So, a quick mini review for both the AF and the Crystal -
AF SCREEN-
So, when i ordered my phone, I knew there were a couple of accessories that i wanted, especially a screen protector. I kept hearing about Steinheil, and when i saw them come in stock for the first time, i quickly ordered the AF screen. I later did some reading, and people said that you would really notice the difference between the bare screen and the AF, due to the fuzziness. So, when i got my phone, before even powering it on, i put on my AF screen, because I didn't want to see what i was missing out on.
The overall feel is excellent. There is a very slight texture, but it is actually quite nice, and made things like swype very enjoyable. Compared to my iPod, it was also quite obvious just how well it was cutting down on glare and reflection. Even better, fingerprints were all but non-existent.
However, I did notice some problems - for one, the fuzziness just would not go away in my mind. I knew that I was losing some resolution, and the nag grew to the point where i had to peel back the protector to look at the bare screen; what a difference. Not only was everything much sharper, but the colors also had a bit more pop. The other problem i noted, was that the matte screen was killing viewing angles; anything more than 40* deflection would just really make things near unreadable for me. So, with that in mind, i ordered the Crystals...
Crystal Screen-
Coming from the AF, the crystal screen is a huge difference. One of the things i first noted, even before putting it on, is that the screen is obviously coated like a camera lens might be. The screen has a blue reflection, which is thankfully not obvious on the device itself.
The protector itself really lets the screen shine; i can really agree that it is like a piece of glass. The viewing angles are great, and it does not distort the screen at all. I notice no problems in terms of color or sharpness - the screen really is incredible now.
However, there are a few downsides. Compared to the AF protector, the crystal is downright tacky in feel. I am getting used to the new screen, but the AF was definitely easier to swype with; i can swype still, but it is a new feeling. The other thing is, while I am sure it is better than bare glass, this this is an absolute fingerprint magnet compared to the AF. However, a shirt or microfiber cloth has no problem cleaning any smudges, and the screen is quickly back to beautiful.
In the end, I am extremely happy with the crystal, and do regret wasting my money on the AF in the first place. Unless you REALLY aren't picky, or have hands made of pure oil, don't even give a thought to the AF screen. The crystal is amazing, and really lets the screen look how it was supposed to look in the first place.
