Repair or Replace
Broken Cellphone? Need an iPad Repaired? Is it better to repair it or replace it?
A Mint Canada Consumer Advice Article
From cracked screens to water damage to glitchy performance to not-working-at-all, about 70% of cellphone owners will experience a problem with their phone. But when the inevitable happens, is it better to repair your cellphone it or get a new one?
Depends on these key factors:
- Age of your phone
- Severity of the damage
- Cost and timeline of repairs
- Reliability of the repair
The same factors apply to a tablet or iPad repair
Age of your cell phone or tablet
Obviously, a new phone is warrantied against certain types of damage. You can also purchase additional cellphone insurance that will cover many typical issues for one or two years. Apple care is an example of these kinds of extended warranties. Google phones, Samsung, Motorola and other major brands also offer extended warranties. In most cases you get an extra 24 months of coverage. One caveat: you must purchase your extended warranty at the time of purchase.
Remember, as a phone or tablet ages the decision to fix or replace it becomes less clear. Are you the type who takes full advantage of newer software, increased resolution and power? If you enjoy the new toys, getting a newer generation of phone may be worth more to you than repairing your older phone or tablet.
At the same time, you may value the familiar buttons and apps on your old device, which is why some people would rather repair an outdated model than learn to use a new one. But if the band-aid is more expensive than the actual phone, it’s time to consider moving on from your old friend.
Mint Canada offers Fully Guaranteed Certified Pre-Owned Phones and Tablets at great prices – click here
Severity of the damage and cost of repair to your cellphone or tablet
Cracked screens are the most common problem with cellphones and tablets. Luckily, most screen repairs are done effectively and affordably. You can even do it yourself (but be careful that you don’t void an existing warranty).
Water damage to your device is more variable. If you’re lucky, the problem can be fixed with time (and a little rice!). But some water damage can do serious and permanent damage. An authorized and trusted repair service will help you make an informed decision.
If your phone or tablet is experiencing erratic performance, a weak battery, buttons that don’t function, etc., have an authorized repair partner determine whether the problem is isolated to one thing, or a sign of wider systemic issues. If the cause is age or excessive wear-and-tear, it will likely affect the entire phone. Once your phone has multiple issues, repairs become expensive, less reliable, and not worth it. At that point, it’s time to start shopping for a new phone.
Cost, timeline, and reliability of repairs
The cost of repairing your phone or tablet should be balanced against how long you intend to keep it, and how reliable the repair is. Obviously, the more serious the problem, the less it’s worth repairing.
A difficult repair may still be worth doing if your phone’s contract is up soon, or if the next upgrade is around the corner. In that case, you only need a quick-fix to get you to the finish line.
If you want a long-term solution, ask a repair specialist about the nature of the problem and the effectiveness of the specific repair. Not every repair eliminates the problem. Keep in mind, even once repaired a phone may not perform exactly as before. And even when covered under warranty, nobody wants the hassle of returning to the shop if the problem happens again.
If your phone is not under warranty, you can also explore the many DIY repairs. Depending on your comfort level, you can find many how-to videos that explain how to repair many common issues yourself, which may save hundreds of dollars.
Mint Canada offers Fully Guaranteed Certified Pre-Owned Phones and Tablets at great prices – click here
