The original Zagg XTR was one of our go-to recommendations a few years ago—but after testing the new Zagg XTR4, we’re not so sure anymore. While it still delivers in certain areas like glare reduction and impact protection, the overall package is far from premium, especially when you’re paying a $60 price tag. Ranked #12 in our recent roundup, the Zagg XTR4 has more flaws than we expected. Let’s take a closer look at what went wrong—and right.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent glare reduction (-15.35%) | Very expensive ($59.99 for 1) |
| Decent oleophobic coating | Weak edge strength (59.72N) |
| Good impact protection (291.16N) | Flat edges reduce comfort and durability |
| Includes blue light and antibacterial coatings | Poor design coverage (92.02%) |
| Above-average install tools | Optical clarity below average (0.89) |
Design
Design is the weakest part of the Zagg XTR4. It ranks 18th in our testing due to its small size and flat-edge design. It only covers 92.02% of the iPhone’s front face (compared to an average of 93.07%), and Zagg doesn’t even specify what type of glass it uses. Based on the crack pattern in our tests, it’s likely double-tempered or aluminosilicate glass—but still, that’s just a guess.
Installation is decent but outdated. The EZ Apply kit includes a frame, dust stickers, and a cloth, but we still had to deal with post-install dust. Years ago, this setup was fine, but now, many other brands offer cleaner, more foolproof install kits. And those flat edges? Not only are they easier to chip, but they also feel rough in hand—especially if you’re using a minimal case.
Performance
Despite its design drawbacks, the Zagg XTR4 actually ranks #5 for performance. The biggest highlight? Glare reduction. It cuts glare by a whopping 15.35%—compared to an average increase of 5.64% with most other protectors. That’s one of the best results we’ve seen, putting it in rare company when it comes to screen visibility.
Optical clarity, on the other hand, is just okay. It scored a 0.89 (average is 0.9), placing it 14th in that category. That’s surprising for such a premium-priced product. As for the oleophobic coating, it performed well overall. Oil droplets took 60.17 seconds to travel down the glass, which is slower than average, but the residual trail was minimal—suggesting a decent level of smudge resistance.
Protection
Protection-wise, the Zagg XTR4 lands in the middle of the pack at #7. Scratch resistance was solid—light marks at 6H and clear scratches at 7H, which is typical of quality glass. It did well in our impact test too, taking 291.16N before cracking (average is 271.44N). What really let it down was edge strength: it only took 59.72N to break the edges, which is well below average. That’s a red flag, especially for a product fortified with graphene and sold at a premium price.
Value
At $59.99 for a single screen protector, the Zagg XTR4 is priced in the ultra-premium range. While it includes features like blue light filtering and an antibacterial coating, that’s not enough to justify the cost. The poor design, mediocre install experience, and weak edges make it hard to recommend. Sure, it has a few standout qualities—but they’re buried under too many compromises.
Verdict
The Zagg XTR4 might be packed with marketing features, but the real-world results don’t live up to the hype. Yes, it excels in glare reduction and holds up decently under impact, but weak edge durability, an outdated install process, and underwhelming design tank its overall value. For $60, we expect near perfection—and the Zagg XTR4 just doesn’t deliver. As reviewers who prioritize tested performance over buzzwords, this one’s a pass for us.