Australians are living with smashed phone screens thanks to the cost of living crisis.

Modern mobile smartphone with broken screen isolated on white background.

New research from Vodafone reveals that nearly 1 in 5 Australians are choosing to tolerate cracked screens rather than pay for expensive repairs.

The situation is especially dire in Tasmania, where over a quarter of residents are avoiding repairs due to high costs.

Here is a list of the top ways Aussies are smashing their phone screens:

  • Pocket Plummeter: 70% dropped their phone while taking it out of their pocket or bag
  • Social Stumbler: 17% were texting or scrolling on social media when it slipped out of their hand
  • Selfie Smasher: 13% were snapping a pic when their phone slipped out of their hands
  • Screen Stomper: 6% had their phone screen stepped on or crushed
  • Run Club Fumbler: 6% dropped their phone while going for a run
  • Baby Bumbler: 5% had their kid drop and smash their phone


With more than half of Australians shattering their screens up to five times in the past year, many, especially Apple users, are facing repair bills of up to $500.

Vodafone offers some relief with a $0 first screen replacement for those who sign up for their Device Care plan.