One of the first things that I see many people install on their devices are screen protectors. These cheap, plastic protectors offer a sense of protection from scratches on your screen. It’s usually one of the first things I put on as there is nothing uglier than a giant scratch. With that said, most people usually try to find the cheapest screen protector they can find. Though they may work for some, they aren’t always that good and most usually look all ugly later with scratches and bubbling. I usually like shelling out a little bit more for a quality screen protector as I find that they usually are of better quality and last longer. The question though is how much would you pay for a premium screen protector, especially one that is made from tempered glass? Spigen has such a protector and it’s called the GLAS.t. This is my first experience with the Spigen GLAS.t all glass screen protector so my expectations are set a bit high, considering how much this thing costs and all the hype around it.
Design and Usage
The main difference between the Spigen GLAS.t and other screen protectors is that it is entirely made of tempered glass. It is a thin 0.4mm thick sheet of glass with a silicone based adhesive. According to the specs, the tempered glass GLAS.t has a surface hardness that is 3 times stronger than regular PET films. It will protect your screen from sharp objects and is stated to never scratch. It even includes an oleophobic coating that deters fingerprints and other contaminants.
Features
- Whole Transparency : GLAS.t is 0.4mm thick and made with chemically treated, transparent tempered glass.
- Surface hardness : 8~9H : The surface of the GLAS.t has a hardness of 8-9H, three times stronger than regular PET film. Even sharp objects such as knives and keys will not scratch the GLAS.t.
- Oleophobic Coating : The GLAS.t has an oleophobic coating that prevents fingerprints and other contaminants and makes the film easy to clean.
- Delicate Touch : The GLAS.t is coated on the back with a strong silicon adhesive that makes installation easy and attaches the film firmly so as to not affect the touch screen’s sensitivity.
- Anti-Shatter Film : If broken, the GLAS.t breaks into small pieces that are not sharp, making it safer than other glass products.
Installation of the Spigen GLAS.t is quite simple. Just clean your iPad Mini screen and make sure there is absolutely no dust particles on it. I usually clean it and then take a vinyl sticker sheet to it to lift up any remaining specs of dust that may be lying around. After which, take the GLAS.t and remove the rear protector sheet. Position the GLAS.t exactly where you want it and just lay it on top of the screen. Once aligned, gently press down at the center of the screen and watch the GLAS.t automatically start adhering to it. You may still need to squeegee out some bubbles after, but overall, its a quick and easy process. I will say, the GLAS.t is one of the easiest screen protectors I have ever installed. The alignment process is so simple that you will rarely get it wrong. The GLAS.t also includes some jelly bean buttons that you use for the home button. This is because the GLAS.t adds a tiny bit of depth to this area making it hard to press. You’ll need to install the jelly buttons to make the home button easier to reach.
Once on, you’ll notice that the GLAS.t has the look and feel of the original iPad Mini screen. It literally feels like you aren’t using a screen protector at all. Because it’s glass, using the iPad is just as smooth and you don’t get that friction you get like when you are using other protectors. There is one thing to be weary of however when using the GLAS.t. Since it is glass, the edges can be a bit sharp as well as a bit fragile. I have heard of some people chipping their GLAS.t protectors at the edges so they highly recommend using some kind of case, preferably one that overlaps the screen a bit. Either way, a case of some sorts is recommended.
One of the benefits that some screen protectors tout is the ability to prevent fingerprints and smudges. The Spigen GLAS.t is supposed to do the same thing thanks in part to it’s oleophobic coating. Yes it can resist liquids and makes the screen pretty easy to clean, but you will still get fingerprints on it. They are easy to wipe off however. I find that the only way not to get fingerprints is to use a matte screen protector as any shiny type one will have fingerprints no matter what they do to it.
Final Thoughts
Despite the fact that the Spigen GLAS.t doesn’t really keep fingerprints away, it really is a good screen protector thanks in part to the fact that it is tempered glass. It feels just like the original iPad Mini screen and doesn’t feel at all like a screen protector. It feels like it would protect the screen much better than your usual screen protectors.
There is however 1 minor flaw with it. For some reason, it does not seem to work very consistently with the GoSmart Stylus or the Adonit Jot stylus. It does work well though with the rubber tipped styluses and I had no problems at all using those.
For those who want ultimate protection for their screen, you can’t really go wrong with the Spigen GLAS.t. It honestly feels like the ultimate screen protector for your iPad Mini despite not being able to use certain styluses with it. You really have to commit yourself to it though as each GLAS.t goes for $57.99 and once it’s on, you’ll most likely never take it off again. Overall, I’ll be keeping it on for quite some time.
