Martin Fields have been the recommended screen protector by many mobile enthusiast. The pricey piece of film has been praised for its clarity and many believe that “you get what you pay for.” But do you really?
In this experiment, I will be matching the highly acclaimed Martin Fields screen protector against a more generic screen protector supplied by DC Mugen (supplier of Epikcases). The screen protectors are applied into my Sony Ericsson z710i and will be subjected to four different experiments where they will be tested and graded.
Experiments
- Feel
- Clarity
- Finger Prints and Smudging
- Scratch Resistance
Screen Protectors:
Clear Screen Protector – Retails for Approximately $1.49 USD – DC Mugen
Applied on the left side of the Sony Ericsson z710i
Martin Fields Screen Protector – Retails for Approximately $16.99 USD – Martin Fields
Applied on the right side of the Sony Ericsson z710i
Hypothesis:
The Martin Fields screen protector should out perform the generic brand in every aspect because the price is 11x as expensive.
Test One : Feel (1 Point)
Both screen protectors have the same thickness and they are both smooth to the touch.
One Point for both protectors
Test Two : Clarity (4 Points)
Both screen protectors have the same clarity when the screen is turned on.
Various Lighting
Both screen protectors have the same clarity in outdoor lighting and indoor lighting. However, in flourecent lighting, you can see some subtle greenish/purple waves on the generic brand, but Martin fields remains clear. The greenish/purple tint does not affect the screen quality once the device is turned on.
3 points for the generic brand, and 4 points for Martin Fields.
Test Three : Finger Prints and Smudging (1 Point)
Both screen protectors attract the same amount of finger prints.
Smudges and fingerprints are relatively easy to clean for both screen protectors. This is the result after 3 wipes using my t-shirt.
One Point for both protectors
Test Four : Scratch Resistance (6 Points)
In this test, both screen protectors will be subjected to scratches applied by 3 different objects with both light and medium pressure.
The Key Test
The generic brand only scratches when medium pressure is applied. However, the Martin Field screen protector scratches with both light and medium pressure.
1 point for the generic screen protector, and 0 points for Martin Fields.
The Fork Test
The generic brand only scratches when medium pressure is applied. Even then, the scratches are not very visible. The Martin Field screen protector scratches with both light and medium pressure.
1 point for the generic screen protector, and 0 points for Martin Fields.
The Sharp Paring Test
Both screen protectors scratch using the paring knife. However, the scratches are noticeably deeper on the Martin Fields.
0 points for both.
Conclusion
Generic Screen Protector: 6 Points
Martin Fields Screen Protector: 5 Points
Are Martin Fields Screen Protectors Really Worth The Price?
I would personally say no.
Based on these experiments, the generic screen protectors would prove to be a better choice. Not only are they more scratch resistant, they are significantly less expensive then the Martin Fields brand. The price allows you to purchases multiple screen protectors for back up purposes and future use. You won’t have to feel pressured in “wasting” your $20.00 investment by installing the film incorrectly.
For generic crystal clear screen protectors that are not only affordable but look great, check out DC Mugen’s Online Store.
For Martin Fields screen protectors that stay clear anywhere you go, check out their online store.