Comparing the two different versions of invisibleSHIELD for HTC EVO
From my past experiences, ZAGG's military-grade screen protector, the invisibleSHIELD, has proven to be one of the best ways to protect a touch screen device. I figured this wouldn't change when I purchased one for my HTC EVO 4G.
Here at G&E, we have seen ZAGG's products all over. The invisibleSHIELD can hold your screen together after it breaks, the LEATHERskins make your EVO 4G look like a couch, and you can even use the little home button circle for the iPhone 4 screen guard to protect your camera lens.
Back to my story. On the first day with my EVO 4G, I slip into Best Buy and find an invisibleSHIELD, but the packaging looks different from what I'm used to. Apparently, ZAGG started making a new "smudge-proof" film available exclusively at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile. This is the only invisibleSHIELD for the EVO 4G I can find, so I think to myself, "No fingerprints or smudges? Sounds good to me!" I was in for a surprise.
I go home and (to my surprise) perfectly install the invisibleSHIELD. The first thing I notice is that the smudge-proof screen protector looks like it has a matte finish. I'm used to having a glossy, almost shiny, appearance with these products. I realize that this is a smudge-proof version, though, and think that the lack of fingerprints will make up for the matte finish.
Next, I feel the newly protected screen. Normally, classic invisibleSHIELDs give you a confident grip as your finger glides across the screen. In my opinion, this makes games easier and overall selections a breeze. At the same time, I have had people pick up my touch screen devices in the past and say things like, "Oh, this isn't very smooth. I don't like this."
The smudge-proof invisibleSHIELD gives you a very smooth feel. Your finger slides easily; scrolling through the app drawer is made simple. Simultaneously, you lose that confidence grip the classic product gives you.
I wait for a few hours after installation and decide it is now safe to turn my EVO 4G back on. Once my phone finishes booting up, I look at the screen and frown. It is somewhat hard to describe what happens to the screen when using the smudge-proof invisibleSHIELD. The screen almost seems pixelated; the screen just doesn't look good.
Granted, you will get used to the decrease in clarity that the smudge-proof version gives you. But the luxury of fingerprint removal does not make up for the fact that your EVO's screen has been reduced in quality.
I used this screen protector for almost four months straight.
Last weekend, I tore it off and installed a classic invisibleSHIELD. I went way too long staring at a screen that looked pixelated, and I feel stupid! It almost feels like I bought a new phone now. It is amazing to me how one version of ZAGG's screen protectors can make me so happy, while the other makes me so frustrated.
Some people probably like the smudge-proof version, and you may too. But for me (and I feel most EVO users will agree), the classic invisibleSHIELD is the way to go.
If you're looking for a good screen protector (that comes with a lifetime warranty) for your EVO 4G or EVO 3D, get an invisibleSHIELD. But, from my experience, stay away from the smudge-proof version.
