Sapphire vs. Gorilla Glass Durability Tests [VIDEO]

Glass sapphire

The folks over at uBreakiFix have compared the impact resistance, scratch resistance and strength of sapphire glass with Gorilla Glass in a series of tests, in order to determine whether sapphire is a suitable material for use as a smartphone display (via MacRumors). Interestingly, the tests conclude that sapphire does not necessarily offer any advantage over Gorilla Glass.

“The repair technicians conducted three different tests — a scratch resistance comparison using a tungsten carbide drill bit, a drop test with the sapphire display of the newly released Kyocera Brigadier, and a a four-point bend test to compare the failure stress and strain of sapphire glass with that of Gorilla Glass”.

YouTube video

As we are aware that Apple has partnered with GT Advanced Technologies to produce sapphire for use in future products, it is being spectated that the upcoming iPhone 6 may be the first smartphone to feature a sapphire display. However, these tests have revealed that even though sapphire is significantly more scratch resistant and 25% stronger than Gorilla Glass, it is much more susceptible to impacts due to its brittleness.

“The glass is so brittle that it shattered the first time it was dropped face down from a height of only three feet. The technicians conclude that sapphire does not necessarily offer any advantage over Gorilla Glass, as the material’s superior scratch resistance and strength is offset by its low impact resistance. Phone manufacturers that include a sapphire display may choose to employ other protective measures such as a raised bezel to help protect the phone during impact with other surfaces”.

Check out the following video for a better idea of sapphire’s impact resistance:

YouTube video

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