One of the most frequent Google searches is “cell phone repair near me.” With more than 3.5 billion smartphones in the world, it’s not uncommon for people to drop, crack, or otherwise break their device.
Suppose you’re one of the millions of people each year who are considering smartphone repair. In that case, you might be wondering if it’s time to replace your phone instead. In this article, we will look at the reasons to repair or replace a smartphone.
What Kind of Smartphone Repairs Are Possible?
Most smartphone repairs involve replacing a smartphone screen. Despite the vast array of protective cases and screen protectors, nothing is 100% perfect at protecting your phone’s glass screen. A replacement screen is a simple repair that most smartphone repair shops can handle quickly.
Some phones also include a back cover made of glass. This is sometimes more expensive to repair than the front glass. Other items that are often repaired include volume and power buttons, charging connector ports, and headphone jacks.
Prepare to Repair
If your phone is a recent model and you’ve made a significant investment in the smartphone, case, and other accessories, repairing it is a good option. In addition, there are many reasons to repair your broken smartphone or cracked smartphone screen.
Repairing Your Phone is Usually Less Expensive
A new smartphone can cost more than $1,000. If your smartphone was serving you well before it was broken, you could save a lot of money by replacing the screen or other broken parts. In some cases, your phone carrier or manufacturer may cover some of the repair costs under warranty.
Repairing Your Smartphone Can Be Faster
Ordering a new phone, upgrading to the latest software, and restoring a backup of all your information takes a lot of time. If your smartphone screen is cracked, but the phone still works, replacing the screen is a lot faster than starting over with a new device.
Sometimes a New Phone Isn’t Better
Smartphone manufacturers continually upgrade features. Maybe you’re using a phone that uses a home button or a fingerprint sensor. If you replace your phone with a newer model that doesn’t have these features, you may regret it. If your phone is a special edition model or color, you might not be able to replace it.
Should I Send My Phone Back to the Manufacturer or Use a Repair Shop?
Depending on your phone’s model and age, you may be eligible for free or discounted repairs through the manufacturer. Always check with the manufacturer first to determine the cost of a factory repair. It would help if you also asked about how long a repair will take.
A manufacturer repair can sometimes include a temporary or loaner phone. In this instance, the manufacturer will send you a phone to use while yours is being repaired. This is convenient as you won’t be without a phone during the repair process.
If a manufacturer’s repair costs are too expensive, ask if there is an authorized repair shop near you. An authorized repair center will be able to fix your phone without voiding your warranty.
If the manufacturer’s warranty no longer covers your phone, your options are wide open. You can use a phone repair shop near you, send your phone to an online smartphone repair center, or buy replacement parts for a DIY fix.
Choosing to repair your smartphone or smartphone screen is not for the faint of heart. It can be a pretty straightforward process, but if you aren’t particularly handy with small tools and electronics, you might end up doing more damage to your device.
The Case to Replace
In some instances, you might choose to replace your phone. If your smartphone is damaged beyond repair, you may be forced to replace it. When selecting a replacement phone, consider if you need the latest and greatest model or if an affordable smartphone can suffice.
The “Make Do” Model
Dozens of mid-range smartphones only cost a few hundred dollars. Most affordable smartphones have many of the features and functionality of the high-end flagship models. If you aren’t quite ready for the latest model, this “make do” approach can be a good option.
Let Go of the Past
Another reason to replace your broken smartphone is if your phone is more than a few years old. A new phone will typically have the latest technology, more storage, better cameras, and a faster processor. The upgrade may be worth it if you’ve been frustrated with your aging smartphone.
Make Sure to Recycle
If you choose to replace your broken smartphone, make sure to recycle it. Nearly 50 million tons of e-waste is tossed into landfills every year. Many “e-cycling” centers will accept smartphones and repurpose the serviceable parts.
Repair or Replace
Deciding to repair or replace your smartphone often comes down to your needs and your budget. If you’re already in the market for a bigger, newer, better smartphone, an unfortunate accident with your current phone might be just the nudge you need to upgrade.
But if you are happy with your current device, a quick repair could be the better choice. Repairing your smartphone can save you time and money. And if the newest smartphones aren’t that much better than one you have, it might not be worth the hassle to replace it.
If you decide to repair your smartphone, consider using a local repair shop to support local businesses. Always check with your phone manufacturer first to make sure your warranty will be valid if you use an independent repair center.
