Will Full Sapphire Glass Ever Become the Norm on Smartphones?
The quest for the perfect smartphone screen has always been a challenging endeavor for manufacturers. Among the materials that have been considered or experimented with, sapphire glass stands out due to its exceptional scratch resistance. However, despite past efforts and ambitious claims, the widespread adoption of full sapphire glass screens on smartphones remains highly unlikely. In this article, we explore the history of sapphire in smartphones, the challenges associated with its integration, and why it's probably never going to be the norm.
Historical attempts and setbacks with sapphire glass
Apple's past endeavors with sapphire glass serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for manufacturers. In the early 2010s, Apple was a pioneer in exploring the use of sapphire glass in their devices. They initially pursued the technology with great enthusiasm, but the results were not as promising as they had hoped. The project encountered several technical and financial hurdles, leading to abandonment and even allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Paragon Technology Corporation, a now-defunct company specializing in sapphire production, was involved in these developments. The company lied to Apple regarding the progress of their sapphire production. This deception not only delayed Apple's plans but also set back the integration of sapphire glass in their devices. The consequences of this were profound and ultimately led to a litigation against the company, further tarnishing the reputation and credibility of sapphire as a feasible material for smartphone screens.
The realities of using sapphire glass
Despite the allure of sapphire glass, several practical considerations make its widespread adoption on smartphones highly improbable. First and foremost, sapphire is an extremely hard and durable material, making it highly resistant to scratches and impacts. However, this same hardness means that sapphire can be brittle, which can lead to breakage under certain conditions.
Moreover, the production of sapphire glass is inherently more expensive compared to other materials like glass or plastic. The high cost makes it prohibitive for mainstream manufacturers to incorporate sapphire into their lower-to-mid-range models, where maximizing profit margins is a primary concern. As mentioned, if you can already purchase a screen cover made with sapphire glass for your phone, then the added expense may not be worth it for the vast majority of consumers.
Commercial and market factors
The decision to use sapphire glass in smartphones is not solely based on its technological merits but also on the commercial and market factors involved. Manufacturers need to balance the cost of production with the desirability and willingness of consumers to pay a premium for this feature. While sapphire glass can justify a premium price, the technology is often used in the most expensive phones to justify their higher price points, such as the Apple iPhone.
Consumers who are willing to forgo the premium experience of a sapphire screen in exchange for a lower-priced phone will continue to do so, as long as the other features and functionalities of the phone meet their needs and expectations. Therefore, it is unlikely that manufacturers will shift their focus to sapphire glass as a standard feature, as they can achieve comparable results through other materials that are more cost-effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while sapphire glass offers unparalleled scratch resistance, the challenges and costs involved in its production and integration make it highly unlikely that it will become the norm on smartphones. Manufacturers will continue to explore ways to improve screen durability, but cost, profitability, and consumer demand are key factors that will shape the future of smartphone screen technology.
For now, sapphire glass remains a luxury feature, primarily reserved for high-end devices. As technology advances and production processes become more efficient, there may still be a chance for sapphire to play a more prominent role in the future. However, the cost and market dynamics will likely ensure that its adoption remains limited to premium devices rather than becoming a commonplace feature in the majority of smartphones.