Review: InvisibleShield Glass Elite Edge screen protector is nearly invisible

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPhone edited January 2021
InvisibleShield has a wide variety of screen protectors; anti-glare, blue light blocking, and privacy to name a few. Now, it added the new Glass Elite Edge to its offerings.

InvisibleShield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max
Invisible Shield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max


Glass Elite Edge takes InvisibleShield's Glass Elite tempered glass screen protector and adds a black edge, causing it to seamlessly blend in to the black bezels around the iPhone's gorgeous display.

How strong is it?

Generally speaking, drop tests and ilk are not very reliable or scientific. Any drop is unique from the height it is dropped from, the amount of angular momentum it is moving with, the side of the phone it makes contact with, and what surface it lands on.

InvisibleShield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max
InvisibleShield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max


So no, we didn't put on the screen protector and purposefully drop our phone countless times trying to judge its strength. Instead, we have our real-world experience with using Glass Elite screen protectors.

We regularly go without any case at all on our iPhone, even optioning for AppleCare so to not have to particularly worry about something happening to our device. That said, a screen protector is still something we recommend.

Our phones will show small micro-abrasions along the top and bottom of the front glass just from taking it in and out of our pockets countless times a day. A scratch on the screen, while irritating, isn't covered under a warranty, so a screen protector is a relatively low-cost way to prevent that with minimal bulk.

Invisible Shield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max
Invisible Shield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max


Not to mention that in the case of a tumble, a screen protector can save you a costly trip to the Apple Store. If an iPhone screen shatters, Apple charges $29 under AppleCare, but that can balloon quickly if you don't have a warranty.

In our time using Glass Elite screen protectors, we have had them crack in the past, but we've not had our iPhone's screen be damaged at the same time. For us, that is the most important part.

Invisible Shield says it uses an ion-exchange technology to increase hardness and scratch-resistance, which doesn't sound that far off from the double ion-exchange process Apple uses.

Installation

All of InvisibleShield's screen protectors go on the same. It isn't the most difficult process, but we wouldn't say the easiest either.

The first step is to clean the iPhone display using the included microfiber cloth and dust-collecting sticker. Once the display is clean, you place the frame around the phone. Then you peel off the back of the screen protector, place it in the frame, and press down in the center.

InvisibleShield Glass Elite Edge screen protector blends in
InvisibleShield Glass Elite Edge screen protector blends in


Even the most careful of applicators can still end up with a piece of dust on the screen, which is very frustrating when it happens. But apart from installing it in a clean room, there is nothing else Invisible Shield can do to prevent this.

What we ran into with this version of the screen protector that we didn't with the others was small bubbles around the edges. These bubbles seemed to be between the black edge and the center and were a royal pain to get out.

We did manage to get rid of these bubbles but it took a good amount of pressure with our thumbs to force the air out the sides of the protector. It wasn't easy.

Should you buy the Glass Elite Edge screen protector?

A screen protector is generally a good thing to have on your phone, especially if you are rather rough with it. Yet, screen protectors seem far less common than cases among users.

This screen protector does a better job than others in blending into the display and most people won't even realize it is there. The edges aren't curved like we see with TemperedCurve protector from Belkin which does give a bit of a lip as you swipe your fingers from the edges of the display.

Invisible Shield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max
Invisible Shield Glass Elite Edge screen protector on an iPhone 11 Pro Max


Overall, the screen protector is responsive, durable, and hides in plain site. Zagg has developed one of the easiest application processes around and we appreciate not having to worry about damaging our iPhone's display.

Pros
  • Seamless design blends into the front of your iPhone

  • Protects your screen from scratches and falls

  • Easy application process

  • Repels fingerprints
Cons
  • Edges aren't curved

  • Can still get dust or bubbles

Rating: 4 out of 5

Where to buy

InvisibleShield's Glass Elite Edge screen protector for Apple's iPhone 11 and XR retails for $39.99, but AppleInsider readers can save 20% instantly with coupon code INSIDER20, bringing the price down to $31.99.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    redgeminiparedgeminipa Posts: 555member
    I've tried a couple different ones by Invisible Shield over the years, and they all seemed to crack with minimal effort. For the price, I stopped buying them. The cheap $5 ones from Five Below seem to hold up better, especially the "better than glass" screen protectors. They are the only ones I buy for my iPhones now.
  • Reply 2 of 7
    payecopayeco Posts: 581member
    Are people keeping their phones in pockets filled with sand and keys? I don’t understand why people need these. I’ve had every iPhone since the first one and I’ve never scratched the screen.
  • Reply 3 of 7
    Eric_WVGGEric_WVGG Posts: 968member
    payeco said:
    Are people keeping their phones in pockets filled with sand and keys? I don’t understand why people need these. I’ve had every iPhone since the first one and I’ve never scratched the screen.
    Dunno what to tell you. I got a protector for my 10S Max because I heard the OLEDs were more prone to scratches. About a month ago I saw that the protector was pretty worn, so I removed it and made a mental note to order another. By the time I got home, one nice big scratch; by the time the replacement showed up, four.

    Yes, I carry it in a clean pocket. 
  • Reply 4 of 7
    jcs2305jcs2305 Posts: 1,337member
    payeco said:
    Are people keeping their phones in pockets filled with sand and keys? I don’t understand why people need these. I’ve had every iPhone since the first one and I’ve never scratched the screen.
    I personally use the matte screen protectors on my phones and iPads. I like the help with glare without compromising the screen clarity and fingerprints can be wiped away much easier than the bare glass.  On my 11 pro Max I use Belkin brand which I can get put on for free at the Apple store when I purchase it. On my iPad pro 10.5 I use a brand called iCarez from a amazon. It gives the screen a bit more grit and makes the using the pencil feel more natural as well as help with glass and scratches. 

    When it comes time to sell or give away the iPhone or iPad you can remove them easily and the screen is still pristine.

    You may not have deep scratched the screen with past iPhones, but a simple mistake with a key or some loose change and the coating on the screen can be scratched pretty easily form what I have seen and read. 


  • Reply 5 of 7
    Tower72Tower72 Posts: 22unconfirmed, member
    When I get any protectors like this, I install them in the bathroom, after letting the shower run hot for a time. The steam helps remove dust and other small particles floating around
    Andrew_OSU
  • Reply 6 of 7
    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU Posts: 573member, editor
    Tower72 said:
    When I get any protectors like this, I install them in the bathroom, after letting the shower run hot for a time. The steam helps remove dust and other small particles floating around
    This. This is a great tip. Sounds slightly odd. "Hold on dear! Im installing my screen protector in the bathroom!"
    But definitely love the idea of this. Doing this next time for sure.
  • Reply 7 of 7
    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU Posts: 573member, editor

    payeco said:
    Are people keeping their phones in pockets filled with sand and keys? I don’t understand why people need these. I’ve had every iPhone since the first one and I’ve never scratched the screen.
    I always keep my phone in an empty pocket. Either my back pocket or a side pocket, but almost always in jeans. Perhaps it is the abrasiveness of the denim, but the tops and bottom of the phone, on the glass where I slide it in and out of my pocket, always gets covered in super small microabrasions. Like it is just being worn down. It could just be the oleophobic coating getting worn off as it goes in and out of my pocket umpteen times a day. Regardless, it happens and not only does it not look great, hurts my resale value.
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