We asked, you told us: Here's how important free screen repairs are to you

Some companies, like Samsung and Huawei, include free screen repairs when purchasing select phones. It’s a pretty handy extra, especially for those who regularly (accidentally or otherwise) damage their devices. However, with the lofty price of new flagships, some would probably expect this to be a standard feature on high-end devices.

In a recent poll, we asked you how important free screen repairs are when purchasing a new device. Here’s how you voted.

How important are free screen repairs to you when buying a new phone?

Results

Of the four choices on offer, one proved the least popular by some margin. Just over 10% of readers would refuse to purchase a phone without the guarantee of a free screen repair. Around 19% of readers mention it’s an important factor in their purchasing decision, but it’s among several other considerations.

With over 45% of the vote, the most popular option suggests it’s not a must for respondents, but it does sweeten the overall deal.

Ultimately, around one in four readers (25.6%) don’t care at all about screen repairs when purchasing a new phone. If you’re one of those few who purchase a sturdy phone case and a screen protector, you probably fall into this group. On the other hand, perhaps you’re just incredibly careful or lucky and have never dropped your phone. Either way, reader comments largely echo the results of our poll. Peruse some of them below.

Here’s what you told us

• Joe Black: Haven’t actually smashed any of my phones so far, so I really do not care and do not even want to pay extra for this “feature”. I use a case, sometimes added glass, and that’s all I am willing to do to ensure the survival of my device.
• Albin: Always attach a shell case, never a screen cover, and never scratched a screen, only scratch my head over how many other people do. (Even a ten-year-old little LG still kicking as a music player and workout buddy has a perfect screen.) I did order and return a budget tablet that arrived with screen bubbles, a defect not damage. I’d agree with others that rather than “free” these mini-insurance features are priced into the device.
• Roopan: It would be really nice to have at least one free screen repair for the flagship phones. At least Samsung and Apple should do it their phones are so expensive so why not give us something since now that they have removed the chargers, headphones, and adapters.
• QBekka: Free screen repairs are important but unrealistic. If they just put a free glass screen protector with the phone in the box, I’m happy.
• Hirumi: It’s good to have as an add-on service. But don’t make it a must service because the company will charge a lot for it. Make it free service is much better but never hope it’ll happen.
• Binoy Mathew: Honestly, it’s nice to know that in case your device ever meets that fateful day, you have the option. And it’s not cheap to replace the screen. But most brands will try to weasel their way out of providing “free” servicing.
• Anirban Roy: For flagships, it should be free for the first time. For mid-rangers, even if it’s not free but at least we can expect a decent and cheap price.

That’s it for this poll. Thanks for your votes and comments. If you have further thoughts about free screen repairs of the poll results, be sure to drop a comment down below.