What makes screen repairs expensive?
- High-quality screens:
You’ll find the big brand phones use a higher quality screen — an AMOLED or OLED screen — while other lesser-known brands may use LCD screens which are not as good. These higher-quality screens make for a better user experience as the picture is clearer and the colors are brighter. Unfortunately, because they are of such high quality, they cost a lot to manufacture. This then means they are expensive to replace.
- Preassembled screens:
Many phone screens that are used to replace damaged screens come preassembled. This makes it easier to replace the phone screen and minimises the chance of something going wrong. But it does also up the cost of the repair or replacement. This is because there are labor costs that need to be covered.
- The OEM trap:
Unfortunately, there are few options when it comes to replacing or repairing damaged screens. Typically, people want a high-quality product so it is hard to undercut the original phone manufacturer and their OEM parts (original equipment manufacturer). This is an advantage for phone manufacturers. They do essentially have the market cornered and can charge what they like.
This then is why it can seem more cost-effective to replace your Samsung or iPhone than bother with screen repair. It is more beneficial for the company to sell you another phone, rather than repair the one you have. And as it is expensive to repair the phone, you’re more likely to pay a little more for a brand new phone altogether. This way you can avoid being without a phone for a long period of time as well as get an upgrade.
How to avoid needing screen repairs
There’s no fool-proof way to avoid screen repairs entirely, but you can take steps to minimise the likelihood of needing to get your phone screen repaired.
- Take extra care:
Be cautious about how you use your phone. This includes paying attention to where you leave your phone, like not leaving it on the edge of a table where it could easily be knocked off. You should also avoid leaving your phone alone with young children, or carrying it in your back pocket where it can easily fall out.
- Protect your phone:
There are lots of accessories you can buy for your phone that help keep it safe. Get yourself a good phone case that can withstand drops and absorb the impact away from your screen. You should complement this with a quality screen protector. If you drop your phone, the screen protector will break, rather than your screen.
Invest in phone insurance
Think about what you need from the insurance plan and compare policies to make sure you get the best deal. Also, you may already have phone insurance but not be aware of it. If you bought your phone on a plan or contract, insurance may be included as part of this. Check any documentation you have from when you got your phone to see.
Additionally, if you have contents insurance, your phone may also be covered. This insurance may only be valid if your phone is damaged in or stolen from your home, or it may apply to your phone wherever it is. Again, check your current policy to see if your phone is already covered.
Conclusion
A smartphone is a necessity for many of us now, so it can be frustrating when it costs so much to repair the screen. However, now you understand why it costs so much to repair a phone screen, you will appreciate why it’s best to put good phone care tactics in place. Make sure you look after your phone and get phone insurance to make screen repairs less of a painful experience.
