Nearly half (49%) of respondents admitted they would not fix screen damage on an otherwise functional phone due to the expensive repair costs. Another 15% said they prefer waiting for their next model upgrade rather than fixing screen cracks and breaks. Of those who opted for repairs, 27% said they initiated a cracked screen fix within one day, given their heavy reliance on smartphones.
Other common problems included connectivity issues, touchscreen malfunctions, charging port damage, water exposure, battery woes, and chipped corners or sides. This tidal wave of breakages has contributed to Americans collectively spending an astonishing $149 billion on smartphone repairs and replacements since the advent of these multi-functional devices. According to the survey data, the average cost for a fix or replacement now stands at $302.
Rising Awareness of Environmental Impact
While the frequency of smartphone damage incidents is down slightly from previous years, concerns are growing around the environmental impact of repairs and replacements, which contribute to electronic waste. Over half (53%) of smartphone owners now say their device’s ecological footprint is an important consideration, up sharply from 37% just three years ago.
As environmental awareness increases, interest in the refurbished smartphone market rises as a more sustainable alternative to constant upgrades. 38% of owners said they would consider purchasing a pre-owned or refurbished device, with over a third citing sustainability as the primary motivating factor.
Sustainability Developments
Responding to these consumer trends, smartphone brands are intensifying their focus on sustainability initiatives. This includes using more recycled materials like plastic and glass in manufacturing, minimizing packaging waste, implementing carbon emissions offsets, and reducing environmental impact through energy efficiency.
Water resistance capabilities have also improved across the board in the latest smartphone models, helping decrease the frequency of liquid damage incidents that were once a leading cause of breakages and replacements.
More Users, More Incidents
Our reliance on smartphones for virtually every aspect of mobile computing and communications continues to grow unabated. Nearly half of the owners report spending 5 or more hours daily on their devices, using them for streaming entertainment, photography, fitness tracking, and more. 82% say their phone has totally replaced their need for a separate digital camera.
As this dependence deepens, the costs of repairing unavoidable damage will likely remain a major consideration for smartphone buyers. While improved sustainability practices from manufacturers combined with a rising refurbished device market could help rein in environmental impact, extending the functional lifespan of our smartphone companions will be crucial for consumers and the planet.
