Four ways to avoid breaking the bank when getting your phone repaired
NOKIA has designed a smart-phone that allows owners to carry out DIY fixes.
But smashed screens and broken batteries can still be a big headache for the rest of us.
Follow these steps to keep your smartphone repair costs in check . . .
THIRD-PARTY PARTS: Opting for parts from a phone manufacturer, such as Apple, can push up the cost of repairs.
Replica parts usually work just as well and can be considerably cheaper.
For example, an iPhone 12 screen replacement costs £289 at Apple, compared to £169 at iSmash for its standard screen.
SHOP AROUND: There are many different repair specialists, with prices that vary considerably. It is worth comparing a few companies to find the best value, which will depend on your phone model and the repair needed.
I found an iPhone 12 screen repair coming in at £84.99 at Bournemouth shop Phones Rescue (phonesrescue.co.uk), where you can courier in broken devices.
Using this service would save £84.01 on iSmash and £204.01 on Apple, not including postage costs.
I also looked at Timpson, which charged £179.95 for the fix.
AVOID GETTING HANDY: Nokia is not the only phone maker enabling users to carry out repairs.
Apple customers can buy parts, as well as rent or buy tools, from the Apple-authorised Self Service Repair Store (selfservicerepair.eu/en-GB/home).
But by the time you buy parts and rent the tool kit for an iPhone 12 screen repair you are looking at £337.34. It is also extremely fiddly and not for the faint-hearted.
THINK AHEAD: Protecting your phone is a far cheaper option than repairing it. Phone cases often cost less than £10.
It’s also worth putting a screen protector in place. Argos sells an iPhone 12 glass screen protector for £9.99.
Apple offers an UltraGlass screen protector, £34.95, which it claims is stronger than tempered glass.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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