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Published on: 22.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
Using a malfunctioning tablet is annoying, especially if you rely on it to get through the day. In such cases, users often wonder whether they should repair or replace their tablets. If you have ever been in a situation like this, we can understand how confusing it can be. But don’t worry; we have prepared a guide that will drive all your confusion away, from whether you should repair or replace it to all questions regarding where to buy and what you should keep in mind before making the ultimate decision.
Dealing with a broken or damaged tablet or iPad can be challenging. If your tablet’s screen is cracked, the battery is draining, or it’s not turning on, showing other signs of damage consistently, it’s time to decide whether your tablet needs a repair or it’s wise just to buy the latest one. Remember, repair or new, it comes with a price tag. Compare the repair costs vs purchasing a new device, as it will give you a better picture to decide.
If your tablet breaks, there aren’t many options on the table. You can simply either get your device repaired or replaced. However, deciding to go forward with either option is not as easy. There are multiple factors to remember before spending your hard-earned money.
So, should you repair or replace your tablet? Well, here are a few things to keep in mind before you settle on a decision;
The decision to replace or repair, most importantly, depends upon the intended use of your device. If you are tech-savvy and rely heavily on your tablet for work and other activities, you will require the latest features only new devices can offer. In this case, repairing an old device is pointless since it won’t provide the productivity or the power you require. On the other hand, if your use is minimal or only basic activities, you will be better off just repairing and using the device until you feel the need to buy a new one.
If your tablet is several years old and uses an outdated operating system, a replacement is a better choice than repair since newer tablets come with improved features, larger storage, processing power, and battery life. However, a quality repair may extend its life if it's a relatively new device.
Depending on the damage to your tablet, professional repair costs can be expensive. Parts, labor, and diagnosis fees can sum up to hundreds of dollars for a relatively newer device. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the cost of a repair versus a replacement before handing in your tablet for repair. For example, if the cost to repair is $300 but the new device costs $600, you could buy a new device. In simple words, if the repair cost is 50% or more of a new device, just get a new tablet.
If your device is new but damaged, you can check with the manufacturer to claim the 1-year standard warranty. Some companies like Apple and Samsung also offer extended protection plans to bear some of the repair costs and offer customers support and protection. This helps reduce the repair costs and enables the user to make a decision more smartly.
Some users get emotionally attached to their particular devices. It may be their first device, a gift, and so on. Regardless, personal sentiments can cloud your judgment on whether to repair or replace your device. If you have an emotional attachment or fond memories associated with your tablet, you may prefer repairing over replacement. However, if you’re indifferent towards it, switching to a newer model will not be tough.
The cost to repair your tablet may vary depending on factors such as the model of your tablet, the severity of the damage, and the type of repair service that you’re using. On the other hand, the cost of buying a new tablet is influenced by the make and model of the tablet.
Following are the average costs to get your tablet repaired by a professional:
The average cost for iPad screen replacement at Simply Fixable is $180.19. Samsung tablet screen replacement may cost $149 on average.
The average iPad battery replacement cost at Simply Fixable is $119.25. Samsung tablet battery replacement will cost $89 on average. The price may vary depending on the tablet model.
Simply Fixable’s partner stores offer competitive pricing to repair iPad charging ports: $93.88 on average. Samsung tablet charging port repair will cost around $85 on average.
The cost to repair a tablet or iPad by yourself will depend on the part that you want to replace, such as the top digitizer glass and LCD panel. For instance, to replace the LCD of the latest iPad Pro 12.9 (2022), the LCD with a digitizer will cost $249.17 on average. On the other hand, the cost of battery for older iPad models starts from $20. Similarly, the cost of Samsung tablet replacement parts will also vary depending on the model and year of release.
Apple and Samsung offer a range of tablets with different features and prices to choose from:
iPad model |
Price in the U.S. |
iPad Pro |
From $799 |
iPad Air |
From $599 |
iPad (10th generation) |
From $449 |
iPad (9th generation) |
From $329 |
iPad mini |
From $449 |
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Apple website
Tablet model |
Price in the U.S. |
Galaxy Tab A9+ |
$219.99 |
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
$599.99 |
Galaxy Tab S9+ |
$1119.99 |
Galaxy Tab S9 |
$919.99 |
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
$1319.99 |
Table 2. Samsung Tablet Prices
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Samsung website
The extent of the damage to your tablet is a major determinant of whether repairing or replacing it makes more economic sense. For relatively minor problems like battery, cracked glass, or hardware malfunctions, repairs are straightforward and affordable. However, major instances of damage such as fried internal components, liquid damage, or shattered body can make repair extremely challenging and expensive for parts and labor.
A good tablet or iPad can easily last you several years. During this timeframe, you may struggle with battery depletion, which is normal for electric devices, along with other accidental damages like broken screens or buttons. But these issues can be fixed easily and extend the usable life of your device.
However, if your device is outdated, there’s little you can benefit from repairing. Of course, a new screen or a new battery can bring some of its charm back, but the old tablet would struggle to keep up with the features of modern tablets, and this difference becomes very apparent as your device ages past 3-5 years.
On average, most standard tablets can remain functional for 3-5 years with proper care before you notice any signs of performance or battery degradation. High-end tablets like Apple and Samsung with higher quality components can often last more than 5 years.
The lifespan of a tablet also depends heavily on how it is used. Careful and less intensive use preserves its life as compared to constant intensive use. Users can maximize their tablet lifespans by ensuring proper charging practices, handling, and physical protection.
There’s no straightforward answer to how often you should replace your tablet. It depends mostly on your budget, your intended use, and the need for new features or technology. A well-handled tablet can easily last you for 5 years or even more if your intended use is basic. Similarly, you might feel the need to buy a new model if you are tech-savvy or want the latest device packed with advanced features and updated technologies.
Most casual tablet owners don't upgrade too frequently and generally use a tablet for anywhere from 3-5 years before replacement. However, professionals and gamers tend to replace tablets more often for the latest features such as 5G, larger storage, advanced cameras, and more. Such users generally replace their old devices with newer ones after every 1-2 years.
The lifespan of a repaired tablet depends significantly on the brand and model. Most budget-friendly tablets can last around 2 additional years post repairs before you notice any drop in performance again. However, high-end brands like Apple’s iPad and Samsung Galaxy tablets typically retain longer lifespans even after repair. You can expect an extended lifespan closer to 3-4 years with proper care. Premium tablets like iPads can work well for about 5 more years with repair upgrades. However, cheaper, less-known tablets might need repairs within a year.
It's best to ask repair experts about how long your specific tablet might last, considering its brand and model. Repairs for premium tablets often use better parts and benefit from their strong design, which helps them stay in good condition longer after being fixed.
One strong factor to consider before deciding to either replace or repair a tablet is its environmental impact. Opting to repair your existing tablet is often the more sustainable choice, and here’s why;
It produces less e-waste and a carbon footprint as compared to buying a newly manufactured tablet.
Tablets include hazardous materials like mercury and lead, improper disposal of which can leach into landfills and the environment, causing an unprecedented amount of damage. Refurbishing reuses much of the raw materials and infrastructure already in place rather than drawing completely new resources.
Repair also avoids the carbon costs of global shipping and transportation associated with producing new tablets abroad.
Even recycling broken tablet components requires substantial energy.
While repair has a lower impact, it’s not a very effective solution for outdated models lacking modern technology.
Repairing a damaged tablet is a great option for users on a budget. However, there is a different type of cost attached to repairing: time cost. Repairing a tablet requires patience since all stages of the repair process, such as diagnosis, ordering parts, and the actual repair, takes time.
A local repair shop may get your tablet functioning again in 2-5 business days if they have parts in stock. However, unforeseen circumstances could extend your waiting period to a couple of days or more. So, if you rely on your tablet for daily use, be it school, communication, or entertainment, waiting for days or weeks to use your tablet again can be annoying.
Beyond practicality, the emotional attachment with your old tablet may bias your decision to repair or replace it. Devices that have been in the family for years or have sentimental value associated with life events and memories often hold irreplaceable significance that new models cannot compete with. Restoring the original device brings emotional comfort, and then splurging on a brand new tablet.
If your tablet holds sentimental value, fixing it can preserve its emotional importance, but if the tablet isn't special to you, consider replacing your old device if the damage is beyond repair.
Nearly all tablets and iPads come with a standard 1-year warranty, which covers any manufacturing or body defects. If the users face any issues within this period, they can claim a warranty and get their device fixed for free from Apple or Samsung. However, these basic warranties have limitations, and users can only claim manufacturing defects and not accidental damage.
Since warranties typically don’t cover accidental damage, users can buy insurance or extended warranty for their devices. Companies like Apple and Samsung offer AppleCare+ and Samsung Care plans, which cover accidental damage for a fee.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your tablet, evaluate its current performance against your needs. Using a tablet that is slow, has a short battery life, overheats, lacks storage, or has other issues is a frustrating experience. However, these problems don't necessarily mean you need a new tablet.
Evaluate if repairing these issues will make the tablet good enough for your daily use or if it's too old, making a new tablet a better option. Think about what you use your tablet for and if fixing it will allow you to do those tasks effectively without spending too much money or time compared to getting a new one. If your use is minimal and your tablet will work just fine after a repair, get it fixed.
While repairing a broken tablet is great for the pockets, it is not the only solution, and depending upon the circumstances, you might be better off just getting a new one instead. A repaired tablet can easily last you an additional few years before requiring more repairs, but that’s all it has to offer. A repaired device will never match the charisma and power of the newer model tablets or iPads.
The latest iPad Pro comes with an M2 chip, allowing a much faster performance than its previous models. It also has a liquid retina XDR brightest display, perfect for those who rely on their iPad for creative tasks, such as graphic designers.
The Galaxy Tab S9 series is also no less than iPads with a larger dynamic AMOLED display and the most powerful S pen, making work easier than ever, something that older models lack.
Typically, there are three options to repair your tablet or iPad:
If your iPad is under warranty, it’s better to get it fixed by Apple as you won’t have to pay anything. However, keep in mind that accidental damages are not covered by warranty and you’ll have to pay a higher price for that.
Getting your Samsung tablet fixed from the company’s official store is a sound decision when the device is covered by warranty.
If you’ve broken or damaged an iPad or tablet, which is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, you can get it fixed at competitive prices by any repair store associated with Simply Fixable.
Here are some noticeable indicators for you to replace your tablet;
It is severely outdated, and the hardware and operating system are struggling to run everyday tasks.
The performance is slow, or the screen is freezing while using it.
The battery is draining faster than usual.
Storage space is highly limiting.
The screen or exterior is badly cracked or damaged.
Repair costs are almost 50% or higher than the replacement prices.
You want to gain additional features or capabilities your tab or iPad model simply can’t deliver.
Here is how you can extend the battery life of your tablet;
Keep your tablet's software updated, as the updates include security patches and improvements that can enhance your tablet’s or iPad’s performance.
A good case can protect your tablet from drops, spills, and scratches, preventing physical damage that can shorten its lifespan.
Don't leave your tablet plugged in all the time once it's fully charged. Overcharging can reduce the battery's lifespan over time.
Regularly clean up unnecessary files and apps to free up storage space and maintain device performance.
Use battery-saving modes and adjust settings like screen brightness and background app refresh to extend battery life.
Excessive heat can damage your tablet's internal components. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
Uninstall apps that drain your battery quickly or cause your tablet to overheat.
If you are in the market for a new device, there are several reputable options to consider.
Apple and Samsung are leading manufacturers with their own retail stores and online platforms, offering the latest models directly to consumers.
For more variety across different brands, including Lenovo, Google Pixel, and others, retailers like Best Buy and Amazon provide a vast range of options. These online stores also feature competitive prices, exclusive deals, and the convenience of comparing different models side by side, making it a one-stop shop for tablets that cater to various needs and budgets.
While we have listed down all the factors that you should keep in mind before deciding to either replace or repair, we still highly suggest that you get in touch with a professional store like Simply Fixable to help with your decision.
Not only does getting professional advice save you money, but they also tell you if minor damage is hiding bigger problems and whether it's smarter to repair or buy a new device.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a broken tablet is not as easy as it sounds. There are different factors that all contribute to the final decision, such as cost, damage, features, and emotional attachment. While a professional diagnosis can help you avoid the guesswork and provide a clear picture, keep in mind that if your tablet is outdated or damaged beyond repair, replacement becomes a better option. But, for tablets that still meet your performance needs after minor fixes, a budget repair is a wiser option.
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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