Why You Should Repair Your Phone vs. Buying a New One | Asurion (2024)

Whether you have glitchy software or a cracked screen, ultimately we all face the same dilemma:Should I repair or replace my phone?  

It's an important question because phones are an important part of our lives. They are our camera, calendar, entertainment center, work hub and more. They're also expensive, so if your device isn't working properly (and new models tempt you with flashy features) it can be difficult to know whether repair or replacement is right for you. From price to the age of your device and warranty coverage, here's what to consider to help you decide.

How much does it cost to repair or replace your phone?

A good rule of thumb: If repairing your phone costs half as much as buying a new one (or more), consider getting a new phone, especially if yours is more than a few years old. Keep in mind that you can often trade in your old phone and use the credit for a new one.

Let's do the math. Replacing a cracked screen costs $79 to $300 or more. If you would be happy with a new Google Pixel™ 6a (from $499) or an older iPhone model like SE (from $429), there may be no point in repairing your broken device.

However, there are also other situations in which a repair makes more sense. The hottest new smartphones from Apple® and Samsung cost about $1,000. Meanwhile, the average cost of a screen repair on the same models – using Apple and Samsung parts, tools and testing on auBreakiFix® van Asurion store- is considerably smaller.

Unfortunately, many people don't seem to understand the trade-off. According to a survey by Asurion, 44% of Americans would choose to buy a new phone if their screen were broken. That means nearly half of Americans are missing out on hundreds of dollars in savings by choosing to replace rather than repair their broken phones.

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Our trusted experts can fix your phone the same day. Schedule a repair today or visit your nearest store.

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See Also

Time spent using smartphones (stats for 2023)How often do you have to buy a new Android phone?Is it time for a phone upgrade?A smartphone that lasts ten years? Yes that is possible. (Released 2022)

How old is your phone?

The average phone lasts about 3 years (longer if you follow ittricks and tips to extend lifespan). If your phone is more than three years old, and especially if it is running slowly or erratically, it may not be worth paying for a repair. However, if your phone is relatively new, you should strongly consider repairing it.

Is your phone still under warranty?

If your phone isn't working properly, you'll want to know if it's still under warranty. If so, you may be eligible for a free or low-cost repair or replacement. How to check your warranty:

• On an iPhone®:Go tohttps://checkcoverage.apple.com/and follow the instructions. For this you will need your serial number, which you can find viaSettings > General > About.
• On a Samsung® phone: Follow the instructionsonline warranty check. You need to log into your Samsung account and then enter your location and serial number or IMEI number. (To find out your IMEI number, dial *#06#.)

Please note that all warranties are subject to exclusions, including water damage, cosmetic damage (such as dents and scratches), repairs by unauthorized suppliers and normal wear and tear. If your phone is damaged due to an exception or your warranty has expired, take it to a local companytelephone workshopand request a quote.

When should you repair your phone?

Let's break it down. Here are some situations where it's worth repairing your phone, assuming it's less than a few years old.

Your battery runs out quickly

If your phone drains quickly after a full charge or feels sluggish all day, replacing the battery is a simple, affordable solution. Abattery replacementcosts about $50 to $70, depending on your device, and will breathe some much-needed life into your current device.

Callers cannot hear you

If people keep telling you they can't hear you - and you know you have a good connection - you may have a broken microphone. Aexpert in smartphonereparatiecan identify the problem and tell you what it will cost to fix it.

Your phone is running out of storage space

This is easy to solve and it's free. If you get a “Phone Storage is Full” message on your iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy®, or Google Pixel™, or even if your device is just running slowly, try deleting videos, photos, or apps. Check out the steps hereguide to free up storage space on your phone.

Where should you go to get your phone repaired?

For phone repairs, make sure you go to a store that has good online reviews, uses quality parts, and offers a warranty on their services, such asnearest uBreakiFix® from Asurionstore.Our certified experts provide free diagnostics and are trained to repair all smartphones – including Apple®, Samsung Galaxy® and Google Pixel® devices – using top quality parts and equipment supplied by the manufacturers. Plus, most repairs in our stores are completed in 45 minutes or less, so you can focus on what's important.

What is the environmental impact of repairing your phone?

Repairing your older appliances is environmentally friendly. Buy new - not so much. Every year, technology manufacturers unveil flashy new smartphones, and this requires enormous amounts of materials, electricity and fossil fuels. As the Public Interest Research Group, a US-based non-profit organization, puts it:Rapport 2020:

“If we left our phones on an average of one year longer, the emissions reduction would be equivalent to taking 636,000 cars off the road and reducing demand for manufacturing materials by 42.5 million pounds per day.”

When should you replace your phone?

Here are a few scenarios where it's best to save time and money and buy a new phone.

Your phone randomly restarts or turns off

If your phone restarts or turns off even when fully charged, then it is probably worn out and needs to be replaced. But first check that the error is not caused by malware (don't worry, there isguideto help you).

Your phone is not compatible with the latest operating system

Older phones may not be compatible with the latest operating system, meaning your device won't benefit from security patches and app updates. If this happens to you, it's time to upgrade.

If you're still unsure whether to repair your old phone or buy a new one, we can help. Come visit your loved onesuBreakiFix® van Asurion storefor a free device diagnosis from a trusted technical expert.