Corning Raises the Bar for Mid-Range Smartphone Durability
Corning, the renowned manufacturer of protective glass for mobile devices, has announced its latest innovation: Gorilla Glass 7i. This new product aims to bring high-end durability features to the mid-range and budget smartphone market, potentially revolutionizing the way we think about device protection across price points.
Enhanced Protection for Affordable Devices
Gorilla Glass 7i is designed to offer improved drop and scratch resistance for intermediate and value-segment smartphones. This move by Corning addresses a growing need in the market, as consumers increasingly expect better durability even from more affordable devices.
Key features of Gorilla Glass 7i include:
- Survival of drops up to one meter on rough, sandpaper-like surfaces in lab tests
- Up to two times better scratch resistance compared to competing cover glasses
- Thinner glass panels compared to Gorilla Glass 5, while maintaining superior drop performance
Performance That Outshines Competitors
In Corning's laboratory tests, Gorilla Glass 7i demonstrated significant advantages over rival lithium aluminosilicate glasses:
- Gorilla Glass 7i survived falls from twice the height (1 meter vs 0.5 meters) on simulated rough surfaces
- Improved durability without sacrificing thinness, unlike previous generations that required thicker glass for similar protection
Industry Adoption and Future Prospects
The first smartphone featuring Gorilla Glass 7i is expected to come from Oppo, with other manufacturers likely to follow suit. This new glass technology has the potential to be used not only in smartphones but also in other electronic devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers.
David Velasquez, Corning's vice president and general manager, emphasized the company's commitment to providing advanced protection across all price segments:
Durability and protection remain priorities for the glass technology manufacturer, no matter the price tag of the final device.
What This Means for Consumers
The introduction of Gorilla Glass 7i could lead to a significant improvement in the durability of mid-range and budget smartphones. Consumers may soon be able to enjoy premium-level protection without the need to invest in high-end devices. However, it's important to note that while this new glass offers improved resistance, additional protection measures like phone cases are still recommended for optimal device safety.
As the mobile industry continues to evolve, Corning's latest offering demonstrates that durability and affordability can go hand in hand, potentially changing consumer expectations for smartphone longevity across all price points.