When I purchase a new gadget, the first thing I normally do is seek out some sort of shield to protect it from scratches. I’ve used a number of products in the past, most of which required wet applications. They require a some sort of Windex-like substance and prior to application, I felt like a doctor scrubbing in for surgery. On the advice of my podcast compadre Marianne Schultz, I decided to give to trial the Steinheil EX Ultra Fine on my iPhone 4.
As you can see below, my older screen protector had started to peel and it looked as if the corner of my iPhone had become furry from the robust collection of pocket lint that had accrued over the past few months. I removed the existing screen protector, which happened to be a BodyGuardz screen protective skin for iPhone 4. I used a little Windex to clean up my iPhone and get it ready for the install. Steinheil includes a alcohol swap and soft cloth that helped to finish the job. When I was finished, the iPhone 4 was pristine, outside a small scuff that was on the bezel of the display. As with any install of this type, you’ll want a clean environment. One stray cat hair could result that being part of your screen protection, so the cats were not allowed to partake in the installation process.
Where the Steinheil differs from most screen protection, is that it’s a completely dry install. I tend to err on the side of caution and apply some Windex to my fingers should they find their way to the inner portion of the protector. The Steinheil EX Ultra Fine comes with 2 sets. Each set includes a front, back and various side pieces. The front and back pieces have tabs at the top. I slowly pulled back the tab and matched the cutouts to that of the iPhone 4. When I was confident of position, I would press down and slowly affix the screen protector to the iPhone 4. On my first go around, I wasn’t completely happy with the positioning. Luckily, included with the package, were a set of stickers that when applied to the corner will lift the screen protector from the display. This worked great and I avoided having to use a fingernail or something that could have affected the final result.
Once happy with the positioning, I used the included rubber squeegee. I thought that it might be more difficult to remove air bubbles due to the lack of moisture. This was not the case at all. In fact, I happened to conduct this install at the same time I installed a Wrapsol for iPad 2. One dry, one wet. The Steinheil was infinitely easier to remove air bubbles. The process took all of 10 minutes.
Easy installation is just one aspect of the product. The screen protector provided excellent screen coverage. When combined with an Apple Bumper case, I was able to get full coverage. Cutouts offered just enough space to offer me some flexibility during the install.
The material itself provides a matte-like finish to the iPhone 4. There is no real texture of any sort to the Steinheil and it made for an extremely smooth surface. It reminds of the matte display on my MacBook Pro. The display on the iPhone didn’t feel gummy or sticky in any way. What’s more, this particular product is also fingerprint-resistant. Despite heavy usage, fingerprints were barely noticeable and easily removed.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Looks and feels great
- Anti-fingerprint surface does a great job at reducing fingerprints
- Includes bonus set of screen protectors
Cons:
- None
Priced at around $24 for two sets of protectors, the Steinheil offers premium protection and a painless installation process that clocks in under 10 minutes. If you are in the market for a screen protector for your iPhone 4 or any device, then I’d highly recommend you consider the Steinheil EX Ultra Fine. The feel and look of the Steinheil is phenomenal, reminding me of the matte finish MacBook Pro display. Across the board, this is by far the best screen protector on the market and I’d have no problem recommending Steinheil to anyone looking for a premium device shield.
Steinheil EX Ultra Fine for iPhone 4 retails for $23.99.
this looks likes something I want! I’ve given up on the lifeproof case, so I need a screen protector again.
Does it has any rainbow effect (noise)?
I don’t notice any rainbow effect with this screen protector. I’ve installed it on my last two iPhones. This particular set does create a matte display on your iPhone. Best way to describe it would be to compare the matte vs glossy displays on the MacBook Pro.
Thanks!
Thanks for your review, did it reduce the quality of the retina display due to the frosted nature of matte screen protectors?
I’d say yes to some extent, since you lose some of vibrant quality of the retina display.
Nice review.
How does these screen protector compare to the Power Support Anti-Glare HD?
Thanks