Corning recently introduced its 7th generation of Gorilla Glass, branded as Gorilla Glass Victus, which targets premium devices and sets a high standard for durability and scratch resistance. However, recognizing the need for advanced protection in more budget-friendly options, Corning has developed Gorilla Glass 7i for mid-range and affordable smartphones. Gorilla Glass 7i offers enhanced durability and superior scratch resistance, bringing high-performance screen protection to a broader audience. This new glass stands out because it bridges the gap between cost-effective and premium protection, ensuring that even budget-conscious consumers can benefit from advanced, reliable screen protection. As Gorilla Glass 7i begins to roll out, it promises to significantly improve the durability of a wide range of smartphones, making high-quality protection more accessible.
History of Gorilla Glass
Gorilla Glass has come a long way since its inception. From the original Gorilla Glass to the current Victus, each iteration has improved strength, clarity, and scratch resistance. The journey has been marked by continuous innovation, driven by the need to protect our increasingly fragile and sophisticated devices.
Why the Name “Gorilla Glass 7i”?
You might wonder why this new glass is Gorilla Glass 7i when there’s no version 7. The explanation lies in the lineage—the 7th generation glass, akin to Victus. The “i” stands for “industry-leading innovation for intermediate devices,” highlighting its role in bridging the gap between older models and the high-end Victus.
Target Market for Gorilla Glass 7i
Gorilla Glass 7i is squarely aimed at mid-range and more affordable devices. This market segment has been craving glass that offers significant durability improvements without the premium price. While Victus caters to the flagship models, 7i brings high-performance glass to a broader audience, ensuring more people enjoy durable and resilient screens.
Durability and Drop Resistance
One of the standout features of Gorilla Glass 7i is its drop resistance. Corning claims it can survive drops from up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) onto rough surfaces like asphalt. This substantially improves over other glass alternatives, which often break at half this height. For everyday users, this means fewer cracked screens from accidental drops.
Scratch Resistance
In addition to drop resistance, Gorilla Glass 7i boasts twice the scratch resistance of competing glasses. This enhanced durability ensures your device remains pristine for longer, even with daily wear and tear. Whether it’s keys in your pocket or accidental scrapes, Gorilla Glass 7i is designed to handle it all.
Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is a key consideration in modern manufacturing, and Gorilla Glass 7i does not fall short in this area. Corning has emphasized eco-friendly practices in producing 7i, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers. This approach benefits the planet and aligns with the growing trend toward sustainable products.
Compatibility with Modern Devices
Gorilla Glass 7i is versatile, making it suitable for various phones at different prices. As smartphones evolve with better displays, like 10-bit and 12-bit OLEDs, the need for durable protective glass has never been greater. Gorilla Glass 7i meets this demand, offering protection without compromising on the quality or aesthetics of the display.
Technological Innovations in 7i
The series of innovations in its formulation sets Gorilla Glass 7i apart from its predecessors. These advancements provide it with superior durability and scratch resistance, making it a significant upgrade from previous generations. The new formulation ensures that devices can withstand more rigorous use without suffering damage.
Why 7i Was Necessary
It’s 2024, and many devices still rely on older versions like Gorilla Glass 5 or Gorilla Glass 3. Since Gorilla Glass 5 launched in 2016, an update was long overdue. The increasing size and quality of displays, coupled with the need for better protection, necessitated a new solution. Gorilla Glass 7i fills this gap perfectly, offering modern protection for today’s advanced devices.
First Implementations
Oppo will be the first company to incorporate Gorilla Glass 7i into its smartphones. This move marks the beginning of a broader rollout, with other manufacturers expected to follow suit. Oppo’s adoption signals confidence in 7i’s capabilities and sets the stage for its widespread use.
Comparison with Older Generations
Comparing Gorilla Glass 7i to its predecessors reveals significant improvements. While Gorilla Glass 3 and 5 were revolutionary in their times, the advancements in 7i are undeniable. It offers better drop and scratch resistance, making it a worthy successor that caters to current market needs.
Applications Beyond Smartphones
While primarily designed for smartphones, Gorilla Glass 7i’s applications extend beyond. It’s suitable for smartwatches and other devices that require robust, scratch-resistant glass. This versatility makes it an attractive option for various gadgets, expanding its utility.
Market Impact and Future Trends
The introduction of Gorilla Glass 7i is expected to impact the market substantially. It democratizes advanced screen protection by providing high-performance glass at a more affordable price. Looking ahead, we can anticipate further innovations from Corning as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with protective glass.
FAQs
What makes Gorilla Glass 7i unique?
Gorilla Glass 7i combines enhanced drop and scratch resistance with a focus on sustainability, making it an advanced yet eco-friendly choice for screen protection.
How does it compare to previous generations?
Gorilla Glass 7i offers better durability and scratch resistance than older versions, such as Gorilla Glass 3 and 5, making it a significant upgrade.
Why is sustainability important in Gorilla Glass 7i?
Sustainability is crucial as it aligns with eco-friendly manufacturing practices, reducing environmental impact and meeting the growing demand for responsible products.
Which devices will first feature Gorilla Glass 7i?
Oppo will be the first manufacturer to launch a smartphone featuring Gorilla Glass 7i, with other brands expected to follow.
Is Gorilla Glass 7i suitable for other gadgets apart from smartphones?
Gorilla Glass 7i is versatile and can be used in smartwatches and other devices that need durable, scratch-resistant glass.
Wrap Up
Gorilla Glass 7i marks a major advancement in screen protection, specifically tailored for mid-range and affordable devices. Its enhanced durability ensures that screens can withstand more significant drops without damage. At the same time, its superior scratch resistance means that everyday wear and tear, like keys and accidental scrapes, are less likely to leave a mark. Additionally, the sustainable design of Gorilla Glass 7i highlights Corning’s commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
As it begins to be adopted by manufacturers such as Oppo, Gorilla Glass 7i is poised to become a standard feature across a wide range of smartphones, extending high-performance protection to a broader user base. This widespread adoption will not only elevate the quality of screen protection in the mid-range market but also provide consumers with more resilient and longer-lasting devices, reflecting a significant improvement in performance and sustainability for everyday technology users.
Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.
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