Why Gorilla Glass 5 is so important for Xiaomi smartphones
When you buy a Xiaomi smartphone, screen strength is a key consideration. The manufacturer often specifies Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection — but what does that mean in practice? It's not just a marketing ploy: Corning's technology is really a game changer in terms of screen protection from scratches and impacts. Gorilla Glass 5 debuted in 2016 and is still a hotspot for budget and mid-budget Xiaomi models like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro or Mi 11 Lite.
In this article, we will explore how Gorilla Glass 5 differs from previous and subsequent versions, how its presence affects the cost of screen repair, and why even such a strong glass does not guarantee 100% protection from damage. You will also learn how to independently check whether Gorilla Glass 5 is installed in your Xiaomi, and what to do if the screen does crack. Spiler: Gorilla Glass 5 withstands a drop from a height of 1.6 meters to a hard surface in 80% of cases - but this does not mean that you can neglect cases.
What is Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Technical Features
Gorilla Glass 5 is the fifth generation of protective glass designed by Corning specifically for mobile devices, and its main difference from previous versions (such as Gorilla Glass 4) is improved resistance to falls from a height. According to official Corning tests, glass can withstand a fall from a height of 1.6 meters down to a hard surface (such as asphalt or concrete) in 80% of cases.
This is achieved through two key innovations:
- 🔬 Improved ion exchange technology: In the process of manufacturing, sodium ions in glass are replaced with larger potassium ions, which creates a compression layer on the surface, which makes the glass more resistant to mechanical damage.
- 🛡️ Optimized structure: Gorilla Glass 5 is thinner than previous versions (thickness varies from 0.4 to 1.2 mm depending on the model of the smartphone), but it is stronger due to changes in the molecular structure.
It's important to understand that Gorilla Glass 5 protects against impacts, not scratches, and it's roughly equivalent to Gorilla Glass 4's scratch resistance, which is about 6-7, which means that the grains of sand or metal in your pocket can still leave a trace.
What models does Xiaomi use Gorilla Glass 5?
Gorilla Glass 5 was widely used in Xiaomi smartphones from 2017 to 2021, especially in the Redmi Note, POCO and some Mi models.
| Xiaomi model | Year of release | Type of glass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | 2020 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Front and back panels |
| POCO X3 NFC | 2020 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Just the front panel. |
| Mi 10T / 10T Pro | 2020 | Gorilla Glass 5 | The back panel is plastic. |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | 2019 | Gorilla Glass 5 | The first model with a 64-MP camera |
| Mi 9T / 9T Pro | 2019 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Retractable front camera |
Note that newer models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or Xiaomi 12) already use Gorilla Glass Victus or Gorilla Glass 6, which are superior to the fifth version in strength. However, Gorilla Glass 5 is still relevant for budget devices, for example, in the Redmi 10 2022 or POCO M4 Pro.
⚠️ Note: Some vendors may specify "tempered glass" without specifying the version of Gorilla Glass. This does not guarantee protection by Corning standards - always check the glass model before buying.
Gorilla Glass 5 vs Gorilla Glass 6 and Victus: Which is better?
If you’re choosing between smartphones with different versions of Gorilla Glass, it’s important to understand the difference in their specs. Gorilla Glass 5 is inferior to the newer versions in several ways:
- 📏 Thickness and weight: Gorilla Glass 6 is 20% thinner at the same strength, making smartphones lighter.
- 💥 Impact resistance: Gorilla Glass 6 withstands a drop from 1 meter to a hard surface in 95% of cases (versus 80% in the case of the scalp). GG5 drop from 1.6 m).
- 🔪 Scratching resistance: Gorilla Glass Victus outperforms GG5 This is a 50% increase thanks to the new K-ion exchange technology.
However, Gorilla Glass 5 has one important advantage - the price. Smartphones with GG5 are usually cheaper by 10-15% compared to counterparts on GG6 or Victus. For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro (GG5) costs about 20,000 rubles, while Redmi Note 11 Pro + (GG Victus) - from 25 000 rubles.
It’s also worth considering that in real-world conditions, the difference between the GG5 and the GG6 isn’t always noticeable. According to a study by SquareTrade (2021), 60% of screen damage is not due to falls, but from scratches from keys or coins in your pocket – and here all versions of Gorilla Glass show similar results.
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If you drop your phone a lot, you should choose a model with Gorilla Glass Victus (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro). If you take care of the gadget, the GG5 will be a fairly reliable option.
How to check if Gorilla Glass 5 is in your Xiaomi?
Not all manufacturers honestly specify the version of the glass in the specs, here are some ways to check if Gorilla Glass 5 is installed in your smartphone:
- Official specifications: Go to Mi.com or Corning Gorilla Glass and find your model. For example, for the POCO X3 Pro, the "Display" section says "Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5".
- AIDA64: Install it from Google Play, open the Display section, which may have information about the type of glass, but this method doesn't work on all devices.
- Visual inspection: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) have the small print of "Gorilla Glass 5" next to the Corning logo. Take a magnification or take a magnification photo.
- Strength Test: Carefully swipe the screen with a key (no pressing!). If scratches remain, this is definitely not Gorilla Glass 5. But we do not recommend this method - the risk of damaging the display is too high.
⚠️ Note: Some Chinese manufacturers install fake Gorilla Glass (for example, "DragonTrail Glass"), such glass is similar in appearance, but in strength inferior to the original glass. 2-3 Check your purchases only in official Xiaomi stores.
Check the official specifications on Corning|
Use the AIDA64 app to diagnose |
Check the screen for the Corning| logo.
Buy from the official Xiaomi store-->
What to do if the screen with Gorilla Glass 5 cracked?
Even the strongest glass is not immune to damage. If your Xiaomi screen with Gorilla Glass 5 cracks, follow the following algorithm:
- Evaluate the extent of the damage: 🔍 Microcracks (web without sensor disruption) – can be exploited, but the risk of cracks spreading is high. 💔 Disrupted sensor chips require immediate replacement. 🖥️ Black screen after falling - possible damage to the matrix or plume.
- Protect your hands and data: Plug Scotch on cracks to avoid cuts. Back up your data immediately via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
- Choose the method of repair: 🏠 Xiaomi official service: Warranty for replacement (from 5 000 to 15 000 rubles), but original spare parts. 🔧 Unofficial workshops: Cheaper (from 3 000 rubles), but the risk of poor-quality glass. 🛒 Self-replacement: Only if you have experience. + glue will cost 2 000-4 000 rubles.
The cost of replacing Gorilla Glass 5 in Xiaomi depends on the model:
- Redmi Note 9 Pro: 6000-8000 rubles (officially).
- POCO X3 NFC: 7000-9000 rubles.
- Mi 10T Pro: 12,000-15,000 rubles (due to the complexity of disassembly).
What happens if you don’t change the screen?
How to extend the life of Gorilla Glass 5: tips for care
Even the strongest glass requires careful treatment. Here are some practical tips for Xiaomi owners with Gorilla Glass 5:
- 📱 Use a side-covered case: The raised edges of the case (at least 1 mm) protect the screen when the front side falls down.
- 🧴 Apply protective film: Even thin film (e.g, 3D Max Cover reduces the risk of scratches by 90%, Gorilla Glass 5 is suitable for film with hardness 4H–6H.
- 🚫 Avoid contact with abrasives: Don't put your phone in the same pocket with keys, coins or sandpaper.Sand is the main enemy of any glass!
- 🧼 Clean the screen correctly: Use a microfiber cloth and special wipes (like iCloth). Alcohol solutions corrode the oleophobic coating.
Interestingly, according to Corning, 70% of screen damage occurs in the first 3 months after you buy a smartphone, due to the “new toy” effect, users are more likely to pick up a phone without a case. If you bought a Xiaomi with Gorilla Glass 5, immediately paste the film and install the case!
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Gorilla Glass 5 will last longer if combined with a quality film and case, and without protection, even such glass will crack when dropped from a height of 1 meter in 50% of cases.