Review: Armorz tempered glass skin for iPhone

Armorz splash

Screen protectors are either hit or miss. As a naked iPhone user, I use neither a case, nor a skin. There is too much room for disappointment with many iOS device skins. Consequently, I am a true iPhone nudist. I am however not opposed to giving screen protections a try for review.

Inside, I take a quick look at the Armorz Stealth Extreme Lite Tempered Glass for iPhone 5/c/s. After receiving one from Armorz, I installed it on my wife’s 5c and was more impressed than originally anticipated. My wife is still currently enjoying it, even though she prefers a nude iPhone as well. There are all types of screen protection on the market, but the Armorz is my first experience with a tempered glass variety…

Install

As with any serious screen protector, there is a small package included with purchase. Inside the box are instructions for application, iKlear install packet, and the Armorz. The iKlear kit includes both a wet and dry cleaning solution, to ensure the iPhone screen surface is free of smudges, lent, and assorted debris. First, clean the surface with the wet cloth, then finish with DMT antimicrobial dry pad. My wife’s screen wasn’t particularly dirty, but the two cloths left the surface very clean for the installation.

Installing is similar to most other proprietary screen protectors, without any solutions. Peel the backing from the tempered glass skin carefully lay it on iPhone. Having only previously applied malleable plastic based screens, I was surprised by the stiffness of the Armorz. I attempted to slowly lay the cover from top to bottom, but without much flexibility, there was a concern for catching bubbles.

I found the install to actually be very easy, despite the inflexible design. The screen protector bowed just enough to slowly lay it down onto the iPhone. The only small bubbles were located around the top, where I initially laid the screen protector down. I tried to eliminate the small bubbles, only two, by rubbing them to the edge. Unfortunately, one is still there, but sometimes small bubbles will fade with time, as the screen protector is only on its first week.

Usability

At 0.2mm thick it is certainly small, but very noticeable. Simply looking at the iPhone, there is no significant change, but when pressing the Home button, it is clear there is an added layer. The depth is not going to detract from usage, merely something to which users will quickly become accustomed.

The screen protector is designed and treated with a specific chemical strengthening process to exceed the strength of steel. This process gives the screen protector an 8H hardness rating, preventing even tough scratches. Additionally, the oleophobic coating reduces fingerprints by repelling oils.

Edge to edge protection, Armorz is also shatterproof, despite being produced with tempered glass. Unlike some competitors, the Extreme Lite does not interfere with the screen’s resolution. Some screen protectors give the user a fuzzy or out-of-focus appearance. Thankfully, Armorz does not suffer from the same trouble. Another common complaint is texture. iPhone screen protectors have the tendency to feel like an orange peel. The Armorz does not have a rubbery feel, but it is not the same as using iPhone completely naked.

As demonstrated in the videos, Armorz will take quite a beating. With a little bit of skepticism, I have not taken the household drill to my wife’s 5c. Pardon my unwillingness, but I have no reason to distrust the videos. Yet, there is still some hesitation.

Conclusion

The Armorz Stealth Extreme Lite Tempered Glass for iPhone is a great choice when it comes to screen protectors. Tempered glass will be a go-to for future screen protectors, when I am looking. The clear viewing area, edge to edge protection, and shatterproof design are highly preferable.

Most importantly, the screen protector does not cause unnecessary friction when using the iPhone. Again, the orange peel problem is not present in this version, but you can tell there is something on the phone. Like most high end protectors, it does come at a price. To get one for yourself, $34.95 is a reasonably high price, considering some protective cases are the same. However, if you prefer to use your iPhone without a case, but want minimal and rigid protection, the Armorz Stealth Extreme Lite is a good place to start.

What type of screen protectors do you use? Glass? Synthetic?

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