Having not had a DS before... I have nothing to compare it to. Regardless... I am impressed. The games are very clear (esp. at night)... but also very viewable in heavy light as well.... I mean... I won't be playing it in heavy light but... it's good to know I won't be squinting in order to get a good view of the game.
Top screen is clearer (obviously)... but if I keep the bottom screen clean and I don't pound it like a small child might.. I can't imagine it staying that much duller than the top.
On a different note... I'm happy I got the Crimson version. It's different... when I took it out of the book it was very eye catching (cause I was thinking it would be RED... but... Crimson is a VERY excellent description of the color)... and when kept clear of fingerprints... it shines really nicely. Again... I'm not taking it out very much (if not at all)... but for my own enjoyment it's just fine