[Q] Glass screen protector with TPU case? Good idea? - Nexus 4 Accessories

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.
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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.

Related

Otterbox Commuter and Skinomi TechGlass Review

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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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.

The best screen protector

I'm at my wits end from breaking my screen for the fourth time. 3 of those time were with the invisible shield screen protector. The only thing that protector can protect my screen from is little scratches or nicks. Other than that? I say no way. What do you guys use as a better screen protector from a drop on the face. Because it doesn't take much for these screens to break. I mean, even the older phone's screen were tougher than these. I really wish there were otter boxes for the nexus.
marioc89 said:
I'm at my wits end from breaking my screen for the fourth time. 3 of those time were with the invisible shield screen protector. The only thing that protector can protect my screen from is little scratches or nicks. Other than that? I say no way. What do you guys use as a better screen protector from a drop on the face. Because it doesn't take much for these screens to break. I mean, even the older phone's screen were tougher than these. I really wish there were otter boxes for the nexus.
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I've got a 2.5D tempered glass screen protector on mine. A plastic film screen protector won't protect it from shattering from a fall, but a TGSP might, depending on how it lands. Of course, any drop on a corner, and the screen will break, which is why I keep mine in a case. Do you not keep it in a case? I use a Diztronic TPU, and never felt like it's under-protected.
Yes. I have it in a case but it's really not the best. I've just learned of ballistic cases that are really good. But I would like a tempered glass for extra protection. One that doesn't cover the camera or sensors on front.
I personally use a KWmobile film protector (cheap, does its job and it's pretty matte so not many reflections on the screen), and right now I am at my second flip cover. The first one got DESTROYED after taking all of the drops instead of the phone
But it's all about taste, I personally like flip covers as they make me look more professional
where get tempered glass protector from? all ones iv seen don't curve with the screen properly
I would recommend using skinzone's screen protector, high quality and protects good

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I did too, I have the white glass dome. Hehe
Majin101 said:
I did too, I have the white glass dome. Hehe
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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

A Case and GLASS protector combo suggestion/solution

This suggestion might not be a solution for everyone but life is a series of compromises I guess. I've bought half a dozen glass screen protectors(all the ones available on amazon) and several phone cases as I was unwilling to go without a full glass protector on my phone so this is the solution i came up with. Confirmed repeatable, I'm preforming this on my 3rd PH-1(pictures) while i write this. (don't worry, its not because they broke!)
So basically:
Orzero 9H glass screen protector + Poetic Guardian Case
https://www.amazon.com/Orzero-Essential-Tempered-Protector-Replacement/dp/B077XT5V7Z/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539386003&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+orzero
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Poetic-Resistant-Protection-Full-Body/dp/B078T3N1S7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539386315&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+poetic
The glass protector itself is the best of all the glass protectors i've tried so far but it still has its shortcomings. The glue is applied to the black thin line around the border which is ok on the bottom but the top is too thin. Once installed it "floats" around up top near the camera. NOTE: Eventually the glass gets the spotted rainbow effect in the glass center. Not noticeable once the screens on but some i know would like to know this before hand. Slick glass feel tho, no more finger printy then the factory glass. With a hard press you can move it around and recenter it but im sure eventually it will fall off left alone.
That is where the case comes in. The case is two piece, the bumper that is raised around the screen(inner case), overlaps and has a plastic cheapy protector glued in place.
Clean and apply the glass protector. Clean the edges of the glass protector and ensure its centered. Take the inner case and remove the cheap plastic protector that it comes with. LEAVE THE GLUE on the inner case. Install the inner case over the phone ensuring the protector is centered once again before pressing down around the edges firmly. Install remaining outer case rubber.
You now have an Essential phone WITH A GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR!! The case is IMO not the prettiest but feels great, easy to grab and grip, cutouts and port covers all work properly, buttons are still clicky. My wife even likes it more then her retired iPhone, and that's saying something
Remember to press against the glass protector at the bottom mainly, if you need to remove the inner case so it does not lift.
Hope this helps those PH-1 owners who wish to enjoy the security of a glass screen protectors. :highfive:
Poetic's glass screen protector also works with the Tudia Glost case. I think that was posted in the cases thread some time ago. That's the combination I'm using now. So far the Poetic screen protector has stayed on very well. It has the same rainbow issue when the screen is off, but like you said, you can't see it when the screen is on.
Ya, i avoided that case since lots of reviews about the back cracking upon dropping it. Haven't seen the peotic brand glass protectors either but im sure this works with any protector and case with similar designs

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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