Question S21 Ultra camera lens scratches - Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Hello Everyone,
Been using the S21U for 2 weeks now and I have recently noticed micro scratches on the lens element!
The phone is in transparent TPU case since day 1 and I have hardly went outdoors. I traded off my S20+ and the camera bump didn't had a single line from 10 months of usage.
Has anyone encountered this? Maybe others can have a closer look now at their devices.
Any insights, suggestions on what needs to be done or can be prevented will be welcome!

Really sorry to hear that. Just out of precaution, I have placed a whitestone dome glass protector on mine, just because I dont want to experience anything like that with a EUR1300 phone. Not that much expensive and you get two protectors in the box.

shetty08 said:
Hello Everyone,
Been using the S21U for 2 weeks now and I have recently noticed micro scratches on the lens element!
The phone is in transparent TPU case since day 1 and I have hardly went outdoors. I traded off my S20+ and the camera bump didn't had a single line from 10 months of usage.
Has anyone encountered this? Maybe others can have a closer look now at their devices.
Any insights, suggestions on what needs to be done or can be prevented will be welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how was it scratched? only from keys?

Be very wary of scratching this phone. I recently figured out that the S21 Ultra supposedly does not have the same Victus glass design as the Note 20 Ultra... It has a slightly modified form of Victus that's much, much thinner (as it's covered by another, easily scratch-able glass material...and so the cameras might be like this too)... So instead of being resistant to most micro-scratches, they are actually easier to get and become permanent immediately on this phone (learned this by scratching my display with denim jeans - no metal/button contact) =(.
I'm just assuming that they're doing this to increase their glass repair jobs... Granted, Apple has been doing this with their iPhones for an extremely long time now... But hey, Samsung has started acting kinda like they're the Apple-like company of Android, lol.

im sorry, but you what?
you scratched glass with jeans?

I'm a stainless steel fabricator do I'm in the worst possible job for scratching phones so have the screen and camera protected, ESR TPU for the front and LK glass for the camera, don't even notice they are on at all and only coast 20 yo-yos for both

The lenses don't scratch easily, but depending on what you do during your day you might end up with stuff in your pockets that will do it. There are a lot of glass protectors for the cameras out there for the S21U, for example in the US you can get a 2-pack from Spigen for $12, and a bunch more that are even cheaper.
If you get one, get one of the blacked out ones, You will get artifacts in your photos from the flash/AF light as they get channeled across the glass of the protector if you don't; learned that one from using clear cases over the years.

Are you sure the lenses are scratched or the camera bump? Because the camera bump is not made of glass! It's metal and the darker colors of phones will be a horrible one, especially phantom black!!

That's not the lense. It's a factory protector.
May have been marred during assembly.
Don't sweat as it can be replaced if needed. A very slight may no effect the images at all but because the otherall area is so small it might. Protectors are a waste of money; it -is- the lense protector!
Any added optic elements will degrade the image.
It's possible to polish out micro scratches with a clean, dry finger tip by rubbing back and forth on glass or antireflective coatings. Takes at least 30 minutes or more... if it really bugs you. Yes dry callus is abrasive and hard enough to polish glass.
Likewise even the smallest amount of grit, sand etc rubbed against it by your finger can marred it.
Don't use that opening in the case as a pickup point.
It can also be marred by improper cleaning. Only use a clean dry microfiber cloth. Wet it a little if need be. Ordinary cotton cloth will eventually cause scratches owing to unseen debris it picked up. Seen many a pair of glasses made of glass scratched like this. Grit stinks into the microfiber material away from the surface being cleaned helping to protect it.
My 10+ lense protector is plastic. I live in the desert. I occasionally clean it but only with a microfiber cloth the same way I treat high dollar optics. No damage after a year and a half.
Just use a good case with a raised cam guard.

blackhawk said:
That's not the lense. It's a factory protector.
May have been marred during assembly.
Don't sweat as it can be replaced if needed. A very slight may no effect the images at all but because the otherall area is so small it might. Protectors are a waste of money; it -is- the lense protector!
Any added optic elements will degrade the image.
It's possible to polish out micro scratches with a clean, dry finger tip by rubbing back and forth on glass or antireflective coatings. Takes at least 30 minutes or more... if it really bugs you. Yes dry callus is abrasive and hard enough to polish glass.
Likewise even the smallest amount of grit, sand etc rubbed against it by your finger can marred it.
Don't use that opening in the case as a pickup point.
It can also be marred by improper cleaning. Only use a clean dry microfiber cloth. Wet it a little if need be. Ordinary cotton cloth will eventually cause scratches owing to unseen debris it picked up. Seen many a pair of glasses made of glass scratched like this. Grit stinks into the microfiber material away from the surface being cleaned helping to protect it.
My 10+ lense protector is plastic. I live in the desert. I occasionally clean it but only with a microfiber cloth the same way I treat high dollar optics. No damage after a year and a half.
Just use a good case with a raised cam guard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks man for the reassuring reply!
As I said in the post, Its barely been 2 weeks and I didn't even travelled much, put it in jeans with keys, coins etc. It was lying dormant with little use.
On close inspection in direct sunlight / outdoors. I saw lines which are underneath the lens glass and not on the surface.
I just don't want the image quality to suffer and plus the service center sucks (experience in dealing with S20+)
Not sure if they will acknowledge it or tag it as a user handling damage.
What are my options?

nightoooo said:
Are you sure the lenses are scratched or the camera bump? Because the camera bump is not made of glass! It's metal and the darker colors of phones will be a horrible one, especially phantom black!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lens area only, the bump I know is metal and it is intact.

shetty08 said:
Hey thanks man for the reassuring reply!
As I said in the post, Its barely been 2 weeks and I didn't even travelled much, put it in jeans with keys, coins etc. It was lying dormant with little use.
On close inspection in direct sunlight / outdoors. I saw lines which are underneath the lens glass and not on the surface.
I just don't want the image quality to suffer and plus the service center sucks (experience in dealing with S20+)
Not sure if they will acknowledge it or tag it as a user handling damage.
What are my options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's on the internal side there's no way you did. Make sure you specify that if returning it.
If it's on the inside without direct inspection it's hard to tell if it's on or into the glass.
It may simple be a smear albeit a hard to remove smear.
Either way shoddy assembly. Having put together thousands of display assemblies I was always careful that the internal surfaces were spotless.

They are selling camera protectors on aliexpress. However, they are not exactly sticking to the actual lens as they are slightly deeper. That basically would create s small gap between the camera lens and the protector. I would assume it MIGHT slightly degrade quality in some cases. Not sure but it may be worth trying out.

I solved all these problems I bought
Galaxy S21 Ultra Case with Camera Cover,S21 Ultra Slim​
https://www.amazon.com/Polycarbonate-Protective-Shockproof-Upgraded-Samsung/dp/B08RRTLX71

shetty08 said:
Hello Everyone,
Been using the S21U for 2 weeks now and I have recently noticed micro scratches on the lens element!
The phone is in transparent TPU case since day 1 and I have hardly went outdoors. I traded off my S20+ and the camera bump didn't had a single line from 10 months of usage.
Has anyone encountered this? Maybe others can have a closer look now at their devices.
Any insights, suggestions on what needs to be done or can be prevented will be welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I solved all these problems I bought
Galaxy S21 Ultra Case with Camera Cover,S21 Ultra Slim​

oraned said:
I solved all these problems I bought
Galaxy S21 Ultra Case with Camera Cover,S21 Ultra Slim​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had one of these on my note20u ugliest case ever! But yeah it did its job of protecting.

blackhawk said:
If it's on the internal side there's no way you did. Make sure you specify that if returning it.
If it's on the inside without direct inspection it's hard to tell if it's on or into the glass.
It may simple be a smear albeit a hard to remove smear.
Either way shoddy assembly. Having put together thousands of display assemblies I was always careful that the internal surfaces were spotless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey man,
this smear or minute lines on the inside or whatever is really bugging me!
My experience with samsung support (In my region and India) hasn't been good in the past. They all act as fools who recommend factory reset via their tool for every issue.
My question is will samsung own this or pass on the blame to me as improper handling or usage marks.
I just don't want the already botched up image processing to suffer further.

shetty08 said:
hey man,
this smear or minute lines on the inside or whatever is really bugging me!
My experience with samsung support (In my region and India) hasn't been good in the past. They all act as fools who recommend factory reset via their tool for every issue.
My question is will samsung own this or pass on the blame to me as improper handling or usage marks.
I just don't want the already botched up image processing to suffer further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung phone support sucks, real bad.
You can send it in as it's clearly their fault but that will take a lot of time.
Remove back cover and clean or replace if need be. Make sure you have the OEM adhesive strips needed to reassemble it. The replacement lense protector is held on by an adhesive strip*.
It may be easier to get the whole OEM rear panel assembly.
If you do it yourself use heat carefully/evenly and take as long as it takes to carefully pry it open without breaking it. A small amount of isopropyl alcohol can be injected to help break the adhesive seal.
*it maybe replaceable without taking off the rear cover but that maybe hard or impossible to do without marring the cover.

adamlee2012 said:
Keys/coins couldn't scratch the glass anyway. Physically impossible as the glass is harder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sand will easily scratch it. The OP stated that the marks are on the inside, an assembly blunder.

satanatos said:
Really sorry to hear that. Just out of precaution, I have placed a whitestone dome glass protector on mine, just because I dont want to experience anything like that with a EUR1300 phone. Not that much expensive and you get two protectors in the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the Whitestone lens protector myself it's pretty awesome stays on REAL well and adds a bit more sexiness to the already sexy camera bump

Related

How to remove Glue from Edges-Frame

Hello gyuz,
As mentioned in another thread in Accessories sub-forum, while Installing the Whitestone Dome Screen Protector (https://www.whitestonedome.com/) on my Samsung Galaxy Note 8, there was UV glue spillage all around the phone & now I have dried (UV cured) glue in the tiniest gap between the screen edges and the metal frame of the phone. Please check attached image, I have circled with red the exact location of the glue, however imagine this almost all around the phone:
Now I need a good UV glue remover to soften the dried glue and an extremely thin blade (or a similar tool) to reach in the gap and remove it. I saw some products on ebay, however I am not sure which will do the job.
First of all which Glue Remover is more suitable? Does it have to be a branded one? Or the unbranded ones will do the job as well? Is there danger that the remover will dry and stay in the gap making it worse? Will it damage the color or consistency of the metal frame? Will it damage the buttons (Power, Volum, Bixby)?
Secondly, which tool should do the job reaching such tiny gap while at the same time not scratching the screen or the metal frame? Metal Blade? Plastic Blade? Wire? Some other tool?
Please advise, as I am nearly desperate. Thank you!
Damn, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. This is one of the biggest reasons why I don't use screen protectors on my phones. I've used a glass one on my Note 5 but didn't like it. Naked display feels the best and performs the best. Not fuss, no glue, no BS. Eeek!
roaduardo said:
Damn, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. This is one of the biggest reasons why I don't use screen protectors on my phones. I've used a glass one on my Note 5 but didn't like it. Naked display feels the best and performs the best. Not fuss, no glue, no BS. Eeek!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with everything. if i had the chance again I would leave it naked, however I would still feel very uncomfortable without protection.. Actual screen exposed to everything is a little risky!
OP, wish I could advise you, but all I can say is take your time and don't rush this task. Since as you aware, you don't want to use a chemical or item that will damage the frame or buttons. Don't use any metal objects.
Feel for you bro, you go ahead with good intentions to protect your device and now in a predicament.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
OP, wish I could advise you, but all I can say is take your time and don't rush this task. Since as you aware, you don't want to use a chemical or item that will damage the frame or buttons. Don't use any metal objects.
Feel for you bro, you go ahead with good intentions to protect your device and now in a predicament.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your understanding mate. Indeed tried for the best and ended up worse.
I am not rushing for now, just conctacted Whitestone themselves asking advise on how to fix it, as well as an ebay seller that sells such equipment/tools. He suggested me these:
http://ebay.eu/2g3RySr
http://ebay.eu/2kATYJV
I am not sure about the quality of the Glue Remover and how thin the tools (blades & spudger) are though. Have to make a little research.
That is why also I opened the thread to ask for opinions from people that may have done this or similar task before and to help others in the future.
Warlord1981 said:
Thanks for your understanding mate. Indeed tried for the best and ended up worse.
I am not rushing for now, just conctacted Whitestone themselves asking advise on how to fix it, as well as an ebay seller that sells such equipment/tools. He suggested me these:
http://ebay.eu/2g3RySr
http://ebay.eu/2kATYJV
I am not sure about the quality of the Glue Remover and how thin the tools (blades & spudger) are though. Have to make a little research.
That is why also I opened the thread to ask for opinions from people that may have done this or similar task before and to help others in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before using any chemicals, I would try and use the finest /thinnest plastic card or tool to scrape the glue out of the edges first. Chemicals would be my last resort. Good luck my friend.:good:
roaduardo said:
Damn, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. This is one of the biggest reasons why I don't use screen protectors on my phones. I've used a glass one on my Note 5 but didn't like it. Naked display feels the best and performs the best. Not fuss, no glue, no BS. Eeek!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have dropped my phones at least 5 times in the last year and each time it landed screen side down. I broke all 5 glass protectors but never the screen. That is why I must have a full adhesive glass protector on. It is a PITA to get perfect but for me, it's worth it.
Mike02z said:
I have dropped my phones at least 5 times in the last year and each time it landed screen side down. I broke all 5 glass protectors but never the screen. That is why I must have a full adhesive glass protector on. It is a PITA to get perfect but for me, it's worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, some people need it. I haven't chipped or broken a display since I had an iPhone. Knock wood. Naked is glorious, though.
Plastic tools and alcohol are your friends.
99% Isopropyl should be able to dissolve the glue, and shouldn't leave a mark on the phone (iso evaporates completely and is not dangerous to plastics or metals). A stiff bristled plastic brush would be ideal, maybe an old toothbrush. The thinner and stiffer the bristles, the better.
The iso will dissolve the glue, but you'll need to mechanically agitate it to remove it completely. Bear in mind that traces of iso having touched the glue will streak glass , so a second/third rinse with iso may be necessary.
I'd be careful about getting iso into the switches, as long term iso can degrade rubber (switch seals etc) but as long as you clean, then dry out effectively there shouldn't be an issue (iso will evaporate at room temp in any case). Covering the switches with tape could help, but iso is so thin it will probably go under the tape, and will likely dissolve the glue on the tape too!
e: Whatever you do don't use acetone or any other stronger solvent. Depending on the plastics used acetone will eat right through them, and may affect the finish on other parts too.
Iso really is a decent cleaning solution for most electronic devices.
e ii: Oh, and if you use an old toothbrush, make sure it's very clean. Getting some toothpaste grit on the screen and rubbing it in with a brush would be tragic. Maybe even buy a brand new brush just for this job? Not too expensive for the job, imho.
Limeybastard said:
Before using any chemicals, I would try and use the finest /thinnest plastic card or tool to scrape the glue out of the edges first. Chemicals would be my last resort. Good luck my friend.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm trying to find such thin tool made of plastic. Cards are too thick for it. It needs to be so thin that can cut you..like razor blades maybe even thinner.
Warlord1981 said:
Yes I'm trying to find such thin tool made of plastic. Cards are too thick for it. It needs to be so thin that can cut you..like razor blades maybe even thinner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Packaging plastic is often thin and stiff... Cut it into a triangle and see if you can get "under" the glue in the gap.
roaduardo said:
I understand, some people need it. I haven't chipped or broken a display since I had an iPhone. Knock wood. Naked is glorious, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAH, SNAP! Same here, last phone I ever broke was my last iphone I owned , it was the iphone 4s. That was when I was drinking also,
Nekid, is always glorious, without a shadow of a doubt. But I am too shy and need coverage.
iPhone screens can be so brittle. I got used to changing screens for friends at work. During lunch they'd bring me their replacement display kits that they ordered from Ebay and I'd replace their broken screen for some Subway (as payment).
Warlord1981 said:
Yes I'm trying to find such thin tool made of plastic. Cards are too thick for it. It needs to be so thin that can cut you..like razor blades maybe even thinner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, but not metal.
What i used after installing the whitedome was a sheet of paper, running the corner around gap. Cleaned it easily this way.
princeasi said:
What i used after installing the whitedome was a sheet of paper, running the corner around gap. Cleaned it easily this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think OP needs something as thin but stiffer as his glue is cured fully now.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
I think OP needs something as thin but stiffer as his glue is cured fully now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The glue stays soft. If you run the paper around it, it will come up. After about a half a cycle thru, I would cut the edge of the paper each time so that I can continue with a firm edge. I did this after a week of installation.
princeasi said:
The glue stays soft. If you run the paper around it, it will come up. After about a half a cycle thru, I would cut the edge of the paper each time so that I can continue with a firm edge. I did this after a week of installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guyz you won't believe it! For the past 2 hours I was doing exactly that! Actually what worked best was a piece of paper that had the dust removal stickers on it (got it from the Olixar Sentinel Case/Screen Protector kit), which is more firm than plain A4 paper. And I was cutting it all the time to keep its sharpness. At some point it finished and I used just plain A4 paper, which wasn't the same but it kinda worked as well..
I was running it inch by inch around the whole frame, taking out glue (indeed soft) little by little! I think it's much better now, though I think I will do another round in the near future.
well after watching videos.. I could see I never needed ALL of that small tube of glue. I always use some kind of screen protector. I like to sell or give away. And you can ALWAYS tell the used phones that never had a screen protector. Always some kind of scratches.. For me selling it mint.. gets more money.
So use some kind of plastic not metal blade to get the excess glue off. It comes off so easily
Warlord1981 said:
First of all which Glue Remover is more suitable? Does it have to be a branded one? Or the unbranded ones will do the job as well? Is there danger that the remover will dry and stay in the gap making it worse? Will it damage the color or consistency of the metal frame? Will it damage the buttons (Power, Volum, Bixby)?
Secondly, which tool should do the job reaching such tiny gap while at the same time not scratching the screen or the metal frame? Metal Blade? Plastic Blade? Wire? Some other tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue with mine and all I used is the film that you remove from the Glass protector before application.. cut off small squares and I ran that in the tiny gaps but making sure you don't go too deep.. Patience and time is must..
I do have a question though.. What is the best thing to use if I wanted to remove my protector off, clean the cured adhesive and use the 2nd bottle to reapply??

Note 20 Ultra 5G Camera Replacement Glass

Any idea where to get a replacement glass shipped to US asap?
A few local shops can get it, but want 100 for parts/repair. I have already removed to shattered nice and clean, but can't seem to find anywhere that has the replacement glass available.
Thanks.
Edit: Any local shop I stopped in only had the s20...
Spoke to Samsung $117.98 for rear camera glass replacement mail in repair w/ shipping...
Then I ask price if the front glass on the same phone is cracked with the super gorilla glass...SAME PRICE.
It will sit in the box til we're able to find one online somewhere.
Please lmk if u see the glass, not a protector. Thanks.
Samsung will only replace the entire back panel if the camera breaks. I broke my S20 Ultra and had to do this, they replaced the whole back panel at UbreakiFix. I got them to custom make a grey 512GB S20 Ultra which was cool.
Still looking for the Ultra rear camera glass replacement only.
Anyone able to confirm if the the glass opening on the rear camera is identical on the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra?
jculotta said:
Any idea where to get a replacement glass shipped to US asap?
A few local shops can get it, but want 100 for parts/repair. I have already removed to shattered nice and clean, but can't seem to find anywhere that has the replacement glass available.
Thanks.
Edit: Any local shop I stopped in only had the s20...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you break it? Did it slip and fall from your hands?
Did it break in a cover?
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JVD15LS/
Found and replaced broken rear camera glass thanks to COCO on amazon. Its amazing they ship a better replacement part then Samsung did OEM on a $1300 device.
The phone slipped out the front pocket of my gym shorts and fell 2ft to the ground, in a case. No screen or lens protector. LVP flooring, not even cement or tile. Rear camera glass cracked only.
Issue is that samsung used a bead of adhesive only around the perimeter of the glass, leaving the middle VERY vulnerable. The replacement adhesive is much more thorough and comprehensive. Glass fits perfect.
[/COLOR]
jculotta said:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JVD15LS/
Found and replaced broken rear camera glass thanks to COCO on amazon. Its amazing they ship a better replacement part then Samsung did OEM on a $1300 device.
The phone slipped out the front pocket of my gym shorts and fell 2ft to the ground, in a case. No screen or lens protector. LVP flooring, not even cement or tile. Rear camera glass cracked only.
Issue is that samsung used a bead of adhesive only around the perimeter of the glass, leaving the middle VERY vulnerable. The replacement adhesive is much more thorough and comprehensive. Glass fits perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What case was it in so we know not to use that one.
jculotta said:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JVD15LS/
Found and replaced broken rear camera glass thanks to COCO on amazon. Its amazing they ship a better replacement part then Samsung did OEM on a $1300 device.
The phone slipped out the front pocket of my gym shorts and fell 2ft to the ground, in a case. No screen or lens protector. LVP flooring, not even cement or tile. Rear camera glass cracked only.
Issue is that samsung used a bead of adhesive only around the perimeter of the glass, leaving the middle VERY vulnerable. The replacement adhesive is much more thorough and comprehensive. Glass fits perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a better case. Your lucky that's all that broke.
I use the Zizo Bolt on my 10+ It's sucked up some good falls on concrete without a scratch. It has good cam protection.
Remember though if a case takes a hard corner impact(s) it might be a good idea to replace it; material fatigue can degrade its impact protection. If the urethane has been stressed it has a shiny appearance at the stress point.
Hi guys! I have the same problem than you. Only than my glass got scratched it seems with a key in the pocket! It is small but i would like to find a replacement.
That vendor you post it seems no longer has it, have you found any replacement for a mystic bronze note 20 ultra???
Thank you very much!
My son has broken his S20+ Ultra camera lens twice. Once when it was laying face down on sidewalk. Dog walked on it and cracked camera lens. It was in the OEM flip case. The second time kit broke was from a drop in a full Sheldon leather wallet case.
With that family history I have been worried about my Note 20 Ultra. I started ordering and then returning improper cases via Amazon until I found an acceptable.
These are my personal requirements :
1) wallet / flip style case to protect screen and camera
2) case must have a clasp to keep wallet closed if dropped
3) all case corners must be constructed to absorb and protect from shock stresses
4) case construction around camera must be higher than the camera lens and should grip the lens bump solidly - especially along the thin edge
5) wireless charging with phone in case can be sacrificed for good case protection
Hours of web searches and research followed by trying 4 different cases ended with...
*** Visoul Samsung Note 20 Ultra Wallet case
- thick leather case - strong magnetic clasp - proper TPU inner case to hold the phone - camera is held firm - case is well raised above lens face.
Our past phones were protected in Otterbox Strada cases. Otterbox, doesn't make the Strada for Note20's
I hope my experience helps.
blackhawk said:
Get a better case. Your lucky that's all that broke.
I use the Zizo Bolt on my 10+ It's sucked up some good falls on concrete without a scratch. It has good cam protection.
Remember though if a case takes a hard corner impact(s) it might be a good idea to replace it; material fatigue can degrade its impact protection. If the urethane has been stressed it has a shiny appearance at the stress point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.
I've used the UAG Monarch for my last 4 Note devices (this, Note 10+, Note 8, & Note 4 Edge).
Each iteration, their cases seem to be built with less integrity - however, this is the first chip/crack/anything other than a scratch any of my devices has suffered while sporting a high end UAG case, so I don't think the case is to blame.
I can tell you from just a physics standpoint after observing the construction in removing the broken glass, the method Samsung engineers decided on of suspending the glass adhesive ONLY around the perimeter of the bezel will lead to many other Note 20 Ultra rear camera glass breaking.
javulito said:
Hi guys! I have the same problem than you. Only than my glass got scratched it seems with a key in the pocket! It is small but i would like to find a replacement.
That vendor you post it seems no longer has it, have you found any replacement for a mystic bronze note 20 ultra???
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the mystic bronze device and saw the vendor was sold out, but the Mystic Black replacement worked perfect for me. Proceed as you may
jculotta said:
Good point.
I've used the UAG Monarch for my last 4 Note devices (this, Note 10+, Note 8, & Note 4 Edge).
Each iteration, their cases seem to be built with less integrity - however, this is the first chip/crack/anything other than a scratch any of my devices has suffered while sporting a high end UAG case, so I don't think the case is to blame.
I can tell you from just a physics standpoint after observing the construction in removing the broken glass, the method Samsung engineers decided on of suspending the glass adhesive ONLY around the perimeter of the bezel will lead to many other Note 20 Ultra rear camera glass breaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never have my 10+ out of it's case except to do maintenance. Same with the screen protector.
This type of phone design needs a case with military drop specs. I favor the 2 piece composite systems; semi-hard urethane that goes around the phone with a polycarbonate clip on backing to stabilize it and hold it firmly in place. A back with a clip adds another layer.
I don't expect them to survive a 6 foot fall but a surviving a 2-3 foot fall onto concrete is needed.
Cases need not be waterproof as these phones are well sealed.
Pay close attention to the cam, the corners especially the spen corner. That's my 10+'s favorite landing spot.
The cam guard needs to be about 4-5+ mm high.
Make sure there are raised front guards on the top and bottom as well as slightly raised sides for face plants.
The side guards will also help stop accidental touches but still keep the curved screen's functionality.
For the 10+ the Bolt case rocks.
Can't say how the 20U version performs though. It seems to come with a screen protector which I question, the 10+ version does not.
Make sure there's enough beef to keep it from becoming hamburger...

Question Will rear camera protectors damage the painted area on the S21 Ultra when trying to remove them?

Just wondering the sticky residue from a camera protector would damage the painted surface of the rear cameras on the S21 Ultra?
Jerryrig shows that this painted surface scratches pretty easily and just wondering if using a camera protector is a good idea or not?
Seen several people saying that camera protectors are hard to remove from the Ultra, broke, cracked and damaged the painted area trying to remove.
Have the Whitestone dome ones coming and think I'll hold off installing these.
felloffthetruck said:
Seen several people saying that camera protectors are hard to remove from the Ultra, broke, cracked and damaged the painted area trying to remove.
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I was looking at the customer reviews for the LK, ESR, Spigen, and amFilm S21 Ultra camera screen protectors and I did not find anyone complaining about the damaged painted area when removing the protector. Where did you find these comments? I found some complaints about the blurriness of the photos, though.
aslg said:
I was looking at the customer reviews for the LK, ESR, Spigen, and amFilm S21 Ultra camera screen protectors and I did not find anyone complaining about the damaged painted area when removing the protector. Where did you find these comments? I found some complaints about the blurriness of the photos, though.
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Seen several different ones on Amazon reviews. Here is one from the AmFilm camera protectors:
Avi lupo
1.0 out of 5 stars Unless you want to ruin your camera DO NOT BUY
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2021
Color: BlackVerified Purchase
These things are near impossible to take off. I misplaced mine and wanted to try reapplying a new one. While attempting to take it off it shattered into a million piece by piece, while still being glued onto my camera. Wanted to protect my camera but instead I had it scratched by the shattered protector. Took me over an hour to get it completely off, and by then the damage had already been done BUYER BEWARE
It already has a built in factory lens/camera protector. Nothing else other than a good case with a raised cam module guard is needed.
My 10+ is nearly a year and a half old. I live in a desert town; wind, sand, dust and grit. Zero damage to the plastic factory cam protector.
I use a Zizo Bolt case with a raised cam guard (do not use a case cam hole as a finger grip to take it out of your pocket!).
All I do is avoid touching it except to clean it occasionally with a dry microfiber cloth.
Just keep your fingers* off of it and you'll be fine.
They're replaceable anyway...
*dry finger/palms are abrasive. Enough so as to be able to polish glass. Any grit or sand on your finger can easily mar the surface.
I agree that the amfilm has very, very strong adhesive. It was hard to remove but thankfully it didn't crack and the paint didn't come off.
It caused condensation due to the gap between the protector and the lens glass so I had to take it out. And if you do want a camera protector, make sure the are cutouts for the camera holes. Kinda negates the protector but I suppose that's if you want to protect the metal frame.
I posted in the other thread, but mine shattered because of the adhesive and caused light scratches on the metal.
It's different from past generations since these camera bumps are metal. Old tempered glass adhesive isn't strong enough and they're using stronger stuff.
felloffthetruck said:
Just wondering the sticky residue from a camera protector would damage the painted surface of the rear cameras on the S21 Ultra?
Jerryrig shows that this painted surface scratches pretty easily and just wondering if using a camera protector is a good idea or not?
Seen several people saying that camera protectors are hard to remove from the Ultra, broke, cracked and damaged the painted area trying to remove.
Have the Whitestone dome ones coming and think I'll hold off installing these.
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Click to collapse
Possible, I do not know these products.
But as some one else said, the glass itself very probably don't need protection. The aluminium though, yeah.
I plan to get a dbrand skin which is just a sticker that will cover the metal part, and a case as well for when on a trip (remember those?) and such.
In my opinion, that should be enough.
I bought the whitestone protector, didn't think about taking it off...
felloffthetruck said:
Seen several different ones on Amazon reviews. Here is one from the AmFilm camera protectors...
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Thanks! If I understood it right, the scratches on the aluminum camera housing were not caused by the strong glue but by the glass shards (glass is harder than aluminum).
I was thinking to protect just the camera housing with a dbrand camera skin. The black carbon fiber skin looks very nice on the phantom black S21 Ultra. It is also very cheap.
Did anyone have any issue removing dbrand skins from a metal camera housing?
These things are close to difficult to take off. I lost mine and needed to have a go at reapplying another one. While endeavoring to take it off it broke into 1,000,000 piece by piece,if you want while as yet being stuck onto my camera. Needed to safeguard my camera yet rather I had it but if you want to paint the mobile you can also use floor paint to paint the mobile and scratched by the broke defender. Took me more than an hour to get it totally off, and by then the harm had proactively been done Purchaser Be careful....
DaniellaAmato87 said:
These things are close to difficult to take off. I lost mine and needed to have a go at reapplying another one. While endeavoring to take it off it broke into 1,000,000 piece by piece,if you want while as yet being stuck onto my camera. Needed to safeguard my camera yet rather I had it but if you want to paint the mobile you can also use floor paint to paint the mobile and scratched by the broke defender. Took me more than an hour to get it totally off, and by then the harm had proactively been done Purchaser Be careful....
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See my above post. The less you screw around with the builtin factory protector the better off it will be.

Question S21 Ultra tempered glass screen protector

Tried to search for a thread talking about tempered glass screen protectors for S21 ultra and had no luck. Anybody have good recommendations for a decent one that's priced well?
I bought this screen protector from Amazon. It fits great: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RYXF8F6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I know it's definitely worth it for the phone but anything a little cheaper. $40 is completely reasonable for two especially because it's a $1200 phone
Get a good case with raised guards around the screen and good corner protection.
That should be your primary screen protection.
That plus a wet apply urethane screen protector works fine.
Glass does not compress and is subject to the laws of hydraulics. It can behave in strange and seemingly unpredictable ways to stress.
anish88 said:
I know it's definitely worth it for the phone but anything a little cheaper. $40 is completely reasonable for two especially because it's a $1200 phone
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Spigen has one for 30
blackhawk said:
Get a good case with raised guards around the screen and good corner protection.
That should be your primary screen protection.
That plus a wet apply urethane screen protector works fine.
Glass does not compress and is subject to the laws of hydraulics. It can behave in strange and seemingly unpredictable ways to stress.
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Definitely agree with that! Does the camera need protection as well?
anish88 said:
Definitely agree with that! Does the camera need protection as well?
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Click to collapse
A raised case guard around the module and just keep your fingers off it.
The outside glass is the factory lense guard; it's replaceable. I operated my 10+ like this for almost a year and a half. I clean it with a dry microfiber cloth as needed. It's made of plastic. No scratches on it whatsoever... and I like in a dusty desert town.
blackhawk said:
A raised case guard around the module and just keep your fingers off it.
The outside glass is the factory lense guard; it's replaceable. I operated my 10+ like this for almost a year and a half. I clean it with a dry microfiber cloth as needed. It's made of plastic. No scratches on it whatsoever... and I like in a dusty desert town.
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It's replaceable? Is that easy? I have a raised case but im coming from an s9+ and didn't protect that which was fine. I just want to protect it as well as I can.
Also I found a deal for the amfilm protector if you guys want.
Galaxy S21 Ultra
(2 Pack) amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Galaxy S21 Ultra [amazon.com] 5G 6.8 Inch, Fully Compatible with UltraSonic Fingerprint Scanner, UV Gel Application
20% off Coupon Code to make final price $19.99 use code: Q3HIKIHR
Plus this 30% OFF Universal Claim code (For Galaxy S21 products): MLIX9RW8
Brought it to 19.99
anish88 said:
It's replaceable? Is that easy? I have a raised case but im coming from an s9+ and didn't protect that which was fine. I just want to protect it as well as I can.
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Not sure how it's mounted on that phone. The 10+'s looks like it uses a adhesive strip and pops out. Might need to replace the back panel though.
You'll probably need to replace the battery long before the lense guard.
Not sure why people focus on this as with a good case it's well protected and relatively easy to replace. The display and frame are not...
Phone fell out of my pants pocket in the car. Hit the seat and the metal guard underneath the seat. Glass scratched on screen already....needless to say that just about anything will scratch the glass that is metal
Chavist1 said:
Glass scratched on screen already....needless to say that just about anything will scratch the glass that is metal
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Can you elaborate - what was the situation with your screen?
1) did you scratch the pre-installed protector the phone shipped with, and the glass screen underneath is still fine?
2) did you scratch the naked gorilla glass screen because you had peeled off the pre-installed protector?
3) did you install your own glass protector, and that's what scratched here?
4) other situation?
Samsung pre-installs a plastic film screen protector for you, so dont flip out about small scratches on the display.
WHITESTONE DOME , always Whitestone Dome. I spend >1300 on a phone, you're G**damn right I'm gonna drop 75-90 on my glass cover.
The new one is almost totally automated. These guys are incredible. When I've dropped my phones in the past, the WSDome cracks, but never my phone screen. Just sayin.
white stone is now 45.99 on amazon along with a camera cover package... for those curious enough to try... like me... I feel like it works for 50% of the people and the rest of us will be sad after we put it on... I hope you 50% are not lying.. special place in hell for you if you are.... I've been using a tpu type film.. although its ok for finger prints.. it feels different than glass and smudges are harder to clean. and every time it there's an angle you see all kinds of marks on it... so annoying... I guess I can't handle it any longer and am willing to bite the bullet.... wish me luck....
johnp357 said:
white stone is now 45.99 on amazon along with a camera cover package... for those curious enough to try... like me... I feel like it works for 50% of the people and the rest of us will be sad after we put it on... I hope you 50% are not lying.. special place in hell for you if you are.... I've been using a tpu type film.. although its ok for finger prints.. it feels different than glass and smudges are harder to clean. and every time it there's an angle you see all kinds of marks on it... so annoying... I guess I can't handle it any longer and am willing to bite the bullet.... wish me luck....
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I have the amFilm version of this and it's definitely the way to go.
That's a decent deal and I suggest to buy it and try it. Hold onto the installation kit and light that comes with it. After you go through the 2 included glass screens, you can buy new LOCA glue screens on ebay for cheap and use the installation kit and light from the Whitestone.
How's the fingerprint detection? Even the expensive Whitestone has people complaining about fingerprint detection...and for the money that's crazy. It should work 90% of the time for the money they want. I may try the amfilm
AMFILM codes don't work anymore
HLyons said:
How's the fingerprint detection? Even the expensive Whitestone has people complaining about fingerprint detection...and for the money that's crazy. It should work 90% of the time for the money they want. I may try the amfilm
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I'm happy with fingerprint detection for the most part. It's a tough time of year weather-wise. When hands are dry, its harder to read, and thats true for any fingerprint scanner. Instead of registering 4 different fingers, I register each thumb in 2 spots which increases my detection rate. When fingers are not as dry, detection is extremely quick, like having no screen protector. I imagine the amFilm and Whitestone are pretty identical as far as the glass and LOCA glue. The installation kits look a little bit different. Whitestone dome has been around for a while and i think this type of protector is newer for amFilm. I've been using the regular amFilm tempered glass on many other phones and have been happy with them. And their customer service is top notch.
I was not going to bother with a glass protector due to the warnings about the fingerprint scanner but someone sent me a link to an install video that mentions the FP scanner. They recommend hard pressing the area for 15-30 seconds before curing with UV light. Afterwards, he demonstrates FP scanner working really well. I've ordered the screen protector after watching that.
Link to the part of video when he tests it.

Question S21 Ultra Rear Camera - Phantom Black - Any Damage Naked ?

Just wondering if anyone with the Phantom Black S21 Ultra has noticed any scratches, chips, flaking paint or other damage to the flat black painted area of the camera hump after months of use?
Just installed another glass protector and wondering if I even need this this thing?
Better safe than sorry
felloffthetruck said:
Just wondering if anyone with the Phantom Black S21 Ultra has noticed any scratches, chips, flaking paint or other damage to the flat black painted area of the camera hump after months of use?
Just installed another glass protector and wondering if I even need this this thing?
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Not sure how resistant to scratches it is. After watching JerrRigEverything's durability test video, it appears that the aluminum housing of the camera is more scratch prone than the glass back (makes sense as aluminum is softer than glass). Didn't want to find out the hard way, so slapped on a skin on the phone two days after I got it. Doesn't add bulk (phone is too big for me to use with a case) and the peace of mind that the underlying surfaces are scratch proof is just priceless.
But every once in a while when i change skins (I like to change up the appearance every month or so) I marvel at how beautiful the Phantom black color looks in its pristine naked glory. Wish I was brave enough to rock it butt naked, but I'd probably have a meltdown if a scratch appeared anywhere.
So it's a skins and a liquid skin protector sandwich for me... at all times.
Spigen Platinum screen protector and clear back case! Shows off the Phantom Black while still being protected. Perfect for me! Never naked... That's bad mojo.
You need a good case or the phone will get destroyed.
The built in cam lens protector is replaceable. Any additional optical elements will degrade the image.
oh thankfully I am not the only. I do really thought that I am just careless enough to have this scratch thing on flat area on my back camera. felt relieved now that it is easily scratch. So I guess need to find a protector on this part now but really got no problem since the lenses are really fine.
kimLJT said:
oh thankfully I am not the only. I do really thought that I am just careless enough to have this scratch thing on flat area on my back camera. felt relieved now that it is easily scratch. So I guess need to find a protector on this part now but really got no problem since the lenses are really fine.
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Sand is hard enough scratch any glass...
blackhawk said:
Sand is hard enough scratch any glass...
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yeah thanks for this but I am fully aware about it and since from s9 plus to my s21 I never installed protection of my screen and camera and everything is fine. it is just that this s21 flat black area on camera bump scratch easily and it is a bit annoying like what the OP said but got no problem with the glasses
kimLJT said:
yeah thanks for this but I am fully aware about it and since from s9 plus to my s21 I never installed protection of my screen and camera and everything is fine. it is just that this s21 flat black area on camera bump scratch easily and it is a bit annoying like what the OP said but got no problem with the glasses
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A good case prevents direct contact.
I rarely even have to clean mine. After over 1.5 years the plastic factory lense protector has no scratches or marring. Simply clean with a dry microfiber cloth...
One drop onto concrete and a corner or display hit can destroy a phone. Internal components including chipsets can be destroyed by high G impacts. A case spreads out the G loading to within tolerable levels.
blackhawk said:
A good case prevents direct contact.
I rarely even have to clean mine. After over 1.5 years the plastic factory lense protector has no scratches or marring. Simply clean with a dry microfiber cloth...
One drop onto concrete and a corner or display hit can destroy a phone. Internal components including chipsets can be destroyed by high G impacts. A case spreads out the G loading to within tolerable levels.
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Click to collapse
I just can't bear the color nor brightness shift with protector installed. I just rely all the protection with my case, actually bought a bunch of screen protectors already before my phone arrived and yeah didn't installed it .
kimLJT said:
I just can't bear the color nor brightness shift with protector installed. I just rely all the protection with my case, actually bought a bunch of screen protectors already before my phone arrived and yeah didn't installed it .
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I've been using Gorilla IQ Sheild for over a year. A wet apply plastic that holds up very well. After a year the first one had very slight yellowing. Good for at least 6 months. Just don't stretch it, at all and make sure there's no lint or dust on the display before applying (it will create unremovable bubbles). Because it's a wet apply you have more leeway placing it but try to get it close when you first lay it down, tic-tok...
Works well on a curved screen and sets up completely in a couple hours. If it lifts up on a corner as long as you don't get dust under or stretch it, you can successfully push back in place. Pretty cool, self healing and cheap.
The Bolt case is a tight fit so placement is critical. I wet sand the inner surfaces of the case corner with #600 grit to make sure it's smooth.
Bottom of the phone goes in first, then both top corners are snapped in place in unison. Done.
The outer shell snaps on easily. Botton side goes on first but come off last during break down.
Every 2 months or so I disassemble the case to clean the interior to prevent grit from marring the side rail finish.
Screen protectors are a curse to apply. That's one reason I like this brand so much. It's fairly forgiving... and cheap if you goof up. So far even though I have extras, I've gotten on right the first time. This last one though I missed 3 pieces of lint that were from my microfiber cloth, my bad
I wish they would just make the whole phone thick enough so there were no camera bumps whatsoever. The "glass" covering/protecting the camera elements can be made of scratch resistant sapphire. With the increased interior volume comes a two working day battery, ~6500mAh.
One can dream, right?
cpufrost said:
I wish they would just make the whole phone thick enough so there were no camera bumps whatsoever. The "glass" covering/protecting the camera elements can be made of scratch resistant sapphire. With the increased interior volume comes a two working day battery, ~6500mAh.
One can dream, right?
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At one point Apple was considering using a sapphire covered display.
For the camera not sure sapphire has the needed optical qualities... likely doesn't.
Optical quality is fine as in real world use it will NEVER be optimal with handling and fod contamination.
Apple's covers claim to be sapphire but not a good quality such as the crystal on the SS watches.
In any case it would be far better to have the entire thing smooth instead of individual lens protrusions. The shaver look started with the 11 pro and continues with the 12 pro series. Looks like the 13 pro they will stick out even further!
Oh and bring back the ceramic backs on the higher end models! The 512GB and 1TB S10+ models with ceramic back were the bomb!
cpufrost said:
Optical quality is fine as in real world use it will NEVER be optimal with handling and fod contamination.
Apple's covers claim to be sapphire but not a good quality such as the crystal on the SS watches.
In any case it would be far better to have the entire thing smooth instead of individual lens protrusions. The shaver look started with the 11 pro and continues with the 12 pro series. Looks like the 13 pro they will stick out even further!
Oh and bring back the ceramic backs on the higher end models! The 512GB and 1TB S10+ models with ceramic back were the bomb!
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It can not be smooth. 3 individual lens.
Law of refraction... for every optical layer you add you create more refaction. High dollar multiple element lense systems go to great lengths to minimize and correct for this effect.
The added element also can create internal reflections that are pure demons.
Because of the very limited space using curvature on the optics is also limited as is diameter. That also means minimum corrective elements. It's not uncommon to see a dozen expensive optical elements in a pro lense. Just one element is more expensive than the whole cam phone to produce.
There are a lot of conflicts and compromises...
https://www.google.com/amp/s/seekingalpha.com/amp/article/2080353-cornings-gorilla-glass-is-optically-superior-to-sapphire
There's little doubt sapphire is inferior to the specialized glasses used for advance camera lenses or even a good Heliopan UV filter for anti reflective and light transmission qualities.
They can definitely have a single cover over everything and have great results. I have a tempered glass cover over my 12 Pro Max array, makes it super easy to clean and pictures turn out fine even at night with bright pinpoint light sources.
Internal reflections are already ridiculous stock. Many photos have to be touched up and video is even worse before CV19 and live gigs were a thing.
The other optical parameters are on a level that isn't going to matter much on such tiny phone sensors and optics without making them prohibitively expensive. We don't need optics with high spec scratch/dig qualities!
And while sapphire may be inferior to glass, as soon as the glass is scratched even at a micron level, its optical quality is far worse. In either case one can see it's a moot point in real world as many photos/videos are witnessed with heavy optical aberrations on pinpoint sources because the lens covers are smudged to hell and back. Don't even get me started on vertical video syndrome! ;-)
A last thing I will add, the OnePlus 9 pro did not exhibit the reflections like my S21 Ultra or 12 Pro Max. I doubt the fact that having Hasselblad's name on it has much to do with things but it's definitely noticeable. Both the 12 Pro Max AND 1+ 9 Pro ruin the audio on video with awful zoom feature. At least allow users to turn that off!

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