spotless dustwise on delivery. Installation was just like any other tempered glass screen I've ever had and I had zero issues applying it with zero bubbles or dust stuck between the screen and glass. I noticed no decrease in screen response just as I did not with any brand I've used. I did like how they printed the instructions on the inside of the carton itself rather than an added piece of paper. No issues with the finger print scanner and the front camera still takes clear shots.
Minor nit picks would be to make the packaging a little more visually pleasing, and I would prefer not to see iphone pictures used in the instructions, I rather see the device it's being sold for.
Bottom line I think this is a great value at it's current price and will remain so as long as it is below the 10 dollar mark. once it is above that there's no reason to pick this product over any other of the many others in that price range.
Sorry for the lack of photo's but the post above pretty much has all you'd ever need I think.
TLDR :
Great product at it's current price point
My (first edtion ) review of the 9H glass protector
I received the protector today.
Shipped by airmail, in a bubble-envelope, in which I found the cardboard casing.
Shockproof and protected, as it should with these protectors.
( I've ordered from Ebay a white-label once, and I got a origami protector, 100+ pieces of unbreakable puzzle-fun )
First impression is a perfect one, and upon opeing, I found everything I needed.
Cleaning - I cleaned my phone, and outlayed the glss protector on my display.
In contrary to "plastic's" it did not directely adhese, so I could move it to it's correct position. ( needle / knife point )
Pressing down from the inside out, it stuck perfectly with no dust or bubble's
( again .... mindblowingly perfect after 100's of plastic protectors )
The look & Feel ...
It feels amazing, smooth, likt the 'real' thing, i did not notice any lag or ghost-touches, just like if you're touching the regular screen.
The only thing ( My OCD :+ ) througt the glass you still see something of a riser between the samsung & protector.
It appears there is a ( samsung applied ) protector allready installed.
Anyone else ever noticed this ?
pic's
Great screen protection for under $10
I've been using the ZeroLemon 9H glass for almost a week now and overall I am very happy with it. I've used all the major brands before and the ZeroLemon is just as good as any of them. The glass is crystal clear with the fit being perfect and achieving a bubble free installation was a breeze with the included materials. The surface is very slick with fantastic touch response. It cleans easily and over the past 6 days has remained scratch free. One thing I must note is that the protector goes nearly edge to edge and does not leave room for a case that has heavy lip overhang onto the screen. With my Commuter wallet the rubber lip goes up and over the protector which isn't a big deal but it causes the silicone bunch up by the home button. With a price point under 10 dollars this screen protector is a major win and is easy to recommend to anyone looking for affordable screen protection.
Hi, now i got that protector.. I had different protector before.. Package is good and it included same stuff like other protectors.. That home button is lower when glass is on.. There could be some home button with sticker that i can add it to get it back to normal. Glass fits very good. Only thing that i dont know how much its resist.. y
It would be good if there is some video that you show how much your protector resist all kind of scratching? This is very good. I think that your products dont need any this kind testing if products are like this. But i didnt found this on ebay? All users dont use amazon so that would be good? But overall: big thanks that you choose me to one of those testers.. This glass prorector is perfect. Only the glass stamina/resistance is unknown that how much its takes all kind of using
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
I have received my Protector and have been using it for about 1 week now.
I have decided not to upload photos since the good users above me have already uploaded all that there is to be seen.
Prior to my zerolemon glass protector i was using one of those cheap china glass protector's and i would say that Zerolemon's is of a much higher quality. Previously when my screen was off there would be a "rainbow" effect on the glass and i do not have this issue anymore. The cut is much better and it protects to the maximum potential. The glass is smooth and fingerprint resistant and it cleans easily with a microfiber cloth.
The packaging was very good as well and application was a breeze with plenty of room for adjustments if you made mistakes in alignment.
I would highly recommend this product!
Does this work with the case for the 8500mAh battery as well as the Slim Razor case?
Sent from my toaster
blackknightavalon said:
Does this work with the case for the 8500mAh battery as well as the Slim Razor case?
Sent from my toaster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it will. But I'm not 100%. Im getting a review unit of the 8500mAh battery so i will let you know when i get it. But I'm 95% sure it will.
If anyone is interested, this tempered glass screen protector does indeed work 100% with the 8500mAh ZeroLemon battery with rugged case
Man this phone feels indestructible with the rugged extended battery case and tempered glass screen protector
What about the Slim Razor case?
Sent from my toaster
This protector not negatively effects the finger print scanner? Is it available on eBay (manufacturer listing )?
I'm still waiting to see if this screen protector will get damaged by this case or not.
android addicts said:
This protector not negatively effects the finger print scanner? Is it available on eBay (manufacturer listing )?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It goes around the home button
Hellscythe said:
It goes around the home button
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Click to collapse
This looks like it comes out of the same factory as the NuGlas. The glass and package look the identical. The same alcohol package and location.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271565796115?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Any more feedback on this glass protector? I was thinking of getting something better than those you get on ebay for 5€/6-7$ and from a bit of well known brand. I have one of those cheap ones on my current phone and it doesn't seem bad, but i haven't dropped it yet so i don't know.
I looked into the ones from spigen but they are crazy expensive. I did read on amazon a review that said that the 9h hardness wasn't good and it would scratch easily. The ones that have this, do you find that to be true?
Also, i see they mention lifetime warranty (At least on amazon where im looking). How would that work? I would send them my broken one(at my cost) and they would send one back for free or almost free? I read that there was a brand that did that.

[Q] Glass screen protector with TPU case? Good idea?

Anybody use one of the tempered glass protectors with TPU cases, or other cases you have to pop on and off? When I tried to use PET screen protectors with my Diztronic case, it just peeled up the corners and ruined the protector.
I'd like to put a tempered glass protector on, but the Diztronic has to come off regularly to remove dust. Will it cause fit problems or peel away/fracture the glass when I try to put the case back on? Suggestions in general for protection without getting some kinda bulky Commuter case are welcome as well. I feel like some kind of case is pretty necessary, as opposed to a skin, because I use my phone in a lot of gritty, dirty places, and while I don't drop it often, if it does go down, it's typically onto concrete. It's survived the past two years pretty much unscathed, but I want to keep it as my daily driver for at least a few more months.
royalewihcheese said:
Anybody use one of the tempered glass protectors with TPU cases, or other cases you have to pop on and off? When I tried to use PET screen protectors with my Diztronic case, it just peeled up the corners and ruined the protector.
I'd like to put a tempered glass protector on, but the Diztronic has to come off regularly to remove dust. Will it cause fit problems or peel away/fracture the glass when I try to put the case back on? Suggestions in general for protection without getting some kinda bulky Commuter case are welcome as well. I feel like some kind of case is pretty necessary, as opposed to a skin, because I use my phone in a lot of gritty, dirty places, and while I don't drop it often, if it does go down, it's typically onto concrete. It's survived the past two years pretty much unscathed, but I want to keep it as my daily driver for at least a few more months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TGSPs are typically smaller than plastic film ones, to ensure that they'll work with cases. I have the Redpepper TGSP on my Nexus 4, and it fits with all my cases, including a Diztronic.
I'm having Distronic TPU case and glass screen protector on my mom's N4, as there is a curve on the front panel the screen protectors would usually be even smaller than the actual screen.
And I'm having totally no problem with the screen protector and the case, except the uncovered thickness of the glass screen protector makes it relatively more noticeable than a plastic one.

Armadillo case for Note 9. How is it? Questions for who have it.

So I had the similar Artech 21 case for the Note 5 which is the same people that make the Armadillo Tek case for the Note 9.
I liked the Note 5 case and built in screen protector but I was wondering about the built in screen protector on the Note 9 case since it's curved so the material is different.
Also, has anyone removed the built in screen protector and if so does it cause the phone to be loose in the case?
I'm waiting for more reviews on this case before ordering off Amazon but it looks decent.
How is the protection of the case compared to the Samsung rugged cover
interested in feedback as well.
Blues fan said:
So I had the similar Artech 21 case for the Note 5 which is the same people that make the Armadillo Tek case for the Note 9.
I liked the Note 5 case and built in screen protector but I was wondering about the built in screen protector on the Note 9 case since it's curved so the material is different.
Also, has anyone removed the built in screen protector and if so does it cause the phone to be loose in the case?
I'm waiting for more reviews on this case before ordering off Amazon but it looks decent.
How is the protection of the case compared to the Samsung rugged cover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case is solid. The screen protector left much to be desired. I removed it easily and the phone still stays solidly in place. It is more protective than the Samsung rugged case but not as slim. I'd feel comfortable dropping it in the armadillo case. Here's a video review I did of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px2roiwe7UM
I have the case as well, I honestly bought like 4 different cases for the Note 9 before I got it, and one of them being the Spigen ToughArmor case and the Armadillotek. I have to say just for protection overall, the AT is way better than the Spigen case. It protects the phone more while not being that bulky, it is slightly less comfortable to hold because of the weird design and kickstand on the back, but its way better than essentially the toothpick that's on the back of Spigen cases.
The case itself covers the front of the phone a lot better than the Spigen as well (edges are raised slightly higher, the case actually covers some of the exposed glass around the sensors and the chin of the phone). It is slightly more expensive, but I'd recommend it to anyone who's scared of dropping their phone tbh.
I didn't bother with the built in screen protector, I don't like plastic screen protectors because they're too scratch prone, but it was easy to just punch it out, remove the adhesive, and just use your own glass screen protector.
It's near perfect, but if the back didn't feel a little weird, I'd say it's a perfect case
Yea, the built in screen protectors in these cases like the Armadillo, Supcase, Youmaker, etc. don't seem really good due to the curved screen. When the galaxy had a flat screen it was fine because a different material was used.
The only think I don't like at least on the Supcase, others as well as the Artech 21 case was the port covers. Unlike the Otterbox Defender it seems over time they can crack.
Right now I use the Defender mostly due to the extra big lip and better side protection.
I might go on a case binge and order the Supcase and Youmaker though but I will for sure the punch out the screen protector. I keep nothing in my phone pocket and the lips on these cases are enough I don't have to worry about contact with the ground.
The Samsung rugged case is a very well built case though. Except I prefer something with more girth like the Otterbox Defender. The Defender makes it easier to grip and use spen.
I'm enjoying it so far. I can type and swype jus like normal, no aggravating mistypes and dead spots. Jus yesterday I was noticing that my screen had some fine scratches on it, and I might keep this plastic protector on for a while. As far as the case, I have used some similar in the past and it is very protective. I also like how it connects together. I don't have to worry if it will come apart.
grmcrkrs said:
I'm enjoying it so far. I can type and swype jus like normal, no aggravating mistypes and dead spots. Jus yesterday I was noticing that my screen had some fine scratches on it, and I might keep this plastic protector on for a while. As far as the case, I have used some similar in the past and it is very protective. I also like how it connects together. I don't have to worry if it will come apart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those marks might not be scratches but just from the spen. Just like on a naked screen you will notice the spen leaves marks. All you need to do is just wipe it off.
Either way, the screen protectors suck on these cases. Better off just popping them off and go bare. Just don't put keys in your pocket with the phone.
I ripped off the plastic screen protector and installed an edge-to-edge tempered glass one. It works great on me.
I had to rip the plastic cover off as well.
grmcrkrs said:
I had to rip the plastic cover off as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the built in screen protector isn't really that good?
It does protect the screen. But the edges don't hug the screen super tight, about 1 centimeter around or over the curve. This slight space causes me to have to press a little harder than I'm used to, and that causes mistypes and unresponsive touch, about 1/10 times when I touch that space.
grmcrkrs said:
It does protect the screen. But the edges don't hug the screen super tight, about 1 centimeter around or over the curve. This slight space causes me to have to press a little harder than I'm used to, and that causes mistypes and unresponsive touch, about 1/10 times when I touch that space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you turn on the 'touch sensitivity' ?
yes, I sure did. Like I say, 99% of the time was fine, but the edges of the screen protector, the tiny part over the curved edge, was slightly raised with an air gap. So it caused mistypes.
jinshanghaiaraol said:
I ripped off the plastic screen protector and installed an edge-to-edge tempered glass one. It works great on me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did too, I have the white glass dome. Hehe
Majin101 said:
I did too, I have the white glass dome. Hehe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whitestone glass screen protector is great.
all screen protector sucks! Only use Whitestone tempered glass screen protector for noW
This case is a monster when you use the glass SP with it !
I have a armadillo tek case and i think it sucks
The screen protector is a piece of **** and they told me up front to rip it off, and also the headphone jack and charger jack covers wont stay closed and they told me tough **** to that one.
Also the charger port is too small to allow the samsung usb on the go port to be inserted

Went back to the Defender after using the Armadillotek

I've been using the Armadillotek case for my Note 9 for a couple weeks now. I really like the case overall but decided to switch back to my Defender for now.
First, the built in screen protector doesn't quit sit totally flush because of teh curved glass. This causes it to have a tiny bit of air gap which dust and dirt gets underneath and drives me nuts, plus with the Kickstand it leave the phone exposes a but when you use it allowing dirt to get in there.
Also, the sides of this case are raised which is great! gives more protection but also allows dirt and grime to collect on the sides.
I really like the case and eventually might just rip the protector out. I might try the Poetic Revolution and Supcase Unicorn Beetle out but I'm sure the screen protector will be crappy too and I'll just rip it out.
I can see why Otterbox ditched the built in protector for the curved phones.
They tried it with the S7 Edge. With the S7 edge it fit VERY snug to the phone so no dirt got under it BUT screen responsiveness was atrocious with it. Just terrible.
I might order the orange Armadillo because I like the color but for sure will rip the protector out on one of them and save the other for when I want a screen protector in certain situations.
I ripped the screen protector out as well. Very easy to take off and makes it perfect for me.
I ripped off the screen as well, worth it. I have the white glass dome on my phone, gives me protection already.
Thing I don't like about Armadillotek and "tough" cases like them is that too often their designs are so gaudy. That's why I like the Commuter (and even Defender). They're mature-looking. Pretty understated. Low-key, kinds of cases.
Thanks for the information...
I just simply rip off the plastic protector, and install tempered glass one.
Now I can it tough
I like the defender but I hate the holster. I've used the seidio surface holster for years now and it's far superior IMO. Wish I could find a holster like the surface one for the defender.

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