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The Best Screen Protector for the iPhone 4S?

Pixelrage by Pixelrage
Last updated: 12/10/2011

The Best Screen Protector for the iPhone 4S?

Screen protectors, as simple as they may seem, aren't cheap. So, you'll want that thin little $25 see-through strip to actually last a long time.

This review covers one of the most popular screen protectors, along with pictures showing how it looks on the iPhone 4S.

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The Zagg Invisible Shield Screen Protector

Zagg Invisible Shield boxI've purchased bargain screen protectors for previous phones in places like Walmart & Target, and they worked well. Well, until a piece of dust or an air bubble was trapped underneath it, and started to 'bevel' out an air gap.

The biggest issue that low quality screen protectors have is that their edges tend to wear down, eventually peeling out corners of the cover. This, however, is a super expensive iPhone, and something I wanted to protect from day one. So, only the best of screen protectors would do.

After buying an iPhone 4S at Best Buy Mobile, I picked up a Zagg Invisible Shield and watched the rep install it. Unlike most other shields, this one comes with a bottle of spray used to form a more secure fit.

Installing the Zagg Invisible Shield on an iPhone 4S

Zagg Invisible Shield kit

Zagg gives you a bottle of spray, a cleaning cloth and a squeegee for proper installation.

I have to admit, I was a little freaked out when I saw the store clerk put this screen protector on my new iPhone by first spraying the shield and applying it to the face of the phone. However, this is allegedly the best way to put on a screen protector and ensure there's no air trapped underneath.

When the wet shield is placed on the iPhone 4S, it becomes maneuverable and you can perfectly position it around the iPhone's button and frontal camera lens/earphone area. When you're happy with the placement, the squeegee is used to flatten the screen protector against the iPhone, and push out any water still trapped underneath.

Once installed, the phone should be "lightly used" for at least 24 hours, to ensure the screen protector won't slide around. After that time period, it's entirely secure and will not move.

How the Zagg Invisible Shield Screen Protector Affects iPhone Brightness

It looked like some of the negative reviews for the Zagg protector were that it affected screen brightness. However, I've discounted these reviews being nothing but 'typical complainers who complain about everything.' Judge for yourself: below is a head-on image of the iPhone with Zagg screen protector, while the phone is on. There's virtually no difference between a naked screen and one wearing this protector:
Zagg Invisible Shield for iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S With Zagg Screen Protector: Judge the Brightness For Yourself! 

How Zagg Affects Glare

For the next two images, I wanted to take images of the iPhone 4S with Zagg shield to show the most glare possible at the worst viewing angle possible, while the phone was both on and off. The best way to do this was at a corner angle pointing toward an open window:
Close up angle of an iPhone 4S turned off, and Zagg Invisible Shield

Close up angle of an iPhone 4S turned off, and Zagg Invisible Shield 

Close up angle of an iPhone 4S turned on, and Zagg Invisible Shield

Close up angle of an iPhone 4S turned on, and Zagg Invisible Shield 

Get the Zagg Invisible Shield on Amazon

Fits both the iPhone 4 and 4S

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After rigorous usage over time, the Zagg screen protector still looks the same as it did from day one. I think the "wet install" method it uses is far superior to other shields, which are simply "peel and stick." This particular shield is so perfectly fused to the phone's surface, that there is no chance for anything to get underneath it. It never gets scratched, and it doesn't hinder the phone in regard to glare or darkening.

Of course, you can use one of these protectors even if you have a phone case, including the popular Otterbox. In all, Zagg's 'Invisible Shield" is a worthy $25 long term investment, in my opinion :)

Some of My Other iPhone 4S Articles:

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Pixelrage

Hi, I'm Mark, and I go by the screenname "Pixelrage" - thanks so much for checking out my work here on Squidoo! If you need to get in touch with me,... more »

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