BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL: The Most Smudgeproof Protection Ever?

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I’ve been using a BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL for about two weeks. While that’s hardly enough time to test the claimed 3-5x improvement in scratch resistances or the 25% improvement in drop performance (resistance), I can say one thing; the visibility on this AlumiTech Accessory Glass 2 by Corning screen protector is about the best I’ve used.

On other phones, it seems like I’m constantly wiping down the glass protector to take away stray smudges or fingerprints. That hasn’t been a problem with the BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL.

The BodyGuardz site describes the material used in their protector as:

BodyGuardz Pure® 2 introduces AlumiTech™ with Accessory Glass 2 by Corning®. Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL is the first glass screen protector in the US to use a rare family of tempered glass called Aluminosilicate. This innovative type of glass allows it to be thin, yet more protective than regular soda-lime glass found in other screen protectors.

BodyGuardz Pure 2 with AlumiTech is an aluminosilicate glass screen protector. It has a 9H hardness that is stronger than steel, making it radically effective at withstanding the wear-and-tear of real life. Heralded as the most advanced glass on the market, Pure 2 features several competitive advantages over traditional soda lime solutions, including:

  • 3-5X more scratch resistant
  • Anti-smudge coating
  • 25% reduction in scratch “visibility”
  • Full touch sensitivity
  • 25% increase in drop performance
  • Free lifetime replacements*

Enough with the marketing. In everyday usage I judge screen protection by three metrics:

  1. How hard is it to put on?
  2. How expensive is the protector?
  3. What’s the durability like once it is in place?

How Hard Is It To Put On?

BodyGuardz has two tabs on each end of their protector. Grip by the tabs and slowly lower onto your Pixel XL. Once you’ve placed the protector just peel off the top plastic. Done. It took me one try, and the alignment was perfect. I am not especially gifted at applying screen protectors. As a matter of fact, I usually defer these projects to my son. In this case, I was able to apply the protector perfectly.

You do not spray water or use any type of additional adhesive. Simply peel back the covering and holding both tabs gently lower the protector onto your device.

Very easy.

How Expensive Is The Protector?

A set of the Pure 2 runs $49 on the BodyGuardz site. A bit steep, but the feel is good and in the past, I’ve tried less expensive protectors and they’ve been less durable with noticeably more streaking. If you’re intent on using your Pixel XL without a case, this is a wise investment to cover the front (and most damageable) portion of the phone.

From the site:

All BodyGuardz are covered by a lifetime replacement program provided you’ve registered online. [as of now eBay purchases don’t appear to qualify]

FREE LIFETIME REPLACEMENTS
All BodyGuardz products are designed to be durable, but with wear and tear, may need to be replaced. Free replacements are available for all screen protectors and full-body skins for the lifetime of your device*, just pay $5.95 shipping (US customers only). International customers pay $18.95 for shipping.

*You may be asked to provide proof of purchase and you must return your original BodyGuardz product within 60 days. Failure to do so will result in your card being charged full price for the product.

What’s The Durability Like Once It’s In Place?

The durability question is going to take some time for me to test. So far the protector looks and feels durable. I was confident enough within days of my initial testing to order another for my iPhone 7 Plus. I’ll update this post if I run into any issues with cracking or peeling. So far after a couple of weeks, everything feels solid, but I realize it can take a couple of months to judge long-term durability.

Final Thoughts

My only concern is with the amount of space left around the edges of my Pixel XL. If you’re using a case that overlaps the front of the Pixel XL, then you may need the extra room around the edges. If you are picky about running your finger of a raised edge on the front of a screen then you may want to use a protector that completely covers the front screen.

As you can see from this photo the extra room around the outside can accommodate the overhang of a larger case. In a few instances, I found that I had to retrain myself not to swipe all the way to the edges or I’d get my finger slightly stuck. After some time using this protector I don’t notice the overhang.

You can buy the  Google Pixel XL BodyGuardz Pure 2 Premium Glass Screen Protector directly from BodyGuardz for $44.95 here

Source: BodyGuardz provided the sample at no cost

What I Like: No smear shield, feels durable. Did I mention it hasn’t smeared? Simple to install!!

What Needs Improvement: I would like the protection to extend farther across the screen to the very edge

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About the Author

Wayne Schulz
Wayne is a diehard Android user and consultant specializing in Sage 100 ERP Accounting Software. He lives in Glastonbury CT with his two children. When not helping them with their homework or pushing the latest school fundraiser off on his co-workers, he is active hiking and investigating all manner of technology.