Link CopyTwitterLinkedinWhatsappMajority of Indian Consumers Replace Smartphones Earlier Than Planned Due to Broken Glass: Corning StudyA significant number of Indian smartphone users opt to replace their devices prematurely due to issues like shattered screens. With accidental drops being a frequent occurrence, there's rising concern over the durability of cover glass. Consequently, consumers are increasingly prioritizing features such as drop resilience and scratch resistance when selecting their smartphones.Damage to screens in smartphones is not only increasing repair costs, but it is also forcing a number of Indian customers to change their phones much earlier than they had originally anticipated. This is according to a new consumer survey commissioned by Corning Incorporated, which found out that over 50 percent of smartphone users in India changed their devices ahead of schedule due to broken glass on their phones.This online survey was conducted amongst 1,509 smartphone users in India between November and December 2025 and shows how durability has grown into a major factor in the choice of a smartphone. Issues from accidental falls to costs associated with repairing a phone seem to be putting consumers under pressure when it comes to materials used in protecting their phones.About The AuthorJournalist and a writer with a strong interest in news, culture, technology, and human-interest stories. Passionate about making complex topics accessible and engaging.Broken glass is changing upgrade decisionsAccording to the survey, 53 percent of Indians believed that it was due to the crack on their phones that made them change their mobile before the scheduled time. Also, the survey indicates that the act of dropping the mobile phone by smartphone users is common; 87 percent of the survey participants indicated that they had dropped their smartphones once within the past year.It seems that such experience could be influencing consumer behaviour in the future. More than half (56%) said they experience anxiety upon dropping their phones due to their worries about the cover glass durability.Corning stated that these results show that consumers consider durability as one of the main specifications together with performance, camera and design."Durability is now an intrinsic requirement of the smartphone experience along with features like performance, camera capabilities, and design as more and more people rely on their smartphones to work, connect and be entertained," Andrew Beck, Vice President and General Manager of Corning Gorilla Glass.More articles by AuthorTrending StoriesRepairs continue to be expensiveThis study also reveals the monetary consequence of damage to a smartphone. According to Corning, about one in every five users whose smartphones sustain damage to the cover glass from falling require repair or even replacement of the entire device.Damage to a device may also cost a lot of money. About 48 percent of the respondents who had their device repaired claimed they spent more than Rs. 2,000 on the repairs. Apart from monetary issues, some respondents also related the damage to the screen to stress and anxiety. This indicates that durability is an essential part of customer satisfaction.Corning Corporation considers that the above factors shape consumer preferences as 61 percent of the respondents said that the durability claims influence their choice of the smartphone.Drop protection and scratch resistance top consumer prioritiesRegarding their preference in durability attributes, consumers ranked drop protection and even distribution of durability between the front and rear of the phones as top priority, as 52 percent picked those attributes respectively. In the third place was scratch resistance, which was chosen by 48 percent of respondents as one of their main attributes when buying a new phone.These results show that consumers are becoming more concerned about the ability of their phones to survive daily stresses without any reduction of functionality or aesthetics.Corning also revealed high recognition rate of Gorilla Glass in India. According to the survey, 66 percent of consumers recognized the brand of Gorilla Glass, and 64 percent claimed that they would consider purchasing a smartphone with Gorilla Glass protection.Display quality remains equally importantWhile durability is growing as one of the most important factors influencing the choice, consumers would never compromise on the quality of displays. As evidenced by the poll data, 58 percent of the consumers see display sharpness as the key factor in choosing a smartphone, thus emphasizing the increasing role of smartphones as devices used to watch movies, play games, conduct business, and communicate.Furthermore, users want to ensure the safety of their cameras. Up to 53 percent of those polled highlighted the necessity of protecting the lenses of cameras.Many users willing to pay more for stronger materialsAmong the most evident outcomes of this study is that consumers are ready to invest in increased durability. In particular, according to Corning, 74% of those who participated were prepared to spend additional money on phones with better cover material that would increase not only their durability but also optical performance.Speaking about the results of the research, Beck notes that customers expect premium smartphones to be durable and last long."Consumers want smartphones that are durable and have longevity. As smartphones are being used for more and more uses, by a wider audience of people and for an extended period, this study further confirms the importance of combining design and functionality with durability. Consumers do not need to compromise their look, feel and performance," he said.It is important to note that the study included the most varied sample of Indian smartphone users with different age ranges, regions, operating systems and purposes of using phones. FAQsWhat are the findings of Corning’s latest study of Indian smartphone users?It is noticed in the survey that 53 percent of the smartphone users in India replaced the phones earlier due to damaged glass, and 87 percent of them have fallen the phone within one year.How much expenditure do consumers incur on repairs in their smartphones because of damaged glass?In the survey, it was seen that almost 50 percent of consumers spending more than Rs. 2,000 for repairing their smartphones.What durability attributes are important to Indian smartphone consumers?Drop protection, equally strong front-back protection, and scratch resistance are some important attributes which are taken into account by consumers while purchasing smartphones.Is Indian consumer ready to pay for durable smartphones?Yes. In the survey, it is found that 74 percent of respondents are ready to spend more for the improved cover material.end of article