does the same armor at higher item level protect better?

[AngryVermin]

I know this is very probably a stupid question but just in case it is not..

Does the same armor at higher item level protect better?

In other words, does a level 50 shield with given stats defend better than a level 40 shield with the sam stats otherwise?

Cheers!

[Dainoji]

I don't know what you mean by stats, but just look at the armor value if its higher its better. Shields have a defense rating, if its higher it's better.