Your phone screen cracked. Now you need to know what it will cost to fix. Phone screen repair costs vary widely based on your phone model, damage severity, and where you get it fixed. Understanding what drives these costs helps you make smart decisions and avoid overpaying for work that won’t last.
Let’s break down what affects screen repair pricing and what you should expect to pay.
What Determines Phone Screen Repair Cost
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay to fix your cracked screen. Knowing these helps you evaluate quotes and understand why prices differ between repair shops.
Your Phone Model Matters Most
Newer flagship phones cost more to repair than older models or budget devices. Modern telephones use advanced display technology with features like OLED screens, high refresh rates, and embedded fingerprint sensors. These components are expensive to replace.
Budget phones and models that are a few years old typically have more affordable repair costs. The display technology is simpler, and replacement parts cost less.
Display Technology Type
OLED and AMOLED screens cost more to replace than LCD screens. OLED displays produce better image quality with deeper blacks and vibrant colors, but the technology is expensive.
If your phone has an LCD screen, repair costs will be lower. If it has an OLED or AMOLED display, expect higher costs due to the premium components.
Extent of Screen Damage
Most modern phones require a complete display assembly replacement regardless of damage severity. A small corner crack needs the same repair as a completely shattered screen because the glass, digitizer, and display are bonded together.
But if moisture entered through cracks and damaged internal components, you’ll face additional costs. Water damage to the logic board, charging port, or other parts increases both component and labor expenses beyond just the screen.
Parts Quality Affects Price
Original manufacturer parts cost more than aftermarket alternatives. OEM parts match your phone’s factory specifications exactly and perform like the original screen.
Quality aftermarket parts can work well and cost less. But cheap aftermarket parts fail quickly, have poor color accuracy, and don’t feel right when touched. The difference in parts quality explains why some shops charge significantly less than others.
Average Phone Screen Repair Costs
Most people pay between $100 and $280 for professional phone screen repair at reputable shops. This covers quality replacement parts and skilled technician work.
iPhone Screen Repair Costs
iPhone screen repair typically ranges from $100 to $350, depending on the model. Older iPhones like the iPhone 8 cost around $100 to $150. Mid-range models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 typically cost $150 to $230. The newest iPhone 15 models can cost $250 to $350.
Apple Store repairs cost substantially more—often $279 to $379 for out-of-warranty screen replacements. Independent repair shops charge 30% to 50% less for the same work.
Samsung and Android Screen Repair Costs
Samsung Galaxy flagship phones typically cost $200 to $380 for screen repair. The curved AMOLED displays on premium models require specialized skills. Mid-range Galaxy A series phones cost $120 to $190.
Other Android brands vary widely. Google Pixel repairs typically range from $150 to $280. Budget brands like Motorola and LG usually cost $80 to $180 for screen repair.
Where You Get Your Phone Repaired
Location dramatically impacts both price and quality. Each repair option has specific advantages and disadvantages.
Manufacturer Service Centers
Apple Stores, Samsung service centers, and Google repair facilities charge premium prices for screen replacements. You get genuine parts and factory-trained technicians, but you’ll pay significantly more than at independent shops.
Appointments often require waiting several days. Many locations send phones to centralized repair facilities, so you might be without your device for a week or longer.
Local Independent Repair Shops
Independent repair shops typically offer the best value. They charge less than manufacturer centers while using quality parts and skilled technicians. Professional local repair shops usually complete repairs the same day, often within an hour.
Look for shops with strong reviews, BBB accreditation, clear warranty policies, and transparent pricing. These indicators show businesses are committed to quality work and customer satisfaction.
Mall Kiosks and Chain Stores
These locations advertise low prices, often $50 to $150, but achieve them by using the cheapest available parts. High employee turnover means inconsistent repair quality.
Screens from budget repairs frequently fail within months. You end up paying twice—once for the cheap repair, then again for proper repair after the first one fails.
Carrier Insurance Programs
Phone insurance through your carrier covers screen damage but requires monthly premiums of $10 to $15 plus deductibles when filing claims. Over two years, you’ll pay $240 to $360 in premiums before using insurance once.
Compare this total to out-of-pocket repair costs. Often, paying directly for repairs costs less overall.
DIY Screen Repair: Should You Do It Yourself
DIY screen repair kits cost $30 to $100 online and include replacement screens, basic tools, and instructions.
Phone disassembly requires specific techniques to avoid breaking delicate cables, stripping screws, or cracking internal components. Success rates are low for people without electronics repair experience.
Failed DIY attempts often cause additional damage beyond the original screen problem. You might damage Face ID sensors, fingerprint readers, cameras, or other delicate components.
Consider DIY only if your phone is old and worth little, you have previous electronics repair experience, and you accept the risk of total device failure. For most people, professional repair eliminates risk and ensures the work is done correctly.
How Long Phone Screen Repairs Take
Professional screen repairs typically take 30 to 60 minutes for common phone models. Local repair shops usually offer same-day service without appointments needed.
Apple Stores and Samsung centers often take 3 to 5 business days for repairs. They send phones to centralized facilities rather than fixing them on-site.
Uncommon phone models might require parts ordering, which adds 2 to 5 days to the repair timeline. Ask about parts availability when getting quotes.
Is Phone Screen Repair Worth It
Whether to repair or replace your phone depends mainly on the device’s age and current value.
For phones under two years old, repair almost always makes financial sense. A $200 screen repair on a phone worth $600 to $800 preserves significant value.
For phones two to three years old, compare the repair cost to your phone’s current resale value. If repair costs less than 40% of what your phone is worth, repair it. If repair approaches 50% or more, consider upgrading.
Phones over three years old often aren’t worth repairing unless the costs are very low. Also consider other issues beyond the cracked screen. Poor battery life, insufficient storage, slow performance—screen repair won’t fix these problems.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Some repair shops advertise attractive prices but add charges during the repair process.
Some shops charge $20 to $50 just to examine your phone. Quality shops include diagnosis in the repair cost or waive diagnostic fees when you proceed with work.
Advertised prices might cover parts only, with labor adding $40 to $80 separately. Some locations charge extra for same-day completion even though most screen repairs naturally take under an hour.
Get complete, all-inclusive pricing before authorizing any repair work. The quote should include parts, labor, and all fees with no surprise charges at pickup.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Repair Shop
Don’t select a repair shop based solely on price. Ask these questions to ensure you’re getting quality service.
The shop should clearly specify whether they use original manufacturer parts, refurbished OEM parts, or aftermarket parts. Vague language suggests lower-quality components.
Quality shops offer a minimum 90-day warranty on screen repairs. The best shops provide lifetime warranties on screen work. Limited or no warranty indicates low confidence in parts or workmanship.
Most screen repairs finish in under an hour. Confirm the price includes all parts, labor, taxes, and fees. Shops should contact you for approval before performing any work beyond what you authorized.
Protecting Your Screen After Repair
Once you’ve paid for the repair, take steps to prevent repeating the process.
Quality phone cases with raised edges protect screens when devices land face down. Cases absorb impact that would otherwise crack screens.
Tempered glass screen protectors absorb impact and crack instead of your actual screen. They cost $10 to $30 and are easy to replace.
Avoid keeping phones in back pockets where you might sit on them. Don’t place phones near table edges where they can fall. Keep phones secure in pockets or bags when moving around.
Get Professional Screen Repair Today
Cracked screens worsen over time. Damage spreads, moisture seeps through cracks, and internal components corrode. What starts as a screen problem becomes expensive internal damage requiring complex repairs.
Professional repair fixes the issue correctly the first time. You get your phone back working properly, typically the same day, with warranty protection if anything goes wrong.
Get a free quote from ABQ Phone Repair & Accessories for professional screen repair with certified technicians, quality parts, and a lifetime warranty on all screen replacements. Most repairs are completed quickly, and with our A+ BBB rating and flexible Acoma financing options, you can trust that you’re getting expert service at fair prices.
Stop using a damaged phone. Get it fixed right.
