The key differences between toughened (or tempered) glass and normal (or annealed) glass panes lie in their manufacturing processes, strength, safety features, and applications. Toughened glass (Tempered Glass) Toughened glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than standard glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, which significantly reduces the risk of injury. Normal Glass (Annealed Glass) Normal glass is weaker than toughened glass and more susceptible to breaking under impact or thermal stress. When it breaks, it shatters into sharp, jagged pieces that can cause serious injury.