Cracked screen. Dying battery. The repair shop quoted you a number, and now you’re stuck: fix it, or put that money toward a new phone? Here’s the quick framework repair techs actually use.
The 50% rule
If the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new phone, replacement usually wins. A $250 screen repair on a phone you could replace for $400? Borderline. The same $250 repair when a new equivalent costs $800? Fix it.
What broke matters more than you think
Worth fixing: cracked screen, worn battery, broken charging port. These are modular, common repairs with predictable costs — usually $30 to $150 for batteries, $100 to $300 for screens depending on the model.
Think twice: motherboard damage, water damage, or multiple failures at once. These repairs are expensive, less reliable, and often come with no guarantee the phone stays fixed.
Check the software clock
This is the one people forget. If your phone no longer gets security updates from the manufacturer, it’s a liability no matter how well it runs — no patch means no protection. iPhones typically get 5–6 years of updates; Samsung flagships now promise up to 7; budget Android phones may get only 2–3. A perfect repair on a phone with no updates left is money toward a dead end.
The 2-minute test
Ask yourself three questions:
1. Is the repair under half the cost of replacing it?
2. Will the phone still get software updates for at least another year?
3. Is it a single, straightforward fix (screen, battery, port)?
Three yeses: fix it. Two or more nos: start shopping.
Get your exact verdict
Rules of thumb are great, but your phone, your repair quote, and your situation are specific. Our calculator runs the 50% rule against your actual numbers and gives you a clear repair it or buy new answer in about a minute.
→ Should I repair my phone or buy a new one? Get your verdict
This article is educational only — not professional technical advice. Repair costs vary by model and region; always get a written quote before deciding.