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[Merged] iPhone 4 Glass Body, Durability, and Drop Test Results

I just want to know how much more resistant to scratching it will be...I wish the day would come where I didnt have have a case or skin on my phone and it could take normal abuse (lol or just set it on a table) without getting scratched :rolleyes:
 
iPhone 4: Possibly an Evolution In Smartphone Durability

Let's face it: many phones are durable, but still not quite up to the level they should be. The ideal phone would be able to withstand many drops and normal abuse and not show a single mark indicating it wasn't brand new. Up until the oleophobic display coating, the iPhone's glass screen was nearly impossible to scratch. Apple claims that the glass is more scratch-resistant than ever, so you shouldn't be able to scratch it through normal use. I would know from experience that my first-generation iPhone could be dropped a good distance without the screen getting scratched. When I dropped an iPhone 3GS that I had to return, anyway, there were some noticeable scratches. Hopefully, Apple isn't lying when they say that the glass is the most scratch-resistant its been.

I really like how the back is glass, and it's not just glass, but Apple's extremely durable glass. In durability tests, it was easy to grab anything remotely sharp and carve into the back of the first three iPhones. The screen didn't have the same problem. In fact, PCWorld couldn't scratch the screens of the iPhone nor the iPhone 3G (they skipped the 3GS, unfortunately). Now that the back is made out of glass, iPhone 4 should be very scratch-resistant.

The stainless steel band is likely what keeps iPhone 4 from being "immune" to damage from usage without drops, but we'll see. The glass cracking from a drop could be the biggest design flaw, but Apple has been aware of this, and maybe iPhone 4's glass is much more resistant to cracking.

iPhone 4 is without a doubt a step forward in every aspect, including durability; it seems to be an evolution in smartphone durability. If you tried to really scratch up most phones, you could do it easily. Now, you'd be hard-pressed to scratch the screen or back, judging from the glass on previous iPhones (which Apple claims to be improved further). Gizmodo's iPhone 4 prototype looked new (including the steel band) despite what it had been through. In terms of durability, Apple has a winner with the iPhone 4.
 
MICHAELSD said:
Let's face it: many phones are durable, but still not quite up to the level they should be. The ideal phone would be able to withstand many drops and normal abuse and not show a single mark indicating it wasn't brand new. Up until the oleophobic display coating, the iPhone's glass screen was nearly impossible to scratch. Apple claims that the glass is more scratch-resistant than ever, so you shouldn't be able to scratch it through normal use. I would know from experience that my first-generation iPhone could be dropped a good distance without the screen getting scratched. When I dropped an iPhone 3GS that I had to return, anyway, there were some noticeable scratches. Hopefully, Apple isn't lying when they say that the glass is the most scratch-resistant its been.

I really like how the back is glass, and it's not just glass, but Apple's extremely durable glass. In durability tests, it was easy to grab anything remotely sharp and carve into the back of the first three iPhones. The screen didn't have the same problem. In fact, PCWorld couldn't scratch the screens of the iPhone nor the iPhone 3G (they skipped the 3GS, unfortunately). Now that the back is made out of glass, iPhone 4 should be very scratch-resistant.

The stainless steel band is likely what keeps iPhone 4 from being "immune" to damage from usage without drops, but we'll see. The glass cracking from a drop could be the biggest design flaw, but Apple has been aware of this, and maybe iPhone 4's glass is much more resistant to cracking.

iPhone 4 is without a doubt a step forward in every aspect, including durability; it seems to be an evolution in smartphone durability. If you tried to really scratch up most phones, you could do it easily. Now, you'd be hard-pressed to scratch the screen or back, judging from the glass on previous iPhones (which Apple claims to be improved further). Gizmodo's iPhone 4 prototype looked new (including the steel band) despite what it had been through. In terms of durability, Apple has a winner with the iPhone 4.
Click to expand...


I totally agree with you. which is why I see where apple is coming from with their case that just covers the sides. thats all you need!
 
I'm going to have a hard time choosing a case. I've used three distinct styles for a year each: a leather flip case, a leather sleeve, and a rubberized protective case. My least favorite was the sleeve. I liked how my flip case was like a sleeve, but if I wanted to quickly use my iPhone, I didn't have to take it out of the case, while I did take it out a lot of the time. I still like a case for pocketing my iPhone. Maybe switching between a Vaja case and a few Bumpers will be ideal for me. I'd definitely buy a dozen bumpers if companies could pull of some unique, elegant designs, and keep the price under $15.
 
Agreed times 100. This is extraordinary engineering at it's finest I might say. Glad this will be my 1st iPhone. I cant wait to see the durability tests too on launch day. And also if it will blend.
 
In general, I'm very careful with my phones. I haven't dropped my iphone once in 2 years. After reading Engadget's latest review of the new iphone and just how durable the front and back is, I have to say, this is probably going to be the 1st one I've had where I probably won't get a case. After going through numerous cases for my 3G and 3GS, it's going to be awesome not having to deal with a Power Support film over the front bubbling up on the sides and a case adding any bulk to it.
 
In other words, this would create an impenetrable iPhone 4

tech-21-iband.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Tech21-iBand-Shock-Absorbing-iPhone/dp/B001HN9IC0
 
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The oleophobic coating is the weakest link and will scratch no matter how resistant the glass itself is. Go put a 3GS that hasn't been protected from keys and other objects out in the sun. You will see hairline scratches in the oleophobic coating.

Personally I wish they would ditch the coating. My 3G never had a single hint of a hairline scratch.


MICHAELSD said:
Let's face it: many phones are durable, but still not quite up to the level they should be. The ideal phone would be able to withstand many drops and normal abuse and not show a single mark indicating it wasn't brand new. Up until the oleophobic display coating, the iPhone's glass screen was nearly impossible to scratch. Apple claims that the glass is more scratch-resistant than ever, so you shouldn't be able to scratch it through normal use. I would know from experience that my first-generation iPhone could be dropped a good distance without the screen getting scratched. When I dropped an iPhone 3GS that I had to return, anyway, there were some noticeable scratches. Hopefully, Apple isn't lying when they say that the glass is the most scratch-resistant its been.

I really like how the back is glass, and it's not just glass, but Apple's extremely durable glass. In durability tests, it was easy to grab anything remotely sharp and carve into the back of the first three iPhones. The screen didn't have the same problem. In fact, PCWorld couldn't scratch the screens of the iPhone nor the iPhone 3G (they skipped the 3GS, unfortunately). Now that the back is made out of glass, iPhone 4 should be very scratch-resistant.

The stainless steel band is likely what keeps iPhone 4 from being "immune" to damage from usage without drops, but we'll see. The glass cracking from a drop could be the biggest design flaw, but Apple has been aware of this, and maybe iPhone 4's glass is much more resistant to cracking.

iPhone 4 is without a doubt a step forward in every aspect, including durability; it seems to be an evolution in smartphone durability. If you tried to really scratch up most phones, you could do it easily. Now, you'd be hard-pressed to scratch the screen or back, judging from the glass on previous iPhones (which Apple claims to be improved further). Gizmodo's iPhone 4 prototype looked new (including the steel band) despite what it had been through. In terms of durability, Apple has a winner with the iPhone 4.
Click to expand...
 
iPhone 4 Made of Glass - Handle with Extra Care

Just wondering, How good is the glass, material used for the iPhone? If you accidentally dropped the phone, should it cracked? Or is it a impact resist?

Thank you for your opinion.
 
The video about the iPhone that is posted everywhere shows the process of the glass and how it is like 30 times harder than very strong plastic or something like that.

It is not going to shatter if you tap in on the desk.
 
myphone said:
Just wondering, How good is the glass, material used for the iPhone? If you accidentally dropped the phone, should it cracked? Or is it a impact resist?

Thank you for your opinion.
Click to expand...

Since no one here actually owns an iPhone 4, that would be a difficult question for one to answer.

I would suggest you go to Apple's site and read the details of the iPhone's glass, as they describe in more detail how much tougher it is than normal glass. I believe it's even described in the promo video.
 
Watch this video and then come back and tell us what you think.

Also, this:

"All the breakthrough technology in iPhone 4 is situated between two glossy panels of aluminosilicate glass — the same type of glass used in the windshields of helicopters and high-speed trains. Chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic, the glass is ultradurable and more scratch resistant than ever. It’s also recyclable."
 
It was said in the video (or somewhere) that the glass is similar in hardness to sapphire, which if you own a sapphire coated watch, it's pretty much immune to cracking.
 
I find it funny that this is what is being used as the "glass". I just watched a special on the History channel last week about this new material. Its sapphire melted down at about 2000 degrees. So its normally blue, but once melted and poured into a block it becomes clear. Then each piece is cut off the block, as thin as you need it. You can get this 10 times thinner than glass and still won't crack or be brittle like glass is. Quite amazing stuff. I'm putting the invisible shield on both sides and it will be perfect!
 
Shorties said:
It seems pretty strong:

06-08-10iphoneglass.jpg
Click to expand...

That doesn't show strength at all. A piece of paper can bend further than that. What it shows is it's flexibility, which compared to glass, is pretty fantastic. But that photo is nothing more than fluff, because it's a property that will never be of use in a stiff form like a phone.
 
the flex would help with impacts. if something gives it's less likely the break. it's now pointless to worry about scratching it.
 
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