I bought the SPIGEN Ultra Optics and I really hate it. I absolutely 100% regret the purchase. Its supposed to be anti-fingerprint. HA! The thing is so smudged up its disgusting, and because of the optics its impossible to clean. I wish I had known that the surface would be so textured, I hate the feeling with the S-pen, and I don't like how it feels to even slide my finger around it.
Anti-Fingerprint really is a misnomer. There really is no such thing as anti-fingerprint when it comes to screen protectors. So if you were expecting something truly anti-fingerprint, then the issue here becomes a problem of semantics (the specific wording used by the seller) and over heightened expectations.
Even their Ultra Fine "Anti-Fingerprint" line (Orange package)
are not anti-fingerprint. Over time they build up oil and residue that just stick to the front. It is only compounded by the fact that the Ultra Fine reduce the clarity of the screen to begin with. It is like looking through a fogged up window and then putting a cloudy smudge over top of it.
At least with the Ultra Optics (Green package) the screen is more clear, not totally, and truer to the screen representation when compared to Ultra Fine.
Optics does gather oil after a long while, but I've noticed with the screen on you can see through it and barely notice unless it is in liquid build up form or you are in the sun, reflecting the screen.
I like the Ultra Optics texture, but every time I mention the Optics I bring up the texture because some people really do not like it - that is just unavoidable. Not having the Note 2, my biggest question has been how the texture and protector would interact with the S-pen. So your opinion on this is appreciated.
As far as cleaning the Ultra Optics, it can be done. When I need to really cut the oil and get the thing clean I have a small spray bottle (7ml) of diluted cleaner at home. Spray the solution and wipe down the screen protector with my daily use micro-fiber to get the bulk of the oil. Then spray again and use a reserved 'clean only' micro-fiber for a final touch up to get the little residual left - one of my microfibers is only used for this final touch up to keep it the cleanest and most effective.
Optics only needs to be thoroughly cleansed every so often (approx. twice a week for me), whereas the Ultra Crystal I would have to clean multiple times a day. Same would be true of the Ultra Oleophobic, I would be cleaning it multiple times a day I'm sure - it does help slightly repel the oil and clean easier to a degree compared to Crystal.
You can choose to be 100% regretting it if you want to but if you lowered the expectation bar that was set too high in the first place and looked at it from a different perspective you might realize that you have a great product on your hands. There are some trade offs yes, but the challenge becomes finding a product that does everything Optics does. I've experienced a number of different screen protectors from different producers and none of them yet can compare to Optics. If you find something you like better that is fingerprint resistant do please share.
Nope I didn't post anywhere else, I contacted the ebay seller and they said since one was used they could not exchange it. I emailed Spigen directly about it.
Edit: The ebay seller is unitedsgpcorp, which seems like they could be official. If they were $3 protectors I would just throw them out, but for $18 I would like something Im happy with.
unitedsgpcorp is not Spigen/SGP/Steinheil. They are Cretouch.com an officially authorized partner and reseller of SGP products. They are one of their top "sister sites" if you will, however not associated with the parent company.
I purchased from Cretouch's ebay store about 2 years back because they had a slightly cheaper price and simpler shipping than SGP (this was before SGP was on Amazon).
I Inquired afterwords about their affiliation. It is slightly misleading based on Cretouch's 'official' sounding ebay name. Spigen has recently updated their site to include all of their authorized partners listed - you'll see Cretouch listed with their ebay name mentioned.
SPIGEN SGP | Authorized Partners; On-line Store
Wish me luck. I got my 2nd set of Oleophobic today and will be installing in the morning. Hopefully, I'll be able to do a much better install this time around.
Good luck Drex. Lay it all out before hand and pick your strategy, get it centered. Peeling the backing from the home key end and starting from the bottom instead may be helpful.
Don't forget to use a low dust/no wind area (kitchen or bathroom work great), clean your work environment of dust 10 minutes before hand, and for the specks of dust that you cannot avoid and end up under the edges - Scotch tape!
