Broken Glass Drives Early Smartphone Replacements for Most Indian Users: Survey

By: Harsh Vardhan

|

Updated on: 17-Aug-2026 02:00 PM

5,978 views

Follow Us:

5,978 views

A recent survey reveals that broken glass is the leading reason Indian smartphone users replace their devices earlier than planned. The survey, conducted by Corning in November and December 2025 and released in July 2026, included 1,509 smartphone users across India. It found that 53% of respondents cited broken glass as the main cause for early phone replacement.

Key Highlights

• 53 percent of Indian users replaced phones early due to broken glass.
• 87 percent reported dropping their smartphones in the previous year.
• 61 percent of consumers said durability influenced their purchase decisions.
• 74 percent are willing to pay more for enhanced durability features.
• Premium and budget users both affected by broken glass issues.

Survey Findings on Smartphone Damage

The survey showed that accidental drops are common among Indian users. In the previous year, 87% of respondents reported dropping their smartphones. More than half, or 56%, expressed anxiety about drops due to concerns over the durability of their phone's cover glass.

When a drop resulted in cover-glass breakage, one in five users needed professional repair or a full replacement. Nearly half of those who repaired their phones spent over Rs 2,000 on repairs. These costs often led users to buy new phones instead of fixing the damaged ones.

Premium smartphone users were more likely to replace their devices because of broken glass, with 61% indicating they would do so. However, 42% of budget smartphone users also said broken glass would prompt them to buy a new phone. This trend shows that screen durability is a concern across all price segments.

Durability as a Key Purchase Factor

Durability has become a central factor in smartphone purchase decisions. According to the survey, 61% of Indian consumers said durability claims influenced their choice of smartphone. Drop protection was valued by 52% of respondents, while 48% prioritized scratch resistance. Another 52% wanted equal protection for both the front and back of their devices.

Battery life and overall device durability were the most valued features, cited by 63% of respondents. Drop-resistant glass was important for 52%, and 48% prioritized scratch-resistant screens. Additionally, 44% preferred a combination of premium design and toughness.

Consumers also valued features that protect screens from scratches, glare, and fingerprints while maintaining display clarity. Display clarity was a top priority for 58% of respondents, and 53% valued the durability of the camera lens.

Willingness to Pay for Durability

The survey found that 74% of respondents would pay more for smartphones with enhanced cover-material features, including greater durability and improved optical performance. This willingness is linked to the high cost of repairs and the inconvenience of dealing with broken devices.

The survey sample represented a geographically diverse urban population. The findings may not apply to rural users, whose reasons for replacing phones could differ. However, the data highlights a shift in how Indian consumers evaluate smartphones. While new features like faster processors and AI assistants attract attention, durability has become a decisive factor in purchase decisions.

In summary, broken glass is a significant reason for early smartphone replacement in India. Durability now plays a key role in how users choose and value their devices.