What Is Gorilla Glass?
Gorilla Glass is a brand of chemically strengthened glass developed by Corning Inc. Known for its high durability and scratch resistance, Gorilla Glass is made with a specialized process that strengthens the surface and makes it harder to scratch or crack. The manufacturing process uses an ion-exchange method, where larger ions replace smaller ones on the glass surface. This technique creates a strong compression layer, which makes Gorilla Glass tougher and more resistant to damage from everyday use.
Since its launch in 2007, Gorilla Glass has gone through several generations, each of which has improved its strength, scratch resistance, and thinness. Today, it’s used widely in smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops and wearable devices. Its lightweight and sleek design has made it a popular choice among manufacturers.
What Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is another type of toughened glass designed to withstand impact and pressure. Unlike Gorilla Glass, it isn’t a brand but a category of glass that undergoes a thermal or chemical process to strengthen it. The glass is heated to very high temperatures and then quickly cooled - this creates internal stress that makes it stronger and more resistant to breakage.
Tempered glass has been used for decades in many industries, from automotive to construction. It’s also popular in smartphone screen protectors because of its durability and ease of installation. However, tempered glass is typically thicker than Gorilla Glass, which can make it feel bulkier on smaller devices.
Key Differences Between Gorilla Glass and Tempered Glass
Now that we know what each type of glass is, let’s look at some of their main differences:
1. Strength and Durability
- Gorilla Glass: Gorilla Glass is known for its unique ion-exchange process, which gives it high resistance to scratches and breaks. It’s more resilient to everyday wear and tear and can handle accidental drops better.
- Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is tough but doesn’t match Gorilla Glass in scratch resistance. It can absorb impacts, but it’s more likely to crack or chip from small scratches over time.
2. Thickness and Weight
- Gorilla Glass: One of Gorilla Glass's main advantages is its thinness. It’s designed to be sleek and lightweight, which makes it ideal for modern smartphones and other electronic devices.
- Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is generally thicker and heavier. This can be useful in some cases, like for screen protectors, but it may add bulk to devices.
3. Clarity and Display Quality
- Gorilla Glass: Because it’s thinner, Gorilla Glass offers excellent clarity and touch sensitivity. It doesn’t interfere with the display quality, so colors and brightness come through naturally.
- Tempered Glass: Tempered glass screen protectors can sometimes affect the display slightly, especially if they’re thicker. They can reduce touch sensitivity and, in some cases, slightly diminish brightness or clarity.
4. Shatter Resistance
- Gorilla Glass: Gorilla Glass is designed to be shatter-resistant, meaning it’s less likely to break into sharp pieces when damaged. If it does break, it’s designed to form less dangerous shards.
- Tempered Glass: Tempered glass, when broken, shatters into small, blunt pieces, which reduces the risk of cuts. This shatter resistance is one reason it’s used in screen protectors.
5. Cost
- Gorilla Glass: Devices that come with Gorilla Glass tend to cost more because of the advanced technology and manufacturing processes. Replacing Gorilla Glass is also pricier.
- Tempered Glass: Tempered glass protectors are more affordable and widely available. You can buy tempered glass protectors at a lower cost compared to getting a new Gorilla Glass screen.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between Gorilla Glass and tempered glass comes down to your specific needs and device type. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- For Device Manufacturers: Gorilla Glass is usually the preferred option due to its strength, lightness, and clarity. It’s often built directly into the device screen and provides seamless protection without the bulk.
- For Screen Protection: If you’re buying a screen protector, tempered glass is an economical and effective option. It’s easy to replace and can offer an additional layer of protection for your device’s screen.
- For Heavy Phone Users: If you’re frequently on the move or work in environments where your phone is at risk of impact, you might benefit from both. A Gorilla Glass screen combined with a tempered glass protector provides excellent protection.
Final Thoughts
Both Gorilla Glass and tempered glass have unique advantages. Gorilla Glass is a cutting-edge material built into many devices, prized for its durability, clarity, and slim profile. On the other hand, tempered glass is a reliable, cost-effective option that works well as a screen protector.
For the best of both worlds, consider combining the two: a device with Gorilla Glass paired with a tempered glass screen protector can provide optimal protection. With these insights, you can choose the type of glass that fits your lifestyle and keeps your screen safe.
