Smartphone durability has become one of the biggest deciding factors for Indian consumers, according to the “India Smartphone Durability Consumer Study 2025” conducted by Counterpoint Research in collaboration with OPPO India.
The survey, which covered 4,500+ respondents across 26 Indian cities, highlights that smartphone durability impacts not only purchase decisions but also the emotional well-being of users.
Durability and Emotional Impact on Consumers
78 percent of respondents avoid using their phones in rain, water, or extreme heat due to fear of damage.
56 percent said they feel upset, and 39 percent feel anxious or panic when their phone falls or cracks.
35 percent admitted they constantly worry about damaging their devices.
Only 5 percent said they don’t care when a phone suffers physical damage.
Clearly, durability is directly tied to consumer confidence and peace of mind.
The Hidden Cost of Smartphone Ownership
Smartphone repairs are proving costly for Indian households:
42 percent of users spent between INR 2,001–5,000 on repairs.
21 percent spent INR 5,001–10,000.
8 percent shelled out more than INR 10,001.
With smartphones being essential for work and daily life, repair costs are straining household budgets.
Why Durability is No Longer Optional
The study also revealed:
85 percent use phones in risky conditions such as wet or oily hands, during cooking, commuting, or in rain.
52 percent rely on their smartphones so heavily that disruptions due to accidents are unacceptable.
72 percent fear losing valuable data such as photos and contacts if devices are damaged.
40 percent of users would willingly pay over INR 5,000 to recover lost personal data.
OPPO’s Investment in Smartphone Durability
To meet rising consumer expectations, OPPO has positioned durability as a core design philosophy. At its Greater Noida facility, every device undergoes over 150 extreme quality tests, including:
14,000 drop tests from 2.5 metres on sandpaper (3x industry standard).
IP68 waterproofing, including 30 minutes of immersion at 1.5 metres.
Extreme weather tests, simulating -40°C cold to 75°C heat for 7 days, and 90 percent humidity at 65°C for 21 days.
“Durability is not a feature but a necessity,” said Peter Dohyung Lee, Head of Product Strategy, OPPO India. “We design every new F Series device to withstand real-world challenges, with certifications like SGS, TUV Rheinland, and MIL-STD-810H-2022.”
Indian Consumers Value Durability More Than Ever
According to Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, the findings underline a growing shift:
79 percent consider durability very important when buying a smartphone.
76 percent feel more confident when their device is built to last.
86 percent of OPPO users rated the brand positively for durability.
