This is a review of Seidio VITREO Tempered Glass for Note 2. SEIDIO | VITREO for Samsung Galaxy Note 2
My screen protector experience is based purely on dry installs where I typically prefer 3H hardness-rated PET film. I always look at screen protector as disposable/replaceable cheap option because even the best one will get scratches at some point. But in a back of my mind I always wondered about tempered glass material which is a lot more durable (typically 9H hardness) and more impact absorbing on a direct contact. And of course, glass will feel like a glass!!! It will cost more, but perhaps will last a lifetime of the phone so you don't have to replace/buy more regular screen protectors. At the same time, this is really a premium luxury option
I have read a number of reviews for other tempered glass screen protectors and found one common problem. Its a glass which has less flexibility than a plastic screen protector, and in combination with curved Note 2 glass - a lot of people complain about edges not sticking with their other screen protectors. Furthermore, I noticed some designs use completely enclosed cutout around Home button, and in conjunction with thickness of the tempered glass you will actually need to add a stick-on Home button to raise it up so it doesn't feel recessed. So with all that in mind, I decided to give it a shot. To quote their spec:
- High grade tempered glass with a 9H hardness rating prevents damage in the event of scratches and abrasions
- Tapered (rounded) edges provide a premium and more aesthetically enhanced profile for your device
- Engineered to reinforce the strength of the critical points of impact which results in prolonged durability
- Oleophobic coating resists marks and smudges with advanced technology that reduces the appearance of fingerprints
- Designed precisely for your device with slim cut to prevent bubbling around edges
- Allows touch sensitivity and enhances optical clarity
- Easy installation without bubbling and lifting
- Only 0.55mm (0.02in) thin
Since this is my first tempered glass install, I actually found it to be easier because with a sturdier piece of glass, versus a typical dry install flexible screen protector, it's easier to hold it in your hands while positioning. Most of the positioning work goes into trying to align it with visible part of the display. Unfortunately, the width of this glass is probably 1mm wider than visible area of the screen so its not an easy task. If you don't have a steady hand or OCD, forget about it lol!!! Looked like the sticky side has some kind of a glue substance. I didn't see any bubbles, but noticed what seems to be like "wet" spots. I tried my best massaging it out, but probably at least a dozen still remained. When you put a pressure on it - it disappears, but then it was back.
About the glass itself. Edges are very nicely rounded off and VERY smooth. While sliding the finger over the edge you feel a very smooth transition. Thickness of the glass is higher than Home button, so the button feels a bit recessed. Doesn't feel too bad since Home button opening is not enclosed. I might consider Home button sticker in the future. But as of now, I don't feel it's necessary. Everything is crystal clear, colors come through like with original glass screen, and it feels like a real smooth glass. S-pen glides smoothly too. Overall touch sensitivity and feeling is like you have an original glass display. Also, doesn't pick up too much fingerprints.
And here is the-morning-after UPDATE. I run my finger across the screen and every wet spot just disappeared!!!!!! This is a picture of PERFECTION!!! No bubbles, no spots, no lifting edges, just perfect and smooth. The only comment, since it has oleophobic coating, glass feels a little slippery right now which noticeable when you need to press'n'hold while using the phone (like press'n'hold on the link to open in another window of the browser). I believe that will wear off since it's a brand new layer of coating.
Here are the pictures. This one is a KEEPER!!!
Pre-install pictures:
Right after install pictures:
The morning-after install, FINAL pictures:
My screen protector experience is based purely on dry installs where I typically prefer 3H hardness-rated PET film. I always look at screen protector as disposable/replaceable cheap option because even the best one will get scratches at some point. But in a back of my mind I always wondered about tempered glass material which is a lot more durable (typically 9H hardness) and more impact absorbing on a direct contact. And of course, glass will feel like a glass!!! It will cost more, but perhaps will last a lifetime of the phone so you don't have to replace/buy more regular screen protectors. At the same time, this is really a premium luxury option
I have read a number of reviews for other tempered glass screen protectors and found one common problem. Its a glass which has less flexibility than a plastic screen protector, and in combination with curved Note 2 glass - a lot of people complain about edges not sticking with their other screen protectors. Furthermore, I noticed some designs use completely enclosed cutout around Home button, and in conjunction with thickness of the tempered glass you will actually need to add a stick-on Home button to raise it up so it doesn't feel recessed. So with all that in mind, I decided to give it a shot. To quote their spec:
- High grade tempered glass with a 9H hardness rating prevents damage in the event of scratches and abrasions
- Tapered (rounded) edges provide a premium and more aesthetically enhanced profile for your device
- Engineered to reinforce the strength of the critical points of impact which results in prolonged durability
- Oleophobic coating resists marks and smudges with advanced technology that reduces the appearance of fingerprints
- Designed precisely for your device with slim cut to prevent bubbling around edges
- Allows touch sensitivity and enhances optical clarity
- Easy installation without bubbling and lifting
- Only 0.55mm (0.02in) thin
Since this is my first tempered glass install, I actually found it to be easier because with a sturdier piece of glass, versus a typical dry install flexible screen protector, it's easier to hold it in your hands while positioning. Most of the positioning work goes into trying to align it with visible part of the display. Unfortunately, the width of this glass is probably 1mm wider than visible area of the screen so its not an easy task. If you don't have a steady hand or OCD, forget about it lol!!! Looked like the sticky side has some kind of a glue substance. I didn't see any bubbles, but noticed what seems to be like "wet" spots. I tried my best massaging it out, but probably at least a dozen still remained. When you put a pressure on it - it disappears, but then it was back.
About the glass itself. Edges are very nicely rounded off and VERY smooth. While sliding the finger over the edge you feel a very smooth transition. Thickness of the glass is higher than Home button, so the button feels a bit recessed. Doesn't feel too bad since Home button opening is not enclosed. I might consider Home button sticker in the future. But as of now, I don't feel it's necessary. Everything is crystal clear, colors come through like with original glass screen, and it feels like a real smooth glass. S-pen glides smoothly too. Overall touch sensitivity and feeling is like you have an original glass display. Also, doesn't pick up too much fingerprints.
And here is the-morning-after UPDATE. I run my finger across the screen and every wet spot just disappeared!!!!!! This is a picture of PERFECTION!!! No bubbles, no spots, no lifting edges, just perfect and smooth. The only comment, since it has oleophobic coating, glass feels a little slippery right now which noticeable when you need to press'n'hold while using the phone (like press'n'hold on the link to open in another window of the browser). I believe that will wear off since it's a brand new layer of coating.
Here are the pictures. This one is a KEEPER!!!
Pre-install pictures:
Right after install pictures:
The morning-after install, FINAL pictures: