Gorilla Glass, Victus, Armor: what protects your screen

A smartphone's cover glass is specially toughened glass that covers the screen (and often the back). The best-known brands are Corning Gorilla Glass (Victus 2, Armor) and manufacturers' own developments (Apple's Ceramic Shield, Huawei's Kunlun Glass, Dragontrail).

Toughened glass is compressed at the surface and handles impacts better

In plain words

Ordinary glass is like thin ice on a puddle: it cracks when hit. Cover glass is like toughened ice: it has been chemically "pre-stressed" on the surface, so it handles impacts better. But there is a trade-off: glass that survives drops better can scratch more easily, and vice versa. There is no perfect glass.

How it works

The glass is made from a special (aluminosilicate) composition.
It is dipped in molten salts, where ion exchange takes place.
The surface layer is compressed and becomes more resistant to cracks.
New generations improve drop or scratch resistance.
Some glasses have an anti-reflective layer for better visibility.

Toughened glass versus ordinary glass

Where you'll see it

In phone specs: "Gorilla Glass Victus 2", "Gorilla Armor 2", "Ceramic Shield". Budget models often just say "2.5D glass" or nothing at all. Screen protectors that stick on top are separate accessories.

Does it matter when buying

Yes, but be realistic. Modern cover glass survives more drops than older glass, but even the best glass gets scratched by sand (quartz). My approach: on a flagship with good glass, a case with raised edges; a screen protector on top if you often carry the phone with keys or work in dusty places.

Myths

Myth: Gorilla Glass does not scratch. Reality: It does, especially from sand and stones.
Myth: Tempered glass from a shop is the same as Gorilla Glass. Reality: A stick-on protector is a separate layer, and its quality varies a lot.

FAQ

What is 2.5D glass?

Glass with rounded edges - it describes the shape, not the strength.

Does a flagship need a screen protector?

It is optional; it takes the hit and is cheaper than a screen replacement.

Does a screen protector affect the touchscreen?

A good one barely does; a cheap, thick one can worsen touch response and the fingerprint scanner.