Hey there, tech-savvy readers!
Have you ever experienced the gut-wrenching feeling of dropping your beloved iPhone and seeing a spiderweb of cracks across the screen?
We feel your pain.
In this blog post, we’ll be diving into the age-old debate of whether it’s better to repair or replace your cracked Apple LCD screen. With so many options out there, from DIY repair kits to professional services, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best solution for your damaged device.
So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s unpack the pros and cons of Apple LCD repair versus replacement.
LCD Repair:
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Repairing the existing LCD can be more budget-friendly than a full replacement. Repairing the LCD means fixing the specific damaged area, which is often less expensive than replacing the entire screen. You pay only for the necessary repairs rather than a brand-new LCD screen.
- Preserve Original Components: Repairing the screen means you retain the original components. When you repair the existing LCD, you retain the original components that came with your phone. This can be important for those who value authenticity and want to maintain the phone’s integrity.
- Faster Turnaround: If time is a factor that you are considering, repairing the screen allows you to get your phone back sooner than if you had it completely replaced.
- Eco-Friendly: By repairing, you contribute to reducing electronic waste. Reducing electronic waste involves several strategies. When you repair your existing screen, you extend its lifespan and prevent the need for a new screen assembly. This would normally contribute to electronic waste. By choosing to repair instead of replace, you also reduce the number of discarded screens in landfills. This means that you
- minimise the environmental impact. Also, repairing devices aligns with the concept of a circular economy. A circular economy promotes reuse and sustainability. It’s a step toward breaking the cycle of constant consumption and disposal.
Cons:
- Limited to Minor Damage: This option is only an option for minor cracks or minor damage. Damage that is for example the whole screen may not be fixable. This means that if you wanted to choose this option just because it is cheaper, it wouldn’t be a good option because it can’t be fixed.
- Risk of Further Damage: If not done by an authorised technician, there’s a risk of other issues. Professionals are called professionals for a reason. They know what they are doing. So, if you choose rather to do a repair, which is a cheaper option, don’t fear using a little extra cash to do it by a professional. Fixing it by a non-professional can cost more in the long run.
- No Warranty Extension: Repairing the screen doesn’t extend your warranty. While repairing your existing screen has environmental benefits, it’s essential to be aware that it doesn’t impact your warranty coverage. If your device is still under warranty, consider this aspect before opting for repair. Remember that supporting local repair services not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the sustainability of skilled technicians and businesses in your community.
LCD Replacement:
Pros
- Comprehensive Solution: When you get a replacement LCD you’re getting a brand-new screen. This means that any damage that you might have already had, will automatically be fixed (because it will be replaced.) This means that you will have no damage at all.
- Warranty Extension: Most phones provide a 90-day warranty on replacements. In the rare case that your LCD screen breaks within 90 days of buying your new phone, you will still have a warranty. So, any replacements will be up to the company to fix and you won’t necessarily need to pay for it.
- Quality Assurance: Authorised service centres ensure proper installation. This is true only if you use the company or another well-built foundation to fix it.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a pristine screen. This peace of mind does not come with simply repairing a screen.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Replacements are more expensive than repairs. And why wouldn’t it be, it is a whole new LCD screen, not only the repair of a section or part of the screen.
- Time-Consuming: The process takes longer to fix because of the need for a new screen.
- Loss of Original Components: The replaced screen won’t be original. It is most likely going to be an ‘off-brand screen’, meaning it won’t be an original Samsung or iPhone screen.
- Environmental Impact: New screens contribute to electronic waste. This is because the old, damaged LCD screen needs to be discarded.
Additional considerations:
- Device Age: Older phones may be more prone to issues. Consider whether it’s worth investing in repairing an older phone. If your phone is due for an upgrade or if the software might be outdated. Maybe buying a new or refurbished phone is a better option.
- Sentimental Value: If your phone holds sentimental value or has unique features, repairing it might be more meaningful than replacing it.
How to prevent screen damage
- Avoid Static Images: LCD burn, a permanent display issue, happens when static images remain on the screen for extended periods. To prevent this:
- Change Wallpapers: Regularly update your wallpapers or screensavers to avoid long exposure to the same image. This will help the image not ‘burn’ into your screen.
- Screen Timeout: Set shorter screen timeout intervals to minimise static display time. This will help reduce the amount of light that your screen gives off.
- Screen Protectors: Apply a high-quality screen protector to shield against scratches, impacts, and minor accidents. These can help to lower the chances of your LCD screen getting damaged from falls or knocks.
- Protective Cases: Invest in a sturdy protective case that absorbs shock and provides an extra layer of defence. It will help add protection on top of the screen protector.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Long periods of exposure to direct sunlight can cause screen damage. Keep your phone away from intense heat sources.
- Moderate Temperature: Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can affect LCD screens. Store your phone in a moderate environment. Sudden shifts from warm to cold (or vice versa) can also cause condensation inside the phone. That is why it is best to allow it to acclimate gradually.
- Clean Gently: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the screen. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
- Avoid Pressure: Don’t press too hard on the screen during touch interactions. The pressure can cause you to damage your LCD screen. LCD screens are made up of layers. There is the glass or plastic outer layer, the liquid crystal layer, and backlight components. Excessive pressure can cause these layers to separate or crack. Which means you would need to replace it.
