Breaking your phone brings up an important question: Does it make more sense to repair it or replace it? While the answer depends on various factors, like your personal financial situation or the enormity of the damage, these tips can help you decide when to fix a broken phone or invest in a new one.
Factors to Consider When Fixing a Smartphone
There are several factors that can influence whether you should attempt to repair a damaged smartphone, including:
Age of the phoneHow extensively it’s damagedHow long it may take to fix itThe cost of repairing it versus replacing itWhether the damage is covered by a warranty or insurance
These factors can also play off one another in affecting your decision-making. For example, if you recently purchased a new phone, you may be more inclined to repair it. However, if you damaged an older phone, upgrading it to the newer model may be a better option. In terms of the cost of repairing a cracked phone screen, the average person spends $113 to do so, according to Ting Mobile’s 2019 survey. Depending on your smartphone model, though, you could potentially spend less—or much more—to replace a cracked screen or make other repairs. According to warranty service provider SquareTrade, Americans spend $3.4 billion annually on repairing broken phone screens alone. Consider the pros and cons may help you decide before dishing out that kind of cash. If you decide to repair a broken smartphone, check with your device manufacturer for a list of authorized repair partners that are experienced at fixing the type of phone you have. No need to adjust to or learn how to use a new phone Some damage and repairs may be covered by your warranty or insurance
Certain types of damage may not be repairable Your phone may not work as well as it did before, even after repairs
When Should You Fix Your Smartphone?
For those who don’t have warranty protection or insurance on their smartphone, attempting to repair your device on your own might be worth a try when damage is relatively minor. For example, if you’re one of the millions of Americans who crack their screens every year, some tips include covering your device with clear tape or a screen protector, or even purchasing a replacement screen and swapping it out yourself. However, there are risks involved in all three options, such as overspending on tools or causing more damage than before. In most cases, it is better to seek help from professionals, whether that be from your device manufacturer, like Apple or Samsung, or your local repair shop. Take the iPhone for instance: Repairs to an iPhone 4 or newer model could cost you anywhere from $149 to $599 (out of warranty).
When Should You Replace Your Smartphone?
In some cases, replacing your damaged smartphone might be better than fixing it. For example, you may think about replacing your phone if:
Doing so would cost less money than repairing itYour current phone is outdated and you want to upgrade to a newer modelYou have multiple issues, such as a cracked screen, buttons that won’t work, and a malfunctioning speaker
The factors for repair versus replacement vary per person, so thinking about what you as an individual need from a smartphone can help you decide which option makes more sense. Costs of replacement, say if your phone can’t be fixed or is stolen, can be pretty expensive too if you’re not covered by a warranty of some kind. For new models of the Galaxy or iPhone, for example, you could be paying anywhere from $240 to over $1,000 for a new phone.
Fixing vs. Replacing Your Smartphone
According to Asurion, a company that offers cellphone insurance, warranties can offer protection for one to two years against device malfunctions. So, for example, if your smartphone’s touch screen suddenly stops working without being caused by damage, your warranty may allow you to have the phone repaired or replaced at no extra cost. For Apple device owners, a warranty can be the difference between spending up to $600 on a new battery, as those with Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law receive service at no additional cost. Cellphone insurance, on the other hand, is optional coverage you can purchase through your cellphone company. Typically, you pay a monthly premium as well as a deductible if you need to use your coverage. Cellphone insurance can cover things like:
Cracked screensWater damageMalfunctions that are not covered by your phone warrantyTheftLossOther damages
There may be limits on the number of claims you can file against your cellphone insurance policy per year. It’s best to use a judgment call when deciding whether or not to purchase insurance. If you’ve managed to keep your smartphone safe for years on end, insurance may not be worth the investment for you, for example.
