Smartphone repair rates drop as costs exceed consumer limits

A survey by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) reveals that only 39% of broken mobile phones are repaired, primarily due to cost concerns. Consumers in Spain typically refuse repairs that exceed 90 euros during the first two years of a device's life, a threshold that drops to 72 euros thereafter.

Data shows that consumers are rarely willing to spend more than 20% of a phone's original purchase price on repairs. With an average purchase price of 383 euros, many users opt to replace their devices instead of fixing them. Specifically, 37% of malfunctions result in the purchase of a new phone, a trend the OCU identifies as a concern for environmental sustainability.

The expected lifespan of a mobile phone is approximately four years, significantly lower than other household appliances like washing machines, which are expected to last eight and a half years. Repair costs vary by brand and model, with official batteries starting around 35 euros and full screen replacements starting from 179 euros.