So since release I have been sporting a wet skin based protector while waiting for a suitable glass. The polyurethane skins are great protection but 3 huge issues, #1 it doesn't feel good, #2 in applications like the Gear VR where you are magnifying the surface of the screen the deformations in the protector and minor distortions it creates are visible, and #3 the curved glass makes the edges sensitive to peeling, especial when it is hard to create a case friendly skin without making the edges higher and thus a bigger target for your thumb to continuously rub against.
#3 was the most destructive for me, despite using poly skins for many many years now I never had to tear one off because the edges started to peel. I have twice had to install skins on my s8 and both times my cases immediately caused the skins to start peeling (Second time I waited 24 hours for drying). This was compounded by the need to remove the phone when ever I wanted to use the gear VR.
The only thing that really materialized for glass protection is the whitestone, but fro $40 it seems to be too much of a gamble for me to attempt with my heavier duty cases. Even on the off chance the first time I slap the phone in a protector the whitestone survives, but what about the many other times I remove and reinstall the case? if the whitestone has shown me anything, it is that it clearly backs up its claim of the screen being easy and clean to remove. I need something that hugs atleast as tight as the polyurethane skins.
Alternatively I have considered case options that would ditch the screen tight protection and offer screen protection elsewhere. The majority of choices here is wallet style cases, but again I found 2 critical flaws in this category. #1 most cases didn't offer a suitable clasp (if any at all) and #2 %99 of them offered no special protection over the screen contact point, with most of them sticking a slot for credit cards and stitching for the lip of said slot to rub up against the screen, easily allowing an abrasive surface for the screen.
In the end I went with a belt clip, namely I went with Supcase's Unicorn Beetle Pro as it was very affordable while meeting my construction standards. At home I don't do much with the phone to worry about anything getting on the screen to harm it, and outside of home the phones belt holder completely shields the screen while not getting within touching distance with it. It is a little bulky on the hip (but should be far less so then if I was sporting a wider 16x9 phone) and may take time to get used to, but I think it will be a good trade off to feeling safe with sporting a naked screen. If the belt clip simply does not work out I can always remove the clip (with considerable force) and still use the plastic clasp as a cover in the pocket. So far the only downside is it is a little hard to remove the phone due to the plastic frame that snaps over the front, but I can't knock additional protection like that. Also as a fan of the commuter cases, I am happy to have my port covers back (I have a "plug" for the headphone jack so I can sport cases without covers, but didn't have one that would fit the usb-c port).
Would be interested to hear if any others choose this bulky case route (normally I have no reason for a belt clip, my phones have never been an issue staying in my pocket at work) as an alternative to screen protectors while out in the wild.
#3 was the most destructive for me, despite using poly skins for many many years now I never had to tear one off because the edges started to peel. I have twice had to install skins on my s8 and both times my cases immediately caused the skins to start peeling (Second time I waited 24 hours for drying). This was compounded by the need to remove the phone when ever I wanted to use the gear VR.
The only thing that really materialized for glass protection is the whitestone, but fro $40 it seems to be too much of a gamble for me to attempt with my heavier duty cases. Even on the off chance the first time I slap the phone in a protector the whitestone survives, but what about the many other times I remove and reinstall the case? if the whitestone has shown me anything, it is that it clearly backs up its claim of the screen being easy and clean to remove. I need something that hugs atleast as tight as the polyurethane skins.
Alternatively I have considered case options that would ditch the screen tight protection and offer screen protection elsewhere. The majority of choices here is wallet style cases, but again I found 2 critical flaws in this category. #1 most cases didn't offer a suitable clasp (if any at all) and #2 %99 of them offered no special protection over the screen contact point, with most of them sticking a slot for credit cards and stitching for the lip of said slot to rub up against the screen, easily allowing an abrasive surface for the screen.
In the end I went with a belt clip, namely I went with Supcase's Unicorn Beetle Pro as it was very affordable while meeting my construction standards. At home I don't do much with the phone to worry about anything getting on the screen to harm it, and outside of home the phones belt holder completely shields the screen while not getting within touching distance with it. It is a little bulky on the hip (but should be far less so then if I was sporting a wider 16x9 phone) and may take time to get used to, but I think it will be a good trade off to feeling safe with sporting a naked screen. If the belt clip simply does not work out I can always remove the clip (with considerable force) and still use the plastic clasp as a cover in the pocket. So far the only downside is it is a little hard to remove the phone due to the plastic frame that snaps over the front, but I can't knock additional protection like that. Also as a fan of the commuter cases, I am happy to have my port covers back (I have a "plug" for the headphone jack so I can sport cases without covers, but didn't have one that would fit the usb-c port).
Would be interested to hear if any others choose this bulky case route (normally I have no reason for a belt clip, my phones have never been an issue staying in my pocket at work) as an alternative to screen protectors while out in the wild.
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