Review: invisibleSHIELD iPhone Screen Protector

Though it came as a surprise to absolutely no one, along with the Apple iPhone has come an absolute barrage of accessories and other products to pair with your iPhone, leaving all of us with a sea of merchandise to sort through and evaluate. Slowly but surely, feedback will be available on all of these products. Some things, however, are important to be informed about right from the get-go. Depending on the person you're asking, virtually any mobile phone accessory can be considered essential. One that should be, without argument, considered essential for all PDAs is a screen protector. When considering that typical PDAs are commonly more expensive than less featured mobile devices and the usage more intense, protecting one's investment should be considered a must. Thus, the first accessory each one of you should buy for your iPhone (yes, before the fancy Bluetooth headset), is a screen protector.

Update: The invisibleSHIELD is now available for the iPhone 4 and iPad 2.
Update: The invisibleSHIELD for the Apple iPad is now available (04/03/09)
Update: The invisibleSHIELD for the iPhone 3G S is now available (06/10/09)

The problem is, you've got dozens to choose from, most of which aren't worth your money or effort to apply. I've had experience with numerous different brands, all of which came at a relatively high cost (usually around $20 a pack) and offered extremely disappointing results. One other thing that each of these brands had it common was that each required, through various suggested methods, that they be cut to fit your device once arriving home. Consistently, each offered bubbly application results, poor clarity, and a short life span due to the fact that the protectors themselves were easily marred and scratched.

A few weeks before the iPhone was released, I decided to try moving up in the world of screen protectors. After talking to a few trusted colleagues, I decided to make my first foray into the screen protector upper crust with ZAGG's line of screen protectors, the invisibleSHIELD. Suffice it to say, I was skeptical. The invisibleSHIELD typically costs between $15-$25 for one protector, a price for which I was used to getting a pack of 8-12 protectors.

ZAGG makes an extremely boastful array of claims for it's flagship product line, the invisibleSHIELD. Specifically, ZAGG states, "invisibleSHIELD is the toughest, most durable gadget scratch protection film available on planet Earth" ... and they're just getting started. They describe the protectors as "invisible", "invincible", strong enough to protect helicopter blades traveling hundreds of miles per hour, and even go so far as to impart "self healing" properties to the urethane plastic which the invisibleSHIELD is made of. The website features pictures of someone attempting to tear the protector apart and even puncture the shield with a pencil, failing on both accounts. Finally, according to ZAGG, each protector comes pre-cut to custom fit your device perfectly.

Okay, enough, I'm sold. Let's check these out.

The Package

The invisibleSHIELD comes with the shield components, a tapered black plastic squeegee, and a small, misting bottle of spray solution which is intended to aid in the application of the protector to your device. The iPhone full body protector, unlike the other full body protector we received, comes with two bottles of the solution.

package.jpg

Durability

Considering ZAGG's momentous claims about the durability of the invisibleSHIELD, I decided to test that first. As mentioned above, ZAGG shows images depicting plenty of different stress tests on their protectors. So, I figured I'd try a couple of my own. Instead of their pen test, I figured I'd try to bust through the shield with a fork. Using some test material sent along by the company with the actual protectors I ordered, I placed the material over a four pronged fork and pulled. Much to my delight, the material performed as promised. Until I could no longer keep a grip on the plastic, the urethane stretched and stretched, ever more conforming to the fork, but not puncturing.

puncture.jpg

My scratch test yielded similar results. Using first my trusty fork and subsequently a pair of scissors (opened to expose the sharp blade), I scraped away at another sheet of the invisibleSHIELD scrap material. Again, as promised, the shield performed as touted. None of the fork or scissor strokes left any observable scratches on the material. Later, once I had applied my invisibleSHIELD to my iPhone, I worked up the courage to try a few fork strokes along the screen of the protected iPhone. Much to my delight, the iPhone and the invisibleSHIELD emerged unscathed.

scratch.jpg
Since you might not believe the scratch test took place, at least this photo shows how smooth and clear the invisibleSHIELD is even with my hasty appliation

Application

The installation instructions that come with the invisibleSHIELD urge both care and patience. Due to my lack of the latter, I tend to abandon the former. So, what follows is a description of a hasty application of the invisibleSHIELD. Luckily, I had my Samsung Blackjack handy to try first, hoping to get better results out of the iPhone as a second victim.

Both applications turned out to be far easier than expected. Using the provided spray and squeegee, it was surprisingly simple to correctly position each piece of the protector. More importantly, smoothing air bubbles out from under the plastic was a breeze. Though other protectors may ship with a similar accompaniment, the invisibleSHIELD application spray is presumably the lifesaver here. Having only performed dry applications before, and achieving less than desirable results, the liquid made the application smooth and effortless. The included squeegee, in my opinion, is heads and tails above using more credit card like tools to smooth out wrinkles and bubbles.

One common sense tip - start with the back first. That way you can get your feet wet on an area of the device where you won't offend yourself by not doing the job perfectly.

Fit

The invisibleSHIELD for the iPhone fits perfectly. It's almost shocking how well it handles the fluid shape of the device. The protector I tried on my Blackjack faired almost as well, but there were a few pieces that I couldn't figure out where to put.

Clarity

So, is the invisibleSHIELD truly invisible? Of course not. Will you, at times, almost forget it's there? Probably.

Once you've completed a modestly capable application (I got good results on my first try), you'll be surprised how clear and unnoticeable the invisibleSHIELD is, even on the non-screen areas of the device where illumination from the LCD doesn't help hide the protector's presence. You'll mostly notice the protector by it's feel, rather than by sight.The screen protector will begin to become more apparent as it dirties, and the invisibleSHIELD is quite good at picking up fingerprints, dust, and smudges. This, however, is likely no different than the surface of the device your protecting had you not applied an invisibleSHIELD to it.

Texture/Touch

Though this probably isn't a topic of interest in most screen protector reviews, for the iPhone it is. As the iPhone is operated almost exclusively via it's touch screen - it's important to know what a prospective protection material feels like. Something incredibly sticky could potentially inhibit use as might a material that roughs up easily or becomes scuffed.If there's one area where the invisibleSHIELD is less than ideal, and there almost isn't, it's here. After application, once any residual application spray dries off, the screen protector becomes a bit tacky. Though light, graceful strokes of a finger won't bother it at all, heavily pressured strokes can drag or "stutter" across the tacky surface. Women (or men, I suppose) with long fingernails might also find invisibleSHIELD catchy. It's worth noting that in the 10 or so days between applying the invisibleSHIELD and writing this review, that the tackiness seems to have reduced significantly. The slight tackiness actually pays off big time on the back of the device (for the full body invisibleSHIELD) by greatly reducing the inherent slipperiness of the iPhone.

Overall

Put simply, I've been introduced to a whole new world in screen protection. After a couple of years of dealing with what are apparently bargain basement screen protection products from companies like 3M and Fellowes, ZAGG's products have significantly upped the bar.

The invisibleSHIELD delivered handily on all of it's promises (though I can't speak much to the "self-healing aspect" since there's been nothing to heal as of yet). It's also more than worth mentioning that all of ZAGG's products ship completely free and are all covered by a free lifetime replacement guarantee. Even if you need to send your phone in for repair, and have to remove the screen protector first, ZAGG will send you a brand new one.

The Apple iPhone invisibleSHIELD is also available in a front only model for $14.95. The full body model costs $24.95.Update: This review also applies to the invisibleSHIELD iPod Touch Screen protector.

Products reviewed: invisibleSHIELD Apple iPhone Screen Protector, invisibleSHIELD Samsung Blackjack Screen Protector

The invisibleSHIELD screen protector for the iPhone is available directly through invisibleSHIELD.com and includes free shipping.

Here you can find more info, including ordering options, about the invisibleSHIELD for the Apple iPad.

Comments

I was totally disappointed with the Invisible Shield. Despite following the direction, on a clean table, with good lighting I ended up having to throw it out when it wrapped around itself at the edges and was simply impossible to peel back. At $18.95, they should at least give you two shields...come on, it's only plastic!

Unless you are adept at building tiny model airplanes, or ships in a bottle, don't get it.

You do realise you could've sent it back and got a free replacement, right?

hahahahaha

I cannot agree with the positive statments.

Last night, I got my iphon, and immediately put this on it, the next morning i turn it one, and... a hairline scratch on it that reflects different colors and this does not impress me at all. Too good to be true. On the box I got it had so many statements of how great and wonderful it is, yet look, i didnt even touch it once and its already scratched, so DO NOT BUY this, it's VERY misleading.

I'll have to strongly disagree, Stephen.

I not only use the invisibleSHIELD on my iPhone, but also on my DSLR's LCD (a $3,500 camera, also) and on my Macbook. I used the invisibleSHIELD on my iPod before that.

In my opinion the invisibleSHIELD lives up to its billing in every way. I can't imagine trying to protect my electronics without it.

And I have to strongly disgree with you Andy, Stephen here is right.

Steve, you need to quit posting around these parts.

I totally agree with you. I have this multiples of hairline scratches on mine as well and it fits your description. So I recommend other people who reads this, DON'T BUY INVISIBLE SHIELD, GET BODYGUARDZ

I can recommend you the Bodygaurdz. They are also similar but very crystal clear and you don't even notice it's there.

i have the same thing on my i touch i think it is a hair

I do have have one on right now, but I am not very satisfied with these newer design ones. Yes, they are easy to apply and they fit most of the phone (like 90%). The only thing that annoys me is these streak lines that show up on the screen (only when it's on), and it's hairlike lines. No they are nto scratches.

I've heard that some people had this issue where they would see a hairlike line and it is very visible when it's on and you can see distorted part of the pixels.

Right now, I can recommend bodyguardz, it is the best protector out there. and it blows Invisible shield out of the water. No offense Zagg, your price does not meet the Bodyguardz because they get 2 of each front and back for the price of 1, which is $24.95, which is also the same price for the for the full body shield of IS. Not only that but Bodyguardz has a better life time warranty then IS. Trust me, because you can only get one replacement for the IS. So guys if you want a good one, I highly recommend the BodyGuardz.

Lol, it's funny. I traced the IP to the last few messages, and it came from the same source. LOL.

What are you, a representative for BodyGuardz???

Just so you guys know, I wouldnt do to many test on it. I got it for my voyager. pretty good i like it, and then after the like 3rd test to how my friend in school. ended up with 3 small lines and one long one on the screen. thank god i didnt do it with out it. but it still shows in the right light, but only when the light isnt on. so eh doesnt look as good as it did with no scratches, but hey its protection from real ones. besides, its made just for accidents right? not to mention i heard it can repair it self in a few days, so maybe my scratches will disipper =]

I recommend buying it.
only 11 bucks for my voyager's screen applyed with cupon.

check out this comparison on Mac Rumors:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7249753#post7249753

Good comparison between InvisibleSHIELD and Bodyguardz.

They also have discount codes for how to get 20-30% off of invisibleSHIELD.

For me, this product seemed to make the iPhone experience much worse than previous screen shields I used. Though previous shields easily got fingerprints, and minor scratches easily seen in sunlight, invisibleSHIELD interferes slightly with contact with the iPhone (at least the screen cover). Texting is harder, and all finger motions have to be more precise as invisibleSHIELD has a rubber texture. Though it does protect from scratches, to get a great clean look, it may have to be applied many times. I applied mine 5 times using different instructions each time, first with the included instructions, then with Google instructions. Dust was still stuck to the shield after washing, there was a problem every time shield was applied.

I do not recommend this product for the price it is sold at.

2 out of 5 stars.

NOTE: Never trust Anyone who gives a negative review on a product when the will not reveal who they are. I believe the negative reviews are coming from other rival company's . This behavior is cheap and morally repulsive. Go to any reputable review site (not some blog, etc) and see the real reviews on the Invisible Shield. You will not find one negative review.

I just put the invisible screen protector on my new IPOD TOUCH. I must have sprayed extra. When I turned it on couple hours later. I see a cloudy screen. Will this go away?

I have bought my screen protector at cretouch.com and good thing about this protector is, you don't need to worry about any bubble or cloud effect when you install it to your phone. It's just smooth and clean surface. I love it!

And who might you be? Inventor of the InvisibleSHIELD?

I have just finished installing the shield on my iPod Classic. Right now my iPod looks like a war zone. This 'cloudy' look is prominent on and around the click wheel, and a few tiny bubbles are visible on the screen itself. I can assure you I followed the instructions to a 'T'. Hopefully these imperfections clear up over the next 2-3 days as ZAGG suggests they should.

I am in total agreement. Couldn't get mine installed without fingerprints on the sticky side and am going to try to return it to Best Buy.

I agree anon .. it isn't a very clear protector..
i would not buy another one nor will i request a new one under warranty

NOT IMPRESSED! What a nightmare to put on properly - so fiddly. Set aside some serious time to get it partly right. And the screen loses it's "feel" and your fingers just don't slide like they used to (or did with my other $5 screen protector that was simple to put on) It's not invisible, the phone becomes dull and the screen is different, dimmer and marked (by the inevitable wrinkling no matter how small). Every week it looks worse and the corners peel off. I'll be tearing it off soon - Save your money for a decent back guard and a standard easy apply protector that will do you fine.

Finally someone who agrees with me. It was just awful to put on and I couldn't do it without getting fingerprints on the back side which were impossible to remove. I took it off right away and am going to try to return it.

I have used the invisible shield on my phone and have had absolutely no problems with it.. The instructions tell you to wait X amount of minutes without touching it. I urge you to do what it says. I put a case over it and everywhere the case touches is messed up. However, every part the case didnt touch is perfect. I actually forgot I had invisible shield on it until I started reading about it again. Also, the peace of mind is amazing. The moral of the story is: follow the install instructions to the tee and you will be fine. Best investment you will make for your iphone, or Grizzly Adams didn't have a beard.

I have to disagree with everyone here. This was the worst $21.00 I ever spent. I couldn't get it on my iphone without having fingerprints on the sticky side. I followed the directions to a tee -- washed my hands, used the solution on my fingers and on the shield, etc. The little cutout over the earpiece wouldn't come out and I had to cut it and it looked awful with rough edges. It was impossible to handle without getting the sticky side on my fingers, which left horrible fingerprints. I bought mine at Best Buy and now have to see if they'll take it back.

FYI, the invisishield is porous. It CAN and WILL stain.

I use a leather holster when I work. The cloth lining of the holster stained the invisishield with black smudges that WILL NOT come off.

ZAGG has said they are aware of the issue. Their advice is to not use the invisishield in conjunction with any other type of case.

DO NOT PURCHASE!
I cannot recommend strongly enough against purchasing this product. I bought it from a kiosk and had it installed by them, and the shield is peeling off the phone four days after I bought it. Between the charges from Zagg to get the replacement shield, and the charge from the kiosk to reapply it, I would have to pay nearly the full purchase price AGAIN to get my "free" replacement. Avoid this like the plague.

Don't be put off by clumsy handed people that can't put these on their phone. I use the invisibleSHIELD on my iPhone, my macbook air, my watch and the LCD on my Canon 40D DSLR. These things absolutely rock. Total confidence in the protection, application was a TOTAL breeze and they look great. The picture in the review is exactly how smooth and clean they look.

The people who can't put the invisibelshield on their phone won't be able to put ANY screen protector on. Trust me, i've used them all and the results you get with the invisibleshield are 10x better than the alternatives. they look awesome.

Your comment about "total confidence" is spot on!! I was very nervous about my screen getting scratched before I put the shield on. Once it was on, I feel TONS better. Only point I respectfully disagree with on is that application is a "TOTAL breeze." Sounds like you have used this on several gadgets...most people like myself have used this once. You are right, it will be a mess for clumsy people, and something that protects this good should take a little effort. The negative people will be negative, and the positive positive. Just in case, I consider you a positve! :-)

If the film happened to "peel" off with in four days, then you most likely didn't follow the precautions. When the shield is applied, it is vital to keep out of any tight pockets or cases for atleast the next 12 hours. And no, there is no cost for the exchange. The only thing they could have charged you would be the time/labor of the re-install(5 for a screen, 10 for a full body). Kiosks aren't going to throw out free installs all day for free. It makes plenty of sense for there to be a installation fee. Remember, you're not paying for the film over again, just the time and labor of the installation. Be ambitious and do the take home kit that way you won't have to worry about any further charges.

Invisible Shield is a great product and a great investment for electronics. I've been working with the company for over a year and have seen plenty of happy customers.

Also, if your film happens to peel, don't fret or blame it on the employee who applied. There's a life time warranty. We are all aware that the film can peel or discolor over longer periods of time. That's why the warranty is offered. Don't expect the film to be completely indestructable.

I've bought it at kiosk and installed by them too! Total disaster! They are certified to do it???? Really??I just hate it, it's sticky and there is dust and dirt on the edges!! LADIES DO NOT BUY IT!! Hate when my make up is staying on my phone!!!

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