This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
A viewer asked whether the black border on “black-frame” glass protectors differs between brands. It does. I compared the NIMASO black-frame glass I had been using with two budget two-packs from Amazon Japan. Both budget films were slightly smaller than the screen and sat further inside the edge, and one also had a thicker border. The NIMASO reached right to the edge and was the smoothest to the touch.
What I tested
- NIMASO black-frame glass (the iPhone 16 Pro Max version, which I had been using on my 17 Pro Max)
- MONSTER FILM with the “Hayapita BOX” guide (two-pack, about 1,400 yen)
- A budget two-pack sold as using Asahi Glass material (about 1,200 yen)
What I found
| Film | Price (2-pack) | Result on the phone |
|---|---|---|
| NIMASO black frame | 2,123 yen 17 Pro Max version | Reaches the very edge and blends into the phone. Smoothest surface |
| MONSTER FILM Hayapita BOX | approx. 1,400 yen | The box guide makes it very easy to apply, but the film is smaller; screen was visible outside the black border at the bottom |
| Budget film (Asahi Glass) | approx. 1,200 yen | Simple guide included. Slightly smaller, sits inside the edge |
- On white paper, the border widths were clearly different. One film’s border was much thicker.
- The film that looked thinnest on paper turned out to be slightly too small once applied, so you can’t judge from the border alone.
- Surface feel: the NIMASO (one to two months old) was the smoothest; one budget film felt a little grippy; the other was in between.
- The MONSTER FILM guide box is excellent: put the phone in, close the lid and pull the tab.
- I have used about 15–16 cases with the NIMASO glass and none of them lifted its edge.
- Every glass film added a slight yellow-brown tint when placed on white paper. If you want the cleanest display, no protector is best.
What to check when buying a black-frame protector
- Border width
- The overall size of the glass
- How smooth the surface feels
- How easy the alignment guide is
Who it’s for
If you want your iPhone to look as close to bare as possible, the NIMASO black-frame glass is the one I recommend. If price matters most and a small step at the edge doesn’t bother you, the budget films still protect the screen. Note that NIMASO also sells a non-black-frame version for the 17 Pro Max (1,612 yen at the time), so pick the right one.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. Useful points: 4:50 the three films on paper, 6:00 fitting each one, 9:20 the guide box, 16:00 colour tint.
Limitations
I tested one sample of each film. The NIMASO I compared was the 16 Pro Max version; I expect the 17 Pro Max version to be made the same way, but I did not test it here. The two budget films are Japanese Amazon listings and may not be sold outside Japan. Prices are Amazon Japan’s at the time of recording.
Products
NIMASO black-frame glass screen protector (iPhone 17 Pro Max): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Screen & Lens Protectors (27) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.