Why Is Phone Repair Better Than Buying A New One?

If you go around the metro, restaurants, walkways, or even at any event, you will see individuals with low heads everywhere, playing on mobile phones or taking photos.

These days, our lives are inextricably linked to our smartphones. One of the hardest things that may happen to us is when our phone breaks or becomes damaged.

Nearly 120,000 metric tonnes of WEEE (household electrical and electronic equipment) were collected in the UK in the first quarter of 2022, as per Statista.

In such circumstances, we are confronted with the dilemma of repairing broken phones or purchasing new ones. However, you should pick phone repair instead for the following reasons:

Considering how new iPhones are built, they are more expensive than older iPhones and have a higher possibility of screen damage since their displays are more delicate.
If AppleCare+ covers your iPhone, you may obtain an inexpensive iPhone repair.
Reliable third-party iPhone repair shops mend iPhone screens more quickly and at lower service prices for iPhone users. If you don't have an Apple warranty for iPhone screen repairs, they are also the most excellent substitute for genuine Apple repairs.

As a result, repairing an iPhone is usually less expensive than replacing one.

How Can I Repair My Phone?

Many options are available to you as phone repairs are widely used. It would help if you first comprehend the two options available – authorised or unauthorised repairs – before choosing which service to choose.

If you choose option one, scheduling a service appointment with the manufacturer, its authorised repair partner or filing an insurance claim is a simple process (in case you purchased one).

If you choose the other, you must make a few personalisations, including whether to hire someone or do it yourself.

Authorised Repair

The most secure method to have a professional fix your mobile phone is through an authorised repair, but it won't be the cheaper or quick.

Phone manufacturers and their designated service providers offer authorised phone repairs, meaning that all replacement phone parts are authentic. The technicians are qualified to handle the repair, and the providers strictly follow the security and repair procedures stipulated by the manufacturer.

Insurance Claim

Many of us have standalone mobile phone insurance like AppleCare+ or equivalents, as well as home contents insurance. Mobile phone insurance may also be a perk of having an active account with your bank.

Claiming a repair via your insurance is another option to acquire an authorised repair for your phone because phone insurance providers have arrangements with authorised repair shops. Check the conditions and the types of repairs that are covered depending on your insurance provider.

If you want to file a claim, you must pay an excess cost, which varies based on your insurance plan and regular premium payments.

Third-Party Repair

Since it can be expensive to repair phones directly with manufacturers, many people turn to independent, third-party repair services.

While repairing the problem with your phone right away can save you money, manufacturers caution that doing so will invalidate your warranty. Apple, in particular, is quite rigorous about providing after-sales support for their devices, which are designed to be challenging to fix.

If an unauthorised repair is made, the software will detect the counterfeit part, and your phone will become inoperable, incurring additional expenditures.

DIY Repair

Unfortunately, phone problems are more frequent than knowing how to fix them.

The incredible thing is that you can fix your mobile phone yourself owing to the rising Right to Repair movement and the abundance of websites, groups, and forums devoted to the topic.

Apple has started its self-repair programme in the US, intending to expand it to other countries. It can make DIY repairs more available to consumers when (or if) they become available in the UK.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Your Phone?

The sort of repair required to make your damaged phone look fantastic and function properly, the location where your phone will be mended, and the model of your phone all affect the cost to repair it.

Broken Screen Replacement

Repairing a damaged display is less expensive than purchasing a new phone. Most phone models we've examined have authorised screen repairs, which are less expensive when done by the manufacturer or its service partner than when done by independent repair shops.

However, locating OEM screens for less well-known phone manufacturers like Motorola or Xiaomi proved difficult. Alternatively, the DIY repair will cost you less than authorised or third-party repairs.

Broken Rear Glass Replacement

The manufacturer's warranty will not cover physical damage to the rear glass, just like with shattered screens. Thus you will be responsible for the charges. Apple's iPhone rear glass repair prices are much higher (over £100) than the other solutions.

Battery Replacement

Fortunately, phone battery replacement is a reasonably simple repair. If your phone is still under warranty, going straight to Apple for a replacement may be the best option because it will be free of charge.

The research on battery replacement services has revealed that opting for authorised repairs instead of third-party repairs won't save you money.

In the context of DIY battery replacement, ReplaceBase offers the best selection of components for most Apple smartphones, so finding the part won't be an issue.

Other Phone Replacement Components

Most iPhone repairs are for broken screens and dead batteries, but other issues might arise with a phone.

Since no phone is fully "waterproof," water damage is still a widespread problem. In addition, there are additional possible problems like a broken home button, power button, connecting port, or camera. Repair fees might vary greatly depending on your phone and what's wrong with it.

When To Replace Your Old Phone?

Sometimes repairing a broken phone is not worth the hassle. It's typically the case when the damage is severe, or the phone repair cost would be more than the cost of a new phone.

Additionally, it could be time for an upgrade if the damaged phone is substantially older than the most recent models.

Due to planned obsolescence, most technology, therefore, breaks more frequently than is predicted. Make sure you'll manage to make the required repairs when they become necessary if you decide to forego the warranty or insurance.

It's a good idea to examine the terms of your contract with your cell provider, much as with repairs. It can make sense to use that function if your plan is eligible for an upgrade to save expenditures.

In some circumstances, based on the damage, phone insurance will instantly decide whether to repair or replace your phone.

Takeaway

Repairing your cellphone with replacement phone parts before you sell it to recycling centres, trade it in, or pass it on makes sense because a fully functional smartphone in good shape is worth substantially more than one with cosmetic damage and problems.

Of course, assess your choices and compare the prices. Repairs may be expensive, but they increase the lifespan of your smartphone, lessen its environmental effect, and may earn you a decent profit when you decide to sell your used phone.

FAQ’s

Is it better to replace or repair a phone?
It relies on the problem that must be repaired and if it can be done quickly. It may be substantially less expensive to fix a screen or install a new battery than to purchase a new phone.

When should you replace a smartphone?
Your phone should be replaced if it is seriously damaged to the point that you can no longer use it. In the same way, if your phone's storage is whole or stops working correctly after a regular software update, it's time for a new phone.