Corning has announced its latest innovation in smartphone display protection - Gorilla Glass 7i. This new glass formulation is specifically designed to bring enhanced durability to mid-range and budget smartphones, addressing a gap in the market between older Gorilla Glass versions and premium offerings like Gorilla Glass Victus.
Key Features of Gorilla Glass 7i
- Improved Drop Resistance: Survives falls from up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) onto rough surfaces like asphalt
- Enhanced Scratch Resistance: Up to 2 times more scratch-resistant than competing glasses in its segment
- Cost-Effective: Designed to fit the budgets of mid-range device manufacturers
Filling a Market Need
Many popular mid-range smartphones still use older Gorilla Glass versions, some dating back to 2013. Gorilla Glass 7i aims to provide a more modern solution that can keep up with the trends of larger displays and heavier devices in the mid-range market.
Dan Orr, product line manager at Corning, explained that while durability remains crucial, optical properties of glass are now equally important. This focus on both strength and visual quality reflects the evolving needs of smartphone users and manufacturers.
Industry Impact
OPPO will be the first manufacturer to release a phone featuring Gorilla Glass 7i, with more details expected soon. This new glass is not limited to smartphones - it's also suitable for smartwatches and other devices requiring durable, scratch-resistant glass.
Looking Ahead
As smartphone displays continue to advance, with some capable of reaching 4,000-5,000 nits brightness, the role of protective glass becomes increasingly important. Corning's innovations, including Gorilla Glass 7i and the premium Gorilla Armor, aim to improve device durability while also enhancing display visibility and energy efficiency.
The introduction of Gorilla Glass 7i signals a positive step towards bringing flagship-level protection to a wider range of devices, potentially improving the longevity and user experience of mid-range smartphones.