Smartphones have one huge problem besides short battery life. Breakable touchscreens. Most smartphones have either a broken or cracked screens. Apparently, screen protectors don’t do much. A survey was done by Motorola and found out that roughly one-in-five smartphone owners are currently using a device with a cracked or shattered screen.

However, Chinese scientists have come up with something that will put a smile on every smartphone owner. The scientists from the University of Tokyo and Japan’s Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute have developed a new type of glass that is stronger than steel and could put an end to smashed phone screens.

The ultra-hard glass is made using alumina, an oxide of aluminium. The scientists are believed to be the best in that sector since previous attempts to develop such a glass were unsuccessful as it tends to crystallize when it touches the sides of a container. The research team used oxygen gas to push the materials into the air, and then used lasers to melt them, producing a glass that is colorless, transparent and extremely hard, Telegraphy explained.

The  ultra-hard glass has a number of advantages other than being tough. It’s very thin allowing mobile phone screens to become thinner and lighter. The researchers said that thinner and lighter glasses are desired “for the fabrication of windows in buildings and cars, cover glasses for smartphones.”

Dr Atsunobu Masuno, from the Institute of Industrial Science at the University of Tokyo, said that he and his team were hoping to commercialize the technique within five years.

Tech companies have developed amazing displays for their gadgets to capture the growing market. The display always give buyers first impressions and that’s why companies like Apple and Samsung invest on super screens. The iPhone 6S series have a 3D touch and a high resolution of 1,242 x 2,208 pixels. On the other hand, Galaxy S6 Edge+ has an impressive resolution of 2,560 x 1,140 pixels QHD. The phone comes with a curved display on both sides.

In addition, Motorola launched a smartphone that has one of the toughest screens. The device is known as the Moto X Force and was launched last month. The Moto X has a shatterproof display, thanks to an integrated system of five layers that absorb shock from impact. The display and embedded lens are warranted against shattering and cracking for four years from the original date of purchase, but the phone is not shockproof or designed to withstand all damage from dropping.