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How tough is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i?

Gorilla Glass 7i is a specialised smartphone glass that offers enhanced protection for smartphones.

Gorilla Glass 7i is already protecting a range of mid-range and high-end smartphones. (Image credit: Corning)

Corning, a pioneer in smartphone protection glass, introduced Gorilla Glass 7i a few months ago. This durable glass offers both scratch and drop protection, making it particularly suitable for mid-range devices.

According to Corning, when compared to a competitive lithium aluminosilicate glass, Gorilla Glass 7i is twice as scratch-resistant and can survive drops from up to 1 meter, even on an asphalt surface. However, while these lab tests aim to mimic real-world scenarios, actual results after a drop in real life may vary. In cases of breakage, it will be considered physical damage.

“Durability remains a primary concern for anyone with a mobile device. Purchasing a smartphone is a significant investment, and Gorilla Glass 7i allows more consumers to protect their purchase by providing advanced toughness for value and intermediate devices at an affordable price point,” said David Velasquez, vice president and general manager, Corning Gorilla Glass.

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Corning also produces more premium smartphone glasses, such as Victus 2 and Armor, which are used in higher-end smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the OnePlus 12, respectively.

Gorilla Glass 7i offers greater resistance to sharp contact damage along with superior surface quality. Besides smartphones, Gorilla Glass 7i can also be found in electronic gadgets such as smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and cameras.

As specified by the company, Gorilla Glass 7i is designed for mid-range smartphones like the OPPO Reno 12 and is not as effective or capable as Armor, which provides better scratch and drop resistance along with a special anti-reflective coating.

Gorilla Glass 7i has a standard thickness of 0.50 mm to 0.70 mm, which can be customised upon request. This seventh-generation smartphone protection glass from Corning can be used to protect displays as well as serve as a back panel.