Belkin ScreenForce - Ultra-ise Your Apple Watch

Do you know anyone with an Apple Watch Ultra?

Have you even seen one out in the wild?

Weird, right? It was arguably one of the most innovative tech products launched this year and yet at this point, I'm not sure they actually exist.

I'm joking, of course.

I suspect the real issue is a combination of the Ultra's NZ$1499.00 price tag and the fact the ordinary, everyday Apple Watch is pretty damn good as it is.

In saying that, I'm a total klutz and I'm pretty notorious for damaging smart watches within hours of taking them out of their boxes and attaching them to my wrist. Scratched screens are my most common wrist-wear crime - I just can't seem to stop myself from whacking my arms against things; doorways, walls, benchtops - you name it. In fact, you might recall my review of the Apple Watch Series 7, where I literally managed to scratch my shiny new review device within hours of receiving it.

Absolutely gutting.

It's my understanding the new Ultra is far more battle-hardened and better able to withstand such regular, brutal punishment. It's also my understanding I simply can't afford one.

However, it turns out I may be able to protect the watch I already have.

I wouldn't usually start a review with the price but given this particular product is all about looking after your existing investment, it seems kind of crucial; the Belkin ScreenForce TemperedCurve 2-in-1 screen protector + bumper for Apple Watch is only going to set you back about NZ$49.00.

According to my limited mathematical abilities, there's real potential to save you a lot of grief if you find yourself in watch-threatening situations on a regular basis.

That doesn't have to be anything particularly daring either; I'm not talking base jumping or tracking down international assassins - more like working on building sites, gardening, warehouse work - sometimes even just working out at the gym can put your watch at risk.

The Belkin ScreenForce is designed to eliminate that risk. It's subtitled a "2-in-1" because not only is it constructed from tempered Japanese glass to keep the screen on your Apple Watch in pristine condition but it also curves over into durable polycarbonate bumpers, to protect the casing too.

This is especially important if you own a cheaper, aluminium Apple Watch, rather than the more scratch-resistant stainless steel variants.

I'm always a bit nervous when it comes to applying screen protectors of any kind - I've seen plenty of botched DIY phone screen jobs before, unsightly bubbles included. Not to worry; the Belkin ScreenForce doesn't really work that way - this is more of a click-on accessory than a stick-on one. In fact, it's just as simple to remove as it is to install; really more like a phone case than a screen protector.

Belkin promises "Crystal Clarity" with virtually no loss of brightness, sharpness and detail through the specially hardened glass and I've certainly had no issues viewing my watch in the normal way. The ScreenForce is also treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent any discolouration over time and there's a fingerprint-proof coating too; this is supposed to physically repel dirt and smudges.

However, one claim that didn't quite match expectations was "Flawless Touch Sensitivity." Although I've found scrolling around my watch is pretty much the same experience with or without the ScreenForce in place, the same can't be said when it comes to selecting items on-screen by pressing. It still works, you just have to make a more concerted effort to get the haptic message through that extra layer of marvellous Japanese glass. This is more of a muscle-memory thing than an annoyance though and I've found I've quickly grown used to stabbing at my watch rather than gently stroking it for a response.

The only major issue I've encountered is when I wear my watch in the wet. One of the more compelling features of late-model Apple Watches is decent water resistance and as a result, I've become pretty complacent about leaving my watch on in the shower, swimming or just doing the dishes. That said, Belkin never promised to keep water out of the ScreenForce once snapped into place. Sure enough, the first time I wore it in the shower, this is what happened. Alarming at first because it looks just as if water has somehow made its way into the edges of the watch display itself. Of course, that's not the case at all and it was a simple matter to remove the ScreenForce, clean and dry both watch and accessory with the included cloth and click the cover back on to experience some more of that "Crystal Clarity."

So okay, unlike the Apple Watch Ultra, snapping the SceenForce onto your existing Apple Watch 7 or 8 doesn't mean you can take it diving. However, from what I've seen, it'll definitely take quite a beating and so far my new Apple Watch has remained utterly unblemished.

   

    

Click here for more information on the Belkin ScreenForce for Apple Watch.