In today’s era of ubiquitous smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, cover glass serves as a critical material protecting device screens, with its performance directly impacting user experience. From drop resistance to touch sensitivity, from light transmittance to scratch resistance, the development of cover glass technology remains a focal point in the consumer electronics industry. This article explores five major cover glass products in the global market, the companies behind them, and their real-world applications.

1. Corning Gorilla Glass

Corning Gorilla Glass is undoubtedly the world’s most recognized cover glass brand. Corning Incorporated, founded in 1851 and headquartered in Corning, New York, boasts over 170 years of glass and ceramic materials research and development history. This venerable American materials science company holds a world-leading position in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics.

Company Background: Corning has been at the forefront of glass innovation for nearly two centuries, with breakthrough products ranging from the glass encasements for Thomas Edison’s light bulbs to fiber optic cables that form the backbone of modern telecommunications infrastructure.

Product Evolution: Since its first application on the original iPhone in 2007, Gorilla Glass has evolved through multiple generations. The glass utilizes ion-exchange technology, replacing smaller sodium ions on the glass surface with larger potassium ions at high temperatures, creating a compressive stress layer that significantly enhances the glass’s strength and damage resistance.

Applications:

• Samsung Galaxy Series: Galaxy S series, Galaxy Note series, Galaxy Z Fold and Flip foldable phones use Gorilla Glass Victus
• Samsung Galaxy Watch: Confirmed use in Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 5, and Watch 6 series

With over 8 billion devices worldwide featuring Gorilla Glass, it maintains the largest market share in the premium cover glass segment.

2. AGC Dragontrail Glass (Japan)

AGC Inc. (formerly Asahi Glass) is Japan’s largest glass manufacturer, founded in 1907 and headquartered in Tokyo. As one of the world’s three largest glass manufacturers, AGC’s business scope encompasses architectural glass, automotive glass, display glass, and electronic materials, with production and sales facilities in over 30 countries globally.

Company Background: AGC has evolved from a domestic Japanese glass producer to a global materials technology leader, with particular strength in display technologies and chemical glass strengthening processes.

Product Features: Dragontrail glass is AGC’s chemically strengthened glass brand developed specifically for mobile devices, also employing ion-exchange technology. Dragontrail is renowned for its excellent scratch resistance and competitive pricing, commanding significant market share in Asian markets.

Applications:

• Fujitsu Arrows Series: Several models in this Japanese smartphone line feature Dragontrail
• Kyocera Smartphones: Select rugged and standard models sold in Japanese market
• Amazon Kindle Fire Tablets: Earlier generation Fire tablets used Dragontrail glass
• ASUS Tablets: Some ZenPad models featured Dragontrail protection

3. Kunlun Glass

Kunlun Glass is a premium cover glass brand independently developed in China through collaboration between Huawei and domestic glass manufacturers. In 2022, Kunlun Glass debuted on the Huawei Mate 50 series smartphones, marking a significant breakthrough for China in the high-end cover glass sector.

Technological Innovation: Kunlun Glass employs innovative nanocrystal technology, introducing high-strength nanocrystals into the glass matrix to dramatically enhance overall glass strength and drop resistance. According to Huawei’s published data, Kunlun Glass offers 10 times the drop resistance of ordinary glass.

Verified Real-World Applications:

• Huawei Mate 50 RS Porsche Design: Premium edition with Kunlun Glass
• Huawei Mate 60 Series: Mate 60 Pro and Mate 60 Pro+ models
• Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design: Flagship model featuring second-generation Kunlun Glass
• Huawei Pura 70 Series: Latest flagship line with improved Kunlun Glass version

Currently, Kunlun Glass applications remain exclusive to Huawei’s premium smartphone lineup as the technology and production capacity scale up.

4. Panda King Glass

Panda King Glass is a high-strength cover glass brand developed by Sichuan Xuhong Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in electronic glass materials and optoelectronic components. The company, headquartered in Sichuan Province, integrates R&D, large-scale production, and deep processing of cover glass, serving domestic and international consumer electronics brands.

Company Background:
Founded with a focus on precision glass technology, Sichuan Xuhong Optoelectronic Technology has built strong expertise in liquid crystal display substrates, cover glass, and functional coating processes. Leveraging continuous investment in material science and surface engineering, the company operates multiple advanced production lines across China, enabling stable supply and quality control for large-volume orders.

Product Positioning:
Panda King Glass targets the mid-to-high-end market segment. Through refined chemical strengthening and optimized surface treatment, it achieves excellent impact resistance, scratch resistance, and optical transparency. With its consistent performance and cost competitiveness, Panda King Glass provides domestic smartphone and tablet manufacturers with a reliable, high-quality alternative to imported cover glass brands.

5. SCHOTT Glass

SCHOTT AG is a German multinational glass manufacturer founded in 1884 by Otto Schott, a pioneer in glass chemistry. Headquartered in Mainz, Germany, SCHOTT is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty glass and glass-ceramics, with operations in over 30 countries and approximately 17,000 employees worldwide.

Company Background: SCHOTT has a distinguished history of innovation in glass science, having invented borosilicate glass. The company’s expertise spans pharmaceutical packaging, optical systems, home appliances, and specialized electronic applications. SCHOTT is particularly renowned for ultra-thin glass technologies and precision glass manufacturing.

Product Excellence: SCHOTT produces ultra-thin chemically strengthened cover glass under various product lines including SCHOTT AS 87 eco and other specialized formulations designed for demanding applications requiring superior optical performance, chemical durability, and dimensional stability.

Applications:

• Ceran Cooktops: Glass-ceramic cooktop surfaces used in premium kitchen appliances worldwide
• Zeiss Optical Products: Precision glass components in camera lenses and optical instruments
• Medical Diagnostic Equipment: Laboratory analyzers and diagnostic device displays