Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Broken Phone?

8 Nov

The Short Answer: Usually, It’s Cheaper to Repair

If you’ve just cracked your screen or your phone’s stopped charging, you might be wondering — is it even worth fixing?

In most cases, yes. Repairing your phone is almost always cheaper than replacing it, especially if the damage is limited to one part like the screen, battery, or charge port.

At Phone Repair NZ, we see it every day — a quick, affordable repair can easily add another year or two of life to your phone.

Compare the Costs

Here’s a quick look at how repair prices stack up against replacement costs for popular models in Christchurch:

  
      Model
      Typical Repair (Screen)
      New Phone (Approx.)
    
      iPhone SE (2020)
      $99 – $120
      $499+
    
      iPhone 11
      $160 – $190
      $850+
    
      iPhone 13
      $250 – $320
      $1,200+
    
      Samsung A14
      $130 – $160
      $379+
    
      Samsung S21
      $280 – $350
      $1,100+

(Prices based on Christchurch retail averages, November 2025.)

As you can see, a screen repair costs a fraction of the price of a new phone — and in most cases, the performance is identical once repaired properly.

When Repair Makes More Sense

Repairing is nearly always the better choice when:

Your phone is still working fine apart from one issue (like the screen, battery, or speaker).
You’ve recently bought it or it’s still relatively new.
You’d rather avoid the hassle of transferring data and setting up a new device.

A repair can also preserve your existing apps, photos, and accounts — something that’s not always guaranteed when you switch phones.

When It Might Be Time to Replace

Sometimes replacement is the smarter option — for example, if your phone:

Has serious motherboard or water damage.
Is no longer receiving updates or security patches.
Is worth less than the cost of the repair itself.

If you’re not sure, we can run a diagnostic check and give you an honest recommendation — no pressure, no sales pitch.

The Environmental Bonus

Choosing to repair instead of replace is also the eco-friendly option.

Every repair reduces electronic waste and keeps another device out of landfill. Small actions, big impact.

Christchurch’s Honest Repair Option

At Phone Repair NZ, we’ll always tell you if a repair is worth it — or if it isn’t.

We use quality-tested parts, provide six-month warranties, and offer WINZ quotes, Afterpay, and payment card options to make repairs as stress-free as possible.

So before you spend hundreds on a new phone, drop by our Christchurch store for a quick quote — you might be pleasantly surprised.

Find Out If It’s Worth Fixing

Micah Morgan