Your screen just cracked. The first reaction is often to panic and look at the prices of a new device. But, before you pull out your card, it's worth taking two minutes to assess the situation. Repairing a broken screen costs less than you think in many cases. In others, getting a new phone is really the best option.
Here's how to decide.
What it costs to repair a screen
The price varies greatly depending on your phone model and where you have the repair done. To give you a general idea in Canada:
- Glass only (no damage to the screen underneath): between $50 and $100
- Full screen — common Android models: between $100 and $200
- Full screen — recent iPhone or high-end Android: between $200 and $400
An independent repair shop is generally cheaper than the manufacturer. The quality of parts can vary, but a good repairer uses reliable and guaranteed components. Before choosing, always ask about the warranty offered for the repair.
Our team at Le Dépôt Électronique repairs cell phone screens in Montreal, with free on-site quotes.
When it's worth repairing
Repairing makes sense in these situations:
Your phone is less than 3 years old. A recent device still has a lot of value. Paying $150 for a screen on a phone that's still worth $400 on the used market is cost-effective.
Only the screen is damaged. If everything else works well — battery, camera, buttons, sound — a screen repair makes the device like new again. This is often the case after a simple drop.
It's just the glass. Sometimes the outer glass layer cracks, but the screen underneath is intact. The image displays normally, and the touch response is good. In this case, replacing only the glass costs much less than the full screen.
You want to avoid data migration. Changing phones takes time. Transferring contacts, re-downloading apps, reconfiguring everything. A screen repair leaves your device in working order, with all your data already in place.
When it's better to get a new phone
There are cases where repair isn't worth the investment.
Your phone is more than 4 or 5 years old. Devices several generations old receive fewer security updates and run less smoothly with recent apps. If the repair cost exceeds 40% of the device's current value, buying a refurbished used phone becomes a better option.
Other components are also failing. The screen is broken, but the battery barely lasts half a day. If you have to repair two or three things at the same time, costs quickly add up. It's better to start fresh.
The screen is completely unresponsive. If the screen doesn't turn on at all after a drop, there may be damage to other internal components. A diagnosis is useful before deciding, but be prepared for a higher bill.
The first question to ask yourself
Before deciding, calculate: how much is your phone currently worth on the used market? If the repair costs more than half of that value, a refurbished phone is often worth it. A good deal is when the repair represents 30 or 40% of the current value.
You can also check your battery's condition at the same time you bring your phone in for screen repair. A battery degraded to more than 50% of its capacity, combined with a broken screen, can change the calculation.
FAQ
What is the price to replace a phone screen in Canada?
It depends on the model. For a standard Android, the cost is $100 to $200. For a recent iPhone, the price is between $200 and $400. An independent repair shop is generally cheaper than Apple or Samsung directly.
Is it worth repairing a broken screen?
Yes, in most cases, if your phone is less than 3 or 4 years old and only the screen is damaged, it can be repaired. Repair is faster, cheaper than a new phone, and you keep all your data.
Can you change only the glass without replacing the entire screen?
Sometimes, yes. If the image displays well and the touch works normally, only the protective glass is broken. This repair costs significantly less. A technician can confirm this with a simple diagnosis.
What are the disadvantages of having an independent repairer replace a screen?
Replacement parts can vary in quality depending on the supplier. A good repairer will offer you a guaranteed part and specify whether it's an original part or an equivalent. Don't hesitate to ask this question before confirming.
Is your screen broken and you want a quick diagnosis? Come see us at Le Dépôt Électronique, at 3335, rue Jean-Talon Est, in Montreal. We'll assess the situation for free and tell you exactly what needs to be done. You can also check out our selection of unlocked cell phones if you prefer to leave with a like-new device.
