Have you just dropped your iPhone and picked it up only to find the screen shattered in a million pieces? A great majority of iPhone users will find themselves in this dilemma at some point in their ownership and pose the question of whether buying new or repairing is the most valuable choice. While on the surface this may seem like a black and white question, this article will delve into the pro's and con's of each iPhone Screen repair vs. buy option in an effort to better inform consumers of the background of each decision.
In discussing each option, the easiest way to break the topics down is by dividing each scenario into device type and model.
iPhone 3G - While this model is antiquated by most, some still use for its iPod and app ability. This device is no longer sold by Apple and is no longer updated with the most recent software updates due to a lack of processor power for the newer generation platforms. On auction sites like eBay, this device will still pull in around a hundred bucks if it is in decent shape. In checking most repair options for this device, it appears that the repair price averages about half of that value. For those looking at having a backup device for their newer model or using it as an iPod, the repair may be plausible; however, the jury is still out on this one.
iPhone 3GS - Quickly following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS still carries a faster processor which makes it less frustrating when trying to run newer generation applications; however, it still has its freezes and slow downs. This device appears to have a similar makeup structurally and it benefits from a lower cost repair. The value of purchasing new is that the customer now will have the newest generation device. If the option is available and this is the user's primary cellular device, most consumers recommend upgrading from this model to the newest available as the processor speed and components are far superior. The pros of a screen repair are that this device can still draw about one hundred and fifty dollars on auction sites like eBay due to its faster processor. When keeping it as a backup or simply opting to continue on without a cellular contract, a repair may be the favorable option. The jury remains unclear on this device as well.
iPhone 4 - Apple has recently reduced the price for contract signing users to virtually nothing. The buy option is clear if a consumer is cash strapped and has the ability to renew a contract. The choice becomes murkier if the contract option is not on the table. The reason is that most cellular companies subsidize the majority of the price of this device due to the ability to lock the consumer into a contract for a year or two's time. In doing so, the contract extension option is available only once per contract term. If a customer is still in contract, the repurchase price of the device is now monumentally more (to the tune of about three hundred dollars more), making the purchase option more undecided. The repair for this device appears to average about thirty dollars more than the previous models due to the sealed glass and LCD portions of the screen. The iPhone 4 is nearly identical in features to its younger siblings, yet once again is diminished in processing speed compared to its siblings. There are clear arguments to repairing and buying new based on the consumers situation.
iPhone 4S - Boasting a faster processor and the addition of Siri capability, the iPhone 4S was a major seller for Apple. After the release of the iPhone 5, the 4S became an economical choice for out of contract customers who did not want to pony up the two hundred dollar price tag of an iPhone 5. The repair vs buy becomes more difficult if the user is a potential iPhone 5 purchaser. The iPhone 5 boasts a higher megapixel camera, a once again faster processor, and most importantly a body upgrade. The sleeker larger screen is very attractive and has drawn consumers to purchasing the largest initial volume of the iPhone model than ever before. That being said, the repair option for this model becomes more appealing if a consumer is in the "out of contract" situation as the purchase price becomes monumental compared to the in contract price. The repair price for this item appears to average in the seventy dollar range, much like its older brother. Once again, based on a consumers contract and financial situation, both options are feasible.
iPhone 5 - Being the newest generation device, most users should attempt to have apple replace this device if at all possible. In most cases, the Genius bar will either replace the device or give a customer the option of repurchasing at the in out of contract price. Should both options be off the table, repair is possible, yet still extremely expensive compared to previous models. In most cases an iPhone 5 user would benefit from purchasing an insurance plan or pleading with Apple for a replacement before attempting repair. As the parts become less expensive, the repair option may be more favorable; however, only time will tell.