yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
The elephant in the room... any scratch weakens the glass. It's not just cosmetic, it's structural to a greater or lesser extent. It provides a weaken area where a fracture can propagate from.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] robbbzilla:
Is that a watch? Small areas are fine but a 6.8" screen is a completely different beast.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] evangelionpunk:
Good case+good tempered glass screen protector. Done.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
The optical issue can be largely compensated for with sapphire by color calibration. It's much more costly though for large pieces than glass that includes if it needs to be replaced.

Always use a good case and a glass protector or you will get damage, just a matter of time. The case should always provide the primary display protection in face plants and side impacts. This is a heavy phone that will hit hard when dropped.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] V0latyle:
Yeah, it's a watch. I have to wonder if it's even possible to cut a slice of sapphire as big as a phone.

Eh, you can't really fix transparency. That's the issue here - sapphire is less transparent than glass, so screens look darker and there's less contrast. There isn't a lot you can do about this except have an even brighter display but at that point you're just wasting battery
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
Apple played with the idea of using sapphire. Off the top of my head the optical deficiencies of sapphire are small but glass is more desirable optically because of it's excellent transparency.

At this point the SOT of these new flagships suck anyway, what's another 1 or 2%?
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] peterg21:
I don't think so. https://www.the7electronics.com/what-does-9h-hardness-mean-in-screen-protectors/

This is a good video - For level 9 we need a sapphire screen protector:
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] MrDusan:
The best proof of s23 ultra's easily scratchable screens are the units displayed in phone shops. All the units I used and tested in shops are already full of scratches. Which is a bit disturbing given that they are displayed only a few weeks.

I usually take a lot of care with my devices and had my s21u without a screen protector for almost a year. There were only a few marks on the screen.

With this device I was able to see marks after 2 days of careful use.

It's a bad timing for them to stop including factory screen protectors...
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] Guyinlaca:
After 2 weeks, I can confirm that it has the same scratch resistance as the S22 Ultra. I'm very careful with my phone and have no micro scratches yet. Knock on wood.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] hand-filer:
I just took a good look at my display. Not a single scratch on the screen protector.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] xwonic:
Get a Kyocera if you don't like scratchs :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

jerryrigeverything
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] Paul_Deemer:
Don't Live in the Dessert. Never have used a screen protector and don't need to waste my money on it. I have had the s7 Edge, Note 8, s20U, s22u and s23u without screen protector and my screens have never been scratched while inside good cases and in a holster on my belt. Alot of people have issues simply because they don't keep their screens clean. Carry a microfiber lens cleaning cloth for eye glasses in your pocket at all times and never wipe your phone screen with anything else and certainly never with toilet tissue or a paper towel. Get Zeiss eye glass cleaner or equivalent which is safe for all coatings and has no alcohol. You don't have to lug the bottle of cleaner around BUT use it once daily to get those finger prints and dirt off your screen. Rest of time use your microfiber cloth. It's not rocket science or luck that I have not had any problems. I just keep my screen clean, in a belt holster and never in a pants pockets giving off radiation near my balls.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] robbbzilla:
Like I said in order to do so it would have to be significantly thicker than current gorilla glass.

Transparency wouldn't be an issue as long as an anti reflective coating was applied. It would probably have to be applied to both sides of the sapphire on such a large surface. Transparency is not an issue but reflectivity is.

Sapphire hybrid like gorilla glass with a top layer of sapphire might work but it would still be susceptible to shattering the top layer.

Honestly Gorilla glass is about as good as it gets. I would prefer something like gorilla glass 3 which seemed to be the best on scratches and deal with the higher shatter danger because as drop tests show even Victus 2 is not that great and it is still most likely softer than GG3.

The best solution is a Loca tempered glass screen protector and install as soon as you can. Get a good case at least 10ft drop protection and a decent lip around the device.

This is why I actually liked glasstic backs. My perfect solution would be a glasstic back and GG3 on the front. Of course plastic is even softer than glass but if it would strengthen the entire device. I also like ceramic as it seems to be better at shatter resistance, great scratch resistance and better for the environment like glass is as opposed to plastic.

A friend has a

No radiation near your balls. That is the best line I have read in a while.

I agree but belt holster is a pain and I don't wear a belt most of the time.

But keeping balls safe is important and that is no joke.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ivicask:
I checked 6x s23 ultra and plus from friends we all got it about 2 week ago, all use it with super care, including me, never anything else in pocket with it, never on screen facing down.

All of them already have visible scratches if you look under certan angle, my own has aprox 1 cm one in bottom of screen.

I mean it doesn't bother me in daily usage or I see them unless you really look into it and while screen is clean and under certan angles, but still I'm disappointed and afraid how they will look in 1+ year...

Also for people who say you don't have scratches, yes you most likely have them, you just don't see them, clean your screen and check it under light and various angles they are very thin.

One of my friends still don't see them and when I look at he's phone I see bunch, I guess not all have same eye sight ..
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
The curse of being 20/10 nearsighted...

Sand and grit is everywhere and cotton lined pockets are a magnet for it. Without a screen protector scratches are a given for most people.

Dry cleaning with a clean microfiber helps to prevent them. Using your shirt, etc is a bad plan.

Very fine scratches can be removed by rubbing with a dry finger tip or palm. Takes 30+ minutes* going in the direction of the scratch. Yes, dry skin keratin polishes glass. A new nervous habit to practice... just make sure your finger tips or palm are clean and perfectly dry. Of course you could use a cerium glass polishing compound, but if you overdue it too much the undercut will be noticeable. You'll be hard pressed to do that using the former method.

It's much easier to keep scratches from happening then it is to live with them or remove them.

*if you can't feel the scratch with your finger nail it can be readily polished out like this. 1-10+K cycles🤣
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] EtherealRemnant:
I just scanned the entire screen and found no scratches, micro or otherwise.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
I've been using the phone for about 1.5 weeks with the official Samsung Leather Case. That is, the front of the phone is mostly exposed. It's been in various shorts/trouser pockets for hours at a time, and even been in "gym bags" a couple of times where there're things like keys inside too. I'm relatively careful with my phone, but I wouldn't say it's anything extreme.

I've spent some time trying to find scratches in very bright light conditions, even shining a very bright torch directly over the screen to the point that I can make out fine details of my fingerprints over the phone. I then used a microfibre cloth and cleaned the screen thoroughly, to the point that I can quite easily make out the under display fingerprint scanner "chip". I also put my S21 ultra beside it and immediately could see the minor scratches (it's barely visible in everyday use unless you go looking for it) from when I dropped the phone some months ago.

I cannot see any scratches whatsoever on the S23 Ultra. My eyesight isn't perfect, but it's reasonable enough to drive without glasses, and I don't have any "long-sightedness" or other visual disability I'm aware of.

I'm not sure what is happening here. Practically speaking, the main possible explanations for this conflict in scratch reports are:

-Batch variation in device. This has been demonstrably proven in this issue too (eg. there are many reports of people who see that defect, then replace it and notice it's a lot less or more on the replacement device):

https://xdaforums.com/t/23-ultra-sc...ner-mine-as-well.4556465/page-5#post-88240625

This would be quite worrying, as you'd expect the glass/panel on the front of Samsung's flagship device should be very consistent and robust.

-My eyesight isn't good enough to detect the scratches (I'm skeptical about this for reasons stated before/above)

-Those people who say they are "being careful" with the phone aren't actually being that careful!

-There's actually nothing wrong, and market forces are pushing people to buy screen protectors!
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ivicask:
@ssj100

Report back in month or two..

Btw i still have my old HTC M8 and besides 2 obvious scratches which happend due fall, rest of the screen is perfect without any hairline scratches.

On other hand my Samsung S10+ and recently old S21 ultra which i replaced now with S23 had full screen of this hairline mini scratches...

But again as i said i dont mind that too much just mentioning for sake of discussion.

I simple cannot stand screen protectors or foils specially, entire screen touch feeling is different and not smooth, + fingerprint scanner just works worse no matter what you do or how many times you re-scan same finger or other tricks..
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
Well you mentioned your S21 Ultra is full of scratches - I've used the S21 Ultra for the past 2 years and I can't find any so called "hairline scratches". I can certainly see the couple of minor scratches as I mentioned in previous post due to dropping the phone some months ago. I've actually had 2 major drops on the S21 Ultra, but the first drop I managed to get away without any front panel scratches due to luck I guess - I always use very thin cases which exposes most of the front.

Are you sure these "hairline scratches" aren't just small dust particles on your screen that you can easily wipe away? Or are you using a magnifying glass or similar to see them? I mean, I'm looking so closely/carefully that I can literally see the tiniest of dust particles fall on the screen in real time.

I also dislike screen protectors, and have never used one.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ivicask:
I will try make picture on Monday for example.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
Thanks, I guess one of the points I'm making is that these so called hairline scratches may actually be so hard to detect (or are able to be "wiped away"? - I've actually seen reports of this before) that it's practically not an issue. Much like the previously linked "display issue" in the bottom right corner.

Regarding Samsung phones in general, I owned the S7 for 2-years too, and that had absolutely zero scratches (also never dropped that one a single time). The S9+ I owned for 3-years had one or two very subtle scratches/smudges, but I think that was from a couple of minor drops.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
It's very hard to photograph the damage caused by not using a screen protector. Rather pointless as it's just normal wear that invariably happens to glass that's heavily used. It's not just small scratches but marring and point marring. Let those who don't believe you learn the old fashioned way by playing in the hurt locker.

In time the glass will no longer be clear and unscratched unless you aggressively polish it out (if possible). I can -see- it easily on my S4+ which was spotless until I removed it's screen protector. Took less then 6 months to get goofed up after over 3 years of being perfect.

If you're not a believer... you will be🤣

I ignore the micro scratches on my protector because I know I can simply peel it off, slam on a new one and start fresh again any time I choose with zero damage to the glass.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ivicask:
As i mentioned my 9 year old HTC m8 doenst have them ,and I was also borrowing it around to several ppl as replacement phone and phone went thru allot torture.

Seams old gorila glass 3 was much more resistant to this kinds of scratches then new versions ..
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
Interesting. Probably has to do with the temper on that glass. However sand will scratch tempered glass. Granite (grade rock, gravel etc) is even harder. Both are literally everywhere to a greater or lesser extent from a fine grit to fist sized chunks. Grade rock being one of the worst materials to face plant a dropped phone on.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
Well that's another point though - if you're going to accept micro-scratches over a screen protector for "3 years", then I don't see the point of it either, even with the premise that such micro-scratches do occur on the device.

I do concede that I'm coming from essentially getting these devices for free, and am able to get a new phone every 2-years. So I have zero interest in future trading in or selling etc.

However, my main point is that I remain quite skeptical about people reporting scratches after a few hours/1 day of use, despite being a "careful user". As I said, I have a S21 Ultra with 2-years of use beside my current S23 Ultra (with 1.5 weeks of use), and I cannot see any scratches whatsoever (beyond the scratches from when I dropped the phone). I'm not trying to convince anyone, but just reporting my real-world use and experience.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
A screen protector provides some -limited- impact protection that the case can't protect it from... like gravel face plants. I've had a few nasty face plants including landing on a piece of extruded aluminum edge. Trashed the factory screen protector 2nd day I had the N10+, no display damage. Once cracked the display glass has to be replaced; OLEDs are destroyed by even minute water contamination.

Hydrocell protectors are inexpensive and easy to apply. Feel almost as good as the factory protector and greatly reduces nib wear on the spen; still using my original nib.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] Paul_Deemer:
None on mine either and it never goes in a pocket always in it's holster on my belt. Also never have cleaned it with anything other than a microfiber cloth and Zeiss. People blow this out of proportion too much. The scratches usually come from stupidity. Putting phone in pockets with Keys, Dirty or Abrasive material pockets etc. You don't have to use a screen protector if you don't want to. It's NOT necessary. Just don't put the thing in your pocket and put it in a case that has raises edges on all four sides and your good to go. I have never used a screen protector in my life and never had any scratches on my Samsung Phones.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
It's certainly not "necessary" to use a screen protector, but I wouldn't say it's useless to use one either (I know that's not what you're saying). For example, I'm pretty sure the small scratches I have on my S21 Ultra from when I dropped it would have been prevented if it had a screen protector on.

However, personally I dislike the idea of a screen protector. I'm actually quite OCD, and having a "third party" layer of material over a high-end flagship device with arguably the best display out there doesn't feel right. People keep saying they find "micro-scratches" or see "wavy lines in the bottom right corner", but I'd say having a screen protector would be more of an "eye-sore" for me haha.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] robbbzilla:
Glass is glass is glass. No way around physics. Corning can't make sapphire out of glass. Victus 2 is just like any tempered glass.

So I think the reports of it being more prone to scratches are exaggerated just like those who say they never get scratches with years of use and no screen protector.

A cheap film protector on the curved displays is cheap insurance against light scratches. Tempered glass is even better but a PITA to apply and much thicker.

I can understand people who don't like any screen protector. It is a hassle and takes away from the look of the screen.

Personally I don't mind using a screen protector because I am extremely anal when it comes to any scratches. I can't unsee them once I see them no matter how small.

If I get a 3 pack of film for $10 or less that is about $3 each. If they last 3-4 months each that is around a dollar a month to protect my $1k + device. Seems like a no brainer. When I go to sell my device I get more for it being in pristine condition. Just makes sense to me.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
Yes I think if it was important/critical for me to sell or trade in my device in future, I'd probably use a really heavy case and also a screen protector. Or perhaps even one of those cases which folds over the front - that would achieve the best protection for when in pocket/bag etc and also doesn't diminish the "feel/function" of the screen when physically interacting with it on such a flagship device.

One point I was trying to make is that I find it surprising that people are getting scratches without dropping their phones. Perhaps some are forgetting they put their phones face-down on grainy/uneven surfaces? Or do they frequently store their phones in bags that also contain keys and other semi-sharp objects? As I said, I've owned multiple Samsung phones and have never noticed scratches unrelated to significant drops.

I'm also not the only one, as I know several people in the same boat as me. I guess either we are incredibly careful with our phones and never take it anywhere (demonstrably not true in my use case) or we're all blind as bats haha.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] android404:
Litteraly zero scratches on my 10+ after three years of usage without any protection. In and out of my otherwise empty pocket all day long. Well see how it goes with the s23u.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
Well as I said, then you must be blind as a bat like me and so many others not reporting scratches (unrelated to drops).
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] android404:
I don't think I'm blind, the screens on my phones just never come in contact with anything else than my fingers and the inside of my pockets. People that report scratches must have phones that have come in contact with other stuff too.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] Guyinlaca:
I will say after handling quite a few S23 Ultras, the thickness and properties of the oleophobic coating varies greatly on these phones. Some are very glossy and have a noticeably thick layer, while others are thinner and appear almost semi gloss. Personally, I've not seen any micro scratches after a month and I'm very particular about that. That warning video probably inspired many to buy screen protectors but I tried both a film and glass and both made the phone look and feel worse. Having used phones without screen protectors for so long, they really decrease the sensitivity.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] Ipse_Tase:
You really need to get on AliExpress more 😉

(also need to read up a bit in iPhone glass infused with sapphire)

No need to argue "but but... it's synthetic sapphire" ...of course it is. Still way harder than Gorilla glass, but NOT shatter-proof.

I want to see ONE drop test that shows the advantage of Victus 2.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] ssj100:
Been about 6-weeks since you asked me to report back - I can see one micro-scratch (probably due to regularly putting the phone in a small bag with my keys, which I've stopped doing now). To be fair, I did this with my S21 Ultra and noticed 0 micro-scratches after 2-years, so those saying the S23 Ultra screen (Victus 2?) is more micro-scratch prone may actually be right!
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] MichalPlays:
I always buy protective glass and a case before I get the phone delivered so that I can just apply it before I even setup it.

That's what I have been doing since I bought my Galaxy Note 3 back in 2013.

The issue is that scratches might be caused by many factors. I admit, I'm using a iPhone 12 Pro as my secondary device after I upgraded from the iPhone 5s back when the 12 Pro launched.

I changed my screen protector at the end of 2022 and in just those 6 months, the protector has so many micro scratches and even 2 deeper ones.

But yeah, the problem Galaxy devices, since the Note Edge release, have the problem with the curved edges and this might suck when it comes to apply the protector. However, the foil/rubber like protectors might be a great alternative. I used one on my OnePlus 8 Pro and it was like completely messed up but when I pulled it off, the display was still in perfect condition.

Before anyone says anything, I don't mock the author of that thread for using their phone w/o any protection and those concerns are actually not something to brush off. Maybe there are faulty units out in the wild. However, JerryRigEverything posted a video on YouTube and according to his test of the scratch resistance of the S23 U (YT Video Link) , he was getting the usual scratch resistance results like on his video with the S22 Ultra, S21 Ultra and many other phones
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] EtherealRemnant:
I definitely have a couple scratches on the screen now. They're only noticeable in certain light but they are there.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] oVeRdOsE.:
I was a naked phone type of user, but back in the days, on HTC phone, the glass+digitizer was 30-40$ , couple of hours to change, and no worry about IP certification since this wasn't a thing.

Have you seen the price on ebay for a replacement ? S23U is around 650$ cad, and S22U not that cheaper, 500$ cad. There's risk of damaging stuff and very high risk to loose the IP rating . since you need the whole amoled screen + glass.

deep Scratches are weak points, and can be the starting point of your next crack.

even if im not paying the phone, Im a keeper, and I dont want a crack for x years.

I had no choice to go UV glued galss.

Also, the glass has a oleophobic coating, which has the same feeling as the OEM glass.

Keep in mind the OEM oleophobic coating is not eternal, have a protector for this is an other + .

When you loose it, the finger prints are everywhere, and hard to apply a new coating.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] blackhawk:
Yeap your dry finger tips and palms are hard enough to polish glass and the oleophobic coating ie erode it.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] EtherealRemnant:
I'm not worrying about it. If the screen cracks, well, that sucks, but that's what I have my free Samsung Care+ for. $29 and a trip to uBreakiFix. I absolutely refuse to use a screen protector, especially on a curved screen.
[Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra] nyr2k2:
The last time I had a noticeable scratch on my phone was my old Droid X. And I'm not talking about these microscopic scratches that require certain lighting, holding your phone at an angle, and a good squint--those don't bother me. If I can't see it without looking really hard for it, I'm not worried about it.

Anyway, I take really good care of my phones but don't usually use screen protectors as I suck at putting them on. This time though I tried the amFilm HD Clear Elastic Skin. I ****ed up the first two applications but they have a great warranty program (as someone on here informed me) and gave me a whole new pack for free. This time, I watched the installation video and did it basically flawlessly. I'm super satisfied with the product.

The only issue I have now is the spot where, when in portrait mode, my right thumb would normally do swiping (i.e. the most heavily-contacted spot on the phone), it feels a little slick, like maybe it's wearing down. Otherwise it's great.