It only takes a moment of carelessness to break ones smartphone. A drop onto a hard surface that breaks the screen would result in a large repair bill and, even worse, one would have to manage without it while it was away being repaired. The Impact Shield multi-layer screen protector from Tech21 is claimed to offer the best available impact protection that doesnt inhibit a devices performance.
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The Impact Shield screen protector is much more than just a surface veneer and is built up from three layers each of which has a particular function. There is a hard outer layer which spreads the impact; BulletShield impact protection inter-layer with BASF absorption polymer, which is also used in bulletproof glass, to absorb impact; and finally a soft base layer to further absorb impact force.
Overall, it is claimed that the force passed through to the device glass is reduced by 80 per cent so reducing the likelihood of screen breakage. Although I have not put it to the test or even seen any actual tests, I have seen a video of a large ball bearing falling onto two screens: one protected and the other not. While the former survived, the latter fragmented. The Shield is also claimed to be self-healing and anti-scratch so that it retains good optical clarity and does not yellow with UV exposure.
An Impact Shield is supplied with protective films that that one removes as part of the installation process. Having carefully wiped over the screen with the cleaner provided, the protective film on the lower (underside) layer is peeled of and the Impact Shield carefully offered up to the device’s screen. The aim being to slightly flex the Shield so that it just touches the glass along the centre line. Then, as one releases it, it slowly falls into place without bubbles. Once it has spread across the screen, to which it sticks without the use of any separate adhesive, it is then only a matter of rubbing it all over to ensure proper adhesion prior to peeling off the top protective film.
While it is claimed that the Impact Shield is fast and simple to apply, care must still be taken to align it carefully. This is assisted by using the microphone and earpiece cut-outs as guides when initially placing it on the glass.
Each Impact Shield is device specific with the company having produced screens for the most popular devices -- in particular the best-selling Samsung Galaxy S4 and the iPhone 5. These are available from the EE mobile phone shops priced at £14.99. These, as well as others such as Shields for the Galaxy SIII mini, Galaxy Note II and iPad are also available from the tech21.uk.com web site.
As we become ever more dependent on smartphones and other sophisticated devices, it makes good sense to do our best to protect them. Consequently, it could be worthwhile putting an Impact Shield onto your new device at the same time as buying a case for it.
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