Is it worth replacing a cracked screen?
Share
Whether it's worth replacing a cracked screen depends on several factors, including the condition of your device, your budget, and your long-term plans. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
When It's Worth Replacing a Cracked Screen
-
Device is Relatively New or Still in Good Condition
- If your Pixel device is relatively new (less than 2 years old) and the rest of the device is in good working condition, replacing the screen is usually worth it.
- You’ll keep your device in working condition for several more years, extending its useful life and delaying the need to buy a new phone.
- Value Retention: Repairing a cracked screen may allow you to resell the phone later for a higher value compared to a cracked device.
-
Cost of Repair vs. Cost of a New Device
- If the cost of a screen replacement is significantly lower than the price of a new phone, repairing the screen may be a good choice. For example, a $200 - $300 screen replacement is a lot cheaper than buying a new Pixel device, which could cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000.
- Additionally, some Pixel models may still be available at a lower price as refurbished devices, so replacing the screen might allow you to save money compared to purchasing a new model.
-
Warranty or Insurance Coverage
- If your device is still under warranty, or you have Google Preferred Care or device insurance, screen repairs might be significantly cheaper or even free.
- Google's Preferred Care plan covers accidental damage like cracked screens, which makes replacing the screen more cost-effective.
-
You Don't Mind the Device Age
- If your device is relatively old (3+ years), you might be less concerned about a repair and would rather extend its life. But keep in mind that other internal components (like the battery or the processor) may wear down as well, which could affect the long-term usability of the device.
When It May Not Be Worth Replacing a Cracked Screen
-
Cost of Repair is Too High
- If the cost of repairing the cracked screen is close to or exceeds the price of a new or refurbished device, it might not be worth repairing.
- For example, if a repair is $300, and a brand-new Pixel 7 or a refurbished Pixel 6 costs around the same amount, upgrading might be a better option.
-
You’re Not Attached to the Device
- If the cracked screen is causing significant usability issues, and you're already planning to upgrade to a new device soon, you might not want to invest in the repair.
- Temporary Solutions: If the crack doesn’t affect the functionality of the screen (such as responsiveness or visibility), you may choose to live with it until you're ready to upgrade.
-
The Device is Very Old
- For devices older than 3 years, the repair might not be worth it, especially if other components (e.g., battery, camera) are beginning to fail. Older devices may not receive software updates anymore, which could impact your overall experience.
Other Considerations:
-
Functional Impact:
- If the crack is causing screen unresponsiveness or issues with display quality, such as touch not registering or a rainbow effect, then replacing the screen becomes more urgent.
- Cosmetic Damage: If the crack is purely cosmetic and doesn't impact the device’s usability, it may not be worth replacing if you can live with the damage.
-
Safety:
- A cracked screen can create sharp edges and may be hazardous, so it might be worth replacing it for safety reasons, especially if you use your phone heavily.
Summary: When It’s Worth Replacing the Screen
Situation | Reason to Replace |
---|---|
Device is relatively new (<2 years) | Long-term value and performance retention |
Cost of repair is lower than a new device | A screen replacement is cheaper than buying a new phone |
Covered under warranty or insurance | Cost-effective repairs with minimal out-of-pocket cost |
You’re not ready to upgrade yet | Extend the device’s useful life |
Summary: When It’s Not Worth Replacing the Screen
Situation | Reason to Avoid Repair |
---|---|
Cost of repair is close to new device | The repair cost is too high compared to upgrading |
Device is old or outdated | The phone may soon need other repairs or updates |
The screen crack is not affecting functionality | The crack is only cosmetic and doesn’t impact usability |
Alternative Solutions: If you decide not to repair:
- Use a Screen Protector: If the crack is not causing functional issues, a screen protector can prevent further damage and make it less noticeable.
- Live with the Crack: If the device still works well and the crack doesn’t bother you, using it as-is could be a reasonable temporary option until you're ready to upgrade.
If you're considering screen repair pricing for a Pixel device or thinking about upgrading to a new device, here’s a breakdown of both options to help you decide which route is best.
Screen Repair Pricing for Pixel Devices
The cost of screen repairs for Pixel devices depends on the model, the repair service you choose, and whether the device is under warranty. Here's an overview of typical screen repair prices for popular Pixel models:
1. Google Pixel 5 / Pixel 5a
-
Repair Cost: Around $200 - $250
- Google Authorized Repair (Google support): $200 - $250 for screen replacement.
- uBreakiFix (Authorized Google Repair): Usually around $220 - $250.
- Independent Repair Shops: $150 - $200 depending on the location and parts.
- Repair Time: 1-3 hours for walk-in repairs at uBreakiFix or Best Buy Geek Squad. Typically 5-7 business days for Google mail-in repairs.
2. Google Pixel 6 / Pixel 6 Pro
-
Repair Cost: Around $250 - $300
- Google Authorized Repair (Google support): Typically $250.
- uBreakiFix (Authorized Google Repair): $250 - $290.
- Independent Repair Shops: $200 - $250.
- Repair Time: Same-day repairs are available at uBreakiFix and Best Buy Geek Squad. Mail-in services could take 5-7 business days.
3. Google Pixel 7 / Pixel 7 Pro
-
Repair Cost: Around $250 - $350
- Google Authorized Repair (Google support): $270 - $350 depending on model.
- uBreakiFix (Authorized Google Repair): $270 - $320.
- Independent Repair Shops: $250 - $300.
- Repair Time: 1-3 hours for local repairs or 5-7 business days for mail-in repairs.
4. Google Pixel 8 / Pixel 8 Pro
-
Repair Cost: Around $300 - $350
- Google Authorized Repair (Google support): $300 - $350.
- uBreakiFix (Authorized Google Repair): Around $300 - $350.
- Independent Repair Shops: $280 - $350.
- Repair Time: 2-3 hours for in-store repairs or 5-7 business days for mail-in repairs.
5. Google Pixel 4a / Pixel 4 XL
-
Repair Cost: Around $150 - $250
- Google Authorized Repair (Google support): Typically $150 - $200.
- uBreakiFix (Authorized Google Repair): $150 - $220.
- Independent Repair Shops: $130 - $200.
- Repair Time: Typically 1-3 hours for local repairs, 5-7 business days for mail-in.
Repair Services to Consider
-
Google Authorized Repair:
If your phone is under warranty or you prefer genuine parts, this is a great option. You'll receive official parts and be covered by Google’s repair warranty (usually 1-year).- Cost: The price for repair through Google can vary based on model but typically falls between $200 - $350.
- Mail-in: Expect 5-7 business days for repair turnaround time.
-
uBreakiFix (Authorized by Google):
Known for fast, quality repairs. Some locations offer same-day repairs.- Cost: $200 - $350 depending on model.
- Warranty: Includes a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
-
Best Buy Geek Squad:
Also an authorized Google repair center. They offer in-store repairs, but the cost can be a little higher than uBreakiFix in some cases.- Cost: $200 - $350.
- Warranty: Typically comes with a 1-year warranty.
-
Independent Local Repair Shops:
Local independent repair shops are often cheaper, but the quality can vary. Be sure to read reviews before proceeding.- Cost: $150 - $250 (depending on model and location).
- Warranty: Some shops offer 30-day to 6-month warranties on repairs.
When to Upgrade:
If you’re considering upgrading instead of repairing the screen, here are a few factors to consider:
1. Cost of Repair vs. Cost of Upgrade
-
If the repair cost is high (e.g., over $250 - $300) and your phone is older (e.g., Pixel 5 or Pixel 6), you might want to weigh the cost of the repair versus the cost of upgrading to a newer model.
For example:
- Pixel 6 (Refurbished) might cost around $350 - $450.
- Pixel 7 starts around $600, and Pixel 8 is priced around $700+ for new devices.
2. Device Age and Condition
- If your Pixel device is 3+ years old, you may start facing issues beyond the screen (e.g., battery, performance). Upgrading to a newer Pixel model will give you improved performance, battery life, and camera features.
3. Software Updates
- Newer models (Pixel 7 and above) will receive software updates for 5 years from release, whereas older devices (like the Pixel 5) may only get updates for 2-3 more years. If you need latest features or security updates, upgrading is a good option.
4. Trade-in Offers
- Many companies (including Google and Best Buy) offer trade-in programs where you can get money off your new device by trading in your old Pixel device.
- For example, Google often offers trade-in values for Pixel devices, ranging from $50 to $400 based on the model and condition.
Summary of Repair vs. Upgrade Decision
Criteria | Repair Option | Upgrade Option |
---|---|---|
Device Age | Worth it for devices < 2 years old | Consider upgrading if > 3 years old |
Repair Cost | $150 - $350 (depending on model) | Compare upgrade cost, usually $350 - $700 |
Software Updates | Keep if device supports updates for a while | Newer devices receive updates for 5+ years |
Functionality/Performance | Keeps device functional | Upgrading gives better performance and features |
Budget | Cheaper if cost of repair is under $300 | Trade-ins may lower cost, but still pricier than repair |
Next Steps
- Want to proceed with screen repair? Let me know which Pixel model you have, and I can help you find the best service options, costs, and warranty info.
- Considering upgrading? I can help you compare new devices and trade-in offers. If you want to know which Pixel model offers the best value for your needs, feel free to ask!