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Antiglare screen protector showdown - Powersupport vs SGP: Pics inside
- Thread starter lumpen
- Start date
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I've used PS anti glares on all 3 generations of my iPhone, so I had planned on getting one for the iPad, but the price was too much to swallow, especially given that nearly every time I've applied one, I've screwed it up the first time and had to buy another. I've since learned to buy 2 right off the bat. For the iPad this meant a $60 investment.
This time, based price alone, I went with the Speck anti glare, which comes in a 2 pack, for $25. They fit exactly the same as the PS. Some companies make the home button hole too big or too small...the Speck is just like the PS, i.e. a perfect fit. Oddly, this time I managed to put it on correctly on the first try. I'm happy to say that the Speck seems every bit as clear as the PS, perhaps even a bit more so. It doesn't have the granular sparkly effect the PS has. I think this is because the surface isn't quite as rough. It shows oily marks quicker than the PS, but I'll take it over the PS at half the price.
This time, based price alone, I went with the Speck anti glare, which comes in a 2 pack, for $25. They fit exactly the same as the PS. Some companies make the home button hole too big or too small...the Speck is just like the PS, i.e. a perfect fit. Oddly, this time I managed to put it on correctly on the first try. I'm happy to say that the Speck seems every bit as clear as the PS, perhaps even a bit more so. It doesn't have the granular sparkly effect the PS has. I think this is because the surface isn't quite as rough. It shows oily marks quicker than the PS, but I'll take it over the PS at half the price.
Very good post, and kudos to lumpen for taking the time to put it together.
Myself, I initially bought the SGP film because I read some good reviews of it -- it's still on my iPad. But, I did also buy a PowerSupport antiglare film -- I'm just waiting for a while (read: getting my money's worth) before I remove the SGP film and install the PowerSupport film.
One advantage to having done this: The SGP film comes with a very nice rubber squeegee, a microfiber cloth, and some cleaning solution. The PowerSupport film comes with NOTHING. Now that I have the stuff that came with the SGP film, I can use it when I install the PowerSupport film.
The real shame here is that Apple does not sell these films in their stores. Steve Jobs is insane if he thinks oleophobic resin does the job. Hey, Steve: It doesn't. Bare glass, even with resin, is dumb and your iDevice will get scratched. Film is the way to go.
Myself, I initially bought the SGP film because I read some good reviews of it -- it's still on my iPad. But, I did also buy a PowerSupport antiglare film -- I'm just waiting for a while (read: getting my money's worth) before I remove the SGP film and install the PowerSupport film.
One advantage to having done this: The SGP film comes with a very nice rubber squeegee, a microfiber cloth, and some cleaning solution. The PowerSupport film comes with NOTHING. Now that I have the stuff that came with the SGP film, I can use it when I install the PowerSupport film.
The real shame here is that Apple does not sell these films in their stores. Steve Jobs is insane if he thinks oleophobic resin does the job. Hey, Steve: It doesn't. Bare glass, even with resin, is dumb and your iDevice will get scratched. Film is the way to go.
I don't think Apple stopped selling protectors b/c Steve doesn't think they are not necessary or useful. Steve is all for making an extra buck. I think the reason Apple stopped selling them is b/c it's not worth the (potential) trouble they cause in returns and unsatisfied customers. It's easier to just not sell them.
Just wanted to say "Thank You" for taking the time to compare these and share the results with us! That my friend was a huge help to me as I was still on the fence about which to purchase. 
Patty
Patty
WOW .. awesome post and outstanding pics...
Thank you very much for putting the time in to do that for us.
Outstanding !!!!
Thank you very much for putting the time in to do that for us.
Outstanding !!!!
Awesome work op, many thanks. Any feedback from users in terms of daily usage, smudges, cleaning and of course glare?
It is probably because the ipad screen protectors are a lot more expensive and a lot easier to screw up.
OMG. Great thread.
Can anyone comment on how much the PowerSupport antiglare film has of the prism effect ?
Ive been using the product from Incipio ever since I got my iPad and really do like the fingerprint and glare benefit, but Im growing annoyed at the crystalline-prism effect (most noticeable on white pages).
I realize any anti-glare protector has some downsides. Just curious if this artifact is not evident with the PowerSupport film.
(I tried photographing it, but the the effect I am talking about didn't photograph that well).
Can anyone comment on how much the PowerSupport antiglare film has of the prism effect ?
Ive been using the product from Incipio ever since I got my iPad and really do like the fingerprint and glare benefit, but Im growing annoyed at the crystalline-prism effect (most noticeable on white pages).
I realize any anti-glare protector has some downsides. Just curious if this artifact is not evident with the PowerSupport film.
(I tried photographing it, but the the effect I am talking about didn't photograph that well).
Fantastic comparison OP.
I just installed the PS anti-glare screen protector. I bought it before seeing this thread, but now I'm even more convinced that I made the right decision with PowerSupport.
I cleaned the screen prior to installation using iKlear.
I installed it in the bathroom after running the hot shower for 5-10 minutes to generate some steam. As a result, there is no dust under the film. Installation wasn't very difficult, but I have steady hands. I was able to center it quite well.
First impressions: I don't really notice much drop in screen sharpness at all. If there is any (and if I end up noticing any), it'll be worth it for the lack of fingerprints, improved feel of the screen, and significant reduction in glare.
I've already browsed through some photos, watched some video, and did a little reading via the Kindle app. It looks great.
:thumbs up:
I just installed the PS anti-glare screen protector. I bought it before seeing this thread, but now I'm even more convinced that I made the right decision with PowerSupport.
I cleaned the screen prior to installation using iKlear.
I installed it in the bathroom after running the hot shower for 5-10 minutes to generate some steam. As a result, there is no dust under the film. Installation wasn't very difficult, but I have steady hands. I was able to center it quite well.
First impressions: I don't really notice much drop in screen sharpness at all. If there is any (and if I end up noticing any), it'll be worth it for the lack of fingerprints, improved feel of the screen, and significant reduction in glare.
I've already browsed through some photos, watched some video, and did a little reading via the Kindle app. It looks great.
:thumbs up:
I was trying to decide on the two. This made my choice alot easier! Thanks a bunch for the comparison.
I have the SGP Anti-Fingerprint on my iPad. After getting an iPhone 4 with its amazing retina display, the fuzziness that the AF added to my iPad was really bothering me. So I took it off. Then I could see all the pixels on my iPad, especially in the text. I found out that I actually liked the way the AF blurred the pixels, making them less noticeable. So I put the SGP AF back on.
I wasn't sure about the SGP at first, but in the end I was happy with the it. I probably would have bought the PowerSupport if I had seen this thread first, but now at least I am happy with the SGP.
I wasn't sure about the SGP at first, but in the end I was happy with the it. I probably would have bought the PowerSupport if I had seen this thread first, but now at least I am happy with the SGP.
Great review.
But for me neither PS or SGP can be considered "good" interms of clearity, compare to bare glass. I can only say PS is less worse than SGP.
Still, I kept my PS anti-glare since I take 3 hours train every day, it's not a controlled environment and the glare of bare glass is just unacceptable, and PS anti-glare is very smooth and don't attract much oil.
But for me neither PS or SGP can be considered "good" interms of clearity, compare to bare glass. I can only say PS is less worse than SGP.
Still, I kept my PS anti-glare since I take 3 hours train every day, it's not a controlled environment and the glare of bare glass is just unacceptable, and PS anti-glare is very smooth and don't attract much oil.
I originally had the Zagg InvisibleShield and recently replaced it with the PS Anti-Glare shield. I didn't like the IS because it had a rubbery texture and I couldn't slide my finger across the screen.
I love the PS. The screen does seem a little fuzzier, but not enough to bother me. Fingerprints are pretty much non-existent (as was also the case with the IS).
To the poster who pointed out that the PS didn't come with any type of an installation kit: it's because there's no need for one. I think I've read the PS is held on by static cling.
I had mine installed at their Burbank store (for $5). The girl first cleaned the screen, then peeled off the entire backing off the PS. She lined it up at the bottom where the button is, then just slowly let it lay down on its own. When a bubble appeared, she just lifted the PS up and used a piece of Scotch tape to dab that spot. (Lint is what causes the bubbles.) She only came across one bubble when doing mine -- took less than a minute for her to do it from start to finish. (Mine had had the Zagg IS on since day one.)
Then she did my son's. She came across quite a few bubbles on his, one she couldn't get rid of no matter what. She ended up having to get a second shield, and that one went on without a hitch. (His hadn't had a shield.)
(FYI: Unless she could see something on the screen, all of the dabbing was done on the shield -- which probably picked up the lint off the screen.)
I have no idea how the SGP that you're comparing the PS to is installed, but if it's anything like how the IS is installed, there's absolutely no way I would even attempt it (what with all the liquid, squeegee-ing, etc.). As long as you can get the bottom lined up correctly on the PS, all you need is a piece of Scotch tape -- it pretty much installs itself.
I love the PS. The screen does seem a little fuzzier, but not enough to bother me. Fingerprints are pretty much non-existent (as was also the case with the IS).
To the poster who pointed out that the PS didn't come with any type of an installation kit: it's because there's no need for one. I think I've read the PS is held on by static cling.
I had mine installed at their Burbank store (for $5). The girl first cleaned the screen, then peeled off the entire backing off the PS. She lined it up at the bottom where the button is, then just slowly let it lay down on its own. When a bubble appeared, she just lifted the PS up and used a piece of Scotch tape to dab that spot. (Lint is what causes the bubbles.) She only came across one bubble when doing mine -- took less than a minute for her to do it from start to finish. (Mine had had the Zagg IS on since day one.)
Then she did my son's. She came across quite a few bubbles on his
, one she couldn't get rid of no matter what. She ended up having to get a second shield, and that one went on without a hitch. (His hadn't had a shield.)(FYI: Unless she could see something on the screen, all of the dabbing was done on the shield -- which probably picked up the lint off the screen.)
I have no idea how the SGP that you're comparing the PS to is installed, but if it's anything like how the IS is installed, there's absolutely no way I would even attempt it (what with all the liquid, squeegee-ing, etc.). As long as you can get the bottom lined up correctly on the PS, all you need is a piece of Scotch tape -- it pretty much installs itself.
