One standout feature of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its display, which introduces Corning Gorilla Armor, a significant enhancement although Samsung has somewhat downplayed it. This advancement in display glass technology not only improves durability but also significantly reduces screen reflections, thanks to a special coating. It seems Apple has taken note of this innovation for potential use in its devices, as there’s speculation that the iPhone 17 might incorporate a similar anti-reflective coating on its display.
Reports suggest that Apple has acquired specialized display coating machinery from Japan, which has been sent to the company’s supply chain in China. This equipment is poised to be used for future iPhone models, likely starting with the iPhone 17, given the timing. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is rumoured to feature a display described as “super-hard anti-reflective,” boasting scratch resistance beyond current expectations.
Apple’s existing iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 series, feature the “Ceramic Shield” display glass, produced by Corning. This glass is marketed as being exceptionally tough, claiming the title of “tougher than any smartphone glass,” until the introduction of Corning Gorilla Armor with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Gorilla Armor has shown to excel in drop tests and scratch resistance, offering a significant reduction in screen reflectance—up to 75%, which substantially improves display readability and decreases reflections.
Having used the Galaxy S24 Ultra personally, I’ve noticed the remarkable anti-glare capabilities of its display. The reduction in reflections when using the device in brightly lit environments, including direct sunlight, is impressive. The absence of glare is so pronounced that it highlights the reflection issues prevalent in other devices. The enhanced display allows for clear visibility without needing to adjust the phone’s angle or shade the screen.
Scratch resistance tests on the Galaxy S24 Ultra‘s display indicate that it begins to show minor scratches at level 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, an improvement over devices that start showing wear at level 6. This demonstrates the Galaxy S24 Ultra‘s superior performance in durability tests.
The potential adoption of similar display technology by Apple for the iPhone 17 could mark a significant advancement in smartphone display technology, encouraging broader industry adoption of these innovations.