When your phone breaks, the first question is usually "Is it even worth fixing?" The answer depends on three things: what the repair costs, how old the phone is, and whether anything else is wrong with it.

A quick rule of thumb

If the repair costs less than about half of what a comparable phone would cost you, and the phone is otherwise working well, repairing it is usually the better deal. Above that, it is worth thinking harder, especially if the phone is old enough that it will soon stop getting software updates.

When repairing makes the most sense

A tired battery in a phone you like. A battery replacement costs a fraction of a new phone and often makes a two or three-year-old phone feel new again.
A cracked screen on a recent phone. Newer phones are expensive to replace, so a screen replacement is usually good value, even with an OLED screen.
A charging problem. Often it is lint in the port or a worn port. A charging port repair is one of the cheaper fixes.
A cracked camera lens. If only the glass over the camera is cracked, a camera lens repair is quick and inexpensive.

When replacing might make more sense

The phone has several faults at once, such as a cracked screen, a weak battery and a faulty camera.
The phone has had serious liquid damage and corrosion has spread across the board.
The phone no longer gets security updates and you need it for banking or work apps.
You were already planning to upgrade soon.

Don't forget the hidden costs of replacing

A new phone is not just the price on the box. There is the time to set it up, moving your data and authenticator apps, new cases and screen protectors, and sometimes a longer phone plan. A repair keeps your phone exactly as it was, with everything where you left it.

What about the environment?

Making a new phone uses a lot of energy and raw materials. Keeping a phone in use for an extra year or two is one of the simplest ways to cut that impact.

A worked example

Say your iPhone is three years old and the battery dies by mid-afternoon. A battery replacement is a small fraction of the price of a new iPhone, and the rest of the phone works well. Repairing is the clear choice. Now say the same phone also has a cracked screen and a faulty Face ID. Adding those repairs together may approach the value of the phone, so it is worth comparing prices for a newer model.

Common questions

How old is too old to repair?

Age alone isn't the deciding factor. A four-year-old phone that still gets software updates and works well apart from one fault is usually worth repairing. A phone that no longer receives security updates is riskier for banking and work apps, so a repair only makes sense if you're happy to use it for less sensitive tasks or as a backup phone.

How do I check if my phone still gets updates?

On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On Android, go to Settings > System > Software update (Samsung: Settings > Software update). If it says you're up to date but the last update was more than a year ago, your phone may be out of support.

Is it worth fixing a phone I'm going to sell or trade in?

Often, yes. A cracked screen or back can cut a phone's trade-in value by more than the cost of the repair. Compare the trade-in value with and without the damage before you decide.

What if I'm on a phone plan?

If your phone is still being paid off on a plan, you usually still owe the remaining balance even if you upgrade. Repairing the phone you already have can be the cheapest way to get through to the end of the plan.

Can you transfer my data to a new phone if I decide to replace it?

If the old phone still turns on, you can usually move everything across with Quick Start on iPhone or Smart Switch on Samsung. If the screen is broken but the phone works, a screen repair can be the only way to get your photos and authenticator apps off it, so it can be worth fixing even if you're upgrading.

Is a refurbished phone a good middle ground?

It can be. Just compare the refurbished price with the cost of repairing your current phone, and check the refurbished phone's battery health and warranty.

Get an honest answer

Tell us your model and what is wrong through our free quote form. If a repair isn't worth it for your phone, we will tell you. You can also check prices for your exact model on our price list before you decide.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Phone?