Hi,

Just got my 1st smartphone and wondered what the general opinion was on using protective items such as a case or pouch for the phone and possibly a screen protector and stylus.

Never having used one before I am not sure how much wear and tear the screen receives and if I should bother with any of the accessories.

Are there any recommended makes of caes and covers that stand out or are they all pretty much the same?


Thx
Snaffos

Zagg InvisibleShield for the screen

I second that, they are great, just take your time when applying them, and time for them to dry.

How easy are they to apply? I find some makes very fiddly and consequently can't apply them without getting bubbles under the protector.

The Zagg protectors are fiddly to apply but you won't a better screen protector anywhere else on earth.

You lightly spray tiny droplets of water on the screen first - not enough to water damage the phone but be careful anyway - place the cover on and put it in place then use the enclosed squeegee to push out any bubbles. There might be one or too small bubbles or wrinkles left but after a few days they will smooth themselves out.

Once it's on you could even scrape a rusty nail over the screen and it won't be marked.

They're pricey (around £15) but your phone will be protected forever

Just had a read up on Zagg screen protectors and they seem to get some negative feedback re the application process, ie, it is not easy for a newbie and can result in a bodge job. Once they are successfully applied however they get good reviews.

Are there any phone shops that offer to apply the Zagg if purchased from them or is that down to the individual staf?

Thx

That's total rubbish, you'd have to be a complete plank to totally botch the application. I had some creases on my screen cover and 2 small bubbles would just not shift but I'm guessing the people who posted on there did so just after they applied it because the imperfections on mine smoothed themselves out after a week or so.

In fairness I've never heard of any shop offering to apply it for you.

i have a gear4 protector on the back and my screen protector was £1.99 off ebay (works fine no bubbles or anything) i've dropped my phone more than a couple of times even out of a van and still no cracks or smashes

Been reading up on screen protectors all morning. Zagg have got really bad feedback. I'd go with Phonedevil, everyone is really happy with the results.

They'd only have bad feedback from idiots who don't read the instructions. The only downside to Zagg's covers would be the price, they're the best for everything else.

I got 10 for 99p screen protectors for my iphone4 and you would not know it is there once on. 10 gives you leeway for some practice, too. I always use a case on my phones - saves any disappointing scratches or dints - maintains resale value - and it's nice to make yours a little individual.

Them Zagg screen protectors get too much negative feedback for me, I am giving them a real wide berth. Sounds like U needs a PhD in rocket science to get one fitted perfectly, no way jose !!
Definite no no to them Zaggers.

Your loss, it's a shame that the opinions of stupid people will ultimately go against you....

Would be good if all smartphones came with a 'factory-fitted' screen protector, perfectly aligned and with no bubbles!

What sort of phone is it?

If it's an iPhone or another one with a glass screen you really don't need a screen protector.

I religiously fitted them to every PDA/smartphone I've bought for the last ten years because they had a plastic membrane over the screen for sensing touch-screen inputs and they DO get scratched.

I would've fitted one to my iPhone but somebody told me they don't need one and, after 2 years of fairly hard use, my iPhone screen still looks like new.

As for cases, they too can be a bit of a double-edged sword.
I've bought gel cases for a couple of my phones and they work well for general protection but, because they're a bit floppy, they don't tend to fit properly around the edge of the screen and can let crud in.

Conversely, if you go for a hard case they will fit better but they rarely fit perfectly and, as a result, you can find that tiny bits of dust and grit will get in and gather in the places where there are tiny gaps and, as a result, when you take your phone out of the case again you'll find tiny areas on your phone which've been really badly worn by the crud that's accumulated in that particular spot.

The phone is an Xperia Ray.

Yes, it is my 1st smartphone but I always try to look after my stuff and keep it in good condition; so its a bit of both in my hope to get a decent screen protector on it. I tried to fit the screen protector that came was shipped in the box with the phone but ended up with more air bubbles than a meringue.

To be honest, if I thought i could fit a Zagg perfectly then I would go for it, the only downside is that they are expensive with a lot of feedback from users having difficulties fitting them.


Snaffos

Just because others have had difficulty in fitting a Zagg screen protector and have provided their feedback does not make them stupid. To class anyone as stupid who has difficulty in performing a task and is prepared to say so smacks of condescending arrogance.

with Zagg, I have found the way to get best results is,

1) Dont rush,
2) Slow down a bit more,
3) No even slower.
4) A good work surface, plenty of space and light.
5) A bowl of water large enough for the protector to lie flat.
6) Wash and dry your hands.
7) Wet hands using bowl water,
8) Peel off backing from protecter and immerse in water
9) Place on device, push out air bubbles, carefully. Dont worry if you cant get them all out, small ones will work their way out over a few days.

I always used to put protectors on, but in all honesty I stopped when I realised that if you keep it in a separate pocket to keys and coins you really don't need one.

You're probably right there - hey at least I'm honest about it.

The reason i take that view about the haters is because the vast majority of complaints are from people who simply did not follow the instructions. Many others talk about being unable to remove bubbles etc when the instructions clearly say they'll smooth out in a few weeks. If only the haters waited 2 or 3 weeks before posting their complaints they wouldn't look so silly.

It's a top quality premium product which is why it takes extra care and effort to fit.

stephen122333 has the right idea and is an excellent example of someone using their head.

Apologies if you felt I came across as arrogant and I hope you did not take it personally as it was not aimed at yourself

post deleted, question mis-understood

Erm...have you actually read this thread?

Accepted, let's move on, no harm done, the sun is supposed to be shining today and scheduled for a nice day in the Southern UK.


Snaffos

Always used one until about 6 months ago, decided to remove it and also the rubber case the phone was in, it now looks 100% better and despite being dropped and shoved in a pocket with change etc hasn't a scratch on it !!! Not going to waste my money in future!

Hi..

Although there is no guarantee that using a protective case will protect your phone against damage, it will at least reduce the chances of your mobile break when dropped.

I found Brando Ultra Clear screen protector is the best. Give a try..