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
The NIMASO roller-applied glass screen protector for iPhone 18 Pro Max (also fits the 17 Pro Max) is one of the easiest protectors I would recommend right now. The roller kit makes it simple to apply, but what I like most is the glass itself: it is larger than usual and has 3D curved edges, so it reaches almost to the edge of the display. That means no ridge to catch your thumb when you swipe up from the bottom. It costs about three times as much as the Monster Film I was using before, but it comes as a two-pack.
What I tested
- NIMASO roller-applied glass screen protector for iPhone 18 Pro Max / 17 Pro Max: ¥3,399 for two on Amazon Japan at the time of recording (an early sale price), so about ¥1,700 per sheet. Listed features: slide-roller application kit, 3D curved edges, tempered glass, full-screen coverage with a black border, anti-fingerprint coating, built-in dust removal, plus an alignment guide
- Monster Film clear glass for iPhone 18 Pro Max / 17 Pro Max: ¥1,049 for two at the time of recording. It also comes with an alignment guide
- I removed the Monster Film from my iPhone 18 Pro Max, compared the two side by side, applied the NIMASO, then put a case back on
What I found
- Many glass protectors are cut a little smaller than the display to avoid clashing with cases, which leaves a gap of about 1 mm at the edge. Dust collects in that step, and your finger catches on it when you swipe up to go home. It is a tiny thing, but you touch it many dozens of times a day.
- The NIMASO glass reaches almost to the very edge of the display, and the curved edge means there is barely any step to feel. Swiping up from the bottom felt noticeably smoother.
- With a case on, the gap between the case edge and the glass is tiny. Looking straight at the phone, you can hardly tell there is a protector at all.
- Next to the Monster Film, the difference is easy to see: the NIMASO glass is physically larger. The Monster Film protects a normal amount of the screen, but the NIMASO goes further toward the edge, with a smoother transition.
- The roller application is very easy. You set the iPhone in the guide and slide the roller in the set order. There is almost no fiddly positioning, and the guide handles the alignment, so it is hard to get wrong even if you usually struggle with protectors.
- Dust is the biggest problem when applying glass, and the kit includes a dust-removal step as part of the process.
- Price is the main drawback. At ¥3,399 against ¥1,049, it is more than three times the Monster Film. If you only want glass to stop the screen cracking, a cheaper protector is enough.
- It is plain clear glass. If you want an anti-reflective (AR) coating or a privacy filter, more expensive specialised protectors (around ¥6,000–7,000) make more sense.
| NIMASO roller kit | Monster Film | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for two (at recording) | ¥3,399 | ¥1,049 |
| Glass size | Reaches almost to the screen edge | Standard |
| Edges | 3D curved | Standard |
| Application | Roller kit with dust removal | Alignment guide |
| Best for | Feel in daily use | Lowest price |
Who it’s for
Get the NIMASO if you use an iPhone 18 Pro Max or 17 Pro Max, the edge of your screen protector bothers you, your thumb catches when swiping up, you want the smallest possible gap to your case, or you tend to mess up applying protectors. It also suits you if you prefer everyday feel over extras like AR coating, and a spare sheet is handy. Get the Monster Film if you just want ordinary clear glass at the lowest price and do not mind a small gap at the edge.
The video is in Japanese.
Limitations
I tested it on one iPhone 18 Pro Max with my own case, right after applying it, so this says nothing about long-term scratch resistance. The swipe feel is my impression, not a measurement. Prices are from Amazon Japan at the time of recording. The NIMASO kit is listed in Japan under the name “Bari-raku Roller”, and the Monster Film is a Japanese brand, so both may be harder to find outside Japan.
Products
NIMASO roller-applied glass screen protector for iPhone 18 Pro Max / 17 Pro Max (3D curved edges, two-pack): on Amazon Japan
Monster Film clear glass for iPhone 18 Pro Max / 17 Pro Max (alignment guide, two-pack): 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.