Smartphone Repairs Hit $7 Billion Globally in 2023

OPPO has announced the release of its latest whitepaper, “Built to Last: The Critical Role of Build Quality in Smartphones,” created in collaboration with Counterpoint Research. As smartphones become indispensable for communication, commerce, and entertainment, users demand not only cutting-edge features but also exceptional durability and reliability.

The whitepaper delves into the growing consumer expectations for smartphone quality and performance, driven by increased usage and technological advancements. This is especially pertinent in emerging markets, where smartphones represent a significant financial investment. The report underscores the pressure on manufacturers, including OPPO, to innovate in durability as consumers keep their devices longer and seek higher build quality to meet diverse daily usage demands.

Key Findings Highlight OPPO’s Commitment to Durability

A standout finding from the whitepaper is OPPO’s dedication to superior build quality, which can potentially save users an average of $40 in repair costs over the device’s lifecycle. Counterpoint Research reveals that global smartphone users spent nearly $7 billion on repairs in 2023. For premium devices, screen replacements can cost upwards of $400—a sum that could buy a new device. Regional surveys show that over one-third of users have faced display issues, with battery deterioration also common as smartphones age.

OPPO’s investment in product quality is evident in its newly launched Reno and A Series, which undergo rigorous testing to endure pressure, varying temperatures, dust, and water resistance. This commitment not only enhances user experience by ensuring longevity but also extends the device’s usability for subsequent owners, reducing overall ownership costs and positively impacting the environment. Longer-lasting devices reduce the need for raw material extraction and minimize electronic waste, which constitutes over 12% of global e-waste.

OPPO Sets a High Standard for Product Quality Testing

As the world’s fourth-largest smartphone brand, OPPO has established itself as a leader in product quality—a crucial element of its global expansion. In 2023, nearly 60% of OPPO’s smartphone shipments were international, highlighting the brand’s commitment to consistent and reliable user experiences worldwide. OPPO’s Quality Engineer (QE) Reliability Lab, founded in 2008, has played a vital role in maintaining high and standardized product quality. Over the past 16 years, OPPO has adhered to rigorous industry standards while continuously enhancing its testing systems.

The evolution of smartphone form factors has necessitated the introduction of additional quality tests. OPPO’s rigorous testing system became particularly evident in the early 2000s when many manufacturers prioritized cost over quality. In contrast, OPPO’s focus on testing—especially with foldable devices like the OPPO Find N2 Flip, which undergoes extensive hinge reliability tests—demonstrates its commitment to durability. The device is subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity while being folded 100,000 times. OPPO also evaluates drop quality and incorporates humidity tests to simulate tropical conditions. Innovations like microcrystalline glass technology further elevate industry testing standards.

OPPO’s Vertical Integration Enhances Product Quality

OPPO’s dedication to quality is reinforced by its vertical integration strategy, with over 85% of its device components developed in-house. This approach allows OPPO to maintain stringent quality controls throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that every device embodies the brand’s consumer-centric ethos. By developing its own Intellectual Property (IP) for key components such as batteries, processors, and cameras, OPPO is not only enhancing its products but also reinforcing its commitment to innovation in build quality and design.

In conclusion, OPPO recognizes that build quality is essential for ensuring a positive consumer experience and delivering true value. As the smartphone industry evolves, OPPO remains steadfast in its mission to deliver devices that enrich and elevate users’ lives, exemplified by its rigorous testing protocols and dedication to superior build quality.