Screen Protector to go with Google Bumper

[Rizy7]

I purchased the bumper and noticed that the front and back do not have a very big lip. This means there is quite a big gap between the bumper and the original protector that came on the phone. Could anyone recommend any screen protectors that go well with the bumper?

 

[Seronac]

That sort of depends on the kind of surface you want. The Skinomi protectors are soft and don't get scratched, but have irregularities that make it not smooth; they require wet application and cover the entire screen, even the rounded over parts on the sides. On the other hand, Realook and Halo protectors are hard, smooth, crystal clear and subject to damage from scratches; since they aren't as flexible, they don't cover the entire screen and leave the edges exposed. Pricing is about the same at $10-$15 on Amazon. I've used both, but prefer Halo's.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[Jeremy8000]

With screen protectors, you basically have a choice of:

• Good protection, edge-to-edge coverage (no gap), very high resistance to showing scratches, very low glare, but with a slight texture (not very visible when screen is on) and less 'glassy' feel;
  'Wet' installation, requires several hours after installation to 'cure' properly, but allows for perfect alignment and bubble-free install with ease.

or

• Excellent protection, low to moderate glare depending on specific protector, glass-like feel, nearly invisible, but shows scratches and leaves a slight gap;
  'Dry' installation sets immediately, but is more difficult to align perfectly and set without any bubbles.

I've currently got the first type - a Spigen Ultra Crystal (front & back) protector- on mine, love the look and feel of it, and don't mind the slight gaps on the sides. But it has started picking up a few light abrasions (despite my generally protective nature) that are very visible and beginning to annoy me, so will probably end up going with the second type - a Skinomi - as I have one on my Nexus 7 and it still looks the same as it did six months ago (I don't mind the visual texturing at all). Note the one I linked is the front-only, but they do have one that provides full body protection.

 

[vNaK]

have the spigen screen protector and I have scratches on it too. front and back. first time trying their screen protector and although the install process was great it scratched quite easily. not too happy with that when I keep hearing great things about it.

have been using phantom skinz on all my other phones including on my note 2 and even though install was bit more work, there has been no issues with scratches.

 

[wheezy]

Xo skins. Get the case fit model if your bumper overlaps onto the glass. Regular fit if it doesn't. They don't have orange peel and have a lifetime warranty

 

[jdbii]

............ so will probably end up going with the second type - a Skinomi - as I have one on my Nexus 7 and it still looks the same as it did six months ago (I don't mind the visual texturing at all). Note the one I linked is the front-only, but they do have one that provides full body protection.

Do you need to put an application solution (like a gel or something) on the screen before you put the screen protector on?

 

[Jeremy8000]

Do you need to put an application solution (like a gel or something) on the screen before you put the screen protector on?

Skinomi is a 'wet application' SP. Assuming it goes on like the one for the N7, there is a small spray bottle provided with which to lightly coat the screen, SP, and your fingers (not a gel - very much like water). You don't want to be too liberal with it (it is wet of course, and there's no way to (easily) remove the battery), but it goes on with no trouble at all. The nice thing about that style is that you can get the postitioning of the protector absolutely perfect as when you lay it on the screen, you can gently slide it (don't press it into the screen before you get it positioned or you'll break the thin moisture membrane and cause it to adhere before you're ready). They have a pretty straightforward video on their site demonstrating installation.

The suggestion is to apply it at a time where you can leave the device powered off and untouched for 12 hours, though on my Nexus I just let it sit for about 6 hours and it was good to go - smooth, no bubbles... Still looks like it did the day I put it on last summer.

I do recommend doing it in a 'clean' room, with little dust present. One simple trick is to go into a bathroom with a shower, turn the hot water on and let it run till it steams up the room, then shut it off and close the door. In about 20 minutes, go in there to do the install. The steam will have settled, taking any airborne dust with it.