This post is sponsored by Corning® Gorilla® Glass
It’s not very often that I think about the components that make up my phone or the durability of Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 in my Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ but it was definitely on my mind while I peered over the Tsegi Canyon walls on our way to the Betatakin Ruins, splashed through mud puddles and Vermillion Cliff’s rough terrain that led us to epic views of Paria Canyon, and scaled and squeezed my way through tight spots in the Slot Canyons in Northern Arizona.
In the days leading up to my trip to Arizona, I spent some time in Austin with representatives from Corning conducting pressure tests for Engadget LIVE attendees and sharing Gorilla Glass 4 statistics about why it is the toughest cover glass yet from Corning. I knew that Gorilla Glass 4:
- Performs up to 2x better than competitive glass designs in devices dropped from 3 feet high
- Survives up to 80% of the time when dropped from three feet high on to rough surfaces and was up to 2x tougher than competitive glass designs
- Focuses on improving damage resistance against stop contact like drops on asphalt, concrete, and other rough surfaces
- Dramatically improves protection against drops, and
- Is better able to withstand damage from drops
But how do these statistics translate into real life especially when the sick feeling of dropping a phone and breaking the screen is all too common?
As we traversed tough terrain during our time in Northern Arizona, I trusted that hours spent by Corning’s top scientists performing tests to understand why glass breaks when dropped would help protect my device in case of a mishap. So far so good as we made the tough climb down steep trails and back up at Navajo National Monument and conquered unforgiving terrain in our UTVs. But, one final challenge remained for us and our devices- the legendary Slot Canyons.
About the Slot Canyons
Throughout our trip, we were continually awed by nature with each place we visited but the rarely photographed Slot Canyons unveiled the true power, fury, and beauty of Mother Nature. Over the past 190 million years, flooding rains that rushed into basins carved and sculpted narrow Navajo sandstone crevices while high winds and hot sun provided shape, color, and texture to the steep walls in whose formations flow like water in front of your eye.
Called one of the most breathtaking places on earth, Antelope, Owl, and Rattlesnake canyons attract professional photographers from around the world who come to capture the light as it spotlights the seductive curves of the canyon walls, creating incredibly colorful reflections and dramatic shadows.
As someone who is rarely without her camera, I was challenged to leave it behind to rely on my Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+. My camera is like my security blanket and while I knew that my Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ would perform well and capture great images as it had the previous days of our trip, I worried I might suffer from separation anxiety. Once inside the canyon, I was glad I had left my camera in the car!
6 Reasons the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ with Gorilla Glass 4 is the Perfect Photography Companion
Slim Profile
At times there was barely room for me as I squeezed through the walls of the canyon measuring just a couple feet in width that left little room to spare. I was thankful for the slim profile of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ that fit perfectly in my coat or the back pocket of my jeans so it was always accessible to capture every moment.
Ease of Operation
I never missed a moment thanks to the ability to operate my phone with one hand. I was always able to have one hand on my Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ and the other on the sandstone canyon wall to stabilize myself to get that a perfect shot.
Protection Against Tough Drops
Accessing the canyons often required climbing up ladders or on steep slopes of petrified rock where one misstep could land you in a puddle of water. Any number of drops could have happened to my Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ while in the Slot Canyons and I was comforted by the incredible science behind the tough Gorilla Glass 4 that improves damage resistance. With tests proving that Gorilla Glass 4 survives up to 80% of the time when dropped from three feet high on to rough surfaces, I felt confident that my phone would probably survive a fall better than me!
Stunning Images
As photogenic as the Slot Canyons are, the constantly improving technology in mobile devices makes them perfect for capturing the beauty of your travels of the the ever-changing light that the canyons are known for. The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ features 16 MP rear-facing and 5 MP front facing cameras with image stabilization and a low-light sensor for sharp, clear photos with every shot. Different modes such as surround shot, rich tone HDR, and Pro mode helped me capture spiral arches, columns, walls and alcoves in a color palette consisting of orange, blue, green, gray, black and purple. I also loved the panorama feature for capturing both vertical and horizontal panoramas to show how the light filtered from the opening to the canyon floor of Upper Antelope Canyon. The optical clarity of Gorilla Glass 4 also provides a spectacular brilliance to pictures that outshine ones taken with my previous phone.
Epic Selfies
With the 5 MP front facing camera, I was able to capture my adventures to tough places beautifully. Samsung’s Beauty Face feature automatically activated to ensure I always looked my best despite to help me remember moments with friends fondly.
Long Battery Life
I need a phone that works as hard as I do, and that means one with a battery that will last throughout the day without having to be recharged constantly. For this trip I really put the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ through its paces of how I’d use it in everyday life and I am happy to say that it held up beautifully as I took photos, shared images on social media, and even took a phone call from the school nurse when in the car on the way to Slot Canyons! Thankfully Thomas was fine but it proved how much I need a phone with a reliable battery that can multitask as much as I do!
While my time in Northern Arizona with Corning Gorilla Glass was rigorous, so is daily live as a mom who juggles work, family, and fun. It’s great to know that my Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is a beautiful and durable device that will always work as hard as I do throughout life’s adventures.
Enter to win a Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 to take on your next adventure!
Although this post is sponsored as part of my participation as a member of The Corning Gorilla Glass 4 in the Desert program, all opinions are my own and based on personal experience. For full sweepstakes rules, visit this link: http://ow.ly/TEd1Q
Sui Generis says
Those pictures are breathtaking!!!
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
I’d love to accompany you on your next adventure!
reesa says
These pictures!!! Wow!
Vera Sweeney says
Are you kidding me with these pictures? They are amazing!!
Kerri says
Your pictures are breathtaking! I have to get to Arizona one of these days!
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
The rules indicate that the anticipated drawing date was yesterday. I’m curious: has the winner been announced? I’m still hopeful that tweet/DM will come to me 😉
Leticia says
Hi Natalie! Thanks for asking and I’m waiting to get the name of the winner from the Corning Gorilla Glass team because they select and verify the winning entry. Thanks for your patience and I hope to be able to Tweet the winner soon!
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my query. I just glanced at your Twitter and noticed that you announced two winners, so I guess I better just go buy my own smartphone. I enjoyed all your photos.