Everything You Need to Know About Gorilla Glass: The Tech Behind Tougher Screens

The glass screens on our smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other devices are often taken for granted. Yet, creating this essential component requires intricate processes, advanced chemical treatments, and years of research. One of the most recognized names in this field is Gorilla Glass, a material that has become a staple for many Android smartphones, including models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel 9 series.

While some manufacturers develop their own screen technology, many rely on Gorilla Glass for its durability and strength. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Gorilla Glass so special, how it’s made, the different versions available, and why pairing it with proper protection is essential.

This article was produced in partnership with Supcase, though its contents were crafted independently, adhering to Android Police’s editorial standards.

What is Gorilla Glass?

At first glance, Gorilla Glass might look like any other glass panel, but each version represents years of research and development. Made by Corning, Gorilla Glass undergoes unique chemical treatments to create a material that’s stronger and more durable than ordinary glass. It’s used in hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, so chances are you own at least one product with this remarkable material.

How is Gorilla Glass Made?

The process of creating Gorilla Glass is fascinating. According to Corning, it starts with raw materials blended into a glass composition and melted into a liquid form. The molten glass flows over an “isopipe,” where it spreads evenly, rejoins at the bottom, and forms a continuous, ultra-thin sheet measured in microns.

This glass remains untouched by human hands to avoid flaws and is then subjected to chemical strengthening processes. These treatments make the glass tougher and more resilient, ensuring it can withstand everyday wear and tear. Corning continually invests years into researching and testing new materials to develop even stronger, more rugged versions of Gorilla Glass.

Different Versions of Gorilla Glass

Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Introduced in November 2022, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is Corning’s toughest product yet. It’s widely used by industry leaders like Google, Sony, and Samsung on smartphones, wearables, and even computers. Victus 2 can survive drops from up to one meter onto concrete and two meters onto asphalt, offering improved resistance to scratches and impacts. You’ll often find it on the front and rear panels of high-end flagship devices.

Gorilla Glass Victus

Launched in 2020, the original Victus offered twice the scratch resistance of Gorilla Glass 6. It became the go-to material for premium smartphones, providing excellent drop and scratch resistance.

Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 5, along with Gorilla Glass 3, is commonly used in lower-end and midrange devices. While more affordable for manufacturers, it still offers reliable durability, resisting cracks and scratches effectively.

Is Gorilla Glass Enough Protection?

While Gorilla Glass 5 and newer versions provide impressive resistance to scratches and impacts, it’s important to remember that glass is still glass—it can crack or shatter under the right conditions. Even the tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2 can be damaged if dropped on hard surfaces or from significant heights.

That’s why additional protection, such as a sturdy phone case and a tempered glass screen protector, is always recommended. Elevated bezels and TPU films add another layer of defense against drops, safeguarding your device against costly repairs.

Other Glass Technologies

Not all brands use Gorilla Glass. Apple, for instance, employs Ceramic Shield, developed in partnership with Corning. Huawei’s Kunlun Glass and OnePlus’s Ceramic Guard are other alternatives, each claiming higher durability and strength. While these technologies may vary, the principle remains the same: to create tougher, more resilient glass that can withstand the challenges of daily use.

Why You Need a Case and Screen Protector

Even if your device features Gorilla Glass, pairing it with a case and screen protector is a smart move. Cases like Supcase’s Unicorn Beetle Pro series provide all-around protection with built-in screen protectors, offering a cost-effective, all-in-one solution.

For those who prefer to mix and match, there are plenty of reliable brands to choose from. At Android Police, we’ve tested and recommended cases and screen protectors for various high-end, midrange, and budget devices to help you find the perfect fit.

While cases protect against major drops and scratches, they’re not foolproof. A screen protector adds an extra buffer to shield your display from direct impacts, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in repairs. When accidents happen, this first layer often takes the brunt of the damage, keeping your device intact.

In conclusion, Gorilla Glass is an incredible innovation that’s transformed the durability of modern tech. However, even the toughest materials need a little extra help. By using a reliable case and screen protector, you can keep your devices safe and functional for years to come.