[HTC Rezound] bcurtis:
Realook Crystal Clear Review

Using SGP Ultra Crystal protectors on previous devices, I was dissapointed to find that Stenheil wasn't producing a screen protector for the Rezound. As a disclaimer, I will state that I absolutely oppose any "rubberized" or "self healing" protectors due to their texture and effect on screen clarity (ie. Zagg InvisibleShield).

After a bit of research, I decided to give the Realook Crystal Clear protector a go. FYI, side 2 "back" is applied to the screen. Unless you read the included instruction card (pfft, read instructions?), there's no clear definition of front/back for the protector and the labeling is opposite of my previous SGP protectors.

I used a fine mist of warm water applied directly to the screen protector to aid with installation. IMO, this is a must as these protectors are cut to fit the Rezound's screen precisely. This is a plus in that it's nearly unnoticeable once applied, but makes application a royal PITA if you were to do it dry. Wet applications may leave a rainbow film or spots under the protector after installation. This will dissapate in a day or two when any remaining moisture evaporates.

After figuring out that I had the protector on backwards during my first application and beginning to think these protectors were a POS, I was able to complete a seamless application without any FUD between the protector and glass.

It's been a couple of weeks now and I'm pleased overall. The protector is holding up well with no scratches yet, though I am careful with my electronics. The protector is still invisible upon inspection with no lifting around the edges. I'm using a Seidio Active case and it has not bothered the screen protector in any way.

The clarity is on par with the SGP Ultras. The Realook does block a small amound of light emission from the screen, but is more than acceptable imo (I haven't found a quality protector that doesn't block light emission to some degree). There's a minor rainbow effect from the protector, but only noticeable at extreme angles and with bright environment lighting. Straight on, or close to it, the screen is still damn nice looking.

The feel of the Realook protectors is as close to naked glass that I have felt to date. Friction is non-existent unless you've just cleaned your screen and washed your hands thoroughly. However, this friction is similar to bare glass under the same circumstances, imo.

It does smudge and collect fingerprints with use, just like glass. This is to be expected with non-oleophobic protectors. Nothing a quick wipe with a clean microfiber cloth (or a soft fabric shirt) won't solve.

Also, the back side of my packing slip had a good amount of info from Realook, as well as a 10% discount code good for Realook products purchased at Amazon. Among the printing on the back of the packing slip is this sentence, in bold:

"Our #1 goal is complete satisfaction"

Although I didn't have a need to use it, most reviews seem to state that Realook customer support is above average.

Going on my real life experience with Realook protectors thus far, I'll probably use the 10% discount code and order a backup set of protectors (I tend to keep my phones for at least 18 months).

TL;DR: I would recommend Realook Crystal Clear protectors to family and friends without hesitation.

Brian