Broken Glass Is Triggering Early Upgrades
The next time an Indian consumer replaces a smartphone, the reason may have less to do with a faster processor, artificial intelligence or the latest 5G technology—and more to do with a cracked screen.
A survey commissioned by Corning found that 53% of Indian smartphone users said broken cover glass had pushed them to buy a new phone earlier than planned. The finding highlights how physical durability is increasingly influencing smartphone replacement decisions.
The online survey covered 1,509 smartphone users across India and was conducted in November and December 2025 before being released in July 2026. The sample included users from different age groups, regions, operating systems and smartphone price segments.
The survey also found that dropping smartphones is extremely common. As many as 87% of respondents said they had dropped their phone during the previous year, while 56% said they felt anxious about accidental drops because of concerns over the durability of their phone’s cover glass.
Cracked Screens Can Make Phones Costly
A cracked screen may not immediately make a smartphone unusable, but repairing the damage can be expensive enough to influence the decision to replace the device altogether.
According to the survey, when a drop resulted in cover-glass damage, around one in five consumers said their phone required professional repair or replacement. Nearly half of those who had to deal with repairs reported spending more than Rs 2,000.
The problem affects users across smartphone price categories. Premium smartphone owners were particularly likely to replace their devices because of broken glass, with 61% saying they would do so.
However, budget-phone users were also affected. Around 42% of budget smartphone users said broken glass would lead them to replace their phones.
The figures suggest that durability is not simply a concern for people purchasing expensive flagship devices. A damaged screen can turn an otherwise functional smartphone into an unexpected expense for consumers at almost every price level.
Durability Becomes a Major Buying Factor
The survey also indicates that consumers are paying greater attention to durability before purchasing a smartphone.
Around 61% of respondents said durability claims influenced their smartphone buying decisions. Drop protection was valued by 52%, while 48% prioritised scratch resistance. Another 52% said they valued equal protection for both the front and back of the phone.
Battery life and overall device durability emerged as the most valued features, cited by 63% of respondents. Meanwhile, 52% valued glass capable of surviving drops, and 44% preferred a combination of premium design and toughness.
Display quality also remained important. About 58% of respondents prioritised display clarity, while 53% valued durability for the phone’s camera lens.
Indians Will Pay More for Tougher Phones
Perhaps the strongest indication of changing consumer priorities is the willingness to spend more on durability.
The survey found that 74% of respondents said they would pay more for enhanced cover-material features, including better durability and optical performance.
The findings point to a shift in the way consumers assess smartphones. Manufacturers often promote new models around faster processors, improved cameras, 5G connectivity and AI features. But the survey suggests that a phone’s ability to survive everyday accidents can be just as important.
At the same time, Corning cautioned that the survey represents a geographically diverse urban sample, meaning its findings should not automatically be treated as representative of smartphone users in rural India.
Still, the message from the survey is clear: for many Indian consumers, the biggest reason to upgrade may not be what’s inside the phone—but whether the glass on the outside survives the next accidental drop.
