[VIDEO] Google Nexus 5 - Spigen GLAS.tR Installation

[chrisngrod]

This is my third install of a Spigen Glas product. Prior to that I installed a lot of ZAGG InvisibleSHIELDs simply because they were easy to find when a new phone was released and did the job for the most part.

There is a recall on this screen protector and despite getting the notice before I got this package, the pre recall version still came. Expect the final product to be a lot better.

Of course plastic, film, and glass screen protectors have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. If you're interested in my opinion, I'll give it to you. Just ask.

UPDATE - RECEIVED NEW SCREEN PROTECTOR

Removing the old:

Installing the new:

So there are no issues with the new one. Like someone mentioned to me, if you can find a better surface to do this on, go for it. Optimally install it on some rubber mat in a low dust area. I think I show it on a paper towel in the first and then a normal towel.

 

[icewater106]

what are the weaknesses of glass screen protectors ? I've always used plastic like zag shield.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[chrisngrod]

They are more susceptible to damage. Corners if they aren't mounted correctly and stick out .. General surface if too much pressure is placed on it.

They are a little thicker obviously so some cases might not be compatible. I don't think you'll find too many that won't work. Even if the protector doesn't claim to be case friendly.

If anything you might find that the glass will touch the surface when the device is laid on its face. That is typically with thinner cases.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Jeremy8000]

They are more susceptible to damage. Corners if they aren't mounted correctly and stick out .. General surface if too much pressure is placed on it.

They are a little thicker obviously so some cases might not be compatible. I don't think you'll find too many that won't work. Even if the protector doesn't claim to be case friendly.

If anything you might find that the glass will touch the surface when the device is laid on its face. That is typically with thinner cases.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

I'm in agreement regarding edge/corner susceptibility to damage when used without a case, and certainly to the points of case compatibility (though Spigen is able to ensure case compatibility with their own) and the issue of 'face-down' surface contact, but question the issue of them being inferior in protection against pressure upon the face.

While the tempered glass might crack with sufficient frontal pressure, the amount of pressure required to do crack the tempered glass but not the actual screen would, I suspect, be sufficient pressure to crack the actual screen through a typical film protector, whose primary focus is scratch prevention.

 

[chrisngrod]

I just meant damage to the actual protector. Not the actual screen on the surface down comment.

If you are willing to fork up the money and can deal with the possibility of it getting cracked and requiring a replacement, I'd definitely choose it > the invisibleSHIELD.

 

[Jeremy8000]

http://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Protector-Lightweight-Hardness-Tempered/dp/B00GN1L4NW/

I just meant damage to the actual protector. Not the actual screen on the surface down comment.

If you are willing to fork up the money and can deal with the possibility of it getting cracked and requiring a replacement, I'd definitely choose it > the invisibleSHIELD.

For my part, screen protectors have been a necessary (to protect the device) evil who's alteration of the device's feel and clarity I've been forced to tolerate. The way I look at it is that a tempered glass SP is better protection for the device, doesn't wear/stretch/yellow over time, dampens screen brightness less, and doesn't feel like a hefty bag stretched over the screen, so even if I were to upgrade the device after a year the cost of having better enjoyment is well worth the cost of one cup of coffee per month.

Also, the replacement to the GLAS.t SLIM and GLAS.tR SLIM (GLAS.t SLIM NANO and GLAS.tR NANO) are slated to ship at the end of the month, presumably with the installation issue that plagued the intitial SLIM series resolved, and markedly thinner)

 

[chrisngrod]

The new one finally came in. It's much better than the first. No bubbles now.

 

[Jeremy8000]

Glad (and not surprised) to hear that the new version is designed for a proper fit / application.

Personally, I've decided to go with another vendor (Nillkin), not because I was concerned about Spigen's eventual production of a quality unit, but rather due to their continued aloofness in refusing to respond to customer inquiries or to offer factual information about their product. Numerous efforts to contact them have gone ignored, and, despite direct requests / indications that they have offered self-contradictory specifications on their website ads (at Spigen.com and on their Amazon product page), they have failed to correct them to provide direction as to actual product thickness and hardness ratings (across the two pages, it lists the same GLAS.t NANO SLIM product as being 0.15, 0.20, and 0.23mm thick, and as being 8H, 8-9H, and 9H - even conflicting that information within each of the individual product pages on Amazon and Spigen.com).

While the variance of thickness and hardness isn't that great that it would be a big concern, nor would I be likely to notice the difference in hardness in actual usage, the fact that Spigen doesn't make the effort to provide that information initially, and more importantly, after repeated request, leaves me little desire to pay a premium price for their product when there are alternatives out there costing less that are garnering excellent reviews with specs falling in the same ranges as Spigen purports.

 

[npark2012]

How about Anker's tempered screen protector? I want to get that one but I want to know what other's opinion about it is. It's half the price of Spigen's protector. Amazon.com : [Scratch Terminator] Anker? Google Nexus 5 Premium Crystal Clear Tempered-Glass Screen Protector - Industry-High 9H Hardness : Cell Phone Screen Protectors : Cell Phones & Accessories