Review of ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD for iPhone 4 Front Coverage

Say hello to my new iPhone 4. No, I did not just buy the latest iPhone; I just had my scratched one exchanged for a new one by the incredibly nice people at my local Apple store. What happened you may ask. During a recent vacation my supposedly scratch resistant iPhone 4 screen as touted by Steve Jobs became victim to three deep gouges. No, I did not drop my iPhone 4; my only crime was storing it in my pants pocket. Researching this phenomenon I found several other people with similar stories. Apparently the scratch resistant non-screen shield requiring iPhone 4 actually can become scratched more easily than imagined. Several people believe this latest model scratches easier than its predecessors.

So after obtaining my replacement iPhone 4 I headed next door to my local Best Buy to find a screen shield. I was not going to chance scratching on my second iPhone 4, so I picked up the highly acclaimed Zagg invisibleSHIELD.

The invisibleSHIELD has been around for several years and is known for its scratchproof ability, clear finish and durability. This clear film was originally designed to protect US military helicopter blades and can now be found on films and skins for numerous different electronic devices. Another great feature of the invisibleSHIELD is the lifetime warranty which allows the user to replace the invisibleSHIELD should it ever gets damaged. Just make sure you register your product to take part in the warranty coverage.

Info:

ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD for iPhone 4 Front Coverage

ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD is an exceptionally clear and virtually indestructible film that will protect your Apple iPhone 4 from unsightly scratches. Our exclusive, patented film – with nano-memory™ technology – covers and shields your device, keeping it as pristine as the day you took it out of the box. It is so tough that we back it with a lifetime guarantee. So, if it ever does wear or scratch, we will replace it for free, for the life of your device.

Scratch Proof

The precision pre-cut invisibleSHIELD applies directly to your Apple iPhone 4, providing the toughest, most durable protection you will find. The invisibleSHIELD has its origins in the military, where it was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris.

Now you can use that same powerful technology to protect your Apple iPhone 4. It is so tough that we back it with a lifetime guarantee. So, if it ever does wear or scratch, we will replace it for free, for the life of your device. And if you ever need to remove the invisibleSHIELD, no problem; it comes off clean and leaves no sticky residue.

Lifetime Replacement Guarantee

The Lifetime Replacement Guarantee is simply what it says: If your invisibleSHIELD ever becomes scratched, torn, or damaged while protecting your device, we offer you a free invisibleSHIELD replacement for as long as you own your device. We want you to feel safe and secure when investing in your digital life, and that you are confident the invisibleSHIELD is the strongest and most durable protection you will find.

Nano-Memory Technology

The authentic invisibleSHIELD™ film features Nano-Memory™ technology, which is visible as a very subtle texture in the surface of the film. This superior component of the invisibleSHIELD™ offers four main competitive benefits:

• Durability – Self-healing properties offer unbelievable resistance to scratches and damage, and will extend the life of your device

• Coverage – Greater pliability and flexibility allows the invisibleSHIELD™ designs to cover the corners and curves of your device better than the competition.

• Ease of Install – The improved pliability also facilitates easier installation

• Drop Resistant – Improved grip makes it easier to hang onto your expensive gadgets

• Glare Reduction – The invisibleSHIELD gives your device a slight "orange peel" finish that breaks up glare and reduces finger print smudges, while still creating high res screen viewing clarity.

• Maximum Coverage includes 0.2 mm thick invisibleSHIELD strips to cover the antennas/stainless steel frame

• Military grade patented material engineered for your specific device

• Unique properties provide self-healing qualities

• Helps reduce the appearance of fingerprint smudges and smears

• Includes free lifetime replacement warranty for the life of your device

• Trusted worldwide with over 10 million invisibleSHIELDs sold

• 45 day money back guarantee

Price: $14.99

What’ in the Box?

The invisibleSHIELD arrives in a black and yellow cardboard box with the iPhone 4 and screen film visualized on the front cover. On the back of the box we see the features of the invisibleSHIELD as well as some glowing review quotes from other online media sources. Inside the package is a second box with printed applications instructions on the inner cover.

The invisibleSHIELD comes in five flavors – Full Body Maximum Coverage, Full Body Easy Install, 4FIX Band/Antenna Coverage, Front Coverage, and Back Coverage. For this review I will be looking at the Front Coverage version.

The contents include instructions, installations squeegee, application solution, installation spray bottle, microfiber cloth and the invisibleSHIELD film precut for the iPhone.

Usage:

Application of the invisibleSHIELD takes a few minutes but preparation is key in getting a perfect application; make sure your hands are clean and installation area is free of debris. To start the installation spray your fingers with the application solution before handling the invisibleSHIELD to keep from adding fingerprints to the adhesive side of the invisibleSHIELD.

Now peel the invisibleSHIELD off the backing paper, then while holding the invisibleSHIELD in your hand with the adhesive side up, lightly moisten the front and back sides of the invisibleSHIELD with the application solution. Avoid dampening your device with the solution.

Now comes the moment of truth, with the adhesive side down slide the invisibleSHIELD in place on your iPhone 4. Once satisfied with the position of the film use the included squeegee to push any excess moisture and bubbles away from the center towards the edges and away from the home button and microphone. Soak up any excess moisture with the lint free cloth or paper towels. According to Zagg micro bubbles and imperfections work themselves out over the course of 2 to 3 days.

These instructions sound straightforward although I found handling the film and getting into position was easier said than done. The key is to keeping your fingers moist to avoid ruining the tacky side of the invisibleSHIELD. Squeegee-ing out the bubbles required some force on the film and iPhone 4 screen but was well worth it in the end.

One thing I immediately noticed was that the invisibleSHIELD is smaller than the actual face of the iPhone 4. This means there’ll be a millimeter around the screen perimeter that is remains uncovered. Hopefully your case or bumper will protect that area while the invisibleSHIELD covers the majority of the iPhone 4.

The invisibleSHIELD for iPhone has cutouts for the home button, earphone and front facing camera. The earphone and front facing camera are exposed via rounded up opening. Thankfully Zagg did not create separate openings for the earphone and camera as it would have made lining up the skin much harder. The home button opening is slightly larger than the actual physical button leaving a small area uncovered around the circumference of the button.

One difference the user will notice is that the invisibleSHIELD does change the tactile feel of the iPhone 4 screen. This is due to the Nano-Memory Technology as is creates a subtle texture on the film basically replacing the smooth glassy screen with an “orange peel” finish. An added benefit of the texture is that it helps reduce glare. A drawback is that tracking along the film is different from tracking on a naked screen. The film makes the screen have a rubbery feel to it.

I was pleasantly surprise that my bubbles were easily massaged out after a couple hours and the film appeared crystal clear. From a distance it is hard to tell that the iPhone has a film on the front screen. The film is only 0.2 mm thick so you will barely notice its there.

One concern is that the edges of the invisibleSHIELD will roll up when using a case that requires sliding the iPhone through the front lip of a case. Many silicone cases work in this fashion. I ended up putting my iPhone for into a Speck Fitted case, which snaps over the iPhone 4.

The invisibleSHIELD is designed to be virtually indestructible keeping your iPhone safe. Although I don’t plan to test scratching my iPhone for with invisibleSHIELD anytime soon I do feel safer with it in place.

Conclusion:

As someone who is experienced the horror of scratching their iPhone 4, I highly recommend applying some protective film onto your Apple phone. The Zagat invisibleSHIELD is one of the most highly regarded models for good reason. The application is relatively simple bubbles that occur with static cling shields are almost non-existent. My only concern is peeling up the sides of the film. As someone who reviews numerous iPhone 4 cases this is a real worry. Thankfully Zagg provides a lifetime warranty in case my skin goes belly up.

Apple does not recommend applying protective screen films to their latest iPhone 4. It is understandable due to the aesthetic reasons; you don’t want to ruin the beauty of the device with a cruddy film. Luckily Zagg’s invisibleSHIELD not only looks great, more importantly it provides terrific scratch protection.

PROS	CONS
+No residue left behind +Glare reduction +Durability +Lifetime warranty +Simple application process	-Film does not go out to the edge of the iPhone screen