Repair or a new phone: when fixing makes more sense

The screen cracked on a three-year-old iPhone, or the phone started draining fast. Repair it, or is it time to replace it? Here's how to decide without the emotions.

A simple rule

Compare the cost of the repair with what your phone is worth second-hand in working condition.

The repair costs less than a third of that: repairing almost always makes sense.
Between a third and a half: look at its age and overall condition.
More than half: it's probably smarter to sell the phone as is, or trade it in, and put the money towards a new one.

When repairing definitely makes sense

Battery, charging port, glass, back cover: an inexpensive repair, and the phone lasts another couple of years.
The phone still gets system updates.
You're happy with the phone: camera, storage, speed.
You need to save your data and don't have a backup.

When to think about a new one

The phone no longer gets updates, so new versions of banking and other apps won't work.
It's out of storage and slow even after a clean-up.
Several things broke at once: screen, battery and camera.
A serious board repair after water damage on an old model.

What else to consider

A new phone also means moving your data, new cases and screen protectors, and getting used to it.
A repaired phone with a new battery and screen often works better than before it broke.
Repair is greener: less electronic waste.

If you decide to replace it

An old phone, even a broken one, has value. We buy phones, tablets and laptops, including faulty ones, and the money can go straight towards a new one. More: device buyback.

How we help you decide

After the inspection the technician gives you the repair price, and if it doesn't make sense, says so honestly and offers to buy the phone. Send your model and what happened on Telegram and we'll tell you which is better in your case.