Magic John Tempered Glass Review – Great Design, Average Protection

We weren’t sure what to expect from a product called “Magic John,” but surprisingly, this tempered glass screen protector came in strong—at least in some areas. Ranked #6 overall out of 20+ tested protectors, it nails the design and install experience. But its mediocre performance and protection numbers ultimately keep it from being a top-tier option. Let’s get into the details.

ProsCons
Best design score in test groupHigh glare increase (+13.33%)
Strong edge durability (114.68N)Mediocre oleophobic coating
Above-average clarity (0.91)Weak impact resistance (225.24N)
Covers speaker grill to reduce dustNoticeable semi-flat edges
Clean install with full tool kitBetter options available at same price

Design

Design is where Magic John really shines, topping our test group at #1. It doesn’t explicitly list what kind of glass it uses, but our testing suggests standard tempered glass based on the localized shatter pattern. Coverage is generous—94.14% of the iPhone’s front face (above the 93.07% average)—and it’s one of the few protectors that includes coverage for the speaker area to help reduce dust build-up.

The edges are semi-flat and still noticeable to the touch, but the install process is excellent. The box includes a full kit: frame, dust stickers, lens wipes, microfiber cloth, and a squeegee. Just line it up and apply—dust wasn’t an issue during our test install, which is always a good sign.

Performance

This is where the magic fades a little. Magic John ranks #13 in performance. Clarity is slightly above average at 0.91, but glare is a big issue—13.33% higher than baseline, compared to a 5.64% average. You’ll definitely notice it in bright lighting conditions.

The oleophobic coating is also underwhelming. Oil droplets took 52.29 seconds to travel 6cm at a 30° incline—well above the 44-second average—and about half left visible trails of smaller droplets. That’s a sign of an uneven or thin coating, which means more smudges and more cleaning throughout the day.

Protection

Magic John comes in at #9 for protection. It scratched at the expected 6H and 7H levels, so no issues there. Edge durability is impressive at 114.68N, well above the 86.18N average. That tells us the company spent time polishing the edges to boost strength—an important step many budget brands skip.

However, its center impact score was just 225.24N—significantly lower than the 271.44N average. That confirms our suspicion: it’s regular tempered glass without additional reinforcement. Still, stronger edges often matter more, as real-world breaks tend to start from a chip or weak point along the perimeter.

Value

At $19.99 for a 2-pack, Magic John is fairly priced and ranks #6 overall. You get a smooth install, great edge protection, and solid clarity. But performance quirks—especially glare and oil resistance—make it a hard sell compared to other products in the same price range that offer better all-around results.

Verdict

The Magic John Tempered Glass screen protector delivers a top-tier design and install experience, with bonus points for great edge strength and speaker grill coverage. But the high glare and weak smudge resistance make daily use less enjoyable. If you’re careful with your phone and prioritize ease of install, it’s a fine option. Otherwise, we’d recommend looking at better-balanced alternatives in the same price range.

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