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A few days ago I received my 2nd-generation GPEL Tempered Glass Screen Protector (TGSP) for the Galaxy S7 Edge. I ordered mine in Black. Unlike the 1st-gen black TGSP which was actually dark blue in color, the 2nd-gen black TGSP is really black in color. If that discrepancy bothered anyone before, the revised and updated color should please you.
The GPEL TGSP was shipped to me inside the same packaging as the 1st-gen. That is, the TGSP was well-protected and not damaged at all.
This is what the exterior packaging looks like.
Once you take the TGSP out of the package, this is how it looks like, front and back.
The glue/adhesive setup on the back of the TGSP looks to be the same as the 1st-gen GPEL TGSP.
Installing the TGSP was simple and easy. Use the included alcohol wipe to clean the phone, dry it with the provided microfiber cloth, remove any dust particles with the dust sticker tapes, and carefully align then press the TGSP down on the phone. Afterwards, use your fingers and/or rubber squeegee tool to apply pressure to the TGSP to ensure adhesion.
The first thing I immediately noticed was how clear the TGSP glass was. Unlike the 1st-gen GPEL, which had this sparkly sheen all across the glass (especially noticeable on white backgrounds), this 2nd-gen GPEL does not have any sheen at all.
There is, however, some dots that show up. They are not, however, distracting because they become only visible under certain angles and under direct bright sunlight.
With no distracting sheen anymore and barely-visible dots, my experience of viewing content on my phone has improved very much compared to the 1st-gen GPEL TGSP. This is a definite and clear upgrade in quality.
Another quite visible upgrade is to the oleographic coating used on the 2nd-gen GPEL TGSP. The glass does a much, much better job at repelling finger grease & smudges. It is finally on par with traditional flat TGSP's.
As for the ability of the TGSP to adhere correctly to the phone, I've had no issues (I had no adhesion issues with the 1st-gen GPEL as well). The glue is strong and the TGSP stays on without creaking when used together with my thin-fit cases - OEM Samsung Leather case, Match2 clear TPU case, and the Tauri clear TPU case.
With other medium- to heavy-duty cases, the TGSP will most likely lift up or crack. But that's not a Con for this TGSP - that is just how it is for curved TGSP's in general.
And finally about sensitivity. The sensitivity is better for me than the 1st-gen GPEL. I use a Playstore keyboard app called MultiLing and on that keyboard I had difficulty registering touches on the 1, Q, and A buttons. Not so with this 2nd-gen GPEL. The TGSP feels to be the same thickness as the 1st-gen but somehow touch sensitivity got better.
My verdict? This is a GREAT TGSP from a great company with good customer service. I was already satisfied and content with the 1st-gen GPEL despite its shimmering glass but this 2nd-gen GPEL is even better in every way. I have no qualms recommending this TGSP to my fellow GS7 Edge owners. :good:
Here's the link to the 2nd gen:
https://www.gpelstore.com/products/...protector-gen-2-pre-order?variant=22526613767
How long has it been on your device? The issues didn't crop up on mine til the second and third day. That's when the adhesive started failing and the popping and crackling sounds started. The second day is when the sensitivity issues cropped up. End of third day it came off and went in the trash. This is the 1st Gen I'm talking about. If you go more than a week with zero issues on 2nd Gen I might be interested.
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Gorgeous Echoe Powered AEL Kernel Driven G935F
s7freak said:
How long has it been on your device? The issues didn't crop up on mine til the second and third day. That's when the adhesive started failing and the popping and crackling sounds started. The second day is when the sensitivity issues cropped up. End of third day it came off and went in the trash. This is the 1st Gen I'm talking about. If you go more than a week with zero issues on 2nd Gen I might be interested.
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Gorgeous Echoe Powered AEL Kernel Driven G935F
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I've had it installed since June 22nd Wednesday. So today is the third day. No issues whatsoever. Due to possible follow-up issues that might reveal itself later on, I waited before posting up this review. I'll update again in a week and on later dates.
My older 1st-gen GPEL TGSP was installed for more than 60 days with no adhesion issues.
optimummind said:
I've had it installed since June 22nd Wednesday. So today is the third day. No issues whatsoever. Due to possible follow-up issues that might reveal itself later on, I waited before posting up this review. I'll update again in a week and on later dates.
My older 1st-gen GPEL TGSP was installed for more than 60 days with no adhesion issues.
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Then why the second generation if you had no issues for 60 days on first?
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Gorgeous Echoe Powered AEL Kernel Driven G935F
s7freak said:
Then why the second generation if you had no issues for 60 days on first?
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Gorgeous Echoe Powered AEL Kernel Driven G935F
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B/c I got the 2nd-gen for free from GPEL. When I told GPEL about the shimmer on the 1st-gen GPEL, they offered a free warranty replacement. I waited until the 2nd-gen became available before claiming my replacement.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
I received my ZeroLemon 8500mah battery case & it wasn't compatible with the TGSP. Just to make my phone fit, I had to cut the rubber case with an Exacto knife so it wouldn't lift the bottom part of the TGSP.
After I managed to make the phone go inside the case, my problems continued. The top-left part of the TGSP lifted up & I lost touch sensitivity on the right side of the TGSP.
Once I went back to using my Samsung leather case, I was still having touch issues. So I removed the TGSP, heated up the glue with a heat gun on low setting, and reapplied. Fortunately, everything is good again.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Thanks for the review. The main problem with my Gen 1 is how easily it attracts smudges which had to be frequently wiped off. Is Gen 2 more oleophobic? My Gen 2 has shipped but I am away at the moment so won't see it for two weeks.
norm2002 said:
Thanks for the review. The main problem with my Gen 1 is how easily it attracts smudges which had to be frequently wiped off. Is Gen 2 more oleophobic? My Gen 2 has shipped but I am away at the moment so won't see it for two weeks.
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Yes, it is much better.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Does it fit with the spigen thin fit or the uag case?
Sent from my ONE A2001 using Tapatalk
Don't know about the UAG case but it should be fine with the Spigen thin fit.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
It's been 8 days now since I've had the 2nd-gen GPEL TGSP installed & everything is still good. Loving it!
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optimummind said:
It's been 8 days now since I've had the 2nd-gen GPEL TGSP installed & everything is still good. Loving it!
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
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how is the edge sensitivity?
thegtfusion said:
how is the edge sensitivity?
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It's very good, although not as good as naked screen. I have no issues.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Could you put the link in the description of where you bought it from and price? Otherwise, great review!
How can I tell if mine is 1st or 2nd Gen? I bought mine from the GPEL store last Friday but it has this nasty glittery effect on the screen that makes it unbearable to look at. Edge sensitivity is also worse then without it. I ended up taking it off after 5 or so hours.
I caved, and finally bought one for my phone. I installed it without any issues, but it bothers me. There is a rainbow effect when looking at my display despite my screen being perfectly clear upon installing it. I'm going to call/email GPEL because I was expecting it to actually be clear which is certainly is not. I like the fit, no real loss of sensitivity (maybe a very sight around at the edge), but overall aside from the ugly rainbowing its great. I'm using it with the Samsung OEM Leather case aswell
Haven't tried a tgsp on the s7 edge yet, does the fingerprint sensor still work? Is there a deep pit on the home button?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Rydah805 said:
Haven't tried a tgsp on the s7 edge yet, does the fingerprint sensor still work? Is there a deep pit on the home button?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
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The fingerprint works just fine. It's a bit sunken in but nothing major nor bothersome (at least not to me).
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Just pulled the trigger. Hopefully get it sometime next week. I hate not having a glass screen protector, after having shattered the screen 2 days after getting the phone. Makes me nervous sometimes.
Got it yesterday and installed it right away. It works well, but I have a bit of an orange peal effect visually on black screens, and the rainbow pixelation effect on white screens in sunlight.
It almost doesnt fit with my Unicorn Beetle Rugged Holster Case. and it seems like the near the edges, sensitivity is off a little bit. I may keep it on long enough for a better one to come out, or for the price of the AmazingThing to drop. I just hate not having a screen protector on since I shattered the screen within a day of having the phone.
So after going through many TGSPs and finding pretty much all of them terrible, I found a off-the-wall solution that seems to tic off all of the major check marks for me:
Smooth glass-like surface
Great touchscreen sensitivity
Great optical clarity
Won't peel off (obviously)
Turns out, it's not just one solution, but a combination of two different screen protectors used in conjunction. This might be a long post but stay with me here.
First thing I tried long ago was the wet-apply TPU stuff from IQ-Shield. It's actually a great product if you put it on properly and is fairly inexpensive. The application might be a pain for some (I didn't mind it so much). But I'd always hated the texture and tackiness of the surface. Also, it's aways a bit sharp at the edges that it bothered me to hold it. And strangely, these are easy to scratch. The scratches really show on them too. They're also smudge magnet and look terrible unless thoroughly clean.
Then I tried all of the major TGSPs on the market (GPEL, ZAGG, AmazingThing and a few cheaper stuff) and while many of them looked great, the glare and touchscreen sensitivity was always anywhere between inadequate to terrible.
Then I looked in this PET(I think?) plastic stuff from G-Color
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FTUB74S..._t1_B01FTUB74I
Turns out this stuff is pretty great. It honestly feels as smooth as glass. Looks like glass. Screen sensitivity was awesome. clarity was amazing. I can also atest to it durability as well. I'd been moving my futon around a bit and had the phone perched on the the backrest. The phone fell onto the metal frame of the futon, glassface first. the impact messed up the screen protector and it got warped at the impact site, but the phone glass was fine. Great start so I ordered another immediately.
But low and behold, after another two weeks or so of usage, the edge began to lift. Turns out the silicone adhesive, which works fine on flat glass, doesn't do so well with curved glass long term.
Disappointed, I thought about ways of giving it extra adhesion then I remembered that the TPU stuff is very tacky. So I washed and re-applied (wet) the IQ-Shield stuff. I let it set until all the air and water bubbles disappeared (about two days). Then I washed the G-Color piece (it had lint and dust stuck on it). I applied that one wet as well (yes you can apply PET protectors wet) right on top of the IQ-Shield. Gave it another few ways days to set and the bubbles disappeared. I was astonished by the results. I got all of the things I was look for above. I tried force peeling the edge off and I was very surprised how hard it was to do. I gave it three weeks and it had been flawless.
I went and bought another G-Color piece (this time in white). Of course taking the first (gold) one off you probably have to reapply the TPU one underneath. A second round of thorough washing and reapplying the IQ-Shield (I didn't have to buy a new one. As long as you wash it correctly with dish soap and are careful, you can reuse them). Once again, let it set over a couple of days.
Since it was the first time I applied the new G-Color piece, I applied it dry as instructed on package. You'd only need to apply the PET stuff wet if you're reapplying for second time after washing. The first time should be dry using the guide stickers. The results were similar (maybe a bit better since I was using a brand new G-Color piece). It's been a month and a half now. Flawless. Well almost: Since I applied the G-Color with white bezel over a black phone, its white part is not as bright-white as it could be. More like a white-grey, but unless you butt it up to another white phone, you won't notice. The gold one looks completely gold.
So now I have a phone protected by two layers. The two layers together are also a bit thinner than a single TGSP. It looks completely like glass and I've been amazed how scratched resistant it has been. They're also smudge and fingerprint resistent.
Another check mark that might matter to some, but not me: Case-friendliness. Those that have such cases, this might not work so well since this goes pretty close to the edge of the glass. It does leave about a .5mm around the edge. I personally would have liked it to go all the way to the edge but I don't know how that would effect the adhesion. None of my cases wrap around the edge of the glass so it never affected me at all.
Hope this helps someone.
Tip: When applying wet after washing with dish soap, try not to completly wash off the dish soap. A bit of dish soap remaining will help you with positioning the protector since it will allow you to slide it around a bit. Once you're in position, pressing down (especially around the home button, ear speaker and camera cut-outs) will hold it in place while you squeegy the remaining water out. I like to use my finger and roll it to push water out. Try not to slide you finger across the surface as it might catch and pull the protector out of position. Don't worry about air or water bubbles too much. They will slowly disappear over a few days.
https://goo.gl/photos/ztPVFEuUUCoPqJrZ7
https://goo.gl/photos/TRpAhb6a5gtFmp6r7
Thanks for those VERY complete tips, I shall follow your guidelines reapplying my TGSP!
Just curious how your solution is holding up. I just bought an S7 edge, so I'm in the market for a good screen protection solution. This sounds like a pain, but it also sounds like it may just be worth it!
TIA!
I can't seem to find a good screen protector. I know it's a common problem. I've tried the regular TGSP on my S8+, but didn't like the glare door the dust seeping through the adhesive. Tried several with LOCA, but it was such a hassle and they usually wound up cracked within a week of installation. I tried the wet application screen protector, which for some reason looked perfect on my wife's S8+, but always looked like crap on mine. Finally, I was super happy with Dendrobates updated version. It stuck down, felt smooth, and looked great.
Fast forward to the Note 8. I bought it used, though it was only a month old and he kept a TGSP on it since day one. The TGSP he had on it had allowed dust to accumulate between the screen and the protector and the touch sensitivity was horrible. I ordered the Dendrobates, since it was perfect on the S8+, and it didn't feel like the S-Pen would leave marks on it.
When it arrived, I took off the TGSP, and a speck of dust between the screen and the TGSP had actually etched a spot in the screen. (GG5 is SO SOFT!). It's no bigger than a speck of dust and can only be seen at an angle in bright light, but so frustrating!
I installed the Dendrobates, and it looks and feels perfect, and even makes the etched spot disappear, but it won't stick down on the left side, which is visually distracting and will allow dust under the screen protector. Which makes me worry about scratches. I reached out to them through email and @thescreenmax here, and their response was to refund me, which is fine, but sucks, because they're basically admitting their screen protector doesn't work.
99% of the screen protectors on Amazon are TGSP. No thanks. Dendrobates obviously won't work. And I'm worried about the wet application screen protector being too soft a d leaving marks from the S-Pen. I'm unwilling to go naked (though tempted), because I don't want anymore scratches on the soft glass. But I'm not sure what other options I have.
I love this phone, but finding a screen protector is ridiculously frustrating and annoying.
Goto agree its getting rediculos I wish Samsung back bring flat screen
Whitestone dome solves all
Hi. Iam relly statisfied by Tech21 screen protector . Its dry application works verry well. You will get a"mask" to aline them Perfect. Micro bubble from Installation will get away in 1-2 days.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-S8-Plus-Note-8-TPU-Film-Shield-Screen-Protector-2Pack/263262384028?hash=item3d4ba92f9c:m:mJhylcOrRnO06vA0IhPiPbQ
bought these from ebay & it fits perfectly into my Caseology Case. its not glass screen protector but still better than nothing at all.
I used to have one but got rid of it. With every screen protector no matter what brand eventually dust accumulates around the edges of it and also since the edge has additional touch functionality it's not worth the hassle for the reduced area available. I have the practice of keeping my phone in my right front pocket and never put anything else in that pocket. Result: best looking phone with zero scratches anywhere of any kind. I keep a case on it that is very minimal from Spigen, mainly to eliminate the issue of the back of the phone turning into a greasy looking fingerprint magnet that has to be cleaned several times a day...
Just received mine (along with Ultimate Shield Premium Tempered Glass actually) and have to admit I'm quite happy with that. That's after giving up with TGSP.
Was a little concerned at the beginning as it had an odd "rainbow noise" right after applying it, but after having allowed it to settle that's absolutely invisible. I still managed to allow a couple bits under the film, but that was my own fault !
Of course that's not going to provide the same level of protection of a TGSP but I'd say 5T screen is strong enough and it'll still provide some level of protection against day to day scratches and normal shocks.
I'll see how it goes after a few weeks of use but, again, first impression is more than positive (so far!).
M!
maddler said:
Just received mine (along with Ultimate Shield Premium Tempered Glass actually) and have to admit I'm quite happy with that. That's after giving up with TGSP.
Was a little concerned at the beginning as it had an odd "rainbow noise" right after applying it, but after having allowed it to settle that's absolutely invisible. I still managed to allow a couple bits under the film, but that was my own fault !
Of course that's not going to provide the same level of protection of a TGSP but I'd say 5T screen is strong enough and it'll still provide some level of protection against day to day scratches and normal shocks.
I'll see how it goes after a few weeks of use but, again, first impression is more than positive (so far!).
M!
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Do you have a link??
Amd4life said:
Do you have a link??
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B077T4PMSB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Do u have a orange peel effect?
Also, how smooth is it to glide across the surface compared to tgsp? I remember when invisible shield came out 10 years ago, it's surface was like gliding your finger across a grippy textured surface. It was unpleasant.
lemonspeakers said:
Do u have a orange peel effect?
Also, how smooth is it to glide across the surface compared to tgsp? I remember when invisible shield came out 10 years ago, it's surface was like gliding your finger across a grippy textured surface. It was unpleasant.
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It has the very, very smallest amount (to me) orange peel effect. But certainly not a deal breaker. I came from several TGSP and its only now that I'm finally happy with my screen protection! And in terms of the surface, I also don't find it to be grippy. Certainly worth trying out to see if it's for you. Though be sure to use the 'steamy bathroom' technique as it really does help prevent any dust getting trapped under there when installing. Lastly, I left it for 24 hours before putting the case on (my spigen makes it lift up so using another one) and it's true that any haze dissappears after this time too. Other than some slight lift up, it's pretty much perfect
maddler said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B077T4PMSB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I'm thinking of getting these as I have just cracked my 3rd official tgsp
I find the official tgsp to be extremely smooth and resistant to finger prints and dust pick up, how would you say these film protectors feel in comparison?
Also i found the stock film protector was a mega dust magnet, it drove me insane constantly wiping the phone, any dust issue with these protectors?
yes, dust and fingerprints were a concern for me as well. On that regard I'd say that's doing quite well after a few days on usage.
I had a few bits under the film, while applying, which are causing some "disturbance" along the external borders. But, as I said, that's totally down to my chronic inability to apply screen protectors.
That's absolutely smooth under my fingers and. Not as smooth as a glass screen protector maybe, but still great.
I think I'm going to try to remove and wash it at some point, to get rid of those bits or buy the same one again at some point.
maddler said:
yes, dust and fingerprints were a concern for me as well. On that regard I'd say that's doing quite well after a few days on usage.
I had a few bits under the film, while applying, which are causing some "disturbance" along the external borders. But, as I said, that's totally down to my chronic inability to apply screen protectors.
That's absolutely smooth under my fingers and. Not as smooth as a glass screen protector maybe, but still great.
I think I'm going to try to remove and wash it at some point, to get rid of those bits or buy the same one again at some point.
Click to expand...
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...be careful if deciding to remove and clean, as I read somewhere that whilst it is possible, it may stretch it and then not fit as good when reapplied...
If the bits bother you that much, buy a new one and indeed do it in a steamy bathroom - mine is near perfect and only got a couple of specks of dust around the edge but only where my SPigen case lifted it up
yeah, I'll see how it goes over the next few days. There's a good chance that one of the bits close to centre of the scree is gonna cause the film to break at some point (being a little raised).
I'll see how it goes. In case it gets damanged I'll get a new one.
At this point I'm quite convinced this is the best solution to protect the screen (the offset around the screen even with the new official TGSP annoys me too much!).
Thanks for your hints.
So I've tried about 6 different glass screen protectors on my Note 8 with no luck. So I decided to grab the NeoFlex one from Spigen. I'm actually kind of impressed with it. It went on almost perfect (had 2 bubbles but they disappeared after 2 days). I'm using it with the Spigen Tough Armor case. There seems to be no sensitivity issues with my finger or the spen and the screen feels pretty good, not like the plastic screens of old.
The only issue I have so far is there is 2 spots on the right side that have come off from the curve, but I think its because I didn't center it perfectly when I applied it. After a week it hasn't gotten any worse though.
howie411 said:
So I've tried about 6 different glass screen protectors on my Note 8 with no luck. So I decided to grab the NeoFlex one from Spigen. I'm actually kind of impressed with it. It went on almost perfect (had 2 bubbles but they disappeared after 2 days). I'm using it with the Spigen Tough Armor case. There seems to be no sensitivity issues with my finger or the spen and the screen feels pretty good, not like the plastic screens of old.
The only issue I have so far is there is 2 spots on the right side that have come off from the curve, but I think its because I didn't center it perfectly when I applied it. After a week it hasn't gotten any worse though.
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Full screen adhesive? Pics?
well its not glass, so I guess there is really no adhesive. Its one of those spray on ones. Here are some photos.
isnt this 1 with a matte screen? thats the only beef i had with this had with this and removed it after 3 days. Such a high res screen and the protector brings it down!