[General Accessories] vectron:
This is Part 1 of review for Seidio VITREO Tempered Glass screen protector. http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-note-2-vitreo-screen-guard-p/sptssgt2-cl.htm

I decided to review it in 2 parts. At the current moment I'm not ready to install it yet, so in Part 1 of the review I will go over what's in a box, and how it fits on top of the screen prior to installation. Plus, I took a lot of pictures for you to get a better idea.

My screen protector experience is based purely on dry installs where I typically prefer 3H hardness-rated PET film. I always look at screen protector as disposable/replaceable option because even the best one will get scratches at some point. Typically it won't happen on a daily basis with a regular use, but one of these days when you forget and end up with keys rubbing against your screen protector in the pocket, or while you are yanking the phone out of the zippered pocket brushing against screen protector, etc. Those times call for tempered glass material which is a lot more durable (typically 9H hardness) and more impact absorbing on a direct contact with a screen. And of course, glass will feel like a glass!!! It will cost more, but perhaps will last a lifetime of the phone so you don't have to replace/buy more regular screen protectors. Of course, this is really like a premium luxury option lol!!!

I have read a number of reviews for other tempered glass screen protectors and found one common problem. Its a glass which has less flexibility than a plastic screen protector, and in combination with curved Note 2 glass - a lot of people complain about edges not sticking with their other screen protectors. Furthermore, I noticed some designs use completely enclosed cutout around Home button, and in conjunction with thickness of the tempered glass you will actually need to add a stick-on Home button to raise it up so it doesn't feel recessed. So with all that in mind, I decided to give it a shot to Seidio VITREO tempered glass. To quote their spec:

- High grade tempered glass with a 9H hardness rating prevents damage in the event of scratches and abrasions

- Tapered (rounded) edges provide a premium and more aesthetically enhanced profile for your device

- Engineered to reinforce the strength of the critical points of impact which results in prolonged durability

- Oleophobic coating resists marks and smudges with advanced technology that reduces the appearance of fingerprints

- Designed precisely for your device with slim cut to prevent bubbling around edges

- Allows touch sensitivity and enhances optical clarity

- Easy installation without bubbling and lifting

- Only 0.55mm (0.02in) thin

As I mentioned already, I haven't installed it yet, so can't judge about touch sensitivity, optical clarify, and oleophobic characteristic yet. That will be included in Part 2 of the review (probably in a week). What I can tell you is that it feels very solid, kind of reminds me of thin plexiglass. Edges are rounded/tapered off. It's very lightweight. And it definitely has a VERY slim cut. I mean, it's so slim that it ONLY covers visible display part of the screen. I tried to take close up pics so you can see it. I guess Seidio decided not to take any chances with lifting edges, thus covering only flat part of the screen. In theory that is the only part of the screen where you glide your finger anyway. But at the same time having almost no margin will mean that you have to be VERY careful during install because you don't have any wiggle space. As I read in some other threads, this would be a good opportunity to use one of those suction cups to hold the tempered glass while lowering it down and aligning with a screen. Otherwise if you hold it by the edges with your fingers, you won't be able to align it precisely.

So here you go, pre-install pictures for your enjoyment!!! Feel free to comment if you have experience with VITREO or to suggest tips for tempered glass installation since I'm noob in that area ;)