Cracked screen or bad battery? Don’t upgrade yet! Our 2025 guide helps you decide between phone repair vs upgrade, comparing costs to show you which choice is cheaper and more sustainable.
When your phone starts to slow down, the screen is cracked, or the battery dies too quickly, you’re faced with a big decision: should you repair it or upgrade? As new flagship devices easily exceed £1,000, it’s more important than ever to understand the key differences between phone repairs and full upgrades.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- When it’s better to repair your phone
- When an upgrade makes more sense
- A cost comparison for repairing vs. a full upgrade
- The environmental and performance impacts
When Is It Better to Do Phone Repair vs Upgrade?
For most common issues on a phone that’s only a few years old, repairing is a far more affordable and practical choice.
Common affordable repairs:
- Screen Repair: From £70
- Battery Replacement: From £60
- Charging Port Repair: From £60
- Water Damage Repair: From £20
Compared to a £999+ new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, even multiple repairs cost a fraction of a new handset.
Benefits of repairing:
- Cost-Effective: It’s significantly cheaper than upgrading.
- Quick & Convenient: Most repairs can be done the same day, getting you back online faster.
- Keeps Your Data Intact: No need to transfer files, apps, or logins.
- Better for the Planet: Extending your phone’s life by just one year can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 30%, according to the European Environmental Bureau.
When Should You Upgrade Instead?
While repairing is often the best choice, sometimes an upgrade is the only logical step forward.
Upgrade if:
- Your phone no longer receives software updates (especially security patches).
- The repair cost is more than 50% of the device’s current secondhand value.
- Your device is extremely slow or lacks essential modern features like 5G or eSIM support.
- It has suffered irreparable damage (e.g., a bent frame) where the cost of repairing multiple major components is uneconomical compared to a replacement.
Cost Comparison: Repairing vs Upgrading in 2025
Let’s look at a real-world example using an iPhone 12 to see how the savings stack up against buying a new iPhone 15.
Option 1: Repair
- Screen repair + battery replacement at iSmash: £198
- Result: Your current phone is back to near-new performance.
Option 2: Upgrade
- New iPhone 15 (256GB): £999
- Result: A brand-new device, but at a significant cost premium.
By choosing to repair, you save £801, a substantial amount that stays in your pocket.
Sustainability: Repairing is the Greener Choice
Every new smartphone comes with a significant environmental footprint, including carbon-intensive manufacturing, mining of rare earth metals, packaging, and shipping costs.
This contributes to e-waste, which currently contributes to over 50 million tonnes of global waste each year. By repairing rather than replacing, you’re making a sustainable, low-carbon choice—and doing your part for the planet.
Final Verdict: What’s Right for You?
The decision is unique to your situation, but here’s a simple guide:
✅ Repair If…
- Your device is less than 3-4 years old.
- It has minor, fixable issues like a broken screen or poor battery.
- You want a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly solution.
❌ Upgrade If…
- Your device is old and has fundamental performance issues.
- It no longer receives crucial security updates from the manufacturer.
- The repair cost is disproportionately high compared to its value.
In summary, if you have a relatively new phone with common damage, repairing it is the smarter financial and environmental choice.
Need a Repair? We’ve Got You.
At iSmash, we offer:
- Expert, express repairs for Apple, Samsung, Google & more.
- Nationwide walk-in and courier service.
- A lifetime warranty on all our repairs.
Book a repair online today and save money without replacing your phone.
FAQs: Repair or Upgrade?
1. How much is a screen repair?
A screen repair typically costs between £70 and £300, depending on your model. It’s a huge saving compared to buying a brand-new phone.
2. Is replacing my phone’s battery worth it?
Yes, it’s one of the best value repairs. For around £60-£100, a new battery can solve battery life problems and make your phone feel new again.
3. When is my phone too old to fix?
It’s time to upgrade if your phone no longer gets security updates (usually after 5-6 years), or if a repair costs more than half of what the phone is currently worth.
4. How does repairing my phone help the planet?
Repairing your phone reduces e-waste and cuts down on the carbon emissions from manufacturing a new device. It’s a simple way to make a positive environmental impact.
5. Does a repair void my phone’s warranty?
Using an authorized service won’t void your warranty. A third-party repair might, but a good repair shop will always provide its own warranty on the parts and labour.