Crystal vs. Anti-glare cover, my take...

[gotzaiPhone]

Ok, I've had the crystal cover on my v1 and both now on my 3G. I know that this has been talked about, but I'm going to give my pros/cons on both and what I ended up with and why.

Crystal
Pros:
clear
covers entire screen
lets minor details of items on screen through

Cons:
smudges and finger prints
can see dust accidentally trapped during application

Anti-glare
Pros:
doesn't show smudges and finger prints as much (smudges are still there, just not as noticeable)
doesn't show dust accidently trapped during application
nice feel to it, like a track pad on a laptop

Cons:
NOT CLEAR!!! makes any white screen look horribly grainy
does not cover entire screen like the clear does (and yes, both were 3G covers)
loses a lot of minor details of items that I did not even realize were there.
almost washes out in direct sunlight


After having both, I chose to stay with the crystal cover for one thing, the clarity. I use my phone a lot at night and just could not stand the multi-colored grainyness of the anti-glare screen. I really miss the nice feel of the anti-glare, but ever time I look at my phone now and it doesn't feel like I'm not wearing my glasses as I look at it, it makes it worth it to have the crystal.

Now, I'm not posting this to start a us vs. them thing, or trying to flame one product over another, but as to hopefully help those on the fence. If you have horribly greasy fingers or face and don't have time to clean the screen all the time, by all means, go with the anti-glare.... but if clarity along with protection is your main concern, the crystal is a no brainer.

Hope this helps.

[psylichon]

Great post. You've stated my experiences with and opinions on the subject... nearly word for word.

I would just add one more con to the anti-glare screen: Earrings can make a noisy scratching sound while talking on the phone. Could be more annoying to some than to others. It bugged the crap outta me.

[FlwrPwer]

I really enjoyed this post. I ended up with the crystal when I couldn't find the anti-glare anywhere. I like the way the colors "pop" with the crystal but a note to females everywhere (and maybe some males) wearing makeup is a pain with the crystal.

Everytime i answer/talk on the phone and it's hot outside, my makeup gets all over it. I actually carry my little dust rag around with me to clean the screen after calls. That is the one part of the crystal cover that really annoys me. Another thing to consider.

[24trepid]

Anti-Glare All The Way.........

[aenti]

excellent post. I agree with everything you say. I love my crystal, if I ever get any smudges I just wipe it clean with my cloth.

[mittenman]

Originally Posted by 24trepid

Anti-Glare All The Way.........

Agreed! Have had both, and would rather have a naked screen than the Crystal again. I think the smudge-proofedness of the Anti-glare outweighs the loss of any clarity. How clear is the screen when it is covered in paw prints and face grease anyway?

[aenti]

Originally Posted by mittenman

Agreed! Have had both, and would rather have a naked screen than the Crystal again. I think the smudge-proofedness of the Anti-glare outweighs the loss of any clarity. How clear is the screen when it is covered in paw prints and face grease anyway?

Not that bad, honestly. When the phone is on, I see nothing. When it's off, it's in my pocket. So, for me, I enjoy the crystal. I myself would not want a grainy screen, so its a win-win for me.

[gadgetgal]

Crystal vote here.
Had it for the last year on my V1. On the 3G, I got screen protectors at the AT&T store this time, and they were the anti-glare. Was set to just deal with it, as I could see the anti-smudge benefit. But these particular ones started peeling off-curling up. Never had that happen before with any screen protector. Got new ones & back to crystal. Night & day difference. and made me realize that here & there screen wipes are no big price for a pretty screen!

[MileHighRob]

I've used both as well and, although they both have pros and cons, Crystal Film also gets my vote.

[Ramesh]

Great post. Exactly how I feel. I've had both. The AG makes me feel like I'm using a Treo with dull colors and poor resolution. Crystal all the way.