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Published on: 16.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
Our smartphones have become a daily part of our lives. Whether communicating with our loved ones, getting work done, or browsing the internet during leisure time, these devices made of advanced technology and complex engineering keep us connected with the world. No wonder it pains when our phones break or stop functioning suddenly, forcing us to seek repair immediately. But before you impulsively decide on getting your device repaired from anywhere, it is crucial to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision to repair your phone.
In this article, we have shared our tips and tricks on the best approach to phone repair, including the advantages and disadvantages of DIY repair as well as the benefits of professional repair. We have also highlighted the current smartphone market, warranties, and everything else you need to know before deciding to repair.
The decision to repair or replace your phone depends on several factors, including the severity of the damage, the phone's model and age, repair costs, and the repair service provider. Simple repairs like battery or screen replacements can be done at home if you have the tools and skills to perform the repair. However, more complex issues, such as damage to the internal components, should be addressed by professional repair stores.
When deciding between repairing your current phone and buying a new one, it’s important to do a cost comparison as well as the features available in the latest phones in the market.
Depending upon the model of the device and the extent of the damage, a repair from an official repair store can be pretty costly. To avoid paying extra, users often resort to DIY repairs to cut costs and for convenience. With so many online tutorials and websites offering custom toolkits for different devices, more and more users are inclined towards DIY repair for cost savings and a better understanding of their devices. But is DIY repair all that easy and effective? It’s a subjective question.
Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of DIY repair and why we think it would be a wiser idea to let professionals do the job.
Here are some pros of DIY repair:
Fixing the phone yourself saves you a lot of money. Individuals can source necessary parts on their own at reasonable prices instead of paying labor fees at repair stores.
Engaging in DIY phone repair provides a hands-on learning experience. It empowers individuals to understand their devices and achieve a sense of accomplishment upon finishing the job.
DIY phone repair allows individuals to work on their schedule without the need to adhere to store hours or wait for available appointments.
Listed below are some disadvantages of DIY phone repair:
Without proper training and diagnosis, DIY repair can be challenging. Amateurs might struggle with intricate parts, leading to incorrect repairs or further damage.
By opening the device or replacing parts on your own, you may risk voiding the manufacturer's warranty.
DIY phone repair can be extremely time-consuming, especially for those without prior experience. It involves diagnosing the problem, finding tutorials, purchasing parts, and the actual repair process. This can take significantly longer than professional repairs.
Sometimes, a professional or authorized repair service can be the best solution to fixing the damage on your phone. Here is why:
Professional repair services have access to high-quality parts for repairs. These components are of the same quality and specification as those originally fitted in the device.
Repair technicians have the skills and knowledge to diagnose issues accurately and perform repairs efficiently, reducing the risk of further damage.
Many repair stores offer warranties on their work that provide customers with peace of mind, knowing that the repair is reliable and protected against future problems. In case an issue develops in the future, the warranty ensures that the issue will be fixed free of cost.
The cost to repair a phone depends on the make and model: Apple or Samsung. The type of damage and its severity can also impact the repair costs. Another factor that can affect your repair budget is whether you are performing DIY phone repair or getting the services of official or local repair stores.
DIY phone repair is a cost-effective option. If you have the right tools to repair your phone, all you need to invest in is the part you are replacing. However, even if you don’t have tools, you can buy a phone repair kit for as low as $37.99. On average, the cost for DIY screen replacement is between $100 and $120. The cost for battery replacement is between $10 and $50, and for charging port repair, it's between $20 and $140.
You can get your phone repaired from its manufacturer’s official store, such as Apple or Samsung. The average cost to get your iPhone repaired from Apple is $261.85. However, the average cost to repair an iPhone at a local repair store such as Simply Fixable is $110.88 with 90 days of warranty. The average cost to fix a Samsung phone at Simply Fixable is $75.66.
Deciding between repairing your phone or buying a new one depends on many factors, such as the cost of repair, the age of your iPhone or Samsung phone, and, most importantly, your budget. Minor repairs such as battery or screen replacements are not costly. For instance, the average screen repair cost of an iPhone is $250 at Apple and $155 at a local repair store. On the other hand, the average cost to replace a Samsung phone screen is $204 at Samsung’s official store and $163 at local repair stores. These repair costs are worth it if the phone is relatively new and there is no other issue with it.
However, if the phone is old and the damage is severe, it’s worth buying a new device, as repair will be costlier. New Phones, such as the Apple 14 or 15 series and Samsung S series, offer improved performance and the latest technology, which makes them worth the investment if repair costs are higher.
Therefore, it’s important to evaluate the cost and benefits before making a decision to buy a new phone or repair the current one.
The global smartphone market has seen rapid developments in the past few years, with many great phones with innovative features and advanced technologies. However, Apple and Samsung, each with their distinct approach to innovation, design, and marketing, continue to dominate the smartphone industry. Here is what the leading smartphone brands have to offer currently;
Apple’s latest lineup includes the iPhone 15 series featuring iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This series comes with a super retina XDR display, a sleek titanium design with an action button, and an impressive 48MP camera. It also features an A17 Pro chip delivering an impressive graphic performance, which was not present in older models.
Samsung offers a diverse range of models, from budget-friendly options to high-end flagship phones. The Galaxy S series is their premium line, featuring the latest smartphone technology and currently dominating the market due to impressive features. Currently, the Samsung released S24 series that is making the rounds in the market due to its AI features. However, its previous version, S23, isn’t behind either, thanks to its design and 200MP excellent camera performance. Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are also giving tough competition to other smartphones in the market.
The older Apple iPhones and Samsung phones are no doubt the strongest and most durable devices of their time, but with the latest advancements in smartphones, the updates no longer support very old phones. On the other hand, the latest features, such as AI integration and DSLR-like camera quality, are setting the new phones apart from the older models, and they are worth investing in.
Smartphone technological innovation progresses extremely rapidly, meaning phones are often considered outdated after only 2-3 years. However, technology has also vastly exceeded the actual needs and requirements of the average consumer.
Devices 4-5 years old, such as Samsung S20 or iPhone 11 series, can still work perfectly fine and be usable if appropriately maintained. Slight damages or aging batteries can, of course, be repaired as they degrade, but If your daily use comprises of calling, texting, browsing, maps, and decent photography, then the current technological standards may only matter a little, even if your device is a few generations old.
However, users who depend heavily on cutting-edge features like low-light cameras, graphics-intensive gaming, and fast processors may find older devices lagging or not functioning as required.
Newer high-end smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Pax and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boast more advanced features and capabilities than models several years old needing repairs. Upgrades like faster processors, AI-enhanced camera systems, increased memory and storage, 5G connectivity, and a high refresh rate on premium models have become the technological standard.
However, not everyone necessarily requires cutting-edge features or the latest device models every year or two. For casual phone users, former flagship phones from a few years back may remain perfectly adequate when repaired to work normally. Routine calling, texting, browsing, photography, and essential use generally pose no problem if batteries, screens, and charge functions are operational.
But if you rely on your device for professional work, then there is only so much an old phone can deliver. Eventually, the technological gap between your device and the current model will start to grow to the point where you are better off just downright replacing the device than investing in repairs every few months.
Both Samsung and Apple offer additional warranties in addition to the original 1-year manufacturer warranty. These warranties or extended plans play a significant role in deciding whether to do a DIY repair on a broken phone.
If a phone is still under its standard 1-year warranty or has an extended plan, it's usually better to use these services for repairs. Official repairs ensure that problems are correctly fixed at little to no cost, avoiding the risk of damage from DIY attempts.
However, after warranties expire, which is often after just 12 months without the extended plans, repair costs at official outlets can be very high for minor issues. At this point, DIY or local repair services can save a lot of money compared to professional repair bills.
AppleCare provides extended warranty and technical support beyond the standard one-year warranty and 90 days of complimentary support. The specifics of AppleCare can vary based on the Apple product. Still, generally, it includes coverage for hardware repairs, software support, and sometimes accidental damage, with a service fee for each incident. AppleCare+ extends this coverage and includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee.
On the other hand, Samsung Care+ offers different levels of protection for Samsung devices. The extended warranty covers mechanical issues, accidental damage from handling, and even theft and loss. Samsung Care+ provides various benefits like 24/7 expert support, same-day replacement and setup for lost or stolen devices, unlimited repairs for accidental damage, and repairs by Samsung-certified technicians using genuine Samsung parts.
The pricing of Samsung Care+ depends on the device's retail price, and customers can enroll at the time of device purchase or within 60 days of purchase. The coverage duration can be two or three years, depending on the chosen payment option.
Here is how repairing a phone can significantly impact your user experience;
If a phone is repaired correctly, especially in cases where hardware components like the battery or processor are involved, there can be noticeable performance improvements. For example, a new battery could lead to longer battery life and faster charging times.
You will notice a considerable increase in the functionality of your iPhone or Samsung phone after having it fixed, especially if you previously used your device with a cracked screen or faulty buttons. Repairing these damages can drastically improve the usability of the phone. You will notice the screen immediately responds to your finger, as well as other repaired components working flawlessly.
A well-repaired phone can feel like a new device. What initially disturbed your user experience is now fixed, meaning there are currently no barriers to fulfilling the user experience and overall user satisfaction.
If your current iPhone or Samsung device is not functioning and repairing is not worth it, it's time to consider purchasing a new phone. Here are some factors to help you decide on your new device:
Investing in the newest model iPhone is a smart decision, as it will support/receive updates for iOS for about 5 to 6 years. For everyday usage, the iPhone 14 or 15 is worth spending your money on. However, if your priority is photography, videography, a fast processor, and a sleek design, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 14 Pro Max stands out as a good option.
For Android enthusiasts, various Samsung models cater to different requirements, including the S series or the Fold series. If you love doing photography or prefer a larger screen, opting for the S23 Ultra or the newest S24 Ultra is advisable. For those seeking similar functionalities but in a more compact size, the Samsung S23 Plus or S24 Plus might be ideal options.
Here are some of the most common phone issues faced by users:
A broken screen caused by a drop or impact can impact your device’s functionality. It's a common issue that can often be fixed with a screen replacement.
When your phone refuses to turn on, it could be due to battery issues or damage to internal components. This situation requires a visit to the nearest repair store for a proper diagnosis and repair.
If plugging in your phone doesn’t let it charge, the problem could lie with the charging cable, battery, or the charging port. Changing the cable or cleaning the charging port should fix the issue. If it still refuses to charge, then your phone may need a battery replacement.
A damaged charging port can prevent your phone from charging. Sometimes, dust accumulation in the charging port can also hinder its functionality. Repairing or replacing the port is crucial to restore your phone's functionality.
Excessive overheating of your phone can be a sign of exposure to extreme temperature, component damage, or battery issues. It's important to keep your phone away from the direct sunlight and let it cool down. If the issue still remains, then the problem lies somewhere else and needs to be addressed by a professional.
The black screen of the phone can be caused by a software glitch, damaged screen, or internal component damage. Hard reset your phone, and if the issue still remains, consider getting it checked by a local repair store.
If your phone doesn’t turn off, it could be frozen due to a software bug or a failing hardware component. A forced restart is usually a quick, temporary fix. If it doesn’t work, take your phone to a nearby repair store.
Rapid battery depletion can be frustrating and is usually caused due to aging batteries, power-hungry apps, or screen settings. This issue may be fixed by changing some settings, such as lowering the screen brightness and reducing the use of power-intensive apps. If the issue persists, your phone may need a battery replacement.
Water damage can cause significant harm to your phone and damage its internal components. If your phone has sustained water damage, it may need a professional diagnosis and repair.
Constant freezing and glitching are often caused by software bugs or insufficient memory. Updating the software or deleting unnecessary files can improve its performance.
Repairing a phone can significantly enhance the user experience by improving performance, usability, and overall satisfaction. A repair from a reliable repair store can renew the device, offering a smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable user experience. Additionally, it's a cost-effective alternative to buying a new phone.
However, the quality of the repair is crucial. Using industry-compliant parts and qualified technicians ensures the repair is beneficial and does not lead to further issues. Thus, while phone repair offers numerous advantages, it's essential to ensure that the repairs are done correctly, for which we recommend you only get your phone fixed by either a professional or a certified service center.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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