Related
Just my reaction and my perceived negatives of the QuickWindow Case.
It might help someone who is considering buying it in the future.
But let me repeat that these are MY experience, MY problems, yours might differ
Also excuse my english, am trying my best to explain with the little knowledge of it as I have.
Intro, as I see still some questions and reviews, threads popping out for the quick window case let me summarize the negatives.
(I do have the original LG case for 30 euro, but I do believe most of this will go for a cheap case as well)
For the TL;DR ppls out there. Just scroll down there is a quick list..
Wrong hold.
It ads incredible bulk, might not look like it, but since the phone is thin,
when you get it out of the case after a month of use you will notice the huge difference right away.
The phone does feel amazing outside the case.
When you wanna play you need to put the cover to the back, and its really strange if you play games,
or even watch videos, there is a bit of force that is trying to pull the cover back,
small but you can still feel it, and as well, on your hand you will feel that there is something not smooth.
You can't actually put it properly in most of the car holders... I own an universal one.
You have to push it to the back and few times it just flipped out of the holder etc. Taking it out it will wear out faster.
The window in my case was the reason why I actually thrown the phone on the ground few times.
Finger stuck into the whole and I actually threw it few times down. (
Thank God I had the case that it was a bit protected from the impact.... see the irony in that? )
Maintenance and looks
The open space gets more dirty, more oily, more dusty then any other place on the screen, for apparent reasons.
Every time I open the cover, I spend some time cleaning it...
If you use like me a screen protector (later I will explain why this is actually needed!)
it changed even the color slightly of the always exposed part, I would have not noticed this,
but the cut out part made the protector to be more yellow, maybe due to more exposure to sunlight.
It doesn't age the same way, even though this might be the protectors fault and glass protectors out there won't probably get yellowish.
The case, being used already for 3 months now, shows wearing of the materials, the joints and the soft tissue parts are starting to clutter.
The metal rim or plastic, destroyer of the Gorilla Glass... I do not know who's "smart" Idea was this,
but if I was the one buying the case, having the actual receipt I would try to make LG give me a new phone or money
as this protection cover actually scratched the phone... I suspect something got stuck between the rim and the screen,
maybe sand, and actually scratched the screen. Who adds something so hard on a soft cover....
This was the reason for the screen protector btw....
Software and applications.
3 basic applications
Clock, always changes when I put it in my pocket, I do not like to switch always to the one I can best read
I do not appreciate the randomness
Weather stopped updating, or updates randomly, I have it frozen as I did not like the wakelocks
and the bad accuracy of it, compared to custom apps I use
Music player as I again use something custom, Google Play music its no use for me and was frozen
Are there any custom applications anyway?
The window is too small for my huge fingers in most cases and I have problems operating it.
The controls are too near the rim, should be located more to the accessible middle of the cover.
Means I not able to refresh the weather, use the music controls and when in hurry taking a call is a drag
Have to open the cover to re-check if the person just stopped talking or the call ended.
Or problems just to end the call...
No energy saved whatsoever by the use, the screen is no Amoled.
So no matter what you see through the window, it's all lights up.
All of these problems makes the LG original case just very expensive accessory with no real benefits.
The custom cases only no real benefits.
Here the promised quick list
too bulky, phone amazing without, games and car holders a no go
[*]already showing sings of wear after 3 months
[*]window gets more dirty, oily
[*]the metallic or plastic rim, can be trace back as a reason for scratches
[*]no energy saved
[*]no time saver either ....
[*]good applications not present
[*]control of the phone more complicated due to bad ergonomic of apps
[*]limited protection
What is your addition to my Negative Experience? I will edit my review when I remember other nice things about the cover...
Also I stopped using it and now testing this http://goo.gl/SFK6Nl
PS:Sorry if similar thread exists.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2622144
Maybe this can help... It offer a simple notification, but can be improved if you have time.
I'll agree with most of this. I wish there was another official LG case.
I don't see it as too bulky - it's pretty thin in my hands. More so than the Ballistic Aspira, the Otterbox cases, the Trident cases, or the Spigen Slim Armor. The MAIN issue I find with it is, beyond needing to fold the flap back to hold the phone comfortably, is that it covers the proximity sensor. This means it kills the Answer Me functionality, or any functions using the proximity sensor while the case is closed. Aka: a lot of the touted features.
I just wish the Quick Window Apps were more useful. The three that exist... aren't.
I agree. The worst part about the case was that the one time I did accidentally drop my phone it bounced right out of the case and on its face... Basically makes the case not useful as a case for me
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk
Hi,
I read few threads about build quality of the Samsung Note 4 but mostly I fount speculations and opinions not supported with facts. I am mechanical engineer and I like to think that I know few thinks about processes that are being used in modern industry.
I would like to focus on metal finish which was a decision maker to upgrade from Note 3.
When I first received my new Note 4, first think I did was not turning it on, but inspecting quality of the new body. After few minutes I already knew that there will be problems. I wasn't mistaken...
Lets sort one think up, because there was a big discussion about it in previous threads. Note 4 is not made out of metal. Main body of the smartphone is made purely out of plastic. To better understand it, remove back cover and remove S-pen. This Grayish plastic you see everywhere is actually the main frame of the smartphone. Visible metal sides of the phone as well, are plastic. Metal finish is only metallic coating. There are few processes that allow to cover plastic with metal and most generally it is called metallization. You may ask - so what? Important that it is looking and feeling good... I would completely agree with you if not for the fact that coating is ridiculously thin. I am very careful with my Note 4, but I don't use any covers and additional protection for device. After only few months after using my smartphone I saw first negative signs such as flaking off black metallic paint where the USB receptacle is. Once it stars it gets only worse. later on you have to be even more careful for flaking will continue even when you scratch it lightly with the nail. I would like to point as well, that under this black metallic paint there is plastic. If you expected metal you will be disappointed. Actual silver chamfers are a little bit thicker - around 0,2+-0,05mm. I am not a fan of Iphone but I appreciate real metal body. It bothers me when I see price of the device. I would expect to see real premium device instead of constant covering up with better materials plastic "Samsung madness". Don't think than I am a Samsung hater, because its completely opposite. I didn't change brand since Samsung Galaxy S, and I had all smartphones from Note series.
After Note 3 I'm disappointed by note 4. At least N3 wasn't pretending anything. Not only from build quality newest note is not a good successor of good old note 3 but from software point of view as well but that is topic for other thread.
I covered only one aspect of poor quality of the phone. There are more but to reduce the length of the post I wont describe them. I will mention only at the end that if you are looking for robust made phone this is not what you should look for. I have a feeling that device is made like this to look like **** after warranty period ends.
Peace
Rbn
The Note 4 is metal, here is a metal test of the frame:
https://youtu.be/d-7Yw_XXviI
Go spew your nonsense somewhere else.
EDIT:
The black sides of my Note 4 are fine, no flacking, the USB and area surrounding it are also still fine. I have had my Note 4 since launch (got it 2days early). Used it for 8months with no cover, only recently put a cover as I wanted it to fee thicker and more substantial in hand and to protect it as I do drop it a lot.
Is he touching on the metallic coated chamfer or the actual side of the phone?
POLO_i780 said:
The Note 4 is metal, here is a metal test of the frame:
Go spew your nonsense somewhere else.
EDIT:
The black sides of my Note 4 are fine, no flacking, the USB and area surrounding it are also still fine. I have had my Note 4 since launch (got it 2days early). Used it for 8months with no cover, only recently put a cover as I wanted it to fee thicker and more substantial in hand and to protect it as I do drop it a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you serious with this youtube clip, or it is a joke? I am not sure... He is touching 3cm apart of each other on metallic chamfer which I already said is metallic (if you would read carefully) thickens of the metal he check resistance of i approximately 0,2mm as I as well said before. if he would touch on left and right side there would be no conduction because chamfer are separated in exactly 4 individual points.
Your comment has no sens what so ever apart of some strange attitude.
mark0326 said:
Is he touching on the metallic coated chamfer or the actual side of the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He touched both, 1st the chamfered side and then the side.
He did the video in response to another person who was claiming the Note 4 isn't metal, when in actual fact it is.
POLO_i780 said:
He touched both, 1st the chamfered side and then the side.
He did the video in response to another person who was claiming the Note 4 isn't metal, when in actual fact it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see words them self do not convince you so pictures will have to (self made).
Few words of commentary if you do not understand. picture ***23 show where the coating ends (probably for antenna connection reasons).
Picture ***43 shows that in fact there is a conductivity, therefore metallic surface (like on youtube video you posted)
On picture ***53 you can clearly see that there is infinite resistance = no metallic connection
If you still do not believe on the picture ***22 you can see that housing is in fact non conductive = non metallic
Stop your nonsense argument please.
Rubenqben said:
I see words them self do not convince you so pictures will have to (self made).
Few words of commentary if you do not understand. picture ***23 show where the coating ends (probably for antenna connection reasons).
Picture ***43 shows that in fact there is a conductivity, therefore metallic surface (like on youtube video you posted)
On picture ***53 you can clearly see that there is infinite resistance = no metallic connection
If you still do not believe on the picture ***22 you can see that housing is in fact non conductive = non metallic
Stop your nonsense argument please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you have proved is that there are parts of the frame that are not metal e.g. the USB area, where the antennas are and may I add where the 3.5mm jack is, this is party to be expected as even with my iPad these areas in particular will have some sort of plastic within.
The frame is mostly metal. Its winter down here and the frame gets icy cold to the touch vs. the back cover plastic and front glass.
You haven't really made any point, the Note 4 at the end of the day is a well built premium phone, in my experience, Samsung have ensured the areas that shouldn't be metal aren't you can actually see them e.g. around USB port is a tiny bump, same with where the antennas are.
People are not satisfied with anything nowadays...
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
lordoftheriffs said:
People are not satisfied with anything nowadays...
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed.
I can't quite believe you guys are fighting over a mostly plastic phone. I agree with the first poster and what he has posted makes sense. I've also taken my note 4 apart and you can clearly tell it is mostly plastic with the exception being the coated chamfer which is coated with metal then painted and polished, as well as the screws. Ignoring the logic board which contains many elements your left with the screen and glass covering. To be short the phone is mostly plastic and not mostly metal like the users are trying to argue.
Plastic is very inefficient at blocking radio signals, I'm happy.
If it was all metal, someone would say that it is very heavy and signal is poor. If it was glass, people would say it is fragile and a fingerprint magnet. I believe our phone is an ideal blend of premium and other features. I personally love the faux leather back, it is much more robust than a real leathet or gloss plastic.
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
lordoftheriffs said:
If it was all metal, someone would say that it is very heavy and signal is poor. If it was glass, people would say it is fragile and a fingerprint magnet. I believe our phone is an ideal blend of premium and other features. I personally love the faux leather back, it is much more robust than a real leathet or gloss plastic.
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. This phone is very well built and blend of materials very well thought-out.
The faux leather is brilliant, mine still looks as good as new since launch, while many LG G4 Leather Back owners already have wear and tear within weeks of owning the phone.
While I do think that this is very well designed phone, op is right in his claim that there's not a lot of metal for someone who expected at least outer frame to be aluminum. He is right that under black metallic Paint is only white plastic.
Actually it is amazing how well they have managed to fuse aluminum chamfer, and only that (this is best visible when taking pen out and looking at the cross section). The supposed antenna breaks, on top and bottom, are purely for decoration, and to fool the users into thinking that sections are solid metal and evocative of iPhone of yesteryear that had those cutouts for a reason.
Altogether, there's probably not much more than 5 grams of aluminum on the whole frame. If even that much?
Im just glad that the paint finish on this phone is much more durable than s4 and s5, where even sweat would cause peeling of the fake chrome coating,provided you don't drop phone (it is true that once metallic paints start peeling on certain section, the process accelerates.
All that said, I do agree with polo_i780 last post absolutely.
Note 4 ?
To the op, are you sure your note 4 is not a fake? I mean no disrespect just that mine has been dropped and such without a case, has lots of scratches all around and it doesn't flake as you say. I just tried scratching it with my nails and.... nothing.
If it does indeed have an insanely thin coating then no way would the frame get icy cold as the other poster said (mine does this).
My note 3 never felt like this. Also you're wrong the note 3 did pretend to be something. A leather notebook with the rear cover. But I actually preferred that cover instead of this one lol.
Either way no company is going to please everyone.
I kind of agree with the original poster. There's something "missing" in build quality on the N4, it just doesn't feel as premium as the metal flagships or even the S6. I think it's almost a half and half like Samsung were half way through redesigning their handsets the N4 is the result. I'm not saying it feels cheap or it isn't a nice design, I just don't think it feels like a full premium design.
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
Disagree. This phone is designed very well. I don't care for metal.
The OP's analysis perfectly describes the very well known problem of the N4's "metal" sides getting very scratched up due solely to the use of certain cases. If you've just recently picked up an N4, search the forum for "scratched metal" and you'll see no shortage of threads where the issue is mentioned (my search for topics with those terms from the main page of the N4 forum yielded 84 results).
@Rubenqben if the edges have become annoyingly scratched, there's a DIY fix that also protects the edges from future damage involving metal polish. Very detailed instructions w/ pics can be found via search, IIRC there have been a few guides in the "General" subforum. I've done this to my device that's now about 7 months old and the edges are even shinier than they were before removing the plastic from the phone (it should be noted that using metal polish on the edges lightens the metal color a few "shades", likely dependent on the specific product that you use... not in a bad way IMO, I actually think that mine looks better with the "Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream" from Amazon).
Now should it be necessary to use potentially damaging chemicals on a $$$ phone so that the edges don't get scratched up by a protective case?
I'm curious what other build quality issues you've discovered that were alluded to in the OP? I've been happy with my N4 overall, but I've definitely encountered some issues that seem like they can only be traced back to hardware design flaws... I'm no engineer though so I'm interested in your other findings :good:
My note 4 is fine its metal and the paint doesnt chip so did you buy a knock off phone.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
jazzmachine said:
the op's analysis perfectly describes the very well known problem of the n4's "metal" sides getting very scratched up due solely to the use of certain cases. If you've just recently picked up an n4, search the forum for "scratched metal" and you'll see no shortage of threads where the issue is mentioned (my search for topics with those terms from the main page of the n4 forum yielded 84 results).
@rubenqben if the edges have become annoyingly scratched, there's a diy fix that also protects the edges from future damage involving metal polish. Very detailed instructions w/ pics can be found via search, iirc there have been a few guides in the "general" subforum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more. I had a Note 3 and with the exact care and usage it was perfectly fine whereas my Note 4 has scratches on the metal sides! Yes the metal sides looks better but they also loves to be scratched, without even trying to, just by changing covers and cases! Even the Samsung Protective cover wasn't able to prevent the scratches! With S6 Samsung has hardened/improved the metal so hopefully Note 5 will not have any metal issues like Note 4. Btw, can you share the exact guide you tested and confirmed it works? Thank you!
TOAST
Note: all pictures are hidden inside spoiler tags. Pictures are not downsized. All pictures and videos were shot on my old Galaxy S6. Videos will be 1080p 60fps (installation) and 4K (end result).
A little bit of a personal background on me first. I am a repair tech for a Houston-based phone/tablet/computer repair shop. I have been doing this for over two years, and I have seen and fixed just about everything imaginable. Phones with cases, skins, and screen protectors, and those without. Tablets with cases, skins, screen protectors, etc. You get the idea. I know exactly what kind of protection every type of material can provide, be it TPU, polycarbonate, silicon, and others.
Let me start off by saying that I have never encountered actual real wood in a protective or decorative scene before. Faux wood, sure. But not real wood (not counting the wooden backs on the Moto X here, since they're part of the actual device). I hadn't even heard of Toast before this first post here almost two weeks back. Let me tell you, the second I found my way to their homepage, I was captivated. I had never thought something like this would even exist. It's brilliant. I spent the next two hours watching every YouTube video I could that showed off these "skins". I use the word skin lightly, here. This is the only skin that I would say provides real protection. But I'll touch on that later.
I received a full set of a style of my choice with the option of a design. I decided on Walnut with no design. I figured most people would choose it this way, and personally I find it the most attractive.
First, the packaging. The skin is shipped via USPS first class, inside a small and nigh-indestructible cardboard box. Not cheap UPS-style cardboard, but that solid white American ****. You can see for yourself below. Everything was snuggled neatly inside paper gift wrapping. I had a shipping confirmation on 11/12, and it got to my apartment on 11/16.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I'm waiting on the videos I took of the skin installation to upload and process on YouTube, and I'll embed that below as soon as I have it ready. I need to cut out a lot of wasted time and replace the audio, but I'll have it ready in a few days I hope. By the end of the weekend, worse case.
*edit, 11/21/2015*
Here's the installation video:
But, words will have to do for now. I started by installing the back. It was very easy to simply line up the camera, fingerprint scanner, LED flash, and laser focus. The corners, sides, and camera folds all folded up/down nicely. Next I installed the right side with the buttons. That was also as simple as the back, just line up the buttons and you're good to go. After that I did the top, then left, then bottom. Things were going smoothly until the bottom. The part that goes over/around the 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone, at least for my set, seem to be shifted 1 mm too far to the left (towards the USB C port). I'm not sure if the laser cutter became misaligned or what happened there. It's not a fatal flaw, the microphone hole and 3.5mm jack are still totally open and accessible, they're just shifted a little bit. They didn't square up perfectly with the back and the right piece. You'll see what I mean with the pictures below. Finally, we have the buttons and camera cover. You'll be able to see how those are packed once the video is ready. Again with these, there may have been an issue with the laser cutter. The longest sides of the power and volume buttons, along with the sim tray, were cut properly, whereas the short sides were only cut with the laser through what appeared to be most of the wood. You'll see this in the video as well, but I had to take a razor blade to these parts to separate them from the packaging. The buttons all turned out fine, but if you don't have anything tiny and sharp around, you would likely break the buttons. The camera cutout did not suffer from this problem.
Here now are some HD pictures of the finished installation. I was sent a front cover along with the back and sides, but I decided to keep my tempered glass screen protector installed on top and not the wooden skin. It is definitely possible to install the skin on top of the tempered glass, but that would raise it a far amount off of the phone. To me, it wouldn't look as good like that. If I had a thin film protector, I would go ahead and install the skin on that, but I would not install it on tempered glass. Just my two cents there.
Now, for my thoughts after the installation. The feel of real wood is much better than polycarbonate. You can immediately feel the change in grip. The texture of everything looks and feel perfect, just like real stained walnut. Hell, it even smells like it. I'm going to get weird looks from people seeing me smelling my phone now. Points off for that (kidding). The way the back bevels itself into the sides make it a little more comfortable, too. The buttons are pretty tactile, just about as much as without the skin. My volume buttons seem to be a little mushier, but that's probably because I cut it out of the packaging myself. I will say though that since even 12 hours later, the buttons feel a little better, so we'll see how that plays out. The power button is just as clicky as ever. I really like how the skin raises above the tip of the camera lens, I have always hated (hate is such a strong word) putting my phone back-down on rough surfaces because of it. The opening for the USB C port is plenty big, and should fit even the largest chargers (I'm looking at you, cheap cables).
And finally, my thoughts on protection. By no means is this an Otterbox replacement. Time will tell if this can substitute thing cases like the Spigen Thin Fit (which I was previously using). Without a doubt though, this skin can provide minimal basic protection. Since it is actually real wood, I can see it providing some impact protection on the corners. The wood should cave in first before it starts to put too much stress on the housing. Now, don't expect it to save you if you drop it onto tile or concrete from 3 or 5 feet up. But I can see it providing decent if not good protection from a small drop, like slipping out of your pocket when sitting down.
Finished results video:
Do you like wood? Damn right you like wood. Do you not want a case, even though you've used one for years despite the fact you have never dropped or broken a phone? Buy. Buy buy buy. It's going on all of my future devices.
I just got mine as well and will add my $.02 to your excellent review.
I also had a slight misalignment for one of the wrap pieces but mine occurred between the top and the left side. It's about a 1 mm gap so not really that noticeable, but will be curious to see if it snags pockets over time and pulls away. It also took a very bright light (and for a 48 year old reading glasses) to make sure the top microphone holes aligned. My only other installation issue was even with using a blade to help cut out the small cover punchouts, the sim card cover broke above the removal hole since it is such a thin piece there. If they could fully cut around those pieces with their lasers so they came off with the adhesive backing that would make it much easier and less likely to break. I've also noticed a slight lifting on a couple of the backs corner wrap pieces, once again it will be worth seeing if they become a snag hazard and potentially get pulled away. But overall installation was easier then most screen protectors I've put on.
Post install, a couple of items to note. I came off an Adopted case so this skin is definitely much slicker. It does feel when I'm retrieving it from my car mount or grabbing it quickly off my desk that it might slip out of my hand and given the minimum protection hitting the pavement may not survive (thank goodness for Google insurance The other issue I've had post-install is getting my headphones to seat well in the 3.5 mm jack. As noted in other threads, you need them in pretty tight to get connections and the first time I put mine in (I use the Bose QuietComforts) they didn't seat right and I had to really push on them to get them to connect. We'll see if things shift a little over time and it gets easier.
That all said, I'm very happy with the overall look and would definitely buy one again.
dpwhitty11 said:
TOAST
Note: all pictures are hidden inside spoiler tags. Pictures are not downsized. All pictures and videos were shot on my old Galaxy S6. Videos will be 1080p 60fps (installation) and 4K (end result).
A little bit of a personal background on me first. I am a repair tech for a Houston-based phone/tablet/computer repair shop. I have been doing this for over two years, and I have seen and fixed just about everything imaginable. Phones with cases, skins, and screen protectors, and those without. Tablets with cases, skins, screen protectors, etc. You get the idea. I know exactly what kind of protection every type of material can provide, be it TPU, polycarbonate, silicon, and others.
Let me start off by saying that I have never encountered actual real wood in a protective or decorative scene before. Faux wood, sure. But not real wood (not counting the wooden backs on the Moto X here, since they're part of the actual device). I hadn't even heard of Toast before this first post here almost two weeks back. Let me tell you, the second I found my way to their homepage, I was captivated. I had never thought something like this would even exist. It's brilliant. I spent the next two hours watching every YouTube video I could that showed off these "skins". I use the word skin lightly, here. This is the only skin that I would say provides real protection. But I'll touch on that later.
I received a full set of a style of my choice with the option of a design. I decided on Walnut with no design. I figured most people would choose it this way, and personally I find it the most attractive.
First, the packaging. The skin is shipped via USPS first class, inside a small and nigh-indestructible cardboard box. Not cheap UPS-style cardboard, but that solid white American ****. You can see for yourself below. Everything was snuggled neatly inside paper gift wrapping. I had a shipping confirmation on 11/12, and it got to my apartment on 11/16.
I'm waiting on the videos I took of the skin installation to upload and process on YouTube, and I'll embed that below as soon as I have it ready. I need to cut out a lot of wasted time and replace the audio, but I'll have it ready in a few days I hope. By the end of the weekend, worse case.
But, words will have to do for now. I started by installing the back. It was very easy to simply line up the camera, fingerprint scanner, LED flash, and laser focus. The corners, sides, and camera folds all folded up/down nicely. Next I installed the right side with the buttons. That was also as simple as the back, just line up the buttons and you're good to go. After that I did the top, then left, then bottom. Things were going smoothly until the bottom. The part that goes over/around the 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone, at least for my set, seem to be shifted 1 mm too far to the left (towards the USB C port). I'm not sure if the laser cutter became misaligned or what happened there. It's not a fatal flaw, the microphone hole and 3.5mm jack are still totally open and accessible, they're just shifted a little bit. They didn't square up perfectly with the back and the right piece. You'll see what I mean with the pictures below. Finally, we have the buttons and camera cover. You'll be able to see how those are packed once the video is ready. Again with these, there may have been an issue with the laser cutter. The longest sides of the power and volume buttons, along with the sim tray, were cut properly, whereas the short sides were only cut with the laser through what appeared to be most of the wood. You'll see this in the video as well, but I had to take a razor blade to these parts to separate them from the packaging. The buttons all turned out fine, but if you don't have anything tiny and sharp around, you would likely break the buttons. The camera cutout did not suffer from this problem.
Here now are some HD pictures of the finished installation. I was sent a front cover along with the back and sides, but I decided to keep my tempered glass screen protector installed on top and not the wooden skin. It is definitely possible to install the skin on top of the tempered glass, but that would raise it a far amount off of the phone. To me, it wouldn't look as good like that. If I had a thin film protector, I would go ahead and install the skin on that, but I would not install it on tempered glass. Just my two cents there.
Now, for my thoughts after the installation. The feel of real wood is much better than polycarbonate. You can immediately feel the change in grip. The texture of everything looks and feel perfect, just like real stained walnut. Hell, it even smells like it. I'm going to get weird looks from people seeing me smelling my phone now. Points off for that (kidding). The way the back bevels itself into the sides make it a little more comfortable, too. The buttons are pretty tactile, just about as much as without the skin. My volume buttons seem to be a little mushier, but that's probably because I cut it out of the packaging myself. I will say though that since even 12 hours later, the buttons feel a little better, so we'll see how that plays out. The power button is just as clicky as ever. I really like how the skin raises above the tip of the camera lens, I have always hated (hate is such a strong word) putting my phone back-down on rough surfaces because of it. The opening for the USB C port is plenty big, and should fit even the largest chargers (I'm looking at you, cheap cables).
And finally, my thoughts on protection. By no means is this an Otterbox replacement. Time will tell if this can substitute thing cases like the Spigen Thin Fit (which I was previously using). Without a doubt though, this skin can provide minimal basic protection. Since it is actually real wood, I can see it providing some impact protection on the corners. The wood should cave in first before it starts to put too much stress on the housing. Now, don't expect it to save you if you drop it onto tile or concrete from 3 or 5 feet up. But I can see it providing decent if not good protection from a small drop, like slipping out of your pocket when sitting down.
Do you like wood? Damn right you like wood. Do you not want a case, even though you've used one for years despite the fact you have never dropped or broken a phone? Buy. Buy buy buy. It's going on all of my future devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the in-depth review, and sorry to hear of the alignment issue! Looking at the picture #2 of the Toasted 5X, it appears that that side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional. We have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on everything, so if you'd like another set of wraps, just shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order.
In regards to the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time!
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 PM ----------
rgerrans said:
I just got mine as well and will add my $.02 to your excellent review.
I also had a slight misalignment for one of the wrap pieces but mine occurred between the top and the left side. It's about a 1 mm gap so not really that noticeable, but will be curious to see if it snags pockets over time and pulls away. It also took a very bright light (and for a 48 year old reading glasses) to make sure the top microphone holes aligned. My only other installation issue was even with using a blade to help cut out the small cover punchouts, the sim card cover broke above the removal hole since it is such a thin piece there. If they could fully cut around those pieces with their lasers so they came off with the adhesive backing that would make it much easier and less likely to break. I've also noticed a slight lifting on a couple of the backs corner wrap pieces, once again it will be worth seeing if they become a snag hazard and potentially get pulled away. But overall installation was easier then most screen protectors I've put on.
Post install, a couple of items to note. I came off an Adopted case so this skin is definitely much slicker. It does feel when I'm retrieving it from my car mount or grabbing it quickly off my desk that it might slip out of my hand and given the minimum protection hitting the pavement may not survive (thank goodness for Google insurance The other issue I've had post-install is getting my headphones to seat well in the 3.5 mm jack. As noted in other threads, you need them in pretty tight to get connections and the first time I put mine in (I use the Bose QuietComforts) they didn't seat right and I had to really push on them to get them to connect. We'll see if things shift a little over time and it gets easier.
That all said, I'm very happy with the overall look and would definitely buy one again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the feedback! As I'd told OP, in his second picture of the Toast 5X, it appears that his side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional.
With the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time. We even have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on the actual covers; just send a picture of the misaligned cover and we send a replacement. Please shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order and we'll send another set of buttons, as well as wraps, if necessary.
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
Looks really nice but it's a shame that they don't have mahogany, dark reddish wood alá art deco..
So I had one of these toast covers a few years ago on my Nexus 5. Sure they're ok for the feel and all but the adhesive they use picks up a lot of lint from pockets, general dust etc.
If not for that, I may consider them again.
LAURCORE said:
Thank you so much for the feedback! As I'd told OP, in his second picture of the Toast 5X, it appears that his side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional.
With the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time. We even have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on the actual covers; just send a picture of the misaligned cover and we send a replacement. Please shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order and we'll send another set of buttons, as well as wraps, if necessary.
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the alignment, it's tight on the power button side, just 1 mm short of full wrap and/or the sim card side is just short of coming up high enough. Thanks for the offer on the replacement but it's such a small piece that snapped off that it's barely noticeable and not worth the effort to replace.
For me the bigger issue is turning out to be the size of the 3.5mm audio cutout. I can't get my Bose to get a secure connection. Unfortunately, it looks like the only way to get the opening big enough would be to actually take it into the first bend cut since the Bose plug cover is 6mm in diameter vs. what looks like a 5mm cutout now. Not sure if that's even an option? May have to see if I can cut back part of the plug cover on the Bose.
Other then that, still liking the cover. No issues with snagging or extra lint pickup from the small side gap or any of the corner cuts.
I was thinking of picking one up for my 6p and debating one for my 5x. I kinda like leaving my 5x naked.
If I were to get it I would for sure get it engraved with the nexus logo text across the back. You can request this as they can't put it as an option on the site due to trademark. You select the custom text engravings option ($5 more) and then in the custom text field write: "Nexus etching" or "X etching" (for the X in nexus only) as the custom text.
My videos have processed and are live on YouTube. I've embedded them into the first post.
littleguevara said:
So I had one of these toast covers a few years ago on my Nexus 5. Sure they're ok for the feel and all but the adhesive they use picks up a lot of lint from pockets, general dust etc.
If not for that, I may consider them again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's typically a little bit of exposed adhesive around the edges, but this should never be an issue after a few days of use. We always tell people to just leave it be and it will go away on it's own. :good:
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 PM ----------
ElecTriX666 said:
Looks really nice but it's a shame that they don't have mahogany, dark reddish wood alá art deco..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the disappointment, but we plan on adding a cherry wood this Spring!
---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------
graffixnyc said:
I was thinking of picking one up for my 6p and debating one for my 5x. I kinda like leaving my 5x naked.
If I were to get it I would for sure get it engraved with the nexus logo text across the back. You can request this as they can't put it as an option on the site due to trademark. You select the custom text engravings option ($5 more) and then in the custom text field write: "Nexus etching" or "X etching" (for the X in nexus only) as the custom text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing the Nexus etching info, and you won't regret Toasting them!
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 PM ----------
dpwhitty11 said:
My videos have processed and are live on YouTube. I've embedded them into the first post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent video - thanks again! Those button covers were definitely underscored by the laser... don't know how that passed through QA. Please let me know if you'd like a replacement set of wraps & buttons!
So, a little update for me here.
I have, to my own disappointment, dropped my phone. It slid out of my pocket when I was getting into my Jeep and fell onto a parking lot. The skin performed just as I thought! The wood caved/dented in where the impacts were. There is no actual damage to my phone. A++.
Another note, we have finally had some colder days here in Houston. Because the skin is real wood, the ambient air temperature and relative humidity factor into the grippiness of the skin. It is definitely much more slippery in colder & drier weather, about as slick as an iPhone 6 (at least that's what I would compare it to).
dpwhitty11 said:
So, a little update for me here.
I have, to my own disappointment, dropped my phone. It slid out of my pocket when I was getting into my Jeep and fell onto a parking lot. The skin performed just as I thought! The wood caved/dented in where the impacts were. There is no actual damage to my phone. A++.
Another note, we have finally had some colder days here in Houston. Because the skin is real wood, the ambient air temperature and relative humidity factor into the grippiness of the skin. It is definitely much more slippery in colder & drier weather, about as slick as an iPhone 6 (at least that's what I would compare it to).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
These look amazing. I'm thinking about getting the darkest (teak?) one for my 5X. Just had a quick question. I use a Mountek magnetic phone holder in my car. What I currently do is put the thinner of the two metallic "badges" (that hold the phone to the magnetic mount) under my phone's case. Do you think it would it work to do the same under the Toast skin? I don't have calipers, but the piece of metal is quite thin.
Great review thanks!
bblzd said:
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use the skin without the button covers? I like cases/skins that keep the buttons free or is the thickness too much and the buttons are lower than the wood?
bblzd said:
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in Houston, I'd say (generally) more grippy. But like I said, once it got cold and less humid, it easily became more slippery.
bkjones88 said:
These look amazing. I'm thinking about getting the darkest (teak?) one for my 5X. Just had a quick question. I use a Mountek magnetic phone holder in my car. What I currently do is put the thinner of the two metallic "badges" (that hold the phone to the magnetic mount) under my phone's case. Do you think it would it work to do the same under the Toast skin? I don't have calipers, but the piece of metal is quite thin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a similar kind of magnetic mount. I have mine just stuck right on the back. If the magnet is strong enough it should be okay.
radeon962 said:
Can you use the skin without the button covers? I like cases/skins that keep the buttons free or is the thickness too much and the buttons are lower than the wood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could, but they're basically flush with the skin. It would be pretty hard to press.
Does the camera lens ring affect light going into it? That's my only concern, as this phone is marketed with more light capturing capabilities.
ShishkaBerry said:
Does the camera lens ring affect light going into it? That's my only concern, as this phone is marketed with more light capturing capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a bit.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
dpwhitty11 said:
Not a bit.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! I've been working on a custom case design since yesterday, the first time I've ever used photoshop lol. The fingerprint sensor looks like a full moon to me, so I'm thinking forest treeline with orion constellation above it on ebony. Currently waiting for the ice blue 5X, just ordered it Friday.
dpwhitty11 said:
You could, but they're basically flush with the skin. It would be pretty hard to press.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up just trimming the opening for the buttons with an Exacto knife so that I could leave the buttons bare.
Just a quick update to my experience with my Toast cover. Unfortunately, after 7 months I had to take it off. The cover on the power button had slowly chipped off (kept snagging on my pocket) down to the point it was difficult to press and a couple of the corner curve pieces had snapped off. Fortunately using a hair dryer helped it come off with no leftover adhesive.
Do you guys have the issue?
Bothering the hell out of me
Second device still has this issue
Should I continue to exchange until I get a normal one?
It's OLED screen, how could that be? You could put a photo on here.
edwinpang said:
Do you guys have the issue?
Bothering the hell out of me
Second device still has this issue
Should I continue to exchange until I get a normal one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not light bleed
use search bar too
thread already here - https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/light-bleed-t3670247
It's common. Just like every issue, not everyone has it, but quite a few people do. I think that we all agreed on a few things:
1. It isn't actually light bleed by the standard definition. It is light leakage around the bottom of the screen, reflecting off of the metal of the bezel.
2. It has been around since curved screens have been around.
3. It does not affect water resistance.
4. It isn't being caused by the screen lifting. It appears to be happening because the black around the base of the screen isn't flush with the bottom. Samsung is aware of it and they don't consider it a defect. It's more of a tolerance issue.
5. Getting the screen replaced isn't a guarantee of a fix. We had at least one person on the above listed thread that had the screen replaced and ended up with the exact same issue.
6. Getting a replacement device is not a guarantee of this being fixed and instead, you might get a device with this issue and some other issue.
7. Most cases will hide the issue.
My wife and I both have Note 8s and both of them have it. I just put the phones in cases and forgot about it. Given the number of things that can go wrong with one of these things, there's just no way that I was going to try swapping it when it is likely that I would end up with another device with the same issue and/or something worse.
Because of the nature of what may appear to be a light bleed, logic dictate to me that an exchange, or screen replacement will not keep light from reflecting off the edges!
princeasi said:
Because of the nature of what may appear to be a light bleed, logic dictate to me that an exchange, or screen replacement will not keep light from reflecting off the edges!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the black around the inside edges of the screen goes to the very bottom of the screen all the way around, then you will not have the light leakage. The reflection happens when the black doesn't go all the way to the bottom and light reflects off of the metal. This is why some people don't have it. In those cases, there is no light leaking out the bottom of the screen that can reflect.
usmaak said:
If the black around the inside edges of the screen .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is this "black around the inside edges" you speak of?
Honestly, unless you getting "leakage" like this, there's no good reason to try and play the lottery. I sent it in to Samsung to get repaired. There's very little "leakage" with the new LCD panel and glass, but there's still a tiny bit, not super noticeable like before.
This is what I saw when looking directly at the screen. Yeah, it was pretty bad. You could see it during the day/lit room.
princeasi said:
What is this "black around the inside edges" you speak of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look along the bottom edges of the screen. The actual image area does not go all the way to the edge of the bezel. All around, that portion of the screen is blacked out. If the black does not go right to the very edge of the screen, there's a very small area where light can escape and reflect on the bezel.
usmaak said:
Look along the bottom edges of the screen. The actual image area does not go all the way to the edge of the bezel. All around, that portion of the screen is blacked out. If the black does not go right to the very edge of the screen, there's a very small area where light can escape and reflect on the bezel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm asking what exactly is the "black" that you're speaking of? Are you speaking of the material that makes up part of the actual display? Is it the black paint on the side frame? What exactly is the "black"? Or is the "black" referring to the area where light is not reflecting?
None issue. I'd be more concerned about screen uniformity if I were a fusspot.[emoji9]
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
princeasi said:
I'm asking what exactly is the "black" that you're speaking of? Are you speaking of the material that makes up part of the actual display? Is it the black paint on the side frame? What exactly is the "black"? Or is the "black" referring to the area where light is not reflecting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The black that I'm referring to is along the edge of the screen. It is the material that makes up the display, along the bottom edges. I don't know if it's paint or some other material.
usmaak said:
The black that I'm referring to is along the edge of the screen. It is the material that makes up the display, along the bottom edges. I don't know if it's paint or some other material.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If what you say is true, this should be adressed by samsung. Can you point me to any credible sources substantiating what you're saying?
princeasi said:
If what you say is true, this should be adressed by samsung. Can you point me to any credible sources substantiating what you're saying?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember seeing it here somewhere as well. Someone even pasted in a conversation that they had with Samsung. In the conversation, Samsung basically said that it was normal, which to them means it is within tolerance. There is a much bigger thread somewhere in here about "light bleed".
I also saw it somewhere else on the internet, but can't remember where. I stopped thinking about this issue about three days after I got my phone.
I've found a pretty simply solution to this issue. Get yourself some of the glue that's included in the Dome Glass screen protectors. I know they sell similar stuff on amazon, it's UV glue or something, I'd make sure ppl talk about using it to glue on smartphone screens. Since the stuff has a really low surface tension, it sucks itself into any tiny crevices, which include the tiny concave space between the frame and the screen. This stuff blocks the light from leaking, and it's just more glue, which they used to glue the screen on in the first place.
You can use the UV light on it to cure it, or just leave it. since it's such a small amount exposed to the air it it will dry on it's own. The thing I used to hold the glue was super stuck to something the next day and I didn't use the UV light on that, so the stuff does air dry.
I noticed this when I put on my dome glass screen protector and the part where the glue spilled over had no light leaking anymore.
I've found a pretty simply solution to this issue. Get yourself some of the glue that's included in the Dome Glass screen protectors. I know they sell similar stuff on amazon, it's UV glue or something, I'd make sure ppl talk about using it to glue on smartphone screens. dab on tiny bits of the glue, and since the stuff has a really low surface tension, it sucks itself into any tiny crevices, which include the tiny concave space between the frame and the screen. This stuff blocks the light from leaking, and it's just more glue, which they used to glue the screen on in the first place.
You can use the UV light on it to cure it, or just leave it. since it's such a small amount exposed to the air it it will dry on it's own. the thing I used to hold the glue was super stuck to something the next day and I didn't use the UV light on that, so the stuff does air dry.
I noticed this when I put on my done glass screen protector and the part where the glue leaked had no light leak anymore.
I have read many mixed reviews of this glass screen protector here, on other forums, and on Amazon.
Amazon's the best, IMO, because you're reading product reviews from real everyday normal folks from all different walks, so the compilation of reviews includes the whole range of skill level.
Inarguably, the Whitestone Dome Glass protector is probably THE MOST difficult to install, save the fact that the kit includes an allignment jig that helps installation inmeasurably. I recently did this (this evening) and can't imagine attempting this without such a jig, though I understand similar UV activated glue is available to use with separately sold glass protectors.
So I'll start with some background info to set the scene for accuracy...
I'm a landscaper by day, but a jeweler part time. That means I chunk heavy crap around all day long like a farmer, but on the weekends I show off my dexterity like a watchmaker.
That's important, because this installation requires steady, confident hands, much forethought, patience, and it ain't cheap!
Sooooo...
Let me say that I was really nervous. I already accepted the idea that I might have to decide whether to purchase another one or go a different route and just choke on losing 45 dollars.
I watched 8 YouTube videos on installation, including one completely failed installation, and a demonstration on the removal of one.
The package arrived today but was outside the house in the cold. Of course I wanted to pop it on immediately, but figured that it should warm up to temperature first.
During that time I prepped my table. I used a marble to see if it was level. During preparation, i also prepared myself for the possibility of failure. LOL!
I layed out all of the items like I was about to perform surgery.
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Use those dust removal stickers! Even after you let the glue fall and remove the "bridge", check again for dust.
Don't flail about to much. That simply stirs up dust.
"Relax", is the best advice I can give. Peeling the backing off the glass from underneath it so dust that's in the air doesn't land on the inside surface sounds like a logical idea, and you should, but static from peeling it can become a pain.
If you're calm enough, you can do this just like the videos.
I wiped the edges after the first and second curing with the UV light. I did end up with excess flow out one side, and on the other side during the second wipe down, I had an ever so tiny bubble (if you'd even call it that) on the edge. The bubble was from wiping away the partially curred glue, which pulled a tiny, TINY bit out. (Literally one third the size of the exposed part of the SPen tip.)
I remedied this OCD-killer by using a toothpick dabbed in what remained at the top of the glue tube and simply touched it to the edge, which sucked it right in to fill the tiny void.
I used the UV light several times with the idea that it simply couldn't hurt to do it as often as I could.
My screen literally looks like a perfect install. Absolutely fantastic, as Sakitech would say!
I would say the skill level required for this is about average, but you really have only one chance to get it right, and there are a few steps that need to be followed perfectly or else they can trip you up.
Watch those videos. Many show people doing an imperfect installation with decent or good results, but after watching several you'll see just how to avoid mishaps.
On a different note, I did notice something very strange while utilizing the UV light; there is a weird shape in the center of the screen that shows up under the light. I have no idea what it is, but it shows as a slightly different color in the center third of the screen, nearly full length with rounded corners and perfectly symmetrical. I'm assuming it's an adhesive beneath the screen for the interactive SPen screen? I dunno. Kinda neat.
Anyway, after reading reviews stating problems with lifting of the edges of the Whitestone Dome, I figured I would contribute here by checking in and giving updates as to the longevity of this very beautiful, but slightly expensive and fiddly (to say the least) installing screen protector.
Feel free to ask any questions.
O.K., so not a month, but 3 weeks later:
Bear in mind that I do NOT abuse my phones. I do tend to coddle a nearly $1000 phone.
So far the screen saver has been great. No lifting at the corners like others have experienced.
I have my Note 8 in an Amovo wallet case- Good stuff; check it out on Amazon.
I remain thrilled with my Whitestone screen protector.
I certainly cannot say that I don't notice that it's on there, but it's only the edges that I can see. While I'm immersed in actually using the phone, I notice nothing at all.
I'm now considering getting one for my S8+, which currently sports a cheap edge adhesive glass screen saver that feels like there's room to slide a business card under.
AddictedToGlass said:
O.K., so not a month, but 3 weeks later:
Bear in mind that I do NOT abuse my phones. I do tend to coddle a nearly $1000 phone.
So far the screen saver has been great. No lifting at the corners like others have experienced.
I have my Note 8 in an Amovo wallet case- Good stuff; check it out on Amazon.
I remain thrilled with my Whitestone screen protector.
I certainly cannot say that I don't notice that it's on there, but it's only the edges that I can see. While I'm immersed in actually using the phone, I notice nothing at all.
I'm now considering getting one for my S8+, which currently sports a cheap edge adhesive glass screen saver that feels like there's room to slide a business card under.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here with mine. Very satisfied. Nearly 3 months now and it's been rock solid for me.
Same here, great bit of kit.
Agreed - I love my Whitestone. It picked up a scratch, and I used the new warranty facility to replace it. It's not exactly cheap (around £20) to get the replacement, but it's better than having to buy one at full price.
This one ended up being a little more fiddly to install, but that was my fault - I allowed the LOCA to flow too far towards the bottom of the device before dropping the glass. I had tiny cluster of bubbles near the power switch which I worked out with some patience, and I also ended up sticking the jig together because I cured it for too long before removing the phone. However, the overall result is better than my original install, and I haven't had the touch up the edges of this one at all.
As much as I want to use the whitestone, I have some pretty big issues with it right now. For one, the glass is unnecessarily big. If the flaps that went up around the top were just a little smaller, it'd be compatible with so many more cases. The other issue is the type of glass their using. I don't know what it is, but it collects oil and gunk REALLY well on the surface of the glass (not the edges). I especially notice it on colder days (which we have plenty of in minnesota), but it's like the oil builds up into a thick layer that I have to wipe off with a cloth. All my whitestones have been like this. I ended up ordering a cheap full adhesive protector from amazon, and even though it has that STUPID black border and doesn't stick at the edges properly, it's sized way better than the whitestone and the glass feels of a much higher quality.
jooniloh said:
As much as I want to use the whitestone, I have some pretty big issues with it right now. For one, the glass is unnecessarily big. If the flaps that went up around the top were just a little smaller, it'd be compatible with so many more cases. The other issue is the type of glass their using. I don't know what it is, but it collects oil and gunk REALLY well on the surface of the glass (not the edges). I especially notice it on colder days (which we have plenty of in minnesota), but it's like the oil builds up into a thick layer that I have to wipe off with a cloth. All my whitestones have been like this. I ended up ordering a cheap full adhesive protector from amazon, and even though it has that STUPID black border and doesn't stick at the edges properly, it's sized way better than the whitestone and the glass feels of a much higher quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, no oil/grease issues like that with mine and it's plenty cold here too (unfortunately!). I haven't even had to wipe often for fingerprints and stuff. Not sure what would be causing that type of problem.
sefrcoko said:
Strange, no oil/grease issues like that with mine and it's plenty cold here too (unfortunately!). I haven't even had to wipe often for fingerprints and stuff. Not sure what would be causing that type of problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed - I would say it has one of the better oleophobic coatings.
StevePritchard said:
Agreed - I would say it has one of the better oleophobic coatings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I've just been getting bad batches? idk.
I've had no problems with mine. Looks and works great! My wife's has started to come up on a corner. It's because she was mishandling it and not realizing what she was doing. All the warnings that we are aware of she is basically unaware of because... I don't know. It's still working for her and doesn't bother her. I don't plan on using another brand when I have to replace hers.
After 3 months the glue went bad on mine and started peeling on a top corner, then it went down both sides over night. Frankly at £40, it needs to last a lot longer for that money.
So;
It's mid August, 6½ months after the installation and it still looks great.
To be fair I have to mention that I do have two phones I use on a daily basis, but the Note is used for many more hours a week as a tablet as compared to my naked S8+, which I really only use to make and take calls.
In other words, the Note sees a lot of touch screen activity.
The Whitestone is holding up much better than I expected, given all the problems I've read about it. I do have a very subtle problem spot on the right side edge right in the middle where it has started to bubble. Though it's really only visible at certain angles, and quite small, my OCD magnifies this visual defect a great deal for me! When I hand over my phone to someone (always reluctantly...LOL) to view a picture or an app, I still get compliments on the screen protector, and no one has ever pointed it out to me. (It is very small.)
IT HAS DONE IT'S JOB...
-At least once, because there's a small scratch in the surface of the glass. Again, another thing hardly noticable, but if it were in the screen itself of my Note, I would be very upset. (Give me 6 more months to get to the point where it's perfectly acceptable for this handheld device to show signs of use.)
A CORNER DID START TO LIFT...
Last month, the upper right hand corner developed a very small bubble. I knew right away from what I've read that this might be the start of the end of this screen's life. But I continually massaged the screen down many times, and it actually worked and resealed.
My take on this is that firstly, it's been ridiculously hot in my region. That might've helped with resealing. But secondly and most importantly, I never allow dust to get near my phone.
Dust is the enemy. A single microfiber particle between the screen and glass cover might've made resealing impossible. People pop their phones in their pocket all the time, and because the phones are dust proof now, it's even easier to take for granted what they are exposed to. As soft and protective as pockets are, they expose phones to a lot of dust. (Look at the lint trap in a clothes dryer!)
IN CONCLUSION...
I'll keep monitoring this thread to answer any questions, but I'll probably only post an update of when the Whitestone finally needs to be replaced. At that point I'll probably throw some photos up before I remove the old one.
As far as I'm concerned it has already exceeded my expectations of longevity, and I'll gladly be getting a replacement when the time comes. But I will continue to try to get the most life out of this one despite the small lift on the edge.
BTW...
The "problem" side of my screen is where it had less of the LOCA bleeding out of the edge during installation. Even though the puddle of adhesive was dead center when I dropped the glass on, when I wiped the excess from the edges, the right side had less run-off. Right now I'm wondering if I wiped the excess off of the edges too soon. During the next installation, I'll be sure to give more time for the glue to stay where it needs to.
COMPARED TO NO SCREEN PROTECTOR...
Well, I never, ever, ever have used any of my smart phones without a screen protector. But I finally grew weary of the cheap crappy edge-adhesive glass protector I had on my S8+, and threw it out! The screen would often not register touches, etc, and was an under-screen dust catcher. I havn't bought a Whitestone for it yet because I spend so little time using it that I keep forgetting. So for about 4 months, I've been using my S8+ with no protection save a case that does have a screen flap (like a wallet).
I have a small rub mark on the screen, hardly noticable, but it's there.
If and when I purchase a Whitestone for that phone, I'll post here as to whether or not the LOCA actually hides that mark, as I've read in other threads that it can hide existing scratches presumably because it fills them in (makes sense).
A FINAL PLUG FOR THE NOTE 8...
I doubt the NOTE 10/X will wow me enough to drop my 8 like a wet sock and bolt to the store. I do figure that it'll be feature-packed since the advances of the 9 weren't anything crazy special. But I'm far from tired of this phone and given what I paid for it, I expect I'll have it long enough to have to perform the inevitable battery replacement surgery before I finally upgrade.
I believe the Whitestone protection will help me stay that course. :good: