We recently reviewed SPIGEN SGP’s GLAS.t screen protector for the iPhone 4S. (Read the review.) The review sample was my second GLAS.t for iPhone because, quite frankly, I messed up the install on the first. Thankfully, the second one went better and, while still not perfect, the screen protector is good enough that I continue to use it. Honestly, at this point, I would not consider using a different screen protector.
The company has now released a version of the GLAS.t for the new iPad. At $69.99 it is pricey (!!!) which leaves open the question, “Is it worth the cost?”
From SGP:
SGP’s Steinheil GLAS.t is made to protect the LCD from damage and scratches with specially processed glass that has been reinforced to increase shock absorbency. The entire surface of the GLAS t is transparent and the back side is covered with a strong silicon adhesive for easy installation. When installed, there are no gaps between the LCD and the GLAS t, which means the touch screen’s sensitivity is unaffected. To prevent any excess force from coming in contact with the edges of the screen protector we highly recommend that a case is used with the GLAS.t.
Whole Transparency: The GLAS.t is 0.4mm thick and made with chemically treated, transparent tempered glass.
Surface hardness: The surface of the GLAS.t has a hardness of 8-9H, three times stronger than regular PET film. Even shard 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.
CAUTION: As this is a glass product, please note that the edges of the glass are the most vulnerable areas. We highly recommend that you use case along with your GLAS.t to avoid chipping or cracking the edges of your GLAS.t.
* When removing for re-use, the adhesive properties might wear off to an extent where the screen protector will not adhere to the device. It is not recommended to reuse the GLAS.t once it’s been applied.
* Using excessive force when installing or removing the screen protector may damage the product.
In the package you get the GLAS.t screen protector, a small micro-fiber cloth, an alcohol swab and a squeegee to remove any remaining bubbles without damaging the glass.
The company includes a clear description of how best to get the protector on the iPad. Since the sheet of tempered glass costs $70 it is worth reading the instructions, planning your course of “attack” and doing it right. After all, with this screen protector you basically get once chance. Messing up is… well, pricey.
I would love to be able to share images of the GLAS.t screen protector on my iPad but, fortunately, I did a decent (again, not perfect but overall decent) job getting it in place. The result is that there isn’t really much to capture. when I shoot images it looks like my iPad. And THAT is the point. The GLAS.t adds a layer of protection to the iPad that is all but invisible if you do it right. That means there is no loss of touch sensitivity (I actually think it might be a bit enhanced) and there is no perceptible added thickness or weight.
It does, however, add a layer of oleophobic protection. I had forgotten about this until I started writing this review up. When I did I realized that I do find myself fighting less to keep my iPad screen clean. That is, of course, thanks to the GLAS.t.
So do I recommend the GLAS.t tempered glass screen protector for the new iPad? I’m mixed. On the one hand, this is a pricey screen protector. $60 is nothing to sneeze at and, since you can easily botch the install, it has the possibility of being even more costly. On the other hand, it is amazing. It is perfectly clear, doesn’t impact the touch sensitivity in the least and it does help keep fingerprints off the screen. If you feel the need to have a screen protector on your iPad and money is not an issue this is certainly something to consider. As for me, my GLAS.t is installed and I usually forget it is there. That says quite a bit. I do have a non-glass SGP screen protector and will be putting it on a different iPad. We’ll have a brief comparison when I do. You can learn more and order a GLAS.t here on the SGP company site.
MSRP: $69.99
What I Like: Disappears once you start using it; Helps prevent fingerprints; Offers a great layer of protection without adding perceptible weight or thickness
What Needs Improvement: Not simple to install properly; Pricey