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The Truth About ZAGG Invisible SHIELD Full-Body Screen Protector... It Won't Last Forever

Updated on January 4, 2011

Chances are, you have already heard how the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD is constructed from some of the strongest material on the market, how it is completely transparent, and that both screen-only and full-body protectors are sold for almost any device you can find. But how does the invisibleSHIELD perform months or years later? How well does a full-body protector it protect a device dropped on pavement?

This article includes high-resolution photos showing both the strengths and weaknesses of the invisibleSHIELD after one year of normal use. While you may never find a better screen protector, you should at least learn how yours will perform over time and what you can do to keep the best screen protector functioning at its best.

Adhesive has collected dust and lint, receding away from edges. This piece is no longer usable.
Adhesive has collected dust and lint, receding away from edges. This piece is no longer usable.

That Sticky Stuff

It's critical to take very good care of any raised edges! The adhesive layer is prone to collecting dust and over time it will recede. Once the adhesive recedes, the edge will appear white and collect pocket lint; lifted edges are unsightly and only get worse over time.

A Year Later the Screen Still Looks Great!

The ZAGG invisibleSHIELD does one thing unquestionably well - it will protect your screen. Your screen will not be scratched when you accidentally drop your iPhone on the pavement, kick it into the sidewalk, and watch in horror as it is run over by a bicyclist. Without question, this is one of the sleekest and most effective screen covers for electronic devices.

Weak bodyguard in fancy pants

The full-body shield, fated to wrap around curves and corners, may fall short of this acclaim. In the same scenario, while your screen is unscathed, the initial fall probably hit a few unprotected corners, and the edges probably took some damage from the pavement as well.

A bulky rubber case would have just bounced around happily for a moment. Regrettably, the full body invisibleSHIELD may never be enough for the rugged adventurers and hapless klutzes among us.

Can't stay beautiful forever

Inevitably, the sleek look of the invisibleSHIELD fades over time as dust and lint build up along the edges of the screen protector. While the surface of the screen protector is very easy to clean, the same cannot be said for the edges.

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Dirt and grime collect on the invisibleSHIELD as they would on any screen protector. Fortunately, anything on the surface of the screen protector can just be wiped off.Once wiped off, the dirt over a screen can only be seen at an angle. This high-resolution scan also shows that the invisibleSHIELD does not distort the image.
Dirt and grime collect on the invisibleSHIELD as they would on any screen protector. Fortunately, anything on the surface of the screen protector can just be wiped off.
Dirt and grime collect on the invisibleSHIELD as they would on any screen protector. Fortunately, anything on the surface of the screen protector can just be wiped off.
Once wiped off, the dirt over a screen can only be seen at an angle. This high-resolution scan also shows that the invisibleSHIELD does not distort the image.
Once wiped off, the dirt over a screen can only be seen at an angle. This high-resolution scan also shows that the invisibleSHIELD does not distort the image.
The surface is not smooth, but rather it is somewhat wavy. See the mosaic effect which is noticeable with any reflection on the screen.
The surface is not smooth, but rather it is somewhat wavy. See the mosaic effect which is noticeable with any reflection on the screen.

Tacky Texture

The texture of the invisibleSHIELD is unlike most other screen protectors. The surface is wavy and the tackiness can vary depending on the texture. On a touch-screen device, a tacky screen may not cause any problems with light strokes or tapping, but when pressure is applied, the finger will stutter across the screen instead of sliding smoothly.

Clear Enough

As with any screen protector, you will be able to notice the invisibleSHIELD, though it does not impede the clarity of the screen at all. The most visible portion of the screen protector are of course the edges which catch the backlight and eventually collect dust and lint.

Fantastic Fit

On some devices, the invisibleSHIELD is a perfect fit, wrapping around corners, covering buttons, and cut to precision. On my Motorola RIZR, that is not the case - only the front and back are protected. The edges have been damaged when the phone was dropped because there was no protection, but the protected areas are in good shape. My Creative Zen MP3 player is much better protected, with a front and back piece which meet perfectly for complete coverage.

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Some edges collect a lot of dirt, but they can easily be cleaned with a toothpick. This photo also shows scratches on an unprotected surface and how fingerprints appear on invisibleSHIELD (lower right).The edges of the piece on the right of the screen are starting to lift, which greatly decreases the aesthetic value of the invisibleSHIELD. In contrast, slightly recessed areas such as the screen are very unlikely to lift.
Some edges collect a lot of dirt, but they can easily be cleaned with a toothpick. This photo also shows scratches on an unprotected surface and how fingerprints appear on invisibleSHIELD (lower right).
Some edges collect a lot of dirt, but they can easily be cleaned with a toothpick. This photo also shows scratches on an unprotected surface and how fingerprints appear on invisibleSHIELD (lower right).
The edges of the piece on the right of the screen are starting to lift, which greatly decreases the aesthetic value of the invisibleSHIELD. In contrast, slightly recessed areas such as the screen are very unlikely to lift.
The edges of the piece on the right of the screen are starting to lift, which greatly decreases the aesthetic value of the invisibleSHIELD. In contrast, slightly recessed areas such as the screen are very unlikely to lift.
It's very difficult to see dirt on the invisibleSHIELD against the backlight, though it is visible at an angle.
It's very difficult to see dirt on the invisibleSHIELD against the backlight, though it is visible at an angle.
A year later, the invisibleSHIELD is still almost invisible - especially over the screen, which is where it counts.
A year later, the invisibleSHIELD is still almost invisible - especially over the screen, which is where it counts.

The truth is... it works, and if it doesn't last they'll replace it.

The screen of my Motorola RIZR is as pristine as the day I bought it. The body, however, has six scratches and dents, because

  1. the full-body invisibleSHIELD is far from 100% coverage on most devices.
  2. your device is most likely to fall on the unprotected corners and edges.

Lifetime Guarantee

Once you have purchased an invisibleSHIELD screen protector, it is guaranteed for life.

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.

ZAGG will replace the invisibleSHIELD at a small fee to cover shipping and handling, but at a fraction of the cost of a new screen cover, the replacement guarantee is good to have if your invisibleSHIELD begins to wear out.

Where to Buy

ZAGG products are sold on Amazon.com as well as on the ZAGG web site. Find your device in the list below to purchase a full body invisibleSHIELD.

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