When Google announced the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, it really shattered expectations. We were getting rumors about light editions of the tech giant's latest flagships, but their price point was so aggressive, many predict they will truly shake up the midrange market. You can get the Pixel experience with the very same superb camera for only $400, after all, which is exactly half of the Pixel 3's starting price.
But at what cost?
Corners had to be cut, obviously, and we get plastic shells, no wireless charging, and a less powerful processor. There is also no Gorilla Glass protecting the display — you may have noticed that the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are both outfitted with an Asahi Dragontrail panel instead.
What is Asahi Dragontrail?
It may not be as popular as its main competitor — Corning's Gorilla Glass — but the Dragontrail has been around for quite a while. It's manufactured by a global glass manufacturing company based in Japan, called AGC Inc. (formerly Asahi Glass Co.). The very first Dragontrail was officially launched 8 years ago, in January of 2011. And its durability is nothing to snark at — it's 6 times more durable than your conventional household soda-lime glass and can withstand a hit with a hammer.
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The way Drogontrail and Gorilla Glass are made is pretty similar. A chemical process, which forces ion exchange within molten glass allows the companies to make glass panels with densely packed top layers. The compression and residual stress allow the material to withstand bumps, scratches, and other random damage through daily use.
Dragontrail is not some off-the-wall brand, either. Its marketing push may not be as strong as Corning's, but there's a high chance that you've touched or at least seen a phone with Asahi Dragontrail glass before. Notable models that were outfitted with it in the past are:
So, did Google cheap out? Is the Dragontrail worse than the Gorilla Glass 4 that's on the Pixel 3? Not really. Both the Gorilla Glass 4 and the Asahi Dragon trail are rated at about 6.5 on Mohs scale of hardness, which means both will not get scratched by your keys or coins, but keep them away from sand (quartz is rated at 7).
To get a different perspective, we can check out their Vickers hardness test score. This measures a material's ability to resist deformation through pressure. The higher the score — the more your glass can flex without breaking (so, better drop resistance). The Asahi Dragontrail got a rating of 595 to 673, while Gorilla Glass scored 622 to 701.
In other words, Gorilla Glass 4 may be slightly more durable than the Dragontrail, but to a neglectable degree. Bottom line is — don't drop your phone, no matter what model it is. Maybe even get a case or two, they might save you from a broken screen and broken heart.
Grab the Pixel 10 at Mint Mobile for $450 off
$349
$799
$450 off (56%)
Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.
Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.
The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.
The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.
Preslav, a member of the PhoneArena team since 2014, is a mobile technology enthusiast with a penchant for integrating tech into his hobbies and work. Whether it's writing articles on an iPad Pro, recording band rehearsals with multiple phones, or exploring the potential of mobile gaming through services like GeForce Now and Steam Link, Preslav's approach is hands-on and innovative. His balanced perspective allows him to appreciate both Android and iOS ecosystems, focusing on performance, camera quality, and user experience over brand loyalty.
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