One of the main features of the iPhone 4 and 4S is their exquisitely designed glass and metal hardware. As a result of this, many owners take steps to protect the front of their iPhones with various films and screen protectors. To satisfy that need, prolific accessory maker Moshi offers the iVisor AG, a unique take on the traditional screen protector. I've been testing one on my iPhone 4S for the past week or so, and here are my thoughts.
Most screen protectors consist of a transparent film sized to fit a device's display with appropriate cutouts for the earpiece, front-facing camera, and other hardware elements of the device that one is applying the screen A6 Smart Phone protector to. Installing a screen protector can be a tedious process, as many people find it frustratingly difficult to eliminate the trapped air pockets and lint that might find its way under the protector during installation. Additionally, screen protectors tend to collect pocket lint along the edges and invariably start peeling up in the corners after a few weeks of use.
Moshi's iVisor AG differs from other screen protectors in that it features Moshi's patented technology that the company says ensures "100 percent bubble-free installation." I can say that this works as advertised, as placing the iVisor on my iPhone was definitely the easiest installation of any screen protector I have tried. Once you have the iVisor lined up correctly with the front of the iPhone, it falls right into place and any air pockets or bubbles disappear. Even better, the iVisor is removable and reusable - something that few other screen protectors can claim. You can rinse the iVisor under a faucet to clean it and remove any debris, and once it has dried completely, you can reinstall it on the phone. The iVisor's multilayer construction means that it is stiffer than other film-based screen protectors, which helps keep it affixed to the phone without it sliding around or lifting up in the corners.
Moshi iVisor AG
The touch surface of the iVisor AG is coated with Moshi's EZ-Glide H2000 surface treatment that is designed to provide better touchscreen response. It is also resistant to scratching and smudging, and like the iPhone's actual glass display, it does a good job at resisting skin oils and "face grease."
Moshi iVisor AG
The version of the iVisor AG that I tested out sported a matte finish, which helped eliminate reflections when viewing the screen. Unfortunately, it had a side-effect of decreasing the display's naturally tremendous viewing angles, which made it feel almost as if I was using a privacy screen. Additionally, I noticed that the screen looked softer than without the iVisor, and color saturation and overall brightness were noticeably reduced. Touch response was unsurprisingly weaker than without the iVisor, but I was able to adjust to it rather quickly. After a few days of use I didn't notice it anymore.
Moshi iVisor AG
I have never been a fan of screen protectors myself, as I always felt that they put an unnecessary barrier between me and my phone, but I did come away impressed with the iVisor AG. My biggest complaints with other screen protectors were the irritating air bubbles, trapped lint, frustrating install process, and tendency to lift in the corners after a short time of use, but the iVisor addresses all of those with aplomb. If you are in the market for a screen protector, the iVisor AG 5GS Phone from Moshi looks to be the one to get - provided that you can put up with the slightly lower viewing angles and reduced saturation and brightness of the iPhone's display, of course.
Moshi iVisor AG
Moshi offers the iVisor AG in versions to match the white or black iPhone 4 and 4S. You can purchase it from Moshi's online store now for $24.95. There are also versions available for the iPad, iPod touch, and the iPhone 3GS, as well as a variety of Android smartphones and tablets.