Yup....The Glass used for the Galaxy Nexus screen is Terrible!

Deleted User · Jan 23, 2012

I have a question for you guys...

If I've driven for 15 years and never had a flat tire, but then one day I was driving along and got a nail in my tire, would I be justified in saying that the current tires are very weak because they were punctured by a nail? So because I got one flat, then, say, Michelin Primacy tires must all suck.

I mean, obviously I've gone through 5 sets of other tires that never got punctured, and it's possible that I've driven over nails before... so does that mean that these tires are weak, or would you be more inclined to say it's bad luck and I either never drove over a nail before, or didn't hit it in the right way?

edit: beaten to it. That'll teach me to get distracted when typing a post

sean76 · Jan 23, 2012

Everyone, and I mean everyone is entitled to they're own opinion. That's a given!

However to re-answer some peoples questions, or maybe just respond to some posts...

I've stated 3/4 times already that I really like the Nexus...HOWEVER, I just feel that the Glass used is not as strong, not as tough, not as up to par with handling every day contact as some other glass out there..Now that is solely my take, my opinion...well mine and my lady's.

Let's forget about all the phones, let's stop harping on the OP did this, the OP did that, I've heard stories of those other phones getting scratched, etc, etc!

Let's look at the Phone that me and my Lady most recently owned before the Nexus. Let's use the Droid Razr as an example...OK we both had the Razr since launch day, to make it clear we both never use screen protectors (ever) that's our decision, if some want to attack, don't...its our decision to not use them, I know a lot of people just like me that loath screen protectors. Anyway no screen protector, and under normal use not a scratch on each of our phones...zip, nothing, not a single hair line scratch, not a single scratch from sand in my pocket, not a single scratch from her earings, not a single scratch from her phone going in her bag just like her Thunderbolt has for a year, and yes with her keys in her bag, still not a single scratch. Is it wise to have her phone in the same bag that her keys are in? My answer is its her decision and she's been doing it for a while, whether its luck or not its her decision. Either way....I'm sure you all get the picture, no scratches anywhere! Nowhere on the phone screen what so ever! To add we both use the same VZW shiny TPU case.

Now take that use with the Razr and incorporate it in with the Galaxy Nexus. Four days in with her Nexus using it just the same as her Razr and she ends up with a scratch. To be clear, she didn't drop it, she doesn't have razor blades for nails, no knifes or sharp opjects came in contact with her phone within those four days. Yes the phone was in fact in her bag, and yes her keys were in there. Was it the keys? I don't know? Does she have a set of keys like a custodian in a school? No, maybe 2 keys with her clicker for her car alarm. Either way, the elements that her Razr and her Thunderbolt withstood for a while presented no scratches anywhere. Four days with the Nexus she gets a scratch? Luck or Glass that's not as strong as others? I'm going with Glass thats not as strong as others...my opinion!

Why is that my opinion?

Its my opinion because my Nexus got a scratch as well under the same conditions I've always used on all my phones without any scratches what so ever! Namely most recently the Razr that does in fact have Gorilla Glass.

Is it a coincidence that both me and my lady got scratches so quick on our Nexus phones, and had nothing on our previous phones. I'd say maybe if it was just one of use, but the fact that both of us ended up with scratches so quickly makes me feel the glass is simply not as strong as others out there.

That's all...no need to personally attack anyone or anything like that. That's our experience, that's our story...

SeattleYanksFan · Jan 23, 2012

Mr. Orange 645 said:
(Raises hand. Realizes no else is raising hand and quickly puts it down).

Sean...Forgot to tell you, with the XO, there will be a small gap at the bottom. I think its due to the way the glass curves back down toward the case, but you really have to look to see it. The protector won't feel as smooth as glass, but I think its the closest you'll get with a protector. Let me know what you think if you get one.

My XO Skins covers every single mm of my screen. I think you either ordered the Case Fit version which is slightly smaller to allow for cases without the edges getting pushed up, or got one without a perfect cut.

sean76 · Jan 23, 2012

binary visions said:
I have a question for you guys...

If I've driven for 15 years and never had a flat tire, but then one day I was driving along and got a nail in my tire, would I be justified in saying that the current tires are very weak because they were punctured by a nail? So because I got one flat, then, say, Michelin Primacy tires must all suck.

I mean, obviously I've gone through 5 sets of other tires that never got punctured, and it's possible that I've driven over nails before... so does that mean that these tires are weak, or would you be more inclined to say it's bad luck and I either never drove over a nail before, or didn't hit it in the right way?

edit: beaten to it. That'll teach me to get distracted when typing a post

Your losing sight of what were talking about here buddy...

Everyday a person crosses the same street safely, no issues, no spending cars. Then One day the same person crosses the street, and a car speeds out and the same person gets hit! Oh but everyday they cross the street and nobody hit them...That's a luck of the draw thing right? Should the person walk around in an iron suite because they might get hit by a car...Come on with the analogies here guys, enough already! It is what it is...were talking about glass on the Nexus here...And I , as well as a few others feel its just not as strong as others....plain and simple.

Is it worth going over and over and over again that I was lucky, that there were no nails in the road, etc, etc...

Come on enough already! Some if you have made your points, that's fine...make them and move on. To come back in over and over again to basically say the same thing is pretty much over kill.

SeattleYanksFan · Jan 23, 2012

sean76 said:
Everyone, and I mean everyone is entitled to they're own opinion. That's a given!

However to re-answer some peoples questions, or maybe just respond to some posts...

I've stated 3/4 times already that I really like the Nexus...HOWEVER, I just feel that the Glass used is not as strong, not as tough, not as up to par with handling every day contact as some other glass out there..Now that is solely my take, my opinion...well mine and my lady's.

Let's forget about all the phones, let's stop harping on the OP did this, the OP did that, I've heard stories of those other phones getting scratched, etc, etc!

Let's look at the Phone that me and my Lady most recently owned before the Nexus. Let's use the Droid Razr as an example...OK we both had the Razr since launch day, to make it clear we both never use screen protectors (ever) that's our decision, if some want to attack, don't...its our decision to not use them, I know a lot of people just like me that loath screen protectors. Anyway no screen protector, and under normal use not a scratch on each of our phones...zip, nothing, not a single hair line scratch, not a single scratch from sand in my pocket, not a single scratch from her earings, not a single scratch from her phone going in her bag just like her Thunderbolt has for a year, and yes with her keys in her bag, still not a single scratch. Is it wise to have her phone in the same bag that her keys are in? My answer is its her decision and she's been doing it for a while, whether its luck or not its her decision. Either way....I'm sure you all get the picture, no scratches anywhere! Nowhere on the phone screen what so ever! To add we both use the same VZW shiny TPU case.

Now take that use with the Razr and incorporate it in with the Galaxy Nexus. Four days in with her Nexus using it just the same as her Razr and she ends up with a scratch. To be clear, she didn't drop it, she doesn't have razor blades for nails, no knifes or sharp opjects came in contact with her phone within those four days. Yes the phone was in fact in her bag, and yes her keys were in there. Was it the keys? I don't know? Does she have a set of keys like a custodian in a school? No, maybe 2 keys with her clicker for her car alarm. Either way, the elements that her Razr and her Thunderbolt withstood for a while presented no scratches anywhere. Four days with the Nexus she gets a scratch? Luck or Glass that's not as strong as others? I'm going with Glass thats not as strong as others...my opinion!

Why is that my opinion?

Its my opinion because my Nexus got a scratch as well under the same conditions I've always used on all my phones without any scratches what so ever! Namely most recently the Razr that does in fact have Gorilla Glass.

Is it a coincidence that both me and my lady got scratches so quick on our Nexus phones, and had nothing on our previous phones. I'd say maybe if it was just one of use, but the fact that both of us ended up with scratches so quickly makes me feel the glass is simply not as strong as others out there.

That's all...no need to personally attack anyone or anything like that. That's our experience, that's our story...

From reading stories on here about scratches, I agree that the glass (or the finish on top) used on the Galaxy Nexus is inferior to most phones. However, if you want to keep any phone's screen perfect, a screen protector should be used, gorilla glass or not. If you don't use a screen protector on any phone, you have a chance, no matter how big or small, of scratching the screen. Get the XO Skin and you will be a happy camper and hopefully it will hide your scratch.

sean76 · Jan 23, 2012

Also...@ everyone who had something constructive to say...Maybe say About bringing up XO screens, basically just offering some friendly advice to me and my lady without jumping down our throats about how we use our phones is wrong, that we're lucky, that we have no common sense, etc etc...Thank You for your friendly fellow forum member Responses...Much appreciated by me and my lady : )

sean76 · Jan 23, 2012

SeattleYanksFan said:
From reading stories on here about scratches, I agree that the glass (or the finish on top) used on the Galaxy Nexus is inferior to most phones. However, if you want to keep any phone's screen perfect, a screen protector should be used, gorilla glass or not. If you don't use a screen protector on any phone, you have a chance, no matter how big or small, of scratching the screen. Get the XO Skin and you will be a happy camper and hopefully it will hide your scratch.

Dully noted...Thank you! Looking into today

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

I think the real issue here is people's expectations. It seems there are some people who take precautions with their devices just in case, and there seem to be those that throw caution to the wind and expect the device to stand up to abuse. Nothing wrong with either expectation, as we all expect different things from our devices. However, I'd say that if you subject your phone to hazardous environments, then you have to understand if it becomes damaged. I've driven behind dump trucks before and my windshield never got cracked....but this car's windshield got cracked..does that mean it has an inferior windshield? Of course not, and the situation with the phone is no different.

Deleted User · Jan 23, 2012

sean76 said:
And I , as well as a few others feel its just not as strong as others....plain and simple.

Ah.

Well, just like the battery thread, what you feel is not necessarily correlated with reality.

There are some of us who believe that scientific testing methods, objective evidence, or realistic analysis are superior to one-off anecdotes or feelings.

So, yep, I'll bow out of the thread. I hope some people reading will see the light of reality instead of hyperbole and casual observation.

For more information, please Google "logical fallacy." Specifically, this is called "weak inductive reasoning."

SeattleYanksFan · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
I think the real issue here is people's expectations. It seems there are some people who take precautions with their devices just in case, and there seem to be those that throw caution to the wind and expect the device to stand up to abuse. Nothing wrong with either expectation, as we all expect different things from our devices. However, I'd say that if you subject your phone to hazardous environments, then you have to understand if it becomes damaged. I've driven behind dump trucks before and my windshield never got cracked....but this car's windshield got cracked..does that mean it has an inferior windshield? Of course not, and the situation with the phone is no different.

I don't have a large enough sample of evidence to prove one way or the other, but from reading how many people received scratches on their Galaxy Nexus in non-hazardous environments, it does seem to me that this screen is not a scratch proof as many others. The bottom line is, all phone screens can be scratched, even if handled with care, but the Galaxy Nexus' screen seems to be a bit easier to scratch than others, and, therefore, if you want a perfect screen, a screen protector should be used.

Personally, I always use a screen protector on a new phone and wait to see what people are saying regarding how easily theirs get scratched. I saw several people on here saying their Galaxy Nexus got scratched early on and didn't feel I wanted to risk it myself. That said, when the novelty wears off in a couple months, I'll rip off the screen protector.

sean76 · Jan 23, 2012

binary visions said:
Ah.

Well, just like the battery thread, what you feel is not necessarily correlated with reality.

There are some of us who believe that scientific testing methods, objective evidence, or realistic analysis are superior to one-off anecdotes or feelings.

So, yep, I'll bow out of the thread. I hope some people reading will see the light of reality instead of hyperbole and casual observation.

For more information, please Google "logical fallacy." Specifically, this is called "weak inductive reasoning."

What ever floats your boat and gets you through the day my friend...

See ya around...

LadyX · Jan 23, 2012

sean76 said:
Also...@ everyone who had something constructive to say...Maybe say About bringing up XO screens, basically just offering some friendly advice to me and my lady without jumping down our throats about how we use our phones is wrong, that we're lucky, that we have no common sense, etc etc...Thank You for your friendly fellow forum member Responses...Much appreciated by me and my lady : )

Yes, thank you very much. I happen to think anecdotes are important. Reviews and stories from fellow members is what this is all about. Its good to share stories, opinions, advice etc.

sean76 · Jan 23, 2012

SeattleYanksFan said:
I don't have a large enough sample of evidence to prove one way or the other, but from reading how many people received scratches on their Galaxy Nexus in non-hazardous environments, it does seem to me that this screen is not a scratch proof as many others. The bottom line is, all phone screens can be scratched, even if handled with care, but the Galaxy Nexus' screen seems to be a bit easier to scratch than others, and, therefore, if you want a perfect screen, a screen protector should be used.

Personally, I always use a screen protector on a new phone and wait to see what people are saying regarding how easily theirs get scratched. I saw several people on here saying their Galaxy Nexus got scratched early on and didn't feel I wanted to risk it myself. That said, when the novelty wears off in a couple months, I'll rip off the screen protector.

Thats a pretty fair accurate point!

And pretty much my feelings at this very moment as well...The Glass is not as scratch resistant as others, and a screen protector...Dry or wet app is probably the best solution.

ChiTownJim · Jan 23, 2012

Simple Fix : Get a screen protector . I'm paranoid of scratch on my phone more then anything else so screen protectors go on my phone I never buy expensive ones either cheap ebay ones or VZW ones. Never have had a problem . The screen protectors will get scratched up and I'll replace them with another cheap one .

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

My tidbit:

My wife has Nexus S 4G...she has a scratch on her phone...but then again, she abuses her phone (aka don't give a crap about it). I have the iPhone 4S...like Sean, i am pretty careful. But, one day, while construction crew at my house, i decided to put my phone in my empty pocket instead of in my leather belt holster. At the end of the day, i found a scratch at the edge of the screen. I was pissed!!! So, yeah, i don't trust ANY screens, gorilla or not. Fortunately, most (if not all) screen protectors fill in the scratch to make them invisible. So, i learned my lesson...screen protectors on all future phones.

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
My tidbit:

My wife has Nexus S 4G...she has a scratch on her phone...but then again, she abuses her phone (aka don't give a crap about it). I have the iPhone 4S...like Sean, i am pretty careful. But, one day, while construction crew at my house, i decided to put my phone in my empty pocket instead of in my leather belt holster. At the end of the day, i found a scratch at the edge of the screen. I was pissed!!! So, yeah, i don't trust ANY screens, gorilla or not. Fortunately, most (if not all) screen protectors fill in the scratch to make them invisible. So, i learned my lesson...screen protectors on all future phones.

Thank you. You illustrate the point I made about pockets very well. Pocket are a very hazardous place to keep a phone. ESPECIALLY an unprotected phone. I think a lot of people underestimate the damage a single grain of sand can do to a screen. Gorilla glass or not, sand will scratch it. Also, there is an excess of dust and lint present in pockets, and other hazards. To put a phone in that environment without any protection can easily lead to damage to the phone. Yes it is possible to do it and not have a problem, but if you continue to press your luck eventually something can and often times does happen. I think that is the boat the OP has found himself in. I will not keep a phone in my pocket under any circumstances. If I'm carrying it on my person, it resides in the leather holster without exception.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
Thank you. You illustrate the point I made about pockets very well. Pocket are a very hazardous place to keep a phone. ESPECIALLY an unprotected phone. I think a lot of people underestimate the damage a single grain of sand can do to a screen. Gorilla glass or not, sand will scratch it. Also, there is an excess of dust and lint present in pockets, and other hazards. To put a phone in that environment without any protection can easily lead to damage to the phone. Yes it is possible to do it and not have a problem, but if you continue to press your luck eventually something can and often times does happen. I think that is the boat the OP has found himself in. I will not keep a phone in my pocket under any circumstances. If I'm carrying it on my person, it resides in the leather holster without exception.

And after getting a screen protector, i am very reckless now with my phone!!

I do have an Otterbox Defender on my iPhone...except that i detached the Otterbox screen protector (which just muck up the Retina display), instead relying on my PowerSupport clear screen protector to do its job. So, now, when i get into my car, i just connect my USB cable and throw it into my armrest console without fear of damage! It is a good feeling to not care!!

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
And after getting a screen protector, i am very reckless now with my phone!! I do have an Otterbox Defender on my iPhone...except that i detached the Otterbox screen protector (which just muck up the Retina display), instead relying on my PowerSupport clear screen protector to do its job. So, now, when i get into my car, i just connect my USB cable and throw it into my armrest console without fear of damage! It is a good feeling to not care!!

LMAO @ reckless. That is hilarious. But you're right, if you're going to be reckless with your phone then you have to at least take measures to protect it. Personally, I keep my phone naked. I don't use cases or screen protectors. I am however VERY particular and careful with my phone. I don't keep it in my pockets. It is never outside the holster if it's on my person and not in use. If at home and not in use, it is always on a charger out of the way of places where accidents can happen. I've been using smartphones for about 9 years now and have never used a case or screen protector and this formula has always worked for me (knock on wood it continues lol). Though, if something did happen, I wouldn't blame the phone, because I'm the one who's making the choice not to protect it. I'm willing to accept responsibility if something should happen (also I have insurance

).

krouget · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
I understand what you're saying, but the problem is that logic is extremely flawed.

The conclusion may be wrong (I'm indifferent, for the reasons already given), but the logic is no more or less sound, given the points of reference and what limited information we have about the fortified glass used. Your debate with it, is that my conclusion is partially based on perception.

Again, with all of my devices, they have been treated similarly or placed in more extreme environments, while only one has suffered unique damage-- not once, but twice. Aside from a coincidence and/or luck (of which I acknowledged), I'm currently of the idea that the GN's glass isn't as tough. Nothing in my experience has proven otherwise, though I haven't cared to test any further. Some people have had similar experiences, others haven't...but none have provided conclusive evidence.

The car analogy doesn't work for a few reasons, but the most relevant reason is that the environment is way more dynamic. On the other hand, my phone and other devices have far more consistent lives, and I control their "environment", so to say. Also, if the auto windshield analogy is being made, I know for fact that there are safety standards in place for any vehicle sold in the US, so any expectations for my vehicles windshield will exist on a different level than my cell phone. Though I understand your point, I'd be more inclined to agree if my phone had the similar regulations to my windshield, so that I could properly reference them.

Otherwise, I'm supposed to take someone elses anecdotal evidence, over my own anecdotal evidence.

callmeox · Jan 23, 2012

Screen glass or not, I love the Nexus for its alligator repellant qualities I can say with 100% certainty that I have not seen a single alligator in my yard since this phone was purchased!

Thank you Samsung!

aimetti · Jan 23, 2012

brando uk crystal screen protector

thats all i gotta say

BzB · Jan 23, 2012

another glass scratch thread. yay. rage against the glass!!!! :rolleyes:

lol.

i have a small scratch near the bottom of my screen. no biggie, all my phones eventually get a scratch.

perhaps the coating on the gnex glass may make it slightly more prone to scratches. won't determine whether this is or isn't my last samsung phone though.

Sandroidfan · Jan 23, 2012

Sorry to see Sean's one got scratched. I personally don't believe in any cover glass being scratch proof unless it's made of diamond, lol. I saw HTC, Moto phones got scratched too. I always use screen protector as I just can't risk scratching high end phone like this.

s.m.knipe · Jan 23, 2012

BzB said:
perhaps the coating on the gnex glass may make it slightly more prone to scratches. won't determine whether this is or isn't my last samsung phone though.

MOST of the scratches people are seeing are this, the coating is a colloidal that seems to displace rather easily and not "flow" back to fill the crevices left. That said the glass IS weaker than GG, and even GG is susceptible to scratching. Please protect your investments appropriately, and don't complain if you eventually lose when betting against the House...

bsems1000 · Jan 23, 2012

I've noticed a small scratch too. But no one else would notice...I'm just very particular about my stuff.

On that note...what is the best screen protector? Money isn't an issue. I'd overpay for a quality, clear protector that doesn't impede touch performance or the front facing camera.

Yup....The Glass used for the Galaxy Nexus screen is Terrible!

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