A new Corning survey highlights cracked screens as a leading factor prompting Indian consumers to upgrade their smartphones prematurely, driven by drop frequency and repair costs across all price segments.
A Corning-commissioned survey suggests cracked screens are now a major reason Indians change smartphones earlier than intended. The study found that 53% of the 1,509 users surveyed said broken glass had prompted an upgrade ahead of plan, while 87% said they had dropped their phone in the previous year. More than half, at 56%, said they worried about drops because of concerns over cover-glass durability, according to the company.
The findings point to a gap between the way phones are marketed and the way many owners actually decide to replace them. While faster chips, AI features and 5G remain selling points, the survey indicates that a damaged display can be the decisive factor. Corning said the research, carried out in India in November and December 2025 and released in July 2026, covered users across age groups, regions, operating systems, price bands and device types.
Repair costs appear to be a key part of the problem. Corning said that when a drop led to cover-glass breakage, one in five consumers needed professional repair or replacement, and nearly half spent more than Rs 2,000. The company also said premium-phone owners were more likely to replace a handset because of broken glass, at 61%, but the issue was far from limited to expensive devices: 42% of budget-phone users said the same.
Durability is increasingly influencing purchase decisions as well. According to the survey, 61% of respondents said durability claims affected what they bought, 52% valued drop protection, and 48% cared about scratch resistance. In Corning’s additional data shared with India Today Digital, 74% said they would pay more for enhanced cover-material features, while 63% cited battery life and overall durability as their top priorities. The company said consumers also attached importance to display clarity, camera-lens durability and resistance to fingerprints and glare.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
