Should I repair or replace my iPhone?
iPhones hold their value extremely well, which actually makes the repair-vs-replace question sharper: a battery swap can add years, but an out-of-warranty screen on an older model can cost as much as a refurbished newer phone. Here's how to think about it.
Common iPhone faults — and what's worth fixing
Honest verdicts based on typical repair costs vs. lifespan. Your specific quote and replacement price still drive the final answer — that's what the calculator does.
| Fault | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Battery health below 80% | Repair | Apple battery swaps are reasonably priced and can add 2+ years of comfortable use. |
| Cracked screen | Borderline — check quote vs. trade-in | On older models (iPhone 11 and earlier), a screen often costs more than the trade-in value. |
| Back glass cracked | Often replace or live with | Back glass repairs are notoriously expensive on iPhone 8 onwards. |
| Charging port not working | Repair | Often just a cleaning or a low-cost port swap. |
| Water damage | Usually replace | Even after drying, long-term reliability is often compromised. |
| Speaker / microphone fault | Repair | Modular fix on most models, cost-effective. |
Battery swap on a 2–4 year old iPhone: almost always do it. Out-of-warranty screen on a 5+ year old iPhone: usually trade in for a refurb instead.
That's the heuristic. The calculator does it properly — with your actual quote, live replacement prices, and confidence scoring.
Repair when…
- ·Phone is under 4 years old
- ·Fault is battery, port, speaker, or rear camera
- ·AppleCare+ or trade-in deal makes it cheap
- ·You depend on iMessage / contacts and don't want to migrate
Replace when…
- ·iPhone is 5+ years old and the screen or back glass is broken
- ·Water damage diagnosed
- ·Battery + screen + port all need work
- ·Trade-in value is close to repair cost
Run the numbers on your iPhone
We'll combine your repair quote, live replacement prices, lifespan, and reliability into one transparent recommendation — with confidence and next steps.
Open the calculatorFAQ
Is it worth replacing an iPhone battery?
Yes, almost always — it's one of the cheapest repairs and dramatically improves daily usability for 2+ more years.
How long should an iPhone last?
Apple supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5–6 years. With a battery swap, most iPhones stay genuinely usable for 5+ years.
Should I repair an iPhone with a cracked screen or trade it in?
If the trade-in value covers most of a refurbished newer model, that's usually the smarter call — you reset the battery clock and get a warranty.