yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] do33grs:
I removed mine and replaced it with the Olixar protector. Took 3 units to achieve an unsatisfactory result (bubbles). So I'm going naked now for a couple of days and offer my observations.

• Clean fingers definitely glide easily over the surface making Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard a pleasure to work with.

• Fingerprints are less noticeable and clean up easily using a clean microfiber cloth. Significant improvement noted.

• Screen appearance is cleaner than when first opened. Removing factory protector very easy from camera cutout.

I'll post back in a bit and advise on durability. Coming from iPhone this device is amazing, but deserves and requires greater care. I left the Olixar protector (feels like Zagg) on the outer screen. If I were still a mechanic it would give me pause. Obviously, these observations are subjective, but in accord with most others. Would have removed Day One, had I known.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] orbital247:
Removed mine, as mentioned here already it really is night and day, before it was a rubbery feel and your finger used to grab when you try and swipe on the screen. Now it feels like 'glass' and the swipes are buttery smooth.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] MixEvo:
Removed outside and inside and replaced with ozero and it is so much better feeling... as long as the few bubbles go away ill be thoroughly happy!!
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] apprentice:
~

Don't accuse people of lying based on your solitary experience. If anything I am accusing you of lying, because the screen protector is made of a material similar to vinyl, it's malleable and therefore offers a degree of resistance when touched. So no way is that the same as the hard plastic layer of the screen itself, which once cleaned after removing the protector feels smooth to the touch. A rubbery surface will also attract more smudges and be harder to remove them.

And considering many other's experience both here on XDA and on various other forums, blogs and YouTubers all saying the same thing, that removing it is a vast improvement, I think most people will simply ignore your contribution here.

~
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] billybanana:
Removed the screen protector within 24 hours of getting the F2. Can't believe what a tacky piece of crap the protector is. And yes I am a F1 owner. My screen is as perfect as the day I got it.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] gfreek:
What nonsense you are you talking about! I have taken off my inner-screen protector and the difference is night and day much smoother, less smudges and the screen looks sharper granted it will never feel like true glass but damn it's the next best thing compared to Samsung installed protector which had a slight rubbery feel and easily smudges! Don't know why Samsung say the screen protector must to ba taken to Samsung store to be taken off by them, it peeled off easily like any other screen protector.

Anyway as a precuation I will get a 3rd party inner screen protector something that is a lot better than the one Samsung installed.

---------- Post added at 02:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:45 PM ----------

Agreed Samsung put on a cheap screen protector which actually lessens the clarity of the display. I'm so glad I took it off. I know there are better 3rd party screen protectors which actually feel very glass-like and don't smudge easily. Just need to find one for F2.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] lynseyw:
Ok, I did it. That is what insurance is for I guess. Long story, but I ended up getting my Fold2 for free, with a trade in. So I figured I might was well enjoy it and I have insurance on it with Verizon. It came off very easy. It does feel much better, still a tiny bit tacky, not like the front screen glass, but still much much better. It is not a fingerprint magnet as much as with the protector and it cleans very easily now. I would say go for it...if you have insurance. I baby this thing anyway, so not to worried about not having the protector. Just my opinion.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] jayr04:
The edge of mine came off as I was wiping off the smudges so i took the whole thing off. Loks a lot better without it.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] apprentice:
~

I believe this is because some people might be tempted to use some sort of tool to initially pry the protector away (or a sharp fingernail) and obviously the unprotected screen is still easy to dent or scratch. But using a piece of paper around the camera cut-out is quick and easy.

~
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Martin5000:
I peeled my inner screen protector off and I have no regrets. Smudges are way less visible, the screen is clearer and it feels smoother. It doesn't feel exactly like glass, but it doesn't feel like rubber anymore. And it cleans more easily.

Just my personal experience...
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] juggamonkey:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-in-1-For...2?pageci=3a9797f2-863d-443a-b163-bd6103fe996e

Installed this today on the hinge ,front , and inside . Everything turned out great and it feels awesome
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] krabman:
I don't think it feels like glass either, just less like a crappy piece of film. I'd do it again in a heartbeat but it still feels like plastic, your finger doesn't slide as smoothly as on glass, etc. No one really talked about it much but the screen looks much better as well and that aspect shouldn't be discounted. If someone wants to get an idea of what they'd be looking at Erica Griffin ( search her name and Z fold 2 on youtube) did a video showing it's removal, what it looked like before and after, and I think maybe the most instructive thing was she laid the film on a white piece of paper after it's removal and it is in no way as clear as I would want. Worth a peep for those on the fence.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] apprentice:
Yeah I watched this video the other day, she's very clued up on screen performance in all her reviews. She does a very detailed analysis of the Z Fold 2 screen and she does endorse removal of the protector.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4nO092-PpE

Regarding your point about how smooth the screen is though, you have to remember that the screen's top layer isn't made from glass, so it won't feel 100% like that, but it is a huge improvement from that rubbery screen protector.

~
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] krabman:
Yeah, I know it's plastic. I had the sense reading this thread and the improvements some were talking about that it might be a little oversold. I agree completely that it's a huge improvement but only in comparison to the horrid screen protector. In comparison to what were all used to with modern glass screens it isn't crap but it's not what I would describe as good. I'd call it a negative but worthy trade-off for the goodness that you get with the bigger screen
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] keyz86:
I took the built in screen protector off straight away as it had a bubble in it out of the box.

A couple of weeks later I noticed some light scratches on the screen, only noticeable under certain lighting but still really annoying as I try to take really good care of my phones.

I think it came from cleaning it with a microfibre cloth that must have had the tiniest piece of dirt on it.

Anyway, I decided to get a third party screen protector to hide the scratches and prevent new ones and went with these from Amazon UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08H89ZXGH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It went on really easy and while its not perfect, mainly around the edges, there are no bubbles (and I am useless at applying these) plus I can no longer see the scratches.

If anyone in the UK here that wants to replace the built in one then I recommend these ones.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] AhsanU:
I peeled the screen protector off yesterday and am upset I didn't do it earlier. The screen feels so much better and there's significantly less fingerprints and gunk on the screen now.

I'm paying for Samsung Care every month. If something happens, I'll be covered - so I may as well enjoy it.

So glad I did it, and it was absurdly easy too. I used my nail with my fingertip on the actual screen to avoid puncturing it, and just ever-so-slightly dug at it until the edge came off (near the hole punch camera) and it was a matter of slowly pulling after that.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] krabman:
The recommended way is just to use something like a piece of printer paper and saw at the corner a little bit; it comes right up and there is no risk of accidentally digging your fingernail or a tool into the screen.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] xavierxxx2p:
I did it about a month ago.no special way or tools neede.feels and looks way better. No scratches so far.anyhow phone is protected when folding. Just be careful if wife use it and has fake nails
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] frevell:
Cause if you use the flex mode you'll get bubbles. Even after an hour of use.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] adeltamimy6:
Removed View attachment 5140235
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] snowblind2142:
How does the new protector feel?

How does your new one feel under finger? Still a soft rubbery feeling like the original?

I'm looking at trading in my S10+ in a week or so to pick up the fold, but not till I can get my hands on one so feel the screen.

I've been thinking I might take the original one off and try and find a replacement that feels better to swipe on :eek:
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Timmothy83:
I was hesitant for weeks. Took it off 5 min ago. Now to truth:

The rubbery screen film was just nasty. The screen looks sharper now, but the first minute I was a bit disappointed how the screen felt. I thought it would be a "glassy" feel to it. It feels better though. Now 5 minutes in without the film it feels better and better. I got it insured (came free with it) and I might keep it like this. I'm not convinced that a new 2nd party film will be hassle free. Besides that I heard (rumors) that you can send it in for a small fee if you want to reply the Samsung rubbery film installed again. But that might be region depended.

In conclusion: it is worth it, to strip your phone (if you're insured with the one time screen replacement)

+ better feel

+ sharper viw of content

+ doesn't smudge as much

+ easier to get rid of smudges

- if there was a con, it would be, me didn't gave a shot when I was colliding with my nails over the screen, I felt safe with the film over it. Now I'm a bit paranoid with nails and other crumbs and so on

EDIT: 10 min in and got a tiny 3 mm long hair scratch on it, you can even feel it. It's hardly visible, but still, it's there. I'm not worried or bothered cause it's hardly visible. But still want to give heads up to you guys
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] keyz86:
The new one feels way closer to the bare screen to my feel. Not perfect, but a thousand times better than the one that comes pre-installed.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Mr. Orange 645:
I went with the Gobukee since it also comes with a hinge skin, but the Orzero gets really good reviews on Amazon. I'll probably buy it if and when my Gobukee wears out.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] atvxda:
I really dislike the inner display protector and have been contemplating removing mine and using it bare, however I just do not trust the inner display. Kudos to those who took the plunge! I will continue to search for a replacement protector that doesn't feel as rubbery (and gross) as the Samsung installed protector feels...
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] dwallersv:
Do you support yourself as a professional comedian?

Here's the thing... I don't know any of you. So if I have to choose who to believe, I'm going to believe a dozen people I don't know, over one person I don't know. I suspect that's pretty much how everyone else here sees this. Carry on!
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] dwallersv:
Well, like everybody else but one person here, I'm going to lie about my experience too! I just took it off after reading this thread, cleaned the inner screen, with soap and water, and it is night and day! Completely different screen! My thumb slides up and down it goes smoothly, the colors are brighter and more Vivid, and scratches that were on that soft screen protector, are now gone!

Of course, I'm lying, so don't rely on anything I've said here.

Carry on!
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] dwallersv:
Back nearly 3 weeks later. Wish I'd done it the second I took it out of the box.

Clean it everyday with a soft cloth and soap and water in the morning, not a scratch on it. Feels like glass with oleophobic coating.

Took the front one off too, replaced it with a tempered glass oleophobic coated protector. Should have done that on day one also. Not a scratch blemish or anything on that screen protector, after being in and out of my pocket to the beach and all sorts of other risky places.

The stock protectors the phone comes with Will scratch within a day, they are so soft. I would recommend replacing the front one immediately and removing the inner one, you'll be much happier.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] jeremymolina:
Got mine removed since day 1 and two months later I don’t have any scratches.

The thing is your rule #1 must be not using your nails, do not let anyone else use your phone and do not use it on *risky* situations.

I have never scratched my phone main screen and I feel that this is a very easy thing to do, just take care of your phone and use common sense. I pull my head hair out every time I see someone put their phone on the purse with all the trash in it or next to the house keys...
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] chetly968:
I took my preinstalled protector off about day 2. Replaced it with a matte protector cause I had to have something since the inner screen is easily scratches. I like the !atte cause it essentially shows no fingerprints ever. The screen is not nearly as sharp but I can live with it, lol. This is what I'm currently using

Amazon.com: For Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G 7.6" Clear TPU/Matte -Hydrogel Soft Screen Protector Film Non-glass (Screen+Front + Back)

Buy For Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G 7.6" Clear TPU/Matte -Hydrogel Soft Screen Protector Film Non-glass (Screen+Front + Back): Screen Protectors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] atvxda:
I've gotten so use to the rubbery screen protector that at times I marvel at the feel of my wife's N20U or my TabS6 😅 I still have not mustered up the courage to peel mine off and go raw 🙊 or replace it with another one... I am glad there is something there, however I just wish it didn't make my awesome device feel as if I'm using an old Windows Mobile phone 😄
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] chetly968:
That feeling is just horrible. I tried to tough it out for a couple days but I figured what's the point of using it if I don't enjoy it. So I ripped that sicker off. Went through about 7 screen protectors til I found one I liked and have stuck with it since. It's so night and day from what the phone came with.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] atvxda:
I've seen a few vids on YT, read some reviews, etc all with mixed results. Glad you found your solution. I may remove mine when I buy a Fold3, haha.

You've gone through enough protectors as I have cases😒 but that's another thread, lol.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] pho35:
I initially had a couple of rounds of the Orzero inside screen protector but they both ended up "popping" out in the middle of the screen after some use. I searched and found the below anti fingerprints one and been surviving for 2 weeks now.

The only downside of this version is that it is non anti-dust during installation. So remove all the dirt before applying.

Amazon.com: Healingshield Screen Protector Anti-Fingerprint Anti-Glare Matte Film Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 [Inside 1pc]

Amazon.com: Healingshield Screen Protector Anti-Fingerprint Anti-Glare Matte Film Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 [Inside 1pc]

www.amazon.com
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] chetly968:
This one sticks very well and does not scratch easily. I did notice slight wrinkles either side of the crease. Not bubbles or lifting but like a squiggle that runs from too to bottom on either side that are only noticeable when the screen is off and the light hits it just right, lol. It's a little bit of an OCD thing with me for sure.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Café King:
I removed it after a long time. Should have done it right away. The screen looks so much better and feel better too...

/CK
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] chetly968:
I finally just ended up giving up on screen protectors. All would eventually bubble or wrinkle or something which drove me crazy. I've been going protector free for over 2 months and the screen is still scratch free. Albeit I only open it up to watch ir edit videos and not much else. Can't 2ait for the fold 3. I hope it's got more room on the front screen.
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Café King:
Yeah, it's gonna be interesting, but expensive 😭

/CK
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] rowihel2012:
I did it and replaced with new great one

Screen is way way better now
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] stylz3:
Do you mind sharing which screen protector you are using?
[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] pooyab:
Well I removed mine 2 hours after unboxing the phone. couldn't tolerate that grainy, rubbery matte, piece of... . haven't tried any third party protector yet. searched a lot for a good replacement but other user's experiences are really divided. luckily no scratches yet.
[Google Pixel 4a Questions & Answers] iCassius:
Hi dear all

I was bought Pixel 4a and use it in China.

but i found that there is no China ISP mbn profile in the directory.

The difference with Pixel 3XL ，Pixel 3XL has a complete ISP profile in /system/vendor/rfs/msm/mpss/readonly/vendor/mbn/mcfg_sw/generic/China

Therefore, need to find a mobile phone that is also 730g and supports China ISP to extract the mbn file to enable VoLTE on Pixel 4a.

anyone can help me ？
[Google Pixel 4a Questions & Answers] dmc123:
Is...solved?
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] montrealguy:
I prefer small high end Android phones and was interested in the Pixel 5... but it has gone low end. I love the Pixel software and amazing Google warranty service and don't particularly like the bloated Samsung OS. Are there any other flagship pure Android phones?

It seems like the only options now are the S20. The Oneplus phones seem too big for one-hand use, but I might have no choice. It seems like they are the only ones with stock Android experience. Has anyone here tried Oneplus compared to a Pixel? Any thoughts?
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Rootax:
Low end ?!
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] montrealguy:
The Pixel 5 is the first Pixel to not use a flagship CPU. It has approximately the same processing speed as the Pixel 3.

I liked that the Pixels were small and powerful.
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Benjamin_L:
What exactly do you need more cpu power? Heavy gamer? You certainly won't notice otherwise. Specs are not everything
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Acreo Aeneas:
Considering I've been buying/using nothing but near-stock or stock Android phones the last 8+ years, you don't have many choices as far as name brands go.

Namely: Google, Nokia, Motorola, OnePlus. And whatever Android ONE phones that support your chosen carrier. Google has the best track record for updates. Nokia is also good since their phones are all Android ONE. Motorola has down way downhill for updates since Lenovo took over. OnePlus is hit-or-miss with their updates, also not as often released as Google or Nokia devices.
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] haloimplant:
FHD has been low end and QHD high end for 5 years at this point
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Benjamin_L:
You won't be able to see pixels with 423dpi so? Why do you need higher resolution? Seriously asking why you would trade battery life against this. Except for VR stuff
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] milan187:
i have to set my s20 to 1080p to use 120hz sooooo
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] DrOtt:
Sony Xperia 5 ii? 6 inch screen with 21:9 ratio makes the phone narrow enough to feel small in the hand, near stock Android, 2 year system update, 3 year security update.

NGL, pretty torn between this and the Pixel 5.
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Pollie81:
Pixel 5 is no low end, I've seen so many reviews and they all claim the same. The 765 can handle everything you throw at it, even the most demanding games.

The 8 series, especially when it comes to phones is to show the public what's possible.. there's maybe a few people out there which actually need so much cpu power, for everybody else the 765 is perfect.

I recently used the 4a and even that one performs really well.

It's all hype and i get it, we all want the best possible but most of us don't need it and I'm glad we start having devices with more mid range specs for a more normal price.

For me personally the Pixel 5 is just perfect.
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] thewraith420:
I would agree with this, I just got my p5 a couple days ago and it's soo smooth! The 8gb of memory and 90hz screen coupled with Googles optimization really provide an excellent experience, I've played pubg and genshin impact both without a stutter. add to that the bigger battery over (7hrs sot on average) and it really still feels premium.
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] donlu30:
Going from a pixel 2 to the pixel 5, I feel this phone is DEFINITELY not low end. But #s matter to some folks I guess...
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] somnambulantdead:
Android devices have battery issues that are at the heart of the size creep. Until a manufacturer realizes that most people don't actually give a damn about a couple mm of depth to get a big enough battery to support flagship features, it's just not gonna happen. Everyone knows phones have gotten too big, it's why there is a market for PopSockets.
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Davey Dual Sim:
I've given up on Samsung, I've used every one they've made for years but they are now heavy and bloated phones. The cpu thing, you simply don't notice in real world use and who cares about geeky bench scores

Going back to light and smaller phones with superb battery ( Samsung are battery killers ) is a pleasure
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] y2grae:
I've journeyed 1xl, 3xl, 5

1xl and 3xl were "flagships" and the 5 leaves them in the dust.

seriously - once you get to a certain processing power, it's all smoke mirrors and bells.

you're fooling yourself if you don't think the 5 feels flagship

seems a lot of forums have people believing in the "tech reviews" pre launch about how "disappointing" the 5 is... they're wrong
[Google Pixel 5 Guides, News, & Discussion] Davey Dual Sim:
I hammer phones, it's my main work tool and there is no discernable difference in this 5 and other phones I've used

I've just opened Lightoom and opened and closed some 20 meg pics, plus edited a bit, fractions of a second slower yes for sure but it's just a none issue

The true beauty of a smaller lighter phone is something I'd long since forgotten until now