Hello all, I have a question about the gorilla glass on the DX. In your opinions, do we need a screen protector or not? I'd love to just have the glass front but also don't want to harm the phone. Also, exactly how many gorillas were sacrificed to make each glass screen? I want to rub it in PETA's face.
EsotericPunk said:
Hello all, I have a question about the gorilla glass on the DX. In your opinions, do we need a screen protector or not? I'd love to just have the glass front but also don't want to harm the phone. Also, exactly how many gorillas were sacrificed to make each glass screen? I want to rub it in PETA's face.
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Click to collapse
To use a screen protector...or not to use a screen protector.. that IS the question...
Um.. I think its more of a personal preference... Do you tend to be harsh on phones? Or do you take care of them.... That is probably some of the thinking you should put into the matter.
I have had my X for around 7 months, and I take it all over. I have not scratched my screen at all... Its really if you are overly worried about it getting scratched... If so, why not spend a few bucks to protect your precious investment!
I NEVER rocked screen protectors until I got my X... and that wasn't until I saw a scratch on a friends.....
My advice would be if you are going to get one, get a good one like steinhell or however you spell it.
If you get their top of the line it s also good at fighting against fingerprints.
+1 for sysadmin
and elevendy6 gorillas were sacrificed
If you are going to keep the phone in a jeans pocket I would say get the protector.
The SGP crystal clear you can't even tell it is there.
How easy is it to get a piece of sand in your pocket and it is harder than the glass.
http://chemistry.about.com/od/geochemistry/a/mohsscale.htm
get anti-glare ones, they show less fingerprints
Never used a screen protector or case. Never even bothered to take care of my phone. No marks on it whatsoever and I got it on launch day. Get a screen protector if you want to crappy looking layer of scratched up plastic over your screen. Get a case if you want your phone to be all scratched up.
Cases and screen protectors both do more harm than good.
My Droid X has proven very sturdy. It's been dropped, kept in random pockets exclusively (with keys occasionally) and has no scratches on the glass. The only damage to the body is a couple of minor dents in either upper corner, which have to be pointed out, and scratches on the back "M" logo.
I typically use a two-piece plastic shell, because I like the way it looks and it offers a little protection when dropped. I tried the Zagg Invisi-shield, as well.
I can't recommend the Invisi-shield, though. It went on with a little work and it felt fine to the touch. It was also only slightly more smudge prone than the glass itself. However, I scratched the protector the day after installation with a paper napkin. A couple weeks later, and a few bucks for shipping, my replacement shield was delivered with a tiny scratch in the center of the front side.
I say run without protection.
I have had my X since it came out. I briefly had the crappy Verizon screen protector/antiglare film on. I keep my phone in my pocket with the glass against my leg and have had no problems. For Christmas I got the Seidio surface combo case. So it isn't in my pocket as much anymore.
Ive had my X since before froyo with no protection whatsoever. I carry it like jgraham with the glass against my leg. I've dropped this thing on blacktop and facedown on concrete. Not a scratch on the screen. I have some nasty battle scars on the little ridge that protrudes up past the screen though.
I can't stand the screen protectors. I don't like the look or feel of them. If you destroy the glass somehow, just pay the $50 deductable or whatever. Well worth it to me.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I also recommend the Seidio Crystal Clear protector. It's much more invisible, and less friction, than the Zagg InvisibleShield. It's also much cheaper (you get a 2-pack for almost 1/2 the price of one InvisibleShield).
I've been using the Seidio for a few months now and it works great. I can't even tell it's on my phone, except it collects smudges a bit more than the naked glass. But a quick wipe on my shirt removes them. Cheap insurance in my book.
Related
Having recently bought my son a Nintendo DS, I noted that in the accessory pack I got with it, it came with 2 screen protectors that are semi-rigid. They're quite a bit thicker than one that shipped with my phone, and don't flex and bend like thin paper. They also don't seem to affect sensitivity of the touch screen in any way, as well as being perfectly sized to the screens and were invisible once fitted.
Are there similar protectors for the TyTn 2? I'd love such a protector as it'd be FAR easier to fit, and provide much better protection to the screen.
Rigid Screen Protectors
I have come across these. The ones I tried were made by "Martin Fields" product number MFOP-HTCTyTN-T
A right bloody bastard to fit as they are very slighty oversized. Perhaps this is done purposly so the protector fits into the gap around the edges of the screen?
Very clear and reasonably priced compared to the OEM product. They do work extremely well (once fitted).
Rgs,
J
Thanks. I'll check em out.
invisibleSHIELD.. That's all I have to say.
oH, view the demo also.. its well worth it.
I just checked my little brother's DS box, hoping to find the screen protector but nothing there but manuals =(
Any reference on how firm and rigid the MField or InvS are?
Well, from the video, the invisibleShield isn't the slightest bit rigid, though if it lives up to its claims, that wouldn't matter. I ordered a Martin Fields one earlier so I'll see how good that is.
It's not just the rigidity for protection though. A rigid protector will be a LOT easier to fit...
Beleave me, MF is rigid. And yes, it is easy to install but remember to clean the surface of the screen. This part is very important. If you do it right, it will install in less than 30 seconds and you will struggle to see the difference between no protector and MF.
Oh I know that. I'll be cleaning it very carefully and making sure there's no dust about when I fit it! Don't want dust under the thing!
Just wish it'd hurry up and arrive!
boxwave
The boxwave protectors are much thicker than average ones, are washable, and work great. They are about as thick as the psp protectors, e.g. more like a hard plastic sheet, I'm not sure what the ds ones are like.
http://www.boxwave.com/products/cle...crystal-screen-protector-htc-tytn-ii_2905.htm
tke371 said:
invisibleSHIELD.. That's all I have to say.
oH, view the demo also.. its well worth it.
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FYI, a warning this could break your Tilt!!!!
This shield rocks. However it's a risk for the Tilt. You have to apply water to the back of the protector to get the bubbles out. I applied water, shook the excess water off before applying.... and stuck it on.
I used the included squeegee to get the excess water out of the shield along with the bubles. I wiped extra water away. Next day, my screen was dead (colors were washed out and glitches). Apparently during the squeegee process water slipped between the screen surface and the edge of the bezel around the screen, and in to the phone, and got under the LCD plastic into the LCD itself.
I do use this product on my $2700 SLR camera. There's no bezel on the LCD so the squeegee'd water comes right off, and won't get in the camera.
Beware. I had to get a new Tilt because of this, and it'll be a cold day in hell I use this product on any item with a bezel where water can seep in.
Semi- related: how are you guys cleaning your phone screens?
Oh, and +1 for Martin Fields.
My phone broke, but I had insurance on it (not from phone company but through homeowner's via a personal property rider), and mycellularrepair.com was able to replace the LCD for $200. Also, never buy that phone company insurance. Personal property rider is the way to go. It was just pennies a year for ~$500 of coverage for the phone. NO DEDUCTIBLE! So I paid nothing to have my phone fixed.
Get a NEW ONE - They're Cheap
jon_k said:
FYI, a warning this could break your Tilt!!!!
This shield rocks. However it's a risk for the Tilt. You have to apply water to the back of the protector to get the bubbles out. I applied water, shook the excess water off before applying.... and stuck it on.
I used the included squeegee to get the excess water out of the shield along with the bubles. I wiped extra water away. Next day, my screen was dead (colors were washed out and glitches). Apparently during the squeegee process water slipped between the screen surface and the edge of the bezel around the screen, and in to the phone, and got under the LCD plastic into the LCD itself.
I do use this product on my $2700 SLR camera. There's no bezel on the LCD so the squeegee'd water comes right off, and won't get in the camera.
Beware. I had to get a new Tilt because of this, and it'll be a cold day in hell I use this product on any item with a bezel where water can seep in.
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Click to collapse
Interesting - Are you really that concerned about a product which is relatively cheap compared to the amount of time use you get out of it? Forget washing it off. Just put another one on - a CLEAN NEW one. If they last a long time (like in most cases a year or more), who cares that you have to spend around $20 to get a replacement. If they stopped making them altogether or they cost a ridiculous amount of money (for plastic, ridiculous. For peace of mind, priceless), then yeah, I would wash and rewash the screen to save money.
And the idea is NOT to squeegee the WATER bubbles out to the sides. They will evaporate on their own given some time. The idea IS to squeegee the AIR bubbles out to the sides and also to take extra great care when doing this procedure. You wash it off so that it restores some of the tackiness on the film. You can get most of the water off by blowing or using a can of compressed air, THEN put it on. You shouldn't have that much water under your film if you take care when doing it.
I am sorry about your tilt. That really sucks. If I were you, I would just put a BRAND NEW one on next time and forget about washing it off.
~Gwen
I need one of these too, recently the digitizer for the touch screen on my phone cracked. They are charging me 50$ for the screen and 40$ for labor. My question would be, would this rigid screen have prevented my digitizer from breaking? If it would then id buy it in a second.
I'm giving a +1 to the Martin Fields as well.
I just got a couple of them for my phone. They're definitely more rigid than some of the others, but I put it on a clean screen & can barely tell I have one on.
Stylus slides smoothly across it, no visible scratching at all (unlike the OEM one that marked easily), & it's also pretty smooth for finger usage too.
Had to wait a week for them to ship via expansys-usa, but worth the wait.
Anyone know how tough the glass screen on the Hero is? I've been mollycoddling mine ever since I got it, but my brother just slings his iPhone in his pocket and it's never scratched.
My Touch Diamond screen ended up with countless tiny scratches after 6 months living in my pocket. :-(
Can confirm, concrete and the screen do not mix.
Get a screen protector
Hero's screen is made of "gorilla glass" same as the Iphones
I've been taking good care of mine too, only keeping it in an otherwise empty pocket. Somehow managed to get a tiny scratch tho.
Sorry for reviving the thread, but didn't want to start a new one. Can anyone confirm that the screen is indeed made of the same material as the iPhone per NisseGurra's post? (not doubting, just would rather ask and potentially find a source that confirms this )
I must say that the screen to me feels more plasticy than the iPhones ( I've held them side by side ).
I bought some protector screen off ebay, and so long as you put them on with care, they're very good.
Yeah I threw one on that came w/ a Flexishield case I purchased from eBay, but now I'm really starting to appreciate the anti-grease coating that was on the screen before I put the protector on. That's why I was wondering... if it truly is a scratch-resistant screen, I'd consider going protector-less for the sake of having a TON less smudging.
while it's pretty expensive, I suspect the HTC official screen protectors must have the anti-grease coating too - I certainly haven't noticed a difference in smudging level
in a small portion in the corner of my screen i thought i would test this out, even using a screw or blade with a fair bit of pressure it didnt scratch i think for normal usage ie keys in pocket you will stay scratch free.
I must admit, whatever they have coated the screen with seems to be far less scratch prone than other handsets I've had.
I do look after it TBH, but then I always do look after my handsets, hate scratched screens.
It does appear to be coated in a plastic and does not feel like glass. yet its cold to the touch just like glass would be, whereas plastic would feel 'warmer' to the touch.
In the most supreme irony, my screen has picked up a couple of small scratches. Lol. No clue where from either, it hasn't been dropped or mistreated.
Seems a screen protector is in order.
soulehmoo said:
In the most supreme irony, my screen has picked up a couple of small scratches. Lol. No clue where from either, it hasn't been dropped or mistreated.
Seems a screen protector is in order.
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That's bizarre, especially considering your little corner-of-the-screen test!
any one with recommendation on screen protector
I'm currently using a Zagg max coverage protector that I had installed at Best Buy, and have no complaints so far. The only thing I've noticed with it is that my finger tends to get stuck when using Swype, but not often enough for it to bother me.
I don't have this phone but I don't think you need a screen protector. I haven't seen any videos on the screen durability test like they do for the iphone scratch test. But I think the screen should be sturdy enough. The screen won't be as smooth to scroll with a plastic layer. And if you accidentally get even a drop of water in the corners of the phone with the squeegee, you are screwed. Good luck.
Using an Invisible Shield on mine. This is the only phone I've ever used one on. I figured with a screen this huge I want to keep it looking nice.
You don't need you it is glass like the Iphone and hero. I have seen test's on both using key to try and scratch nothing happened. Anything that would damage the screen (scratch it) would go right through the screen protector and still damage it. As it would take a lot of force to scratch. Just a wast of money not to mention it hampers the touch screens ability to pick up your finger.
someone apparently water damaged their evo with putting on a protector. Careful. I would cover up the indicator on mine once I get it.
i have a zagg on mine and hate it. its sticky and has a "orange peel" like appearence. i ordered a hard plastic one on amazon and am waiting for it to come in the mail.
I also feel that a screen protector is unecessary...glass is very hard to scratch, and can only be scratched by something harder than it is.
Zaag one here and I think it's too sticky. It messes with my swiping. Catches my finger too much.
chazglenn3 said:
I also feel that a screen protector is unecessary...glass is very hard to scratch, and can only be scratched by something harder than it is.
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Click to collapse
I used the same logic with my hero and ended up getting a few scratches just from unforseen sh!t happening. this screen is too beautiful for me to risk.
also whoever water damaged their phone while putting on a screen protector is an idiot.
I put one on for peace of mind and it works just as it did without the protector.
However, if it's like the iPhone screen, then you shouldn't need one at all. I had the same iPhone since the release date and had zero scratches as of Friday... it's last day in service!
We pre-ordered out Evo's at RS so we used out accessory credits for Zaggs and car chargers and I put them on. They do have an orange peel like look when looking at them at a angle with the screen off and reflecting off some light. But with the screen on and looking at them there is no issue with the display. They were not hard to put on either.
I'm using the "anti-glare" protector that comes in the 3-pack you get at the Sprint store for $12 (the other two are "clear"). I love it - it doesn't interfere with my user experience at all. Why on earth would you risk scratching your screen? To save $4 and 5 mins time?
Boxwave Crystal Clear screen protectors. I have a 3-pack on order (I have 2 Evo's between me and my girlfriend). We're using them "naked" so far until they arrive.
I highly recomend the Boxwave protector though, I have used them for about 6+ years on various PDA/Smartphones. I even have one for my P&S Camera.
Here is my experience:
Zagg:
Good -
Works well as protection
Hides fringer prints decently
Bad -
Blurs your screen a very small amount
Makes the surface feel like rubber
Hard to put on without getting a little dust under it
Generic hard plastic sheet:
Good -
Works well as protection
Feels very smooth, smoother than glass
Easy to put on, and normally you get 2 or 3 in case you make a mistake
Perfectly clear
Bad -
Finger print magnet, oil really builds up
You can see where the protector ends around the edges
Added glare in sunlight(small amount)
Unprotected Glass:
Good -
Feels very smooth
Easy to clean off, just rub it off on your shirt
Perfectly clear
Bad -
Medium finger print problem, but easy to clean
I feel scared to place it face down, once I get a case that recesses the face I will feel better.
Over all I decided to go with unprotected. Its the middle of the road and I feel the best over all experience.
Zagg Invisible Shield is NO GOOD.. Its almost sticky. Don't get it! I warned ya.
zone23 said:
Zagg Invisible Shield is NO GOOD.. Its almost sticky. Don't get it! I warned ya.
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Click to collapse
Agreed, the Zagg is sticky. But I deal with it so that I can protect it. I don't have a huge issue with viewing it or the orange peel look when it's off because you don't notice it when it's on. The fit is nice. On my hero, I had a really clear smooth one from ebay which was great, but was all scratched up. The zagg shouldn't even mark up which is why i'm dealing with it. Sticky, but not to the point that it pisses me off. I put it on myself relatively easily, just spray lots of that solution on it, no bubbles, no dust, 2 minute application.
Maybe the Zagg is sticky if you put it on backwards but I have ZERO complaints about mine.
I ordered a 3 pack of anti-glare/anti-fingerprint screen covers from handhelditems for 7.99 (for the 3pack). They have crazy deals on evo 4g accessories right now. I also got a car charger for like 3.99.
I bought it more for the anti-glare/anti-fingerprints than the actual screen protection.
Warning!
There is a whole thread started on water damage and most of this comes from any screen protector that requires you to spray on water... ei Zaggs
When you squeegiie the water off the screen it leaks in to the back of the phone and Sprint has been sneaky about placing water damage indicator right on the tip of the phone.. below battery.
Either cover the indicator with protector or stick to the regular screen covers..
Sad day in the life of SlightlyAmused. Put the phone in my coat pocket and it happened. One good size scratch down the edge, now it don't bug me too much but I figure it would be best to get a zagg on this bad boy asap. The problem is I cannot find any online!
Does anyone know where I can find some?
Also, for those who use them, will zaggs make my screen feel "draggy" or does it still feel natural?
Did you scratch the screen or the phone plastics? The screen's supposed to be scratch proof.
The screen. I have read that if there is sand between a credit card or something it can happen. I think its just resistant and not proof.
I had a Zagg on my N900 and it did feel a little rubbery/draggy. Either you get used to it or it wears off, not sure which but the feeling goes away.
I really want to find a screen protecter that is exactly like the ones supplied with the HTC Hermes and Kaiser in the box. Best screen protectors i ever had. Barely even noticed they were there and they lasted the time i had the phones.
I found a review on Steinheil protectors and they look good. Sadly they don't have any for Defy. Oh well, maybe next month.
Just be careful around sand and hard surfaces. I have read alot online so far that people have scratched the glass on other devices with gorilla with only sand in their pocket or on the beach face down. Everything else doesn't seem to effect it.
Hi,
for my Defy, i ordered Vikuiti (TM) DQC-160 3M
I hope it works well
DING!
Looks great and the reviews are all pretty good. The whole finger print thing dosnt really bother me as I usually wipe it off after I use it, or during it (hard to play casino kid 2 with finger prints imo).
Hopefully it covers a little of the scratch I have on the screen
Thanks!
and you believed them?
rafeee2 said:
Did you scratch the screen or the phone plastics? The screen's supposed to be scratch proof.
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Click to collapse
hmmm, those that believe that Corning Gorilla Glass is scratch proof are gullible, and mislead by Motorolas claim that the Defy is dust scratch and water therefore life proof, I have a Samsung Preston here that begs to differ thanks to the dirty big diagonal scratch down it's face
and I also have a still camera that Olympus swears to be "waterproof" despite the angry protests of almost everyone else who bought one which just goes to show you can never believe what a company says about their product
if you're wise you would fit a screen protector to it the very moment you unbox it like I did with my Sex1
and will do with my new Defy When I get it
(decision made!)
I wish realook made them for the defy. They are by far my favorite
Sent from my DEFY using XDA app
imo phone never feels as responsive with a screen protector on - I have always used them when I had non touch screen phones, and when I got my Hero I tried a number of different ones and always felt they weren't working very well, when I just decided to start using it without one, it felt like a different phone. I haven't bothered with the Defy, not because of the scratch proof claims. I think the best defence is just to get in the habit of putting it in an empty pocket etc.
I feel the same about them until I put a realook protector on my vibrant. It's pretty awesome.
Sent from my DEFY using XDA app
One I found in my search for protectors was skinomi have it ordered but still waiting.
Why not put your phone in an empty pocket? Hell, I did that with my dumbphones before touchscreen was a readily available feature.
Plus, isn't putting a screen protector on Gorilla Glass like putting tissue paper over kevlar?
for what little protection
where work is always better ... and is not an office
if you happen to a simple scratch , throw away the tissue paper
I am so used to just tossing it in my pocket that I dont really think about whats in there. When I rocked my BB9700 I would always throw it in the holster and I think I will be looking around tomorrow for either a generic screen protector or case for the phone.
I must admit the phone can take a beating.
I got a couple of decent sized scratches from a lighter in my pocket within 3 days (the perils of smoking!).
I just received my skinomi a couple of days ago and am most impressed so far. Using the wet one, I have no bubbles and cannot see the scratches now. It feels smooth on the finger, shows less finger prints and I have lost no accuracy. I will be interested to see how well the self healing thing works, as every other cover I have used ends up covered in scratches within a week.
I will post how it holds up over time
superfastmonkey said:
I got a couple of decent sized scratches from a lighter in my pocket within 3 days (the perils of smoking!).
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Click to collapse
I can understand that. My new years resolution is to quit smoking.....year 15 of failed new years. I'm starting to think this whole "sticking to it" isnt for me.
I've had the skinomi on for a few weeks now. It is the most impressive protector I have ever seen.
I can't see the original scratch, nor can I see fingerprints much. I can see better in light and it feels better than the gorilla glass- smooth but rubbery with no grab. It is as responsive as stock and has no dulling effect on the screen.
I do have some scratches-more like pits from having it in my pocket with keys and a lighter and other stuff while climbing around at work. I realized I had my full bodyweight on it and I feared I would crack the glass, and it's hard to describe how I knew I had given it way beyond normal abuse, and I have cracked a screen before with half the pressure- these pits haven't gone away so I ordered another one without hesitation even though I can only notice them on angles, and even then not much (I could have gone for the lifetime warranty replacement but I feel I really pushed it beyond its purpose, and it's too much hassle -with the GET25 discount it's only $8 anyway, and I was getting one for my wife's Desire that I gave her when I got the Defy). If I had my Desire in my pocket that day, I would guarantee it would have cracked.
I can see no other scratches, and one's I have had just fade away in days, as it is self healing.
Does anyone know if there is any good "anti-finger print" screen protector?
The finger print just drive me nuts...
The anti-glare one from PDAir works a hoot!
no clue said:
Does anyone know if there is any good "anti-finger print" screen protector?
The finger print just drive me nuts...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is anyone using this phone completely naked? No case, no screen protector, no back protection? I asked this another way a little earlier; only one response. Very curious. I'm looking at the Z5 Compact and the Samsung S6 Edge. I prefer the specs and size of the Z5, but I know 2 people who use their Edge without any protection. After several months, they still look good.
All opinions appreciated.
Thanks.
Not very old but I use mine with a tempered glass screen protector that you'd never know was there anyhow... Phone doesn't have a mark or look worn
Any protection on the back?
Nothing on the back, it's not glass like the Z3 Compact...
x2srj said:
Nothing on the back, it's not glass like the Z3 Compact...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it is glass at the back, it's just frosted.
I have screen protectors both sides. Usually backside gets more hits
I just put a tempered glass screen protector on mine and am debating getting a $3 aluminum bumper from eBay until the Devilcase is released. I like the look of the phone naked and have had it that way for a few weeks, but I already have a few tiny nicks on the poly carbonate ridge along the backside. They're hardly noticeable, but the phone hasn't taken any hard drops. I'm thinking the PC won't hold up long term without getting damaged.
I've been using the phone without case since one day.
I'm just worried about the camera glass. I'd put a ring a bumpon or something to lift up that area a bit.
Sent from my E5823
Doesn't feel like the glass backing of the zc compact to me, it doesn't slide off the sofa either
Completely naked here. I am worried of dropping the phone, cause its damn slippery...
By the power of Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
i never used any kind of protection for any phone i owned.
why should i make it ugly to save it from getting ugly by time?
x2srj said:
Doesn't feel like the glass backing of the zc compact to me, it doesn't slide off the sofa either
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not change the fact that it still is glass at the back.
If you do not believe us google some reviews.
I have a red carbon skin on the back, makes it a little bit less slippery
Psykhe said:
Does not change the fact that it still is glass at the back.
If you do not believe us google some reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying I disbelieve you am I? Just saying it doesn't feel like it does on a Z3
It's kind of matt glass. Very good for me, no visible finger prints
Running mine naked but have only had it for a day. It's the smallest phone I've used in awhile and I've almost dropped it a bunch of times. I have a tpu case coming today to help with the grip.
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk
Completely naked. Have a little scratch on the back, looks like a discolouration. I will get tempered glass for both sides if I can find it in a store where they can also attach them for me.
Sent from my E5823 using XDA Free mobile app
I use a Glass screen protector on the front that where 2 bucks on ebay and on the back i have a plastic protector that i bought from ebay also, pieces where 99 cent and i rock a clear case and a black s case and i bought these rubber plugs for the earphone jack and charge port so it wont collect dust also 2 bucks for 100 pieces.
Running terrapin bumper on mine. Phone is just too damn slippery not too
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk
I've only owned two smart phones in my life. The very first one, I got a silicone case and a SGP (plastic) screen protector. I've scratched the screen protector maybe twice, not sure if it would have scratched glass. I owned it for 2 years
For my second phone, I saw some videos about how silicon cases and bumpers don't really protect against drops because of how thin they are. I decided I didn't need the case but still got the protector since it has no affect on clarity, feel, thickness. I've had it for three years. Scratched the screen protector three times. I don't know how it happened but I did get a tiny crack in the bezel. Since it's black its barely noticeable.
I've dropped my phone plenty of times. Usually not from far, like 2-3ft onto carpet.
I just ordered the Z5 Compact. I decided to try the tempered glass protector. And I also ordered the Orzly Fusion bumper case. I figure the hard back might actually protect something. I figure the slippery body and sharp corners make it more susceptible to damage. Also, I'm paying full price for this phone so I'm more inclined to protect it.
I read about people that use their phones naked all the time. Maybe it really isn't needed but I don't want to take the chance with my own phone.
One other alternative I can think of is to buy insurance for your phone. Something with a low deductible.