[REVIEW][+PICS!] Seidio Surface Case AND Vitreo Tempered Glass Screen Protector

[Kelmar]

Seidio Surface Case (without kickstand)

There is no denying that I’m a sucker for a good cell phone case and, without surprise, I nearly always end up going back to Seidio Surface case. My wife ends up feeling that my case is better than hers and ends up stealing my case.

This time, we got HER one first (hence the Fuchsia color).

Per their website:

The SURFACE™ case is the right case for those who are looking for sleek protection. This case protects your Samsung GALAXY S4 from scratches and drops while adding minimal bulk. Durable plastic is accompanied by our soft-touch coating which enhances the look of your Samsung GALAXY S4 without attracting lint.

- Sleek case that provides scratch protection without adding much bulk
- Case raises the camera away from a flat surface in order to protect your lens
- Precision cut-outs for access to the ports, controls, speakers, and camera
- Unique slide-in design makes putting on and removing your case easy
- Felt lining on inside protects your Samsung GALAXY S4

Fit and feel of this one is likely the BEST I’ve seen. No gaps or overlaps. Edges line up perfectly! All cut outs for the buttons are spot on and VERY easy to find. All cut out for ports (headphones, IR blaster, charger, camera, etc) are perfectly centered except for one that is quite literally a hair width off center. The case is made from a hard plastic and features a soft-touch textured feel that makes it grip in your hand but not in your pocket.

The case is NOT compatible with Spigen’s Glas.tr (it’s a VERY tight fit and won’t close all the way) but Seidio made sure that they offered a glass protector that works just fine with the case.

They also offer cases with a built-in kickstand and a holster to wear it on your belt. There are multiple color options available for the case as well.

Get it here! SEIDIO | SURFACE Case for Samsung GALAXY S4



Seidio Vitreo (Tempered glass screen protector)

Recently, there have been more and more of a market for a tempered glass screen protector and, to be honest, when I first heard of a glass screen protector I laughed. I firmly believed that those willing to buy such a product would also be willing to buy a few bottles of blinker fluid. Upon getting my hands on a few different ones, I can gladly admit that I am wrong. Tempered glass screen protectors are WORTH THE MONEY!!!

Glass screen protectors aren’t without flaw. They can still scratch, break, chip, etc. They aren’t perfect. They DO allow you to keep your screen on your actual device in perfect condition (I’d rather scratch a screen protector then the screen of my device) and, more importantly, allow that crisp clean feel of a glass screen to be used. There is no debating that glass feels better when compared with high end or low end plastic based screen protectors that we are all used to. These protectors simply feel amazing (and of course they cost a bit more too).

Seidio’s Vitreo tempered glass screen protector is no different.

Per their website:

Seidio's VITREO™ is a tempered glass material that utilizes advanced technology to shield and protect your Samsung GALAXY S4's screen. Made from a high grade glass with a 9H hardness rating, VITREO™ is shatterproof, allowing it to absorb more impact than your regular PET screen protector and prevent damage from occurring to your screen. The VITREO™ surface feels just like the device's screen without interfering with optical clarity while giving you an extraordinary level of protection. The design and lightweight material will provide peace of mind no matter what comes in contact with your device.

- 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
- Precision cut to not interfere with proximity sensors and front camera
- Slim profile allows fitment with Seidio cases while providing maximum coverage of the screen
- Allows touch sensitivity and enhances optical clarity
- Easy installation without bubbling and lifting
- Only 0.55mm (0.02in) thin

The screen protector is held in place with a Silicon based adhesive. As can be seen in the photos below, the protector fits their Surface case nearly perfectly (and more importantly it allows you to put the phone screen down without having the glass make contact with the table). Installation was easier than the old plastic screen protectors and went on easily and quickly. I did have a minor issue with bubbling/streaking when installed but pressing firmly on the screen protector allowed those areas to stick and it has not become an issue since. All sensors and the home key are fully accessible when this product is used and the rounded edges feel smooth and nearly non-existent (except for the corners underneath the home key which just feel a tad bit out of place - non issue when their case is on the phone).

It’s worth noting that the protector doesn’t surround the home key. With the Surface case installed, this does not bother me. Without the case installed, I found that my fingers would rub along the edge. I found that this design made accessing the home button easier than with other brand glass screen protectors without the use of “extension” keys such as the jelly home keys (provided) or with the aluminum keys sold by other manufactures. Of course, adding them extension pieces sure didn’t hurt the feel either!

Pictures are worth a thousand words... so look at ‘em!

Get it here! SEIDIO | VITREO for Samsung GALAXY S4




…. and photos...! Photos with TWO phones has the Vitreo on the left and the Spigen glas.tr on the right.

CLICK to see a bunch of photos!

Spoiler

[/img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/kelmarAF/Seidio%20Surface%20and%20Vitreo%20SGS4/DSC016421024x685_zps83014764.jpg[/img]

 

[Steven58]

I love your reviews, sir. You continue to be one of the single most shining contributors to this site! Thank you for being here!

 

[twister6]

@Kelmar, you should make a separate post with links to all of your reviews on one index page. Otherwise, it gets lost overtime. Do something similar I made HERE, and put a link in your signature. After close to 100 of my reviews of various accessories/gadgets, that was the only way to keep a track of everything lol!!!

 

[Kelmar]

@Kelmar, you should make a separate post with links to all of your reviews on one index page. Otherwise, it gets lost overtime. Do something similar I made HERE, and put a link in your signature. After close to 100 of my reviews of various accessories/gadgets, that was the only way to keep a track of everything lol!!!

After I stepped down from Moderator most of my threads were "accidentally" deleted. The ones on XDA are still there but most of the ones here are gone.

To be fair though, I think I was only something like 10 reviews as opposed to your 100.

Good idea though. I may have to do it when at a computer.

 

[gadzooks64]

How well does the oleophobic coating work?

I have found that the quality of that coating varies significantly from vendor to vendor.

The glass protectors do intrigue me but I'm having a hard time letting go of that much money when the cheap protectors have worked for me in the past.

How slick does the screen feel when it is clean? Still as slick when it is covered with prints? I use Swype and I cannot tolerate my finger dragging on the screen.

Thanks!

 

[twister6]

How well does the oleophobic coating work?

I have found that the quality of that coating varies significantly from vendor to vendor.

The glass protectors do intrigue me but I'm having a hard time letting go of that much money when the cheap protectors have worked for me in the past.

How slick does the screen feel when it is clean? Still as slick when it is covered with prints? I use Swype and I cannot tolerate my finger dragging on the screen.

Thanks!

I can only speak from the experience of using VITREO on my Note 2 which is the ONLY screen protector I will ever use on any of my phones.

First of all, you have to realize the difference between PET film protectors and Tempered glass. Film will protect it from scratches, amount depending if you are using a cheap thin ebay screen protector or a quality 3H hardened Japanese film material. If you drop your phone on uneven surface and your display will come in contact with protruding objects - you will crack your screen, film protector will not soften the blow of impact. That is why for ultimate protection you need Tempered glass. Beside 9H hardness where it can handle a blade point (although nothing is 100% scratch proof), it also gives you impact protection to shatter the glass of sp rather than your display. That justifies every penny you invest into the product. Of course, if you have a good case with a decent drop protection and lip to keep the screen off the surface - you can live with a good film screen protector (Spigen, iSmooth, etc.). But if you want ultimate piece of mind - tempered glass is the way to go.

Regarding finger prints and smudges, it's the easiest to take care of with VITREO. You don't need any wipes or cloth, just wipe it with your finger (doesn't even have to be clean) - and it will be wiped clean. You will not see any smudge/fingerprint build ups like with a film where it's going to get smeared around. There is no issues with Swyping. It will feel like a real glass, which also means you will have the same reflection in direct sunlight.

 

[twister6]

After I stepped down from Moderator most of my threads were "accidentally" deleted. The ones on XDA are still there but most of the ones here are gone.

To be fair though, I think I was only something like 10 reviews as opposed to your 100.

Good idea though. I may have to do it when at a computer.

Don't want to take away from OP topic, you did a fantastic job with a review and I like how you used hide button. I can only imagine how much cursing I get from people opening up my reviews to find in-your-face 30 embedded pictures lol!!!

As I mentioned to you before, my reviews are mirrored between AF and XDA, but the problem is that I started with Note 2 and index is hosted in those corresponding forums. Of course, anybody posting a topic or search for a specific product will see results with my work, but it's not visible in-your-face for anybody just browsing. The only way to get visibility is by putting link in my signature. But if the post is in the middle of the thread and I already posted before, signature will not be displayed in there (just like in here). I always wish we would have in AF (or even in XDA) some section for review links with some global visibility for all the members. Although I do review a lot of cases for N2, S4, and N7 - lately I switched to other cool gadgets, something that will be useful for any smartphone users but might not be easy to find for those outside of N2 or S4 forum.

 

[bls]

It looks like the two protectors have vastly different glare reduction. Or were they both about the same and the photos don't make that clear?

 

[Kelmar]

It looks like the two protectors have vastly different glare reduction. Or were they both about the same and the photos don't make that clear?

I THINK it was just the lighting, but I'll check and get back to you on that one.

The wife and I work completely opposite schedules for a few days so it may be a few days until I can check.

 

[Kelmar]

Should have both phones side by side tonight to confirm the answer to your question.

 

[Kelmar]

It looks like the two protectors have vastly different glare reduction. Or were they both about the same and the photos don't make that clear?

Finally had both phones side by side AND thought about it at the same time. The glare reduction is VERY close, if not exactly, the same.

 

[twister6]

You know their OBEX case is around the corner? I hope it will work with VITREO, and also hope I can still keep my Verizon S4 review unit to test it with OBEX before I have to send it back.

I was kind of disappointed Seidio made a decision not to make OBEX for Note 2 because they couldn't guarantee full waterproof protection in lieu of removable s-pen. So, I'm really curious how it's going to work with S4.