Steinheil Screen Protector for Droid Charge

[savan12986]

So I read a lot of reviews, and being VERY dissatisfied with the screen protectors I bought from Verizon (They dont even fit the screen, its just a rectangle large enough to cover the active part, not the whole glass) I decided to get the Steinheil Ultra Crystal screen protector.

I installed it, and to my dismay, it had numerous amounts of bubbles. I'd seen several installation videos, and none had this problem. I re-checked the directions, and I suspect that I may have installed the protector backwards. I think this is because this protector uses different tabs than the video and is less clear as to which side is actually supposed to go on the phone.

In my mind it goes remove side 1, attach to phone, smooth out any bubbles, remove side 2, happy fun time!

But with the super rubbery feeling, and acting as a lint magnet when I put it in my pocket I began to suspect something was wrong. I re-read the instructions, but they are useless. It was then I noticed that by looking very closely at the pictograph it SEEMS to indicate that I'm supposed to remove side 1, peal back side 2, apply side 2 to phone, smooth out bubbles, happy fun time!

Can anyone confirm from experience that this is the correct procedure to install this, I only have 1 good protector left, and I dont want to ruin it too.

 

[kyler13]

I dug out my spare Steinheil for my Incredible and I don't quite have what you have. I have a wide tab thats labeled Adhesive Protection Tab which would be the side you apply. Now, the other narrower tab does have the number 2 on it and says that it's the Scratch Protection Film. Furthermore, it says to remove after the film is applied to the phone. If I had to guess from what you're saying, you want to remove side 1, apply that to the phone, and then remove side 2 once it is applied. Another suggestion, way back people recommended applying the protector in the bathroom after working up some steam from the shower. This helps get the dust out of the air if your house is dusty. That can cause bubbles if particles get trapped. I work in a clean room (class 10) so I applied my Incredible film there. My wife's Continuum, I used the steam trick. Both applications were successful the first time. FYI, if you do get something under the film, just pull up enough to get at it and use a piece of scotch tape to "get" the particle/dust/whatever off the film. Good luck!

 

[edcooper714]

So I read a lot of reviews, and being VERY dissatisfied with the screen protectors I bought from Verizon (They dont even fit the screen, its just a rectangle large enough to cover the active part, not the whole glass) I decided to get the Steinheil Ultra Crystal screen protector.

I installed it, and to my dismay, it had numerous amounts of bubbles. I'd seen several installation videos, and none had this problem. I re-checked the directions, and I suspect that I may have installed the protector backwards. I think this is because this protector uses different tabs than the video and is less clear as to which side is actually supposed to go on the phone.

In my mind it goes remove side 1, attach to phone, smooth out any bubbles, remove side 2, happy fun time!

But with the super rubbery feeling, and acting as a lint magnet when I put it in my pocket I began to suspect something was wrong. I re-read the instructions, but they are useless. It was then I noticed that by looking very closely at the pictograph it SEEMS to indicate that I'm supposed to remove side 1, peal back side 2, apply side 2 to phone, smooth out bubbles, happy fun time!

Can anyone confirm from experience that this is the correct procedure to install this, I only have 1 good protector left, and I dont want to ruin it too.

Here's the answer. You DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT need a screen protector for the Samsung Droid Charge. The screen is Corning Gorilla glass. Look it up. You'll see videos that will convince you.

 

[savan12986]

@kyler

ya, I wish thats what was on these ones, but instead its 2 narrow tabs that say 1 front, 2 back. thats it. I applied side 1 to the phone, and it does stick, but it has a lot of bubbles around the edges (and some in the middle, but I can tell those are from dust.

@edcooper714

I DO repeat DO need a screen protector, as I already have scratches in the gorilla glass and I've only had it for about a week now.

 

[edcooper714]

@kyler

ya, I wish thats what was on these ones, but instead its 2 narrow tabs that say 1 front, 2 back. thats it. I applied side 1 to the phone, and it does stick, but it has a lot of bubbles around the edges (and some in the middle, but I can tell those are from dust.

@edcooper714

I DO repeat DO need a screen protector, as I already have scratches in the gorilla glass and I've only had it for about a week now.

CORNING

 

[savan12986]

well, it seems I've solved my own question. I took the screen protector off, and cleaned it up, flipped it over, and after a little work, I've managed to get it on with nearly no imperfections. and thats after spending about 4 days with the adhesive side exposed to oils from my face, and all the lint in my pocket.

I have to say I'm very impressed that it survived that long and can still look this good.

So for quick reference to anyone else - The side labeled 2 is the one that you apply to the phone.

something to note however, if you do already have scratches in the screen, this will not cause them to not be visible. I was kind of hoping, but it is not the case, this protector is too clear to make the scratch blend with the rest of the screen.

 

[kyler13]

@kyler

ya, I wish thats what was on these ones, but instead its 2 narrow tabs that say 1 front, 2 back. thats it. I applied side 1 to the phone, and it does stick, but it has a lot of bubbles around the edges (and some in the middle, but I can tell those are from dust.

I would have interpreted "Front" as the side that should be facing you. But it sounds like you applied that to the screen. Glad to hear you got it worked out. Steinheils are great as I've been using one on my Incredible for the better part of a year. I'll probably pick one up for my Charge.

 

[chasman001]

CORNING

 

[Halcyon]

I use Ghost Armor on my Charge. I really like it. It is smooth like glass and it dosent pick up fingerprints and its oil resistant. I also like Sedio screen protectors but the havent made any for the Charge yet.

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

well, it seems I've solved my own question. I took the screen protector off, and cleaned it up, flipped it over, and after a little work, I've managed to get it on with nearly no imperfections. and thats after spending about 4 days with the adhesive side exposed to oils from my face, and all the lint in my pocket.

I have to say I'm very impressed that it survived that long and can still look this good.

So for quick reference to anyone else - The side labeled 2 is the one that you apply to the phone.

something to note however, if you do already have scratches in the screen, this will not cause them to not be visible. I was kind of hoping, but it is not the case, this protector is too clear to make the scratch blend with the rest of the screen.

If you already have scratches, I would recommend a "self healing" style of protector such as Phantom Skinz, Wrapsol, Ghost Armor, Zagg, etc. They protect the screen better anyways as they are rubber based and won't scratch, unlike Steinheil which is plastic.

Steinheil is one of the most overrated screen protectors that I have ever seen. Every phone forum you go into you will hear people buying them like crazy. When in reality, it's just a plastic screen protector which is no different than the ones that you can buy from Amazon or eBay that are made in China and cost pennies on the dollar.

 

[haza12d]

I got some screen protectors from ebay dirt cheap. Works perfect and applies really easily. Here's a LINK to a similar auction.

 

[kyler13]

If you already have scratches, I would recommend a "self healing" style of protector such as Phantom Skinz, Wrapsol, Ghost Armor, Zagg, etc. They protect the screen better anyways as they are rubber based and won't scratch, unlike Steinheil which is plastic.

Steinheil is one of the most overrated screen protectors that I have ever seen. Every phone forum you go into you will hear people buying them like crazy. When in reality, it's just a plastic screen protector which is no different than the ones that you can buy from Amazon or eBay that are made in China and cost pennies on the dollar.

Someone sounds like they have an axe to grind. It's really about preference.

Self healing doesn't protect the screen better, it simply allows the protector itself to hold up to scratches. I will note that it's not entirely immune as my friend's has permanent indentations that won't heal out. If you're okay with wet application (places like best buy will do it for you, problem solved), an orange peel texture appearance (they're not truly invisible) and that rubbery feeling that makes it difficult to swipe the screen, self healing is a good choice. I personally find the Zaggs to be unappealing but my other friend with an iPhone loves his. To each their own. The Steinheils are great compared to generics because they have excellent optical quality leading to no distortion of the image. That's what makes them worth the money. The hardness is also about as good as you're going to get on a plastic film. I've read enough reviews online where the cheapo Amazon and ebay ones tend to make the display a bit fuzzy, don't adhere well (bubbles), and are cut poorly such that you have to modify it with an exacto knife. I will say that even the Steinheils will eventually accumulate scratches, but it's a good choice if you want easier application and that smooth-as-glass feeling. They're also nearly impossible to tell their on the screen once applied, due to the smooth surface of the hard plastic.

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

Someone sounds like they have an axe to grind. It's really about preference.

Self healing doesn't protect the screen better, it simply allows the protector itself to hold up to scratches. I will note that it's not entirely immune as my friend's has permanent indentations that won't heal out. If you're okay with wet application (places like best buy will do it for you, problem solved), an orange peel texture appearance (they're not truly invisible) and that rubbery feeling that makes it difficult to swipe the screen, self healing is a good choice. I personally find the Zaggs to be unappealing but my other friend with an iPhone loves his. To each their own. The Steinheils are great compared to generics because they have excellent optical quality leading to no distortion of the image. That's what makes them worth the money. The hardness is also about as good as you're going to get on a plastic film. I've read enough reviews online where the cheapo Amazon and ebay ones tend to make the display a bit fuzzy, don't adhere well (bubbles), and are cut poorly such that you have to modify it with an exacto knife. I will say that even the Steinheils will eventually accumulate scratches, but it's a good choice if you want easier application and that smooth-as-glass feeling. They're also nearly impossible to tell their on the screen once applied, due to the smooth surface of the hard plastic.

And it sounds like you have an axe to grind too. All while being completely uninformed.

You can believe the optical quality marketing all you want. There is no doubt that the el cheapos on eBay are just as "clear". I have used them and have used Steinheil. With Steinheil you pay for the name, bottom line. You honestly think Steinheil has a patented material they are using?

Not all self healing types are wet application. Wrapsol's Ultra line is a completely liquid free application and it's probably the best screen protector out today. I had one on my Incredible for a year and you still couldn't tell it was on there. Which brings me to point #2. It doesn't have the orange peel effect that Zagg suffers from. It also isn't sticky like Zagg, the finger runs smooth.

Steinheil will scratch just like any other piece of plastic would. The difference is marketing.

 

[Kelmar]

Let's cool it off guys.

Preferences vary, let's leave it at that.

 

[WildH]

I've used many many brands and actually like the steinheil brand the best. Fit great, easy to apply, super smooth, clear, not sure what else to say. Just my 2 bits.

 

[kyler13]

And it sounds like you have an axe to grind too. All while being completely uninformed.

You can believe the optical quality marketing all you want. There is no doubt that the el cheapos on eBay are just as "clear". I have used them and have used Steinheil. With Steinheil you pay for the name, bottom line. You honestly think Steinheil has a patented material they are using?

Not all self healing types are wet application. Wrapsol's Ultra line is a completely liquid free application and it's probably the best screen protector out today. I had one on my Incredible for a year and you still couldn't tell it was on there. Which brings me to point #2. It doesn't have the orange peel effect that Zagg suffers from. It also isn't sticky like Zagg, the finger runs smooth.

Steinheil will scratch just like any other piece of plastic would. The difference is marketing.

No axe to grind here. Just posting my postive experience with Steinheil in a thread of the same name.

Hmmm, I was on the prowl for trying something different with my Charge but I didn't come across Wrapsol in my searches. No matter as it doesn't look to be available yet anyway, at least not until next month. Deal breaker. I went with what served well with my Incredible for over a year and I know I'll be getting a great product so no worries. Maybe next time around.

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

No axe to grind here. Just posting my postive experience with Steinheil in a thread of the same name.

Hmmm, I was on the prowl for trying something different with my Charge but I didn't come across Wrapsol in my searches. No matter as it doesn't look to be available yet anyway, at least not until next month. Deal breaker. I went with what served well with my Incredible for over a year and I know I'll be getting a great product so no worries. Maybe next time around.

I'm sorry if I was too harsh. I know you have a Steinheil on now and are happy with it. But if something happens to it or you want more scratch protection, I would definitely look into the Wrapsol Ultra when it becomes available.

I definitely have no affiliation with them, but their product is top notch and the installation is dry and easy.

 

[lv2bsilly]

I've used many many brands and actually like the steinheil brand the best. Fit great, easy to apply, super smooth, clear, not sure what else to say. Just my 2 bits.

I like the Steinhalls as well for my past few phones. On your Charge which film option did you choose? I am having a hard time deciding lol.

 

[WildH]

I like the Steinhalls as well for my past few phones. On your Charge which film option did you choose? I am having a hard time deciding lol.

Ultra oleophobic....seems to help a little with the oil collection but not huge. Super clear though. Honestly can't tell it's there.

 

[GunnerJim]

I ordered the Ultra Crystal on Amazon to try, I am not so impressed with the VZW Anti-Glare, it does not cover whole screen, and it has a strange rainbow look. Anyone have experience with this one:

Amazon.com: SGP Samsung Droid Charge Screen Protector Steinheil Ultra Series [Ultra Crystal]: Cell Phones & Accessories

 

[GunnerJim]

I just got the Ultra Crystal, it is absolutely gorgeous! Much better than the VZW Anti-Glare... Took that back today ordered the Droid X2 leather case for use with my extended battery. The Steinheil is the best screen cover I have ever used, no bubbles, no distortion, perfect fit on all edges. I made the Rookie Mistake noted in this forum (SHOULD OF READ BETTER)...

Following the instructions, 1 then 2, will cause absolute failure!!!

- Apply number 2 to the phone glass, Smooth out bubbles, then peel off number 1... Sort of backwards as noted previously. The stickie tabs for removal work great! 11 bucks for two clear as crystal screen protectors is a good deal IMO. I am writing Amazon about my wasted screen protector, they are usually pretty good at refunds.

 

[jpog]

I am having a hard time deciding between Steinheil and Wrapsol's..only problem with Wrapsol's is if you buy just the screen protector it's a different material then the whole body Ultra Line...Any ideas

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

I am having a hard time deciding between Steinheil and Wrapsol's..only problem with Wrapsol's is if you buy just the screen protector it's a different material then the whole body Ultra Line...Any ideas

Get the Ultra, DO NOT get the one just for the screen. I tried that one on my TB, and it's anti-glare which makes everything fuzzy and dull. They don't seem to specify that on their website.

The Ultra on the other hand is probably the best screen protector that I have ever tried and I've tried a ton of them. It is a dry application but it's the rubber style which won't scratch like the Steinheil will. It also doesn't have the orange peel effect like the Zagg's do.