Most smart phone makers use Corning’s Gorilla Glass to increase the durability of its front display. The current Gorilla Glass 3 that’s found on most flagship devices have been doing pretty well against scratches. However it is still lacking when it comes to the dreadful drops on the pavement.
With smart phones getting bigger in size, consumers are demanding better glass durability and the latest Gorilla Glass 4 aims to achieve just that.
Corning’s new Gorilla Glass 4 claims to be formulated to better withstand accidental drops. To prove this, they have simulated a real world test by dropping devices from 1 metre height directly face down onto a 180 grit sand paper. From their findings, the Gorilla Glass 4 performed two times better than its competitors and it is able to survive 80% of drops. This they claim is a new standard in durability.
While 80% is not perfect, the risk of having your screen replaced is greatly minimised. The typical soda-lime glass employed on most commercial devices offer no protection at all and they break 100% of the time in their tests.
In an interview with The Verge, Corning’s East Asia President, Cliff Hund has shared that there’s no compromise with its newer Gorilla Glass 4 and you’ll get the same optical clarity as its current version. When asked about how it compares with sapphire, he admitted that it does offer the best in class for scratch resistance but it won’t hold up well to stress and abuses like their Gorilla Glass.
Corning still aims to do more after this which includes better outdoor sunlight visibility and making curve/3D glasses. Gorilla Glass 4 is currently shipping to smart phone makers and you can expect it to be included with upcoming models soon.
