Many manufacturers of mobile devices, including and Apple, used to protect the display glass Gorilla Glass, invented by Corning. However, it is known that the manufacturer of the iPhone and iPad looks toward sapphire - the second strength of the material after diamond, which is much harder than glass. It was assumed that the "heavy-duty" material will be used in the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus.
In Corning, nonetheless urged not to succumb to the hype around sapphire technology.UBreakiFix showing reporters the possibility of covering the new generation of Gorilla Glass 4, the company reported on its advantages over polycarbonate glass and sapphire. In particular, the latter is almost 10 times more expensive to produce 1.6 times heavier and more harmful to the environment.
New generation of glass Gorilla Glass 4 was introduced in late November. This is the strongest lineup in the glass Gorilla Glass. Its main feature is resistance to a split in the fall.The argument in favor of this window, in addition to high strength, is its thickness - only 0.4 mm. First smartphone, which is used to protect the screen Gorilla Glass 4, became the smartphone Samsung Galaxy Alpha.
Corning claims that sapphire windows worse transmit light that reduces the display brightness. To display an image you want more power, otherwise the image is not as bright and clear. This, in turn, affects the battery life of mobile devices.
In addition, the sapphire, although resistant to scratches, can fight, they say in Corning. In this sense, the glass Gorilla Glass seems preferable because it can withstand 2.5 times more load. Corning is not addressed to anyone in particular his speech, but it is quite clear what the manufacturer had in mind.