Gorilla Glass vs. Tempered Glass: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 20, 2024
Gorilla Glass is a brand of chemically strengthened glass, while tempered glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength.
Key Differences
Gorilla Glass is engineered for enhanced durability and scratch resistance, making it a preferred choice for consumer electronics such as smartphones and tablets. Its manufacturing involves a unique chemical strengthening process that creates a strong protective layer on the glass surface. Tempered glass, on the other hand, is made through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it much harder than normal glass. While it is used in a variety of applications, including vehicle windows, shower doors, and glass doors, its primary feature is its safety aspect.
Gorilla Glass stands out for its thinness and lightness without compromising strength. This makes it an ideal solution for portable electronics where weight and durability are crucial. In contrast, tempered glass, while also strong and durable, is generally thicker and heavier than Gorilla Glass. It is designed for safety and thermal resistance, making it suitable for environments where impact resistance and breaking safely are important.
Both Gorilla Glass and tempered glass serve critical roles in their respective applications, with Gorilla Glass catering to the electronics market and tempered glass being more versatile in its use across various industries. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the application, whether it's for the high-impact resistance and lightweight of Gorilla Glass or the safety and thermal stability of tempered glass.
Comparison Chart
Manufacturing Process
Chemically strengthened
Heat-treated for strength
Primary Use
Consumer electronics screens
Safety glass in buildings, cars
ADVERTISEMENT
Durability
High resistance to scratches and drops
Breaks into blunt pieces for safety
Weight and Thickness
Lighter and thinner
Generally thicker and heavier
Safety When Broken
May crack but remains intact
Shatters into small, safer pieces
Gorilla Glass and Tempered Glass Definitions
Gorilla Glass
A brand of durable and scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices.
The smartphone's Gorilla Glass screen survived the fall without a scratch.
Tempered Glass
Heat-strengthened glass used in various safety applications.
The balcony used tempered glass to ensure a safe and clear view.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gorilla Glass
A thin, light, yet robust type of glass for modern electronics.
Thanks to Gorilla Glass, the tablet is both lightweight and durable.
Tempered Glass
Durable glass designed for thermal resistance and safety.
Tempered glass cookware can withstand high oven temperatures without breaking.
Gorilla Glass
Chemically strengthened glass designed for touchscreens.
Gorilla Glass enhances the touch sensitivity of devices while providing protection.
Tempered Glass
A robust glass solution for both domestic and automotive safety.
The car's tempered glass windows provide both security and durability.
Gorilla Glass
Engineered glass that resists damages from daily use.
Gorilla Glass ensures the smartwatch face remains clear and unscratched.
Tempered Glass
Safety glass processed by controlled thermal treatments to increase its strength.
The tempered glass door shattered into small pieces, preventing injury.
Gorilla Glass
A protective glass solution for high-end electronic displays.
The new laptop features Gorilla Glass for its vibrant, durable display.
Tempered Glass
A type of glass that breaks into blunt fragments to minimize injury.
Tempered glass windows are a must in modern homes for safety.
FAQs
What is Gorilla Glass?
Gorilla Glass is a chemically strengthened glass used in electronic devices for enhanced durability and scratch resistance.
How is Gorilla Glass made?
It is made through a chemical strengthening process that involves ion exchange to create a tough surface layer.
How is Tempered Glass made?
Tempered glass is made by heating the glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it, which increases its strength.
Where is Tempered Glass used?
It is used in a variety of safety applications, including automotive windows, shower doors, and building windows.
Where is Gorilla Glass used?
It is primarily used in consumer electronics, such as smartphone screens, tablets, and laptops.
Can Gorilla Glass be used in buildings?
Although possible, Gorilla Glass is not commonly used in buildings; it's optimized for electronic displays.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and safety by breaking into small, blunt pieces when shattered.
How do you clean Gorilla Glass?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals.
How do you clean Tempered Glass?
Similar to Gorilla Glass, use a soft cloth and mild detergent, ensuring not to scratch the surface.
Can Tempered Glass be used for electronics?
Yes, but it's less common due to its thickness and weight compared to Gorilla Glass.
Is Gorilla Glass better than Tempered Glass?
"Better" depends on the application; Gorilla Glass is preferred for electronic displays, while Tempered Glass is chosen for safety and thermal resistance.
Can Gorilla Glass be tempered?
Gorilla Glass undergoes a chemical strengthening process, which is different from the thermal tempering process of Tempered Glass.
Is Gorilla Glass waterproof?
Gorilla Glass itself is water-resistant, but device waterproofing depends on the overall design.
Is Gorilla Glass shatterproof?
While highly resistant to breaks and scratches, Gorilla Glass can still shatter under extreme force.
What happens when Gorilla Glass breaks?
It may crack or shatter, but typically the pieces remain more intact than standard glass.
Is Tempered Glass scratch-resistant?
Tempered glass is more resistant to scratches than regular glass but less so compared to Gorilla Glass.
How does Gorilla Glass resist scratches?
Its chemical strengthening process creates a surface layer that is more resistant to scratches.
What happens when Tempered Glass breaks?
It shatters into small, blunt pieces to reduce the risk of injury.
Is Tempered Glass used in smartphones?
Tempered glass is often used as a protective layer over the phone's display, not as the primary screen material.
Why is Tempered Glass considered safer?
Because it breaks into blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury compared to sharp shards of regular glass.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
