Beer responsible for over 11% of broken mobile phones, poll finds
A survey conducted by the second-hand mobile phone retailer CertiDeal has shed light on the frequency with which liquid damage spells the end for our devices.
Have you ever had to get a new mobile phone because you spilled liquid on it and it couldn’t be repaired? It happens to a lot of people.
Although many phones now come with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that means they are resistant to being sprayed, splashed or even fully submerged in water for a number of minutes, it’s fair to say moisture and electronic devices still don’t mix.
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A quarter of survey respondents say phone broken by liquid damage
According to a poll carried out by CertiDeal, in which the second-hand mobile phone retailer asked consumers about their reasons for purchasing a new device, a broken phone is the chief reason: 65% said their previous handset was out of action.
And when it comes to why that mobile phone was broken, the survey - published by the news agency Europa Press - found that 25% of all its respondents had had to do away with their old phone because of liquid damage.
Beer involved in over one in ten phone-breaking accidents
What type of liquid, and how did the accident take place? According to CertiDeal’s poll, the breakdown of moisture-related mishaps reported by its customers is as follows:
(NB: The percentages given are proportionate to all types of mobile-phone breakages, not only those involving liquids.)
How liquid damage does for our mobile phones
- Flush out of luck: 21% of all reported accidents involved a mobile phone being dropped down the toilet
How liquid damage does for our mobile phones
- Beware of the beer: Spilled drinks accounted for 17% of breakages, with beer proving the particular bane of the mobile phone: 11.4% of handsets replaced after a mishap had had the beverage accidentally tipped on them
How liquid damage does for our mobile phones
- Wave goodbye to your mobile: 5% of broken phones had been placed out of commission by coming into contact with the sea, where the salt water is far more harmful to electronic devices than regular water
How liquid damage does for our mobile phones
- Hot-tub hazard: 7.9% of accidents involved swimming pools or jacuzzis
Further reading: This CNET guide on IP ratings will help you determine just how water-resistant your mobile phone really is.