Many people wonder if it is worth spending the money to fix a broken iPhone. I want to clarify any misconceptions people may have about the value of iPhone repairs. It is always smart to fix a broken iPhone even if you plan to trade it in for a 4th Generation model.
Let’s start with some facts about the actual cost of an iPhone. Many readers are aware that the true cost of an iPhone is not what you paid at AT&T or in the Apple store when you signed a 2 year contract. AT&T will reduce the price you paid for a 2-year contract. This is because they are asking you to stay with them for an additional 2 years. This subsidized price can only be granted if you’re eligible for an upgrade, which is approximately every 12-20 month. If you visited an AT&T store or Apple store, and did NOT sign any contract, the actual retail price for the 4th Generation iPhone is $600 for a 16gb model and $700 for 32gb models. A 3GS iPhone 8GB of memory will cost you around $500.
AT&T offers an “Early Update” for iPhones. The customer can purchase a new iPhone before their next upgrade date by signing up for a NEW 2-year contract. The new 2-year contract would offer a different subsidized rate (and yes, there are special limitations). Also, the Early Upgrade prices can be very expensive. A 4th Generation iPhone will cost you $400 for a 16gb model and $500 for a 32gb model. A 3GS iPhone 8GB of memory would cost $300.
Most people don’t realize that their phone can be repaired in most cases. This is a frustrating problem for iPhone repair businesses. Customers bring in their broken phones to AT&T to find a solution. They are often led to believe they have to purchase a new iPhone at a high price. This is money that Apple and AT&T have in their bank accounts. The only way to get your device back is to purchase a new one. An iPhone that has been damaged is not worth the risk. It is totally worth the money to repair your iPhone. Any other option would be to buy a new car if you are in a minor traffic collision.
Most repairs for iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS are affordable at less than $100. This means that you can save more than $200 by repairing your iPhone instead of upgrading early. The price for repairs to the iPhone 4 is $200. This is $200 more than buying a new device at an early upgrade price.
If your iPhone 4 is damaged, you can still upgrade to a new iPhone 4 for $200-300 with a 2 year contract. It is worth spending the money to fix the broken iPhone, even if you have the option of upgrading? Absolutely. Yes. You can invest in your device and then sell it at the subsidized rate for the same or even more. These phones are in good condition and sell for more than $200. You can either dispose of the iPhone that is damaged or give it to someone who will fix it and resell it.
It is always economically to repair any damaged device, regardless of whether you intend to sell it.