Screen durability joins camera, battery as top phone-buying driver in India: Corning survey

A Corning survey of 1,509 Indian smartphone users finds screen strength now a key purchase factor: 53% dropped their phone in the past year, over half bought a new device after a screen break, and 74% would pay more for tougher displays and better cameras.

— Source publishedSun, 12 Jul, 2026, 13:00 IST·First seen Sun, 12 Jul, 2026, 13:56 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

Corning survey of 1,509 Indian smartphone users finds durability and screen strength now key purchase drivers alongside camera and battery, with 74% willing to

Key facts

  • 1,509 users surveyed
  • 53% dropped phone in past year
  • 87% dropped at least once
  • 56% worry about drops
  • over 50% bought new phone after screen break
  • half spent over Rs 2,000 on repairs
  • 61% weigh durability
  • 74% willing to pay more

Why this matters

The 74% willingness-to-pay and screen-break replacement cycle strengthen the case for partnerships or acquisitions tied to protective-glass and durability tech in the India market.

What to watch

  • New flagship/mid-range launches leading with durability specs in Q1-Q2
  • Corning quarterly commentary on India/APAC display revenue mix
  • Competing display suppliers (e.g., AGC, Schott) announcing India pushes
  • Repeat surveys or third-party data confirming purchase-behavior shift vs stated intent
  • Screen-protection warranty attach-rate disclosures from retailers
  • OEMs reposition mid-tier launches around 'drop-proof' display messaging in India
  • Corning intensifies India OEM partnerships and retail co-marketing
  • Insurance/EW providers bundle screen-damage protection plans at point of sale
  • Accessory brands ramp tempered-glass and rugged-case SKUs for festive season