Should you repair or replace a broken smartphone?

The broken or damaged smartphone is a problem that you may face at least once. According to a 2019 survey by Ting Mobile, 64% of mobile phone users have experienced a broken screen, while 51% of them have lost their phone due to water or liquid, and 30% reported dropping their smartphone in the toilet.

A broken phone raises an important question: Is it better to repair it or replace it?

While the answer depends on various factors, such as personal financial situation or the extent of the damage, these tips can help you determine when to repair the broken phone or invest in a new one.

Factors Influencing Smartphone Repair

There are several factors that can affect whether you should try to repair the damaged smartphone, including:

• Age of the phone
• Extent of the damage
• Time it may take to repair
• Cost of repair compared to replacement
• Whether the damage is covered by warranty or insurance

These factors can also influence one another in your decision-making. For example, if you recently purchased a new phone, you may be more inclined to repair it. However, if you have damaged an old phone, upgrading to a newer model may be a better option.

Regarding the cost of repairing a broken phone screen, the average person spends about $113 on that, according to the Ting Mobile survey of 2019. However, the cost can be much lower or higher, depending on your smartphone model. According to warranty provider SquareTrade, Americans spend $3.4 billion annually just on repairing broken phone screens. Reviewing the pros and cons may help you make a decision before spending that kind of money.

Repair vs. Replacement

Repairing the smartphone may be cheaper than replacing it, and there may be no need to adjust to a new phone or learn how to use it. Some damages and repairs may be covered by warranty or insurance. However, repairing the phone may be more expensive than replacing it, and some types of damage may not be repairable, and the phone may not work as efficiently as it did before the repair.

If you decide to repair the broken phone, check with the phone manufacturer for a list of certified repair partners who have experience in repairing the type of smartphone you own.

When to Replace a Smartphone?

In some cases, replacing the damaged smartphone may be better than repairing it. For example, you might consider replacing your phone if:

• It’s cheaper than repairing it
• Your current phone is old and you want to upgrade to a newer model
• You have multiple issues, such as a broken screen, non-working buttons, and a malfunctioning speaker

The factors affecting repair versus replacement vary from person to person, so considering what you as an individual need from a smartphone can help you make the decision that makes the most sense. Replacement costs, for example, can be high if you can’t repair the phone or if it was stolen and not covered by any warranty. For example, you could pay anywhere from $240 to over $1,000 for a new phone from the Galaxy or iPhone series.

If you have a complex phone already, it might be best to get help from professionals, whether they are from a device manufacturer like Apple or Samsung or from a local repair shop. For instance, repairing iPhone 4 or newer models can cost anywhere between $149 and $599 (out of warranty).

Note:

Before making any repairs yourself, check if this will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Should You Get Smartphone Insurance?

If you are worried about the cost of repairing a broken smartphone, having cell phone insurance and/or a warranty may help.

According to Asurion, a company that provides cell phone insurance, warranties can provide protection for up to two years against device malfunctions. For example, if the touchscreen suddenly stops working without physical damage being the cause, the warranty may allow you to repair or replace the phone at no extra cost. For Apple devices, the warranty can be the difference between spending up to $600 on a new battery, as those with an Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law receive service at no additional cost.

On the other hand, cell phone insurance is optional coverage that you can purchase from your cellular provider. Typically, you pay a monthly fee plus a deductible if you need to use the coverage. Cell phone insurance can cover things like:

• Broken screens
• Water damage
• Malfunctions not covered by the phone’s warranty
• Theft
• Loss
• Other damages

There may be limits on the number of claims you can submit against your cell phone insurance policy in a year. It’s best to use caution when deciding whether to buy insurance. For example, if you can keep your smartphone safe for many years, insurance may not be worth the investment for you.

Key Takeaways

Repairing a smartphone can be a cost-saving measure if you prefer to keep your current device rather than upgrade. Some types of repairs may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Cell phone insurance can cover damages or repairs not covered by the warranty, although you may have to pay a monthly fee and deductible if you need to use the coverage. There are some repairs you may feel comfortable doing yourself, but check if that will void the warranty or cause additional damage to your device.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/should-you-repair-or-replace-a-broken-smartphone-5091904