I just got an iPhone 11 Pro recently and decided to go full overboard on protection and whoring myself out to Apple. After putting on a $6 screen protector and being unsatisfied with the application and quality, I decided to venture to the Apple Store to see what their deal was all about regarding the Belkin $40 screen protector and proprietary application “machine”. Everything went smoothly, but I wanted to write this to tell you about the pros, cons, and other important details.
Pros:
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Someone else does it for you
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No bubbles or dust (if done right, I’m sure there are bonehead employees out there who can’t operate the machine)
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Perfect alignment (almost too perfect, read below)
Cons:
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$40 for a piece of glass that, in all likelihood, is identical to a 3 pack for $6 on Amazon
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Not a full screen cover, leaves the notch exposed. You may like this for the front facing camera, but that’s up to you. I think it just pronounces an already goofy looking design flaw.
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The fit is too good! It’s damn near a replication of the actual screen with a tiny tiny tiny sliver of overflow onto the rest of the front
You may be asking - why is the fit too good a CON? Well, for starters it is felt every time you swipe up, which is obviously all of the time with no home button. Also, since it’s SO close to being the size of the real screen, there’s this weird angle that distorts the OLED brightness because it’s not quite “over” it. Does this make sense? I would prefer a screen protector that covers every single bit up until the case, but I understand that would disable some cases.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - If you go to the wall of products and select your own screen protector and bring it to the Genius Bar, the genius will simply open it and apply it with his/her own hands.. just like any of us could do. Luckily for me, my genius messed it up and went to the back where he brought out the same protector in a different casing. This one was compatible with their fancy Belkin machines that do it for you.
Overall/TL;DR - Not a bad service. Easily, quick, and expensive. I wouldn’t do it again if my current protector breaks, but it is a nice luxury to have. Please shake down the genius at the store until he/she goes to the back and gets the screen protector that is compatible with their Belkin application device. If they don’t use that, you’re paying $40 for an overpriced piece of glass that will be applied the same way you and I do it - with uncertainty and dust.
Good luck!
The belkin ones are good but you’re paying extra for the brand name. Checkout MobileReviewsEh, he reviews screen protectors in very depth and some of the ones he recommends are half the price of the Belkin ones but offer the same protection. I recently bought the FloLab iPhone 11 protector after he said it was the best one and it’s definitely fantastic. Only costed $20, fits great with the applicator they give you, and has a black border around it that goes over the screen so you can’t feel it when gesturing. Btw he is NOT sponsored by these companies
Yea I hate that brightness thing you are referring to. You mean the rainbow looking thing right?
Videos
Any other cheaper suggestions for screen protectors?
Edit : thanks everyone!!! 😃 Spigen it is!!
I bought a 40$ screen protector for my iPhone 16 pro max from Apple store about 6 months ago. The Apple sales rep was very clear that cracks in the screen protector are covered under the warranty of the screen protector. In a few months, my screen protector cracked. I contacted Belkin, and they sent a replacement without hassle. After another couple of months, the new screen protector cracked again. I contacted Belkin again. This time, they declined coverage. This is what Belkin told me via email "Our warranty policy covers defects in materials and workmanship, but it does not extend to damages such as accidental drops, cracks, or normal wear and tear."
WTF does defect in material and workmanship mean for a screen protector? What does the warranty cover if it doesn't cover cracks? If cracks are not covered, then 40$ for a piece of plastic is a total rip off. Also, I never had any screen protector crack so soon. A 10$ screen protector from Amazon often worked for more than a year without issue. Wondering if anyone else had a similar experience.
Edit: location I bought the screen protector was at an Apple Store in San Jose, California, USA.
So the one which they apply and provide at the Apple Store is Belkin UltraGlass 2 screen protector, I’ve heard that it’s bit sharp at edges and without using a case it will be a bad experience. I was planning on using a case anyway (UGREEN MagSafe Clear, with military grade protection), so should I get this screen protector although it’s bit expensive? As long as it’s very strong and provides good protection I don’t mind it, or should I consider other third party ones?
Their warranty process is an absolute nightmare. Check comments for explanation.