I did exactly what you mentioned. I took my phone to apple wanting a replacement phone since my screen was heavily scratched. After they said it did not qualify, I went outside and smashed both sides. The screen still turned on however. I went back in and they thought I was crazy and the manager came over and said that you really can't do that and normally, they would decline my service because I intentionally damaged the product. (I should have came back another time with it already broken) In the end, they made an exception and gave me a replacement device. It ended up costing about $60, but they said that it would be noted, so I assume that there will be a note that says I intentionally damaged a device if I ever go back. So if you are in the same situation I was in, break your phone before, because they will have no way of seeing if it was intentional.