This is a product review for DC Mugen’s Privacy Screen Protector. According to DC Mugen, the screen protectors are:
Made from the latest Japanese thermo-plastic polymer (PET) materials, it has everything you need to keep your portable device looking stylish and beautiful but at the same time, yet keeping random people from checking out whatever you are viewing.
General Impression
The privacy screen protector comes in a standard package containing the screen protector and a cleaning cloth. Besides the obvious darker tint, I noticed that this particular screen protector was rather thick. I was concerned that the opaque black properties would dramatically dim the screen and make things impossible to see.
Installation
I would say that I would be “average” at applying screen protectors. The privacy protector was very easy to install. The bubbles underneath the were surprisingly simple to “push” out. After about a minute of adjusting, the screen protector was applied onto my Nokia 5800 dust, debris, and bubble free.
Quick Screen Protector Installation Tips
*In addition to the cleaning cloth, I suggest you also grab some clear tape and an alcohol based solution/wipe.*
- Steps
- Try to install the screen protector in the a dust-free environment (I personally like going outside)
- Try to install the screen protector in an area with good lighting (Again, outdoors works great)
- Wipe the screen with the alcohol solution/wipe
- Make sure the screen is streak-free. Wipe the screen with the supplied cleaning cloth if necessary
- Use the clear tape to remove dust particles from the screen
- Apply the screen protector from bottom to top
- Done!
- How to make adjustments/remove bubbles during installation
- Stick the clear tape on the top left/right corner of the screen protector
- Gently lift the screen protector using the tape
- Adjust and reposition the screen protector
- Re-install the screen protector back onto the device
- To remove bubbles, “push” them to the edges and corners of the screen protector using a cleaning cloth – apply gentle pressure
The Privacy Effect
Front view of the privacy screen protector on the Nokia 5800
Side view of the privacy screen protector on the Nokia 5800
After applying the Privacy protector, the screen look noticeably darker. I usually keep my screen’s brightness to the 3/5, but I had to increase it to 4/5 after installation. The privacy protector feels very different compared to standard protectors. It has a “matte” photograph feel – similar to anti-glare screen protectors.
Here is a video demonstrating the “Privacy” effects on an HTC Touch HD
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp8T-0DtJWU
The Cons
On paper, the privacy effect on these screen protectors sound great. However, the screen protector performs very poorly in sunlight, providing no anti-glare properties what-so-ever.
The dimmed screen makes it even harder to read text and make out icons from a distance.
Due to the nature of the “Privacy” properties, it severely diminishes the screen quality at an angle – even for the phone’s user. This is very problematic for users with a on-screen touch qwerty keypad. From the photograph, you can see the distorted/warped keypad, which decreases typing accuracy. If you zoom into the screen, you can see a series of “scanlines”, distorting the screen – not to mention can give you a headache.
Summary
The privacy protectors are designed to keep nosy on-lookers from peering onto your screen. In theory, that sounds like a wonderful idea. However, due to the under developed technology of the material, this “privacy” effect proves to be very problematic for the device owner.
Pros
- Easy Installation
- Added thickness provides better screen protection
- Prevents others from peaking onto your screen
Cons
- Very poor screen visibility both indoors and outdoors
- Matte surface
- Dimness of the screen
- Visible “scanlines”
- Diminishes screen quality
Rating: 4/10
Although the Privacy Screen Protectors for the Nokia 5800 are not yet available for purchase, they will be available for approximately $3-5 USD. I would not recommend purchasing this product. Instead, I would suggest saving the money to invest it in another screen protector or an Epikcase.
Click here to see DC Mugen’s online store
*I will be removing this screen protector after this post*