ZAGG High Definition Invisible Shield (Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014) Review

I resisted replacing PCs and laptops with portable gadgets, but the devices just keep becoming more indispensable.  When I was searching for the best tablet for my needs, I eventually decided on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition, which is the most expensive Android offering available.  I thought I could get away with protecting my investment with just a good case, but a recent scratch on the oil-resistant coating on one of my other devices snapped me back into reality.

A small scratch in the middle of an otherwise pristine field of glass really is an eyesore.  I needed a screen protector for my expensive tablet.  I previously used a ZAGG Insivible Shield screen protector on an older Android phone (review here), and was very impressed with it.  The screen protector stayed on longer than the phone it was put on, and never started to peel, crack, or scratch.  So with my own personal testament, I decided to go with ZAGG again to make sure my Galaxy Note 10.1 lasts as long as it can.

ZAGG invisible shield screen protectors have a reputation for being expensive, but they also have a reputation of being the best.  I have tried generic screen protectors for other devices such as a PSP, Vita and other phones and tablets, and they end up introducing air bubbles and peeling corners after a while.  The ZAGG protector on my old phone is still perfect, even after two years of service.

If you really want to look at the company’s own marketing fluff, it can be found here.  The company claims that their High Definition Invisible Shield screen protector is self-healing, offers military-grade scratch protection, provides advanced clarity, and has a glass-like surface.

The kit comes with a small pre-filled water bottle, a rubber squeegee, lint-free cloth, a small instruction leaflet and the screen protector itself.  The screen protector has adhesive on one side, so it is protected between two peel-away acrylic sheets.

The most crucial part of installing an advanced screen protector is the installation, which requires a bit of preparation to do properly.  These common-sense things are also in the instruction sheet, but are worth repeating.  Basically you need to be in a dust-free room (like a bathroom instead of your computer room), clean the screen thoroughly, spray your fingers with the included solution before peeling the protector.  From there, just align the top of the Invisible Shield with the top of your device, and drape the rest down the glass face and the squeegee out the water.

Of course, since your device is coming into contact with water, the destination tablet should be turned off.  This not only helps prevent any potential electrical shorts, but the heat produced by the screen’s lights could make the protector dry unevenly.  The water acts as a temporary barrier between the protector’s adhesive and your screen, so you can reposition if necessary.

The protector will not look exactly perfect right after application, even if you do manage to squeeze out every bit of water.  I even had a few air bubbles that did not look like they would go away, but after 3 days the Invisible Shield settled and is practically flawless.

The “original” Invisible shield has a slight texture to it, and “anti-glare” protectors make the image fuzzy and introduce chromatic anomalies.  I installed the High Definition version of the Invisible Shield for my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 tablet to maintain the extremely crisp visuals of the 2560 x 1600 resolution.

The screen remains just as sharp as without a screen protector, and unfortunately also has the same amount of glare (not so great while watching movies on a bus).  Using my finger to navigate is fine during gestures, but focus seems to “wobble” if I hold my finger in place after the Shield’s installation.

S-pen functionality is not hindered in any way, and actually improves as the Shield’s surface has much less “drag” on the rubberized tip of the stylus.

Overall I am very pleased with the ZAGG High-Definition Invisible Shield.  It is a little on the pricey side at a retail cost of $35.  I can tell you from personal experience that you will probably never have to change or replace the Shield for the life of the device (the company offers a free lifetime replacement warranty anyway), and it definitely keeps your screen looking perfect.  If you spend over $400 on a tablet, then it is logical to protect it with a good case and screen protector.  Don’t cheap out, no matter which brand you buy, as you could eventually regret your former, thriftier, self.

The author nor the publisher was compensated for this review by the manufacturer in any way.