JUSTICE OKAMGBA explores how a single fall can shatter not just your phone screen but your budget, outlining key steps to avoid costly repairs in today’s smartphones-dependent world Uche Emmanuel was on the back of a motorbike in Lagos when it happened. His iPhone 12 Pro Max slipped from his pocket, bounced off the road, and landed face down. The screen, bright, sleek, and once flawless, was shattered. “When it fell on the ground, I picked it up, and the screen was gone,” he lamented. He made several calls to phone dealers. Eventually, he headed to Computer Village in Ikeja, the largest phone and tech market in West Africa. The response from technicians was unanimous: it would cost at least N230,000 to replace the screen. “That’s almost three months of minimum wage in Nigeria,” he said. “I’ve spent too much fixing damaged screens already: my laptop, my old Nokia, even my last tablet. These things are not cheap.” His experience is far from unique. Across the world, millions of users grapple with broken phone screens every day. And in an era where smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves, one small crack can have massive implications, financially and environmentally. Why are screens so fragile? According to the World Economic Forum, smartphone screens are complex creations made of multiple layers of glass and plastic, all coated with a rare metal called indium, a transparent conductor essential for touchscreens to respond to our fingers, which also conduct electricity. When you touch the screen, your finger completes an electric circuit, changing the charge at that point. The device reads this change as a “touch event” and reacts accordingly. It’s an impressive bit of science but also a vulnerability. Despite improvements in materials like Gorilla Glass, screens remain susceptible to cracks from even modest drops. And the stakes are high. Most modern smartphones, whether Samsung, iPhone, or other brands, contain over 80 per cent of the stable elements on the periodic table. Many of these, including indium, are considered at risk due to their scarcity, environmental impact, or dependence on fragile global supply chains. “I always put my phone in a clear, rubbery case that protects the edges,” Laurence Brevard, an iPhone user and tech enthusiast, said. “And I never go without a tempered glass screen protector.” Brevard recalled an incident involving her old iPhone 6 Plus. She had loaned it to her brother, “not the most careful with phones”, she admits, and when it came back, it appeared to have two nasty cracks. “I brought it to a shop hoping to trade it in any way,” Brevard said. “The staff peeled off the Zagg protector, and, to my surprise, the real screen underneath was perfectly fine. I got full trade-in value. Since then, I never leave the store without a screen protector installed.” Screen repair The costs of repairing screens continue to rise, especially for high-end models. In Nigeria, fixing a broken iPhone screen can range from N150,000 to N350,000, depending on the model and authenticity of the parts used. Mobile developer and tech analyst James Davis said the growing size of smartphone displays makes them even more vulnerable. “Manufacturers are trying to develop sturdier glass,” he explained. “But nothing is indestructible. That’s why users need to take these precautions.” Glass screen protectors “Tempered glass is your best defence,” said Davis. These protectors absorb shock during a fall, often cracking themselves while saving the actual screen. Many also come with oleophobic coatings to resist smudges and fingerprints. A proper case is more than just a fashion accessory. Brands like Otterbox, Spigen, and Incipio offer cases with shock-absorbing edges and reinforced corners. Some even come with built-in screen protectors or extra battery packs. PopSockets and grips “These small accessories stick to the back of your phone and make it easier to hold,” said Mr Davis. “Especially helpful when taking selfies or texting on the move.” Maintenance “Use a soft microfibre cloth to clean your screen,” he advised. “Avoid tissue paper or clothing fabric which can leave scratches over time.” Replacing screens isn’t just expensive for individuals; it’s also harmful to the planet. The rare metals required to build smartphones often come from environmentally sensitive regions and conflict zones. Discarded devices frequently end up in landfills or are poorly recycled, leading to the release of toxic substances into soil and water. Each screen replacement increases demand for rare materials like indium, cobalt, and lithium, driving unsustainable extraction and geopolitical tension. “We need to think of screen protection not just as a cost-saving measure,” said Mr Davis, “but as a small step towards more responsible tech ownership.” With smartphone prices soaring, some models now rival the cost of a used car, and repair costs follow closely behind. Taking simple preventive measures can save hundreds of thousands of naira and extend the life of your device. As Uche Emmanuel now knows, a single drop can be devastating. But with the right tools and habits, such as a tempered glass protector, a shock-absorbing case, and a little extra care, you can avoid joining the long queue of frustrated phone users at Computer Village. “I’ve learnt my lesson,” he said, shaking his head. “Next time, my phone is wearing full body armour.”

In the Maithili community, they host a fascinating event called the Saurath Sabha, a centuries-old matchmaking fair. Held in the village of Saurath, this unique tradition gathers eligible grooms and their families in one place, allowing prospective brides’ families to “shop” for the perfect match. It’s like a marriage marketplace, where horoscopes are matched, and family lineages are checked to ensure compatibility and uphold cultural values.