4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Front Panel Subjected to More Rigorous Scratch Tests, May Not Be Sapphire

[MacRumors]

Last week, a video posted by YouTube user Marques Brownlee showed the alleged front panel of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 being put through a number of scratch tests and significant bending. Now, Brownlee has released another video putting the same display through more rigorous scratch tests, this time with two different types of sandpaper.

Brownlee cites the Mohs scale of mineral hardness in his testing, which is a scale rating mineral hardness from 1-10. The iPhone 5s' Gorilla Glass display is rated at a 6.8, while sapphire crystal, which Apple uses for the iPhone 5s Touch ID home button, is rated at 9. The two sandpapers used for the test include garnet, which is rated at a 7 on the Mohs scale, and emery, rated slightly above an 8.

Upon testing, both types of sandpapers were able to scratch the iPhone 6's front panel, but it did show better resistance than the Gorilla Glass display for the iPhone 5s. Notably, the sapphire Touch ID home button on the iPhone 5s did not display any marks after being scratched by the sandpaper. This would indicate that the alleged front panel from the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is not sapphire crystal, but instead perhaps a next-generation version of Gorilla Glass. It is also possible that the panel could be a hybrid sapphire coated display, which was patented by Apple last year.

A report last month claimed that Apple would only be using a sapphire display in the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 over concerns about high cost and limited supply. Earlier rumors had indicated that Apple would have enough sapphire glass for production of both iPhone 6 models and the iWatch in 2014.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 6 in early September with a release coming a few weeks later. It is unclear whether the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions of the device will launch at the same time, with recent reports claiming that the larger iPhone 6 will be released later this year or in early 2015. In addition to a larger display, both models of the iPhone are expected to include a faster A8 processor, a thinner profile, an improved camera, and Apple's new iOS 8 mobile operating system.

Article Link: 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Front Panel Subjected to More Rigorous Scratch Tests, May Not Be Sapphire

 

[Vanilla Face]

Or, more likely, that isn't an actual front panel from the production line.

 

[saintforlife]

 

[appleguy123]

I just hope that it's a panel meant for a prototype or pre-production testing model.

 

[iWallace26]

Some android fan must have made this prototype

 

[Prof.]

The video was very painful to watch

 

[jetlitheone]

Or, more likely, that isn't an actual front panel from the production line.

This. Or not even a final build of it.

 

[phuocsandiego]

Some folks are going to be disappointed if it's not entirely made out of sapphire but whether it will be or not, it looks to be stronger than the existing screen on the 5s and that's a plus in my book.

 

[BryanElliott]

Well, I guess I'll have to stop carrying sandpaper around. Like I usually do.

 

[Exotic-Car Man]

It's great to see MKBHD on the front page of MR. He's a fantastic tech reviewer.

So this display is kind of gimmicky then.

Well, I guess I'll have to stop carrying sandpaper around. Like I usually do.

This becomes an issue if you get sand in your pocket, as that is mostly made of Quartz (7 on mohs scale — see first sandpaper test).

 

[bmt134]

Pure sapphire is simply not feasible for a phone display. Not sure why everyone is shocked.

 

[HiRez]

I was pretty sure the substance in that previous demo was not sapphire (mostly because of the extreme bending), I don't know why that guy just assumed it was.

 

[BigJohno]

I'm fine with the way that screen held up to the knife and key test because that's what will be in my pocket. Interesting to see that the screen is a hybrid of materials. Can't wait to pre order my i6!

 

[bushido]

they will wait for the 6S after introducing and pointing out the advantages of sapphire in details with the iWatch in the fall

 

[A MacBook lover]

Why all the disappointment? This is fantastic. Apple has basically made a sapphire composite display that is more flexible, scratch resistant, and *perhaps* more shatterproof than the previous display. This is a big win for consumers.

Great win for Apple. I wonder - did they create a better product at a cheaper cost to what they were paying with Gorilla Glass?

Marques - Could you test the shatter compared to the 5?

 

[goobot]

So since it seems to be only a little bit harder I'm going to guess it might be a newer version of Gorilla Glass.

Out of curiosity is there a already known version of GG that the 5S isn't using?

 

[KPJLK]

Attrition is not either/or.

 

[2984839]

Manufacturers of sandpaper iPhone cases are furious.

 

[whiteonline]

Why all the disappointment? This is fantastic. Apple has basically made a sapphire composite display that is more flexible, scratch resistant, and *perhaps* more shatterproof than the previous display. This is a big win for consumers.

Great win for Apple. I wonder - did they create a better product at a cheaper cost to what they we're paying with Gorilla Glass?

Marques - Could you test the shatter compared to the 5?

As noted in many sites, the display will most likely be glass with a sapphire outer layer. Think of it as a factory installed screen protector. So, flexibility and shatter resistance will not be realized.
Either way, I'm stoked to have a better scratch resistant display. Now if Apple could only find a way to make the entire phone more scratch resistant...

 

[iolinux333]

1. Find physics 101 student
2. Light source
3. Measure angle
4. Have student calculate index of refraction

Takes one minute then you know for certain.

sheesh

 

[Tanegashima]

I will wait for a propper test, with a production iphone 6, that's not made by an android fanboy that's being paid by google.

 

[paradox00]

It's great to see MKBHD on the front page of MR. He's a fantastic tech reviewer.

So this display is kind of gimmicky then.

How is it gimmicky when Apple hasn't said a word about it yet?

 

[Tanegashima]

How is it gimmicky when Apple hasn't said a word about it yet?

Because android fanboys would sell their mom for a reason to complain about something by Apple.

 

[Ddyracer]

I will wait for a propper test, with a production iphone 6, that's not made by an android fanboy that's being paid by google.

Because android fanboys would sell their mom for a reason to complain about something by Apple.

Oh boy, where was there bias in the video? All objective. Your looking for something that isn't there.

Or do you just feel threatened because apple isn't the only company that competes in the mobile market?

 

[iSteve-O]

I knew that sapphire screen was all gimmick.

Looks like it won't be much different from Gorilla Glass tech.