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Find the Right Phone for You

For an Android phone or an iPhone, screen repair is usually cheaper than buying a new device, but there’s more to consider than just cost

It happens to the best of us. You’re getting out of the car, your phone tumbles from your pocket, and suddenly you’re looking at a cracked screen. 

According to Consumer Reports’ 2022 smartphone survey, damage from a drop or similar mishap is one of the most common reasons for a phone repair, second only to the need to replace the battery.

While some people are bold enough to live with the shame of a broken screen, ignoring the problem can be difficult. A small crack can expand over time, making it hard to use the touchscreen. It can also expose parts inside the device to moisture and dust. Plus, who wants to run their fingers over bits of glass?

When you find yourself in this situation, it can be hard to know what to do. Do you buy a new phone for $800 or more? Or does replacing the screen make more sense?

Determining the cost of repairs can be tricky, too. But we’re here to help with that.

We’ll also show you how to factor in the age of the phone, how much it’s worth, and whether it’s time for an upgrade. 

Here are some things to consider when making the decision.

Replacing a cracked screen or a battery that can’t last through the day can be a great way to extend the life of your phone. If the price is right, the device emerges in good working order and you squeeze another year or two of use out of it.

For those with phone insurance or an extended warranty plan, the decision is simple. With AppleCare+, you can replace the screen on any model dating back to the iPhone 5s for just $29. With Samsung Care+, it’s $29, too.

At times, though, you may need to have the phone serviced at an authorized repair center in a select location. That’s the case with Verizon’s insurance via Asurian. And the components under the glass might not be eligible for repair.

There also may be limits on the claims you can make. The AppleCare+ policy, for example, allows for no more than two for accidental damage in a 12-month period. 

For those without coverage, the decision is a little trickier. While the repair typically costs less than the price of a new phone, the fee can vary significantly, based on the model. For example, Apple’s cost estimate to replace the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone SE is $129, but for the same-sized screen on the iPhone 8, it’s $149. And the 6.7-inch screen on the iPhone 14 Pro Max costs a whopping $379.

You can, however, find the cost estimates for specific models on the Apple and Samsung websites. And for phones made by Google and others, you can consult services like Swappa or Ubreakifix. (At the latter, you need to request a figure via the chat box.)

Keep in mind that if components like the fingerprint sensor beneath the glass are also damaged, the cost of the repair may increase. 

But the estimate is a good starting point. Once you have it, you can safely review your options, comparing the price to the cost of a new phone. If neither choice is appealing, you might consider shopping for a refurbished phone or an unused model that’s a generation or two old. The iPhone 12, for example, is now priced at just $599.

If you’re willing to add a new line to your cell phone account, you can even get a new Galaxy S23 for free from Verizon; the carrier will accept a damaged phone as a trade-in as long as it’s free of battery damage.

A cracked screen can be just the excuse you need to upgrade to a Galaxy S23 or an iPhone 14. Want more convincing? Here are other reasons to skip the screen replacement:

Your old phone is worth less than the cost to fix the screen. Apple will charge you $129 to replace the 4.1-inch screen on the iPhone 5s, which debuted in 2013. Meanwhile, a used or refurbished 5s costs only $20 to $75 on sites like eBay and Walmart. The estimated trade-in value at the major wireless carriers is $0. So, unless you really love your 5s, the repair doesn’t make sense.

Your phone is no longer eligible to receive security updates. Those are important, because they protect you and your data from cyber threats. Apple is still providing security patches (though not necessarily iOS system updates) for models dating back to the iPhone 5s. Android phone makers offer three to five years’ worth of security updates from the time the devices are released.

You can’t wait long for a new screen. Although Apple, Best Buy, Samsung, and others offer same-day appointments, you might not be able to schedule one on the day you need it. The repair shop might not have the right parts on hand, either. So you could have your screen replaced in under an hour or over a week. For a parent who needs to remain in close contact with a child, waiting a day or more may be out of the question. The same goes for someone who relies on the phone professionally.

Your phone is already on its last legs. There’s not much point in investing money in a phone that’s waving the white flag. If it’s been lagging for some time and frequently crashes, it’s probably time to move on.

As a service journalist, my goal is to help people get the most out of their technology and other tools. Prior to joining CR, my work appeared online and in print for publications including The New York Times, Wirecutter, Lifehacker, Popular Mechanics, and PCWorld. When I'm not researching or writing, I'm playing video games with my family, testing new recipes, or chasing the puppy. Feel free to reach me on Twitter (@melaniepinola). 

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