Cracked iPhone: Should You Repair It or Replace It?

Here are a few things to think about when trying to determine whether you should repair you cracked iPhone or replace it.

• How old is it? Depending on the model of iPhone you’re using, it might not be worth it to repair it. For example, if you’re still rocking one of the old school iPhones from 5+ years ago, maybe you should think about upgrading to a newer, better model. But if you have a more recent version, like an iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, or even iPhone 4, you may still be able to get some good use out of it after having it fixed.

• Are you due for an upgrade? If you’re already due for an upgrade or will be soon with your cell phone carrier, you might be able to get away with replacing your phone or holding off for a short time until you’re due for the upgrade. However, you won’t be able to get a good value for your cracked phone if you trade it in, so repairing it might still be a smart investment. If an upgrade isn’t in your near future, you’ll definitely want to get it repaired.

• Do you have AppleCare? While the standard warranty won’t cover accidental damage, AppleCare does allow you up to 2 accidental damage repairs. A new screen will cost you $79 with AppleCare, but it can take 3 weeks for the repairs to be completed. You might be better off taking your phone to a cellphone repair shop that can do the iPhone repair the same day.

So, take a look at your cracked phone. Should you repair it or replace it?

By Jon Roland