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Since I haven't seen many people here mentioning it, I thought it'd be useful to talk about my experience with Brando anti glare protector for Touch HD.
Few months ago, when I stockpiled on the protectors, I ordered one, just for the testing purposes. They were cheap, so I figured why not.
Now that my previously used ultra-clear protector got badly scratched and even deformed after a situation in which my Touch HD fell face down directly onto a neck of a beer bottle (don't ask) I realized I had to change it. The screen magically survived without any trace of contact, and I was very lucky for having the protector on - without it, I'm sure the screen would've had to be replaced.
Applying the protector
So, I pulled out the anti glare protector and applied it. First of all, the application procedure was slightly easier then with ultra-clear. The anti glare protector seems to be a bit stiffer and requires only one side of the protector to be peeled off before application, whereas the ultra needs 2 protective layers removed. It could also be simply the fact that I got some practice with these things now... But it felt easier in any case.
Fit
As with other Brando protectors, this one is also a bit too short on the bottom. If you start directly at the top of the device screen, leaving absolutely no space between the protector and the screen edge, at the bottom side you'll end up about 1.2 mm too short. For me it's not a big problem, and I certainly don't notice this, since the bottom part is usually covered by hand or fingers, but people who insist on perfection may find this annoying. The cut out for the speaker seems to sit well in it's place, and also be aware that there is a U-shaped cut out for the front camera. The ultra clear covers the camera, but obviously because of the grain-effect I'll get to in a moment, this was not possible here.
Brightness
After applying it I was very happy with the overall look. The screen brightness was the same - I did not notice any reduction in this regard, so I can say that this is very good in terms of transparency.
Sharpness and visibility
As for the sharpness / visibility, I'm hesitant to even say it, but there is a small difference when compared to ultra clear, or no protector of course. But it's a small difference. The effect is sort of like a very, very fine grain pattern across the screen, but I can't stress this enough - it's really no big deal. I'm a photographer and I work with graphic editing software, so my eyes are trained to notice every damn detail. For most people, I would assume that they would hardly notice any difference. So, to cut the long story short - the sharpness stays the same, but you get a gentle grain effect which is usually noticeable only on white background.
To sort of get a feeling of what you can expect, I can recommend you open up a bitmap in Photoshop and add 1 percent uniform noise filter. This is about the same amount of grain you'll see on the screen when using this protector.
Resistance to smudging
One very cool thing I noticed is that anti glare protector also seems to be MUCH, MUCH better when it comes to smudges. With ultra clear, I would usually feel a need to wipe the phone after each conversation or a typed SMS. Basically, any contact with skin would cause a mess on the screen. With anti glare, this is still present, but to much lesser extent. I feel that this is a big advantage when compared to ultra clear protector.
Touch sensation and sensitivity
Well, first of all, it does feel slightly different under your finger. Right after applying it, the finger movement across the screen felt rather stiff. There was definitively more friction going on then with ultra clear, but after one or two days of usage, this effect seems to wear off, or you simply get used to it and don't notice it anymore. I can say I have come to actually like this. Oh, and there is no degradation of screen sensitivity that I noticed. I did not feel that I had to push the screen any harder then before, so this is another strong point.
Anti-glare feature
And finally, what would be an anti glare protector review, without comment on the anti glaring From my non scientific tests, the feature works very well. The glaring is indeed much reduced. I would say about 50-60% less, if not even more. Also, when you do get some glare, for example from the direct light above your head, it's much less obtrusive then with ultra-clear or without protector. The effect is subtle, and will not interrupt you from reading things on the device.
Conclusion
All in all, if you can accept the slight grain effect, this is a great thing for people who use Touch HD in bright light or simply feel annoyed with the fact that the default screen protector is so polished you can sometimes see more of your face on it than the screen itself.
So, by sacrificing 5% of visual quality, you can get about 50% more on the usability. I don't regret buy it at all - in fact I only regret not ordering more on my last purchase.
p.s. I have absolutely no connection with Brando, nor I will get anything out of writing this review. I also have to say I have been ordering stuff from them for a while now, and have been very satisfied with their services so far.
That's a very in depth review which I am sure many will find useful.
I have a Brando Ultra Clear and have recently been using my HD in the garden as the weather in the UK has been so hot and sunny recently. I thought it would never work outside because of the bright light but with screen brightness setting on full I could not believe how good it was. No strain on the eye at all with the sun behind or in front. Not sure if this is because of the HTC screen or the Brando Ultra Clear protector - I've not tried it without.
Sounds like Anti Glare is even better from your review but I would say that Ultra Clear is still very useable in bright light.
Hi, been looking for a proper screen protector but haven't really gotten to it yet..
After reading this I'm convinced, I'm gonna get myself one!
...just can seem to locate one in the Netherlands...all shops sell the ultra clear (with anti glare in the descriptive text), but not just an anti glare one.
Anyone?
Thanks
*ordered through shop.brando etc..*
are you going to post some images?
Psygnosis84 said:
are you going to post some images?
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Not gonna make any promises, but being a photographer, I guess I should
great review...I hate glare! So, I'm ordering one of these Brando anti-glare screen protectors.
Has anyone compared this Brando anti-glare to the Boxwave anti-glare?
As you say above "The effect is sort of like a very, very fine grain pattern across the screen".
The Boxwave has this and it is almost unacceptable (to me) and was wondering if this Brando was any better (clearer) in this department.
Thanks.
zozz said:
Has anyone compared this Brando anti-glare to the Boxwave anti-glare?
As you say above "The effect is sort of like a very, very fine grain pattern across the screen".
The Boxwave has this and it is almost unacceptable (to me) and was wondering if this Brando was any better (clearer) in this department.
Thanks.
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Hi, I haven't used any Boxwave protectors, so I can't really say, but I am interested to hear from users that tried them.
Personally, I really got used to Brando anti-glare, and I find the device much more comfortable to use in everyday situations. And I really like the fact that the smudging is MUCH less of a problem.
Anyone know where these can be got in the UK?
**EDIT** Nevermind, I got it here - http://shop.brando.com
$3 shipping worldwide, $12 in total = just under £8...
AndyCr15 said:
Anyone know where these can be got in the UK?
**EDIT** Nevermind, I got it here - http://shop.brando.com
$3 shipping worldwide, $12 in total = just under £8...
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http://www.inkino.co.uk/zen/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=69&zenid=ebdc7d2530edpgsgpjp2v0qbb1 in Tottenham Court Road fit them for you in case you've got a shaky hand
Not sure if they will have anti glare though.
zozz said:
Has anyone compared this Brando anti-glare to the Boxwave anti-glare?
As you say above "The effect is sort of like a very, very fine grain pattern across the screen".
The Boxwave has this and it is almost unacceptable (to me) and was wondering if this Brando was any better (clearer) in this department.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Hmm, I actually prefer Boxwave's grain pattern because it gives "texture" to the screen. Yeah it does lower the screen's image quality but overall it's quite nice I reckon
I got mine today, I really like it. It has a matt finish rather than a gloss finish which I prefer the feel of.
Unfortunately it took about 8 attempts to get it on without the edges slightly overlapping and causing the long bubble along the edge and now I think I have some dust under it
Still, it's a great fit, feels great but I have yet to see how well it's anti-glare properties hold up.
Brando, not so good
I have to disagree. At first I was very excited it about it but then... I find it horrible! I was not able to use it. Could not get rid of the bubbles. I think its cut too big! Wash it and nothing but dust gets caught on the backing that sticks to the screen which has some kind of glue like surface. After washing it gets marks all over and dust. I wasted my money. Expensive, not worth it, needs work. I have installed many screen protectors on my touch hd.
Nope, nope, nope... had none of those problems here...
I've had good luck with Brando compared to other protectors.
c6638746 said:
I have to disagree. At first I was very excited it about it but then... I find it horrible! I was not able to use it. Could not get rid of the bubbles. I think its cut too big! Wash it and nothing but dust gets caught on the backing that sticks to the screen which has some kind of glue like surface. After washing it gets marks all over and dust. I wasted my money. Expensive, not worth it, needs work. I have installed many screen protectors on my touch hd.
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All you need is a steamy bathroom.
I stopped by an AT&T store yesterday and asked the sales reps to show me one if the employee Lumia 900's that were handed out. They were very helpful and happy that I was so willing to teach them about the phone.
The main reason I wanted to see it was to find out if I could live without the curved glass over the display. Not only is the glass on the 900 flat, it has a sharp bezel that moves forward from the glass and then back toward the housing. This creates quite a sharp feeling edge and destroys the "smooth" feeling of the phone. It seems as if the 900 were created in a rush and they didn't have the time to get curved glass manufactured.
For me, this is a deal breaker. I'm happy to stick with my 800.
Sent from my Sexy Cyan Lumia 800 using XDA WP7 App
anseio said:
I stopped by an AT&T store yesterday and asked the sales reps to show me one if the employee Lumia 900's that were handed out. They were very helpful and happy that I was so willing to teach them about the phone.
The main reason I wanted to see it was to find out if I could live without the curved glass over the display. Not only is the glass on the 900 flat, it has a sharp bezel that moves forward from the glass and then back toward the housing. This creates quite a sharp feeling edge and destroys the "smooth" feeling of the phone. It seems as if the 900 were created in a rush and they didn't have the time to get curved glass manufactured.
For me, this is a deal breaker. I'm happy to stick with my 800.
Sent from my Sexy Cyan Lumia 800 using XDA WP7 App
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I feel that way too. I haven't actually seen the phone in person, but even from the pictures, I can tell that it isn't quite as refined in terms of exterior design as the Lumia 800.
The AT&T version with the Nokia logo on the left and the AT&T logo on the right also ruins the phone.
For me personally, the Lumia 800 is still the better looker.
hawc1506 said:
I feel that way too. I haven't actually seen the phone in person, but even from the pictures, I can tell that it isn't quite as refined in terms of exterior design as the Lumia 800.
The AT&T version with the Nokia logo on the left and the AT&T logo on the right also ruins the phone.
For me personally, the Lumia 800 is still the better looker.
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yeah the att logo makes it ugly im sure you would rub it with something to make it go away
I agree that the 800 is prettier, but dat LTE...
anseio said:
I stopped by an AT&T store yesterday and asked the sales reps to show me one if the employee Lumia 900's that were handed out. They were very helpful and happy that I was so willing to teach them about the phone.
The main reason I wanted to see it was to find out if I could live without the curved glass over the display. Not only is the glass on the 900 flat, it has a sharp bezel that moves forward from the glass and then back toward the housing. This creates quite a sharp feeling edge and destroys the "smooth" feeling of the phone. It seems as if the 900 were created in a rush and they didn't have the time to get curved glass manufactured.
For me, this is a deal breaker. I'm happy to stick with my 800.
Sent from my Sexy Cyan Lumia 800 using XDA WP7 App
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Maybe the sharp edge is there because the screen is bigger, in order to maintain the curved glass, they would've had to increase the devices width?
Personally I like the phone a lot better, larger battery, larger screen, is very big though, and the only device I wanted to purchase with the larger form factor was the Galaxy Note, so when this comes out in the UK, I may just trade it with some money on top for my Lumia 800.
I recently read that they chose flat glass due to weight. I don't think curved glass would have required a larger form factor.
sHaHiN786 said:
Maybe the sharp edge is there because the screen is bigger, in order to maintain the curved glass, they would've had to increase the devices width?
Personally I like the phone a lot better, larger battery, larger screen, is very big though, and the only device I wanted to purchase with the larger form factor was the Galaxy Note, so when this comes out in the UK, I may just trade it with some money on top for my Lumia 800.
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Sent from my Sexy Cyan Lumia 800 using XDA WP7 App
anseio said:
I recently read that they chose flat glass due to weight. I don't think curved glass would have required a larger form factor.
Sent from my Sexy Cyan Lumia 800 using XDA WP7 App
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makes sense. considering its already hefty
maybe with the official cover it not raised anymore like on the 800, so u might be getting the curved feel only when the cover is on?
tandeh said:
maybe with the official cover it not raised anymore like on the 800, so u might be getting the curved feel only when the cover is on?
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I no likey covers on my phone. It's a completely different feel having that flat glass and the bezel. I'm sure many will be happy with it though.
anseio said:
I no likey covers on my phone. It's a completely different feel having that flat glass and the bezel. I'm sure many will be happy with it though.
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if you put a screen protector on it will most likely go away. the amaze has a gap between the glass and the plastic that surrounds it and it bugs the crap out of me but with a screen protector there is a huge difference
stratax said:
if you put a screen protector on it will most likely go away. the amaze has a gap between the glass and the plastic that surrounds it and it bugs the crap out of me but with a screen protector there is a huge difference
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Not likely. I've recently read that it's an intentional frame around the glass to keep the glass from touching a surface when placed face down. I think it was the Engadget review that caught onto the fact that the glass really does break from the form factor and that the polycarbonate does feel different.
anseio said:
Not likely. I've recently read that it's an intentional frame around the glass to keep the glass from touching a surface when placed face down. I think it was the Engadget review that caught onto the fact that the glass really does break from the form factor and that the polycarbonate does feel different.
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hmm not really a bad thing imo. would rather have the smooth on the 800 though. kind of going against upgrading from my amaze to the 900 after watching this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkifKnNmeVg&feature=relmfu
wvga on a 4.3" screen is not really good =/ i dont like big blocky things. its really my only concern about the phone
This might be an odd question...
But does anyone know (or can anyone think of) reasons why the Lumia 920 has a frame around the screen? I feel like it would be nicer if the screen was borderless like the Lumia 800.
My speculations:
1. On some Lumia 800s, the gorilla glass isn't always flush with the polycarbonate, especially at the corners of the phone. This leads me to believe that it's hard to make gorilla glass look perfectly aligned and flush with the housing, and the frame is a compromise that can "distribute" the unevenness to make it less noticeable.
2. The frame is made of softer plastic, which can cushion the glass if the phone is dropped, adding durability.
3. Similar to number 1, but this might be the result of cost-cutting in manufacturing. It would be prohibitively expensive to form gorilla glass with the tight tolerances that would be required to make it completely flush with the polycarbonate.
Any other ideas?
could have to do with the size of the glass being harder to curve to tight tolerances as well. my guess would be it's a compromise of having a consistent quality at a reasonable price point.
do i think the flush glass on my 800 looks nicer? absolutely, but the 920 looks and feels much nicer than the solution they had with the 900.
Rate this thread to express how you think the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ feels in terms of quality. A higher rating indicates that it feels premium and high-quality (attention to detail is high, manufacturing defects don't exist, etc).
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Only complaint about build quality and aesthetics is that the Aura Glow back is such a fingerprint magnet. Like nothing I've been seen.
Here's my question: if Whitestone Dome can make a screen protector that collects virtually zero fingerprints, why can't Samsung use the same coating for their back glass?
Samsung is brand which makes great build quality phones with top notch materials (Eg: Display) which you can find in the market.
My aura white is premium build. Nice weight to it but does get tiring at times but something I can live with.
Feels much more premium than galaxy s models.
As for the finger prints, hardly any on the white but as for whitestone why cant they make a back glass cover?
No other device I have held in hand feels and looks as premium and well built as the note10+
winol said:
No other device I have held in hand feels and looks as premium and well built as the note10+
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Agreed! I was just thinking about how great the phone feels while resting on your pinky. Sounds super weird to say but the weight distribution is so we'll balanced and the flat bottom of the phone so smooth that I don't get the kind of pinky irritation and/or numbness I would get with other phones. I remember the iPhone XS Max being so heavy on my pinky it would cause discomfort after a while. I know this is the epitome of first world problems and even feels weird to say but I never heard any reviewer mentioning this tidbit.
Sent from my SM-N975W using XDA Labs
winol said:
No other device I have held in hand feels and looks as premium and well built as the note10+
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Completely agree, quality build is really good. I just noticed how precise the side buttons are, for example the "click" on volume buttons feels really good.
This is a major point versus Huawei and other chinese brand devices that definitely feel like toys in comparison.
The phone is well balanced and very thin even a good case on it. Owing to it's a pretty much nonexistent bezel it spends 24x7 in a it's Bolt case.
With the right case it's pretty much a what the active phones should have been plus it can molt its skin if it's damaged.
It's pulled some descent G's in falls in the case and is none the worse for the tumbles.
In the case accidental touches just aren't an issue while still having full screen access. In the right case it has an open feel about it while still being well protected.
Using it without a case though is downright scary as it's a slippery bugger.
Water/dust sealing and buttons seem top notch.
The curve screen is perfect for One Handed Operation+ and now I'm wondering how I lived the savage life without it.
Plus it adds to the screen and overall phone strength in spite of what some think. No detectable frame flex.
A high performance laptop in my hand... too cool.
Build Q is excellent. This heavily used N10+ looks and feels identical to my new one.
Switches, jack, seams are all still tight as the new one. It's held up extremely well. No detectable display degradation of any kind. Only repair has been a replacement battery.
I appreciate that Pixel 6 Pro has a bigger screen, but I prefer a smaller, flat screen like on the Pixel 6. Anyone else? I'm just kind of over curved screens....the mispresses, the image distortation, it's just not for me.
Who else is on team flat screen??
I prefer the 6 Pro finally bigger screen. I've been using the OnePlus curved bigger screens for a few years with out noticing any obvious bothersome distortion...
I wish the 6 would have a QHD screen and not a 1080 FHD. Far as curved or flat screens either is fine imo. I sure hope Pixel 6 series all have little to no issues. It's about time Google shows up the world and develops a phone that can't be beat! Last 6 yrs I stick with Pixel or OnePlus. Now I'm all Pixel! Love my 4XL!!!
100%
after the nightmare of dealing with screen protectors on the S20, I likely will never buy another curved screen.
I have a pixel 4 as well and it took 2 minutes to put a screen protector on and it cost $12 on Amazon, also I have 2 left if it ever breaks.
The s20 on the other hand requires an insanely complex process (frame it, put optically clear uv glue, then carefully put the glass on and make sure it doesn't bubble or dust and then get the glue even and then use a UV light to cure it. insane). Took me 3 tries and spent close to a $100 and I have 0 backups.
Flat screen ftw
ChongoDroid said:
100%
after the nightmare of dealing with screen protectors on the S20, I likely will never buy another curved screen.
I have a pixel 4 as well and it took 2 minutes to put a screen protector on and it cost $12 on Amazon, also I have 2 left if it ever breaks.
The s20 on the other hand requires an insanely complex process (frame it, put optically clear uv glue, then carefully put the glass on and make sure it doesn't bubble or dust and then get the glue even and then use a UV light to cure it. insane). Took me 3 tries and spent close to a $100 and I have 0 backups.
Flat screen ftw
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I don't know what kind of screen protector you have but the one I have you just drop on top of it and it covers the side and it's hard glass and the fingerprint reader still works and it took probably about 30 seconds to install
Just one word "Awesome"
Flat screen FTW.
I can't wait for this phone!
EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE!!!!!
I've been on the Note series for a long time now and even though the curved screen does give the look of having no bezels on the side, it can be a PITA for me too. I do however love that they are going with the more squared off corners on both the 6 and 6 Pro, similar to the Notes (I REALLY don't like the super rounded edges like the Sammy S line). I have more of a preference to that way more than the curved sides.
Curved screen sounds rad. But not sure if I'm 100% sure. I like the flat screen on my pixel 5. But might be worth checking it out. What do you think?
Not a fan of the curved screens, leaves the sides exposed even with a case and only the Whitestone protectors work around the corners. I am also done with the liquid application of the screen protectors.
I have never used a curved screen myself but my friends had it and I hated every second of the 0.5mm screen bleed from both of the sides (the white light that comes from the image/screen from the curved sides). And I also know that it is quite hard to protect such screens with a bumper on the side, i.e. if it falls on the side over something shard (that top and bottom bumpers cannot protect from), then it will directly hit the screen. And back then there was no control over sensitivity on sides, so you could accidentally register a touch on the screen.
I have used flat phones exclusively and since the start of note edge (i.e. note 6), I wasn't a fan of it. So, a win point for pixel 6 over 6 pro
I also do NOT like QHD screens, as I am a biologist and I know that our eyes cannot differentiate higher than 300 dpi (depending on the distance between eyes and the screen). So all the extra resolution is going to waste (i.e. battery drain because of higher use of GPU/CPU). So, a win point for pixel 6 over 6 pro
I am also not a fan of the telephoto lens, as it is easy to strap on a high-quality adjustable telephoto lens on a smartphone and get higher resolution and control rather than a telephoto that is squeezed into a phone form factor.
So, a win point for pixel 6 over 6 pro.
And lastly, the screen refresh: I have used 120 and 90fps both on different Samsung galaxy A series devices, but still, I am fine with 60fps in normal usage and maybe jump to 90/120 fps while gaming. So, no points for either pixel 6 or 6 pro.
I have used screens as large as 6.5 (SG-A 51) and it was fine, though slightly high (20:9 screen ratio). The same was with iPhone 13 pro max on hand. So, I think pixel 6 will hit the sweet spot between big enough and too big to use. So, a win point for pixel 6 over 6 pro.
Pixel 6 pro seems to have better camera features. So that is a win point for 6 pro.
My overall judgment: Pixel 6 is a winner over 6 pro.
P.S. This is all my personal opinions and not to start a discussion of "how could you" types
I've never owned a curved screen, would like the pro's specs, but want a flat screen and smaller phone. Plus I like bumper cases if anyone makes one, but unsure if those are applicable on curved screen phones.
currently on a pixel 4xl with a rhino shield bumper case that has protected my phone for years through drops, and prevents it from overheating by having an exposed back.
I can't stand curved screens after using them on Samsung phones. Flat all the way. Curved makes no sense once you use it enough unless it's a secondary display.
really wished the pixel 6 came in the beige sunshine color of the pro but it was an obvious choice for me.
I don't know if I'll miss the extra ram and going from 120hz to 90 but we'll see. I can always return it and get the pro.
I 110% agree with you. My wife still has a S8+ and I hated the curved screen from day one.
If you've ever used a liquid UV glue glass screen (great results when perfect, lots of practice required) then you'll know why flat is the preferable choice for a long term device
I
ChongoDroid said:
If you've ever used a liquid UV glue glass screen (great results when perfect, lots of practice required) then you'll know why flat is the preferable choice for a long term device
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Can say I runined one on my OnePlus 7 Pro back in the day. Did a good enough job the 2nd time around.
Ever since its been flat screen phones for me.
Curved screens are a gimmick, but if implemented well, not necessarily a deficiency. Samdung likes to wrap the display area into the curved edge of the screen, which is a pretty bad idea. The Google phones I've used and owned with curved screens (including Nexus 6 and Pixel 2XL) have been much more tastefully configured where the image stops before the actual curve in the screen, so there is no touching or looking through the curved glass. This works well and I've never had any issues with this.
Now I guess the question is... does it make it worse than it would be if completely flat? Aside from trying to match a glass screen protector to the curve, I don't think it does. I haven't used a screen protector since my Palm Treo 650, which had a resistive (plastic) screen that would have scratched without something over it. From a physics standpoint, the curve will make the glass more rigid than a flat screen, which could protect it from certain impacts, however it also "sticks out" a bit, which will make it a bit more vulnerable to other impacts. With a protective case around it, you probably get the best of both, since the screen will be a little stronger, but not sticking out and therefore not more vulnerable.
I agree that the screen on the P6P is a bit big... but for me, only in the vertical direction. I'm using a Nexus 6 right now instead of P2XL entirely *because of* the extra screen width. From what I can tell, the P6P is very nearly as wide as the Nexus 6, difference of something like 2 mm. But holding the N6 up to the P6P case shows that the P6P is *insanely* tall. Its going to be an adjustment for sure.
I can't stand big phones anymore. Too cumbersome. Had a Pixel 5 and now a Sony Xperia 5 ii. Love the small form factor and will probably never buy a big phone again.