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Video shows us how incredibly strong the iPhone 6’s sapphire display is

Published Jul 8th, 2014 9:55AM EDT
iPhone 6 Specs Sapphire Display Scratch Test

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Following the many leaks that showed 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 dummy units fished out of China – revealing many significant design changes for Apple’s 2014 iPhones – there’s now a new iPhone 6 leak trend: showing purported iPhone 6 components, and especially the front panel that will cover the bigger displays. After a couple of new videos have shown display measurements for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 display, and a short stress test of the leaked front panel, Marques Brownlee has put the same iPhone part through a more thorough stress test, revealing other important details about this major iPhone 6 component.

FROM EARLIER: New report claims to reveal release date for iPhone 6 and ‘iPhone Air’

Brownlee got a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 front panel that’s supposedly made out of sapphire glass and tried to damage it using regular day-to-day activities that could cause unwanted scratches and even crack the display. He tried to scratch the display with keys and a knife, and then tried to break it by bending it.

However, the display did not give in, even though it’s about as thick as a sheet of paper. While the front panel isn’t confirmed to be made out of sapphire, it certainly appears to offer increased resistance to the kind of accidents smartphone users are likely to encounter during regular use – display damage is, after all, one of the most “popular” problem with smartphone buyers. An actual drop test was not possible, as the video caster only had the front panel at his disposal.

On top of increased durability, Brownlee also revealed in his review of the leaked component a feature not mentioned in other reports about Apple’s sapphire glass interests. sapphire glass is very clear and appears ready to offer an even better viewing experience, which may be one of the main selling points for the new iPhone.

Another important detail – assuming this is indeed sapphire glass – is the size of the front panel. Some reports claimed that Apple’s 5.5-inch iPhone will be the only one to feature a sapphire glass cover, while others said the 4.7-inch model will also get it. This leaked component seems to suggest that Apple is indeed considering sapphire glass for the smaller iPhone 6 model.

Brownlee’s review of the leaked iPhone 6 component follows below. For comparison purposes, an iPhone 5s scratch test video is also found below, via TechSmartt.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.