A study titled “The State of Our Smartphones” was conducted by the leading device protector, OtterBox. The company wants to better understand the habits of smartphone users in the Asis Pacific Region, as well as their attitude towards damages on their smartphone.
According to Steve Nisbet, APAC Managing Director at OtterBox, the study gives insights to users’ behaviour and key priorities when selecting a protective case for their smartphones. With this data, the company can create better solutions to meet customers’ demand.
The company started in 1998 with a line of dry boxes to becoming the no.1 selling smartphone case in the US. Precision engineering, diligent testing and continual technological advancement are what OtterBox offers to its customers.
The study shows that 75% of Malaysians have damaged their smartphones over 2.8 times in the past five years. The phone may be scratched, cracked or completely damaged. That means one in every three smartphone owners are likely to damage their smartphone within three months of owning it.
The research also reveals the state of smartphones in other countries. Singapore and Taiwan follows behind Malaysia closely with 65% and 63% respectively, while Hong Kong overruns other nations with 83% of its citizens have damaged their smartphone over 3.3 times in the past five years.
Interestingly, 68% Malaysians are not bothered by cracked screens on their devices as long as the phone is still operating. But not surprising that 24% says the high repair costs prevent them from repairing their smartphone.
The survey also asks local respondents how much they are willing to spend to protect their phones. And it finds out that they are open to shell out between RM42 and RM250 on a case that will safeguard their handsets against drops and smashes.
Users also may gain insight from this study. 44% survey-takers admits to damaging their devices at work and another 29% on the street. 26% of the smartphones are harmed while commuting or taking public transport and 25% happens on a holiday or while travelling. Therefore, smartphone owners should take extra care using their phones in these situations.
Insulating your smartphone on the get go is a smart move. There is no use crying over spilt milk afterwards. These days you can get quality screen protectors and protective cases for a reasonably cheap price. Fixing your device, once it’s broken, will cost you a lot more. Prevention, not cure, should be our aim.
