Cracked your screen and wondering if fixing it is worth it? You’re not alone. Let’s break down what it actually costs, and whether it’s smarter to repair or replace.
Most phone screen replacements cost between $50–$300, depending on your device’s brand, model, and screen type. iPhones and flagship Android phones are usually more expensive.
Not all phones cost the same to repair—and in some cases, buying a new phone might make more sense than repairing your old one. I’ll show you what to consider.
How much will it cost to change the screen of a phone?
You just dropped your phone face down, and now the screen looks like shattered glass art. What’s the real damage—to your wallet?
A typical screen replacement costs $50–$300, with iPhones and high-end Androids on the more expensive side.
Factors that change the price
| Phone Model Type | Estimated Screen Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget Android phones | $50–$100 |
| Mid-range Android phones | $100–$180 |
| High-end Android phones | $150–$300 |
| iPhones (recent models) | $150–$329 |
- Older phones usually cost less to repair—but screen parts may be harder to find.
- iPhones and flagship Samsung models tend to be most expensive, especially if OLED or curved screens are involved.
- Third-party repair shops might charge 30–50% less than the manufacturer, but quality varies.
Whether you choose official or third-party repair depends on your budget, warranty status, and risk tolerance.
How much does it cost to replace a screen on a mobile phone?
Maybe the display works, but the cracks are spreading. You might be wondering if it’s time to act.
Replacing a mobile phone screen can cost anywhere from $50 to $329 depending on the model and repair method.
More details on pricing differences
Type of screen
- LCD screens (older or cheaper phones): Cheaper to replace.
- OLED screens (iPhones, Samsung Galaxy): More expensive, especially if curved.
- Foldable screens: These can cost over $400, depending on the model.
Where you get it fixed
| Repair Option | Typical Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer service | More expensive, often $200+ |
| Local shop | Often 20–40% cheaper |
| DIY repair kits | Cheapest, risky if unskilled |
Location & availability
In big cities, more repair options drive prices down. In smaller towns, fewer repair shops might mean higher prices or longer wait times.
If your phone is a niche or older model, screen parts might cost more or take longer to arrive.
Is it cheaper to replace a phone screen or buy a new one?
You just got the quote—$250 for a screen. But your phone is a 2-year-old model worth $280 online. Is it even worth it?
If the repair costs less than 50–60% of your phone’s value, screen replacement is usually cheaper than buying a new phone.
Let’s do the math
| Phone Model | Screen Repair Cost | Refurbished Price | Repair Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | ~$279 | ~$400 | Maybe |
| Galaxy S22 | ~$250 | ~$360 | Maybe |
| iPhone 11 | ~$199 | ~$300 | Likely yes |
| Galaxy A32 | ~$90 | ~$150 | Definitely yes |
So yes—it depends. If your phone is still powerful, and repair costs are reasonable, it's often better to fix it.
But if your phone is older, sluggish, or nearing obsolescence, buying new or refurbished may be smarter long-term.
How expensive is it to change a phone screen?
Let’s be real: screen repair can be unexpectedly expensive, especially for newer or premium models. But what’s “expensive” really mean?
Expensive usually means $250 or more, especially for OLED, curved, or foldable screens. Entry-level phone repairs are far cheaper.
What makes it so pricey?
Screen technology
- OLED screens (Samsung, iPhones): More vibrant, but costlier to make and fix.
- Curved or edge screens: More labor-intensive to replace.
- Foldables: Complex and delicate, costing $400+ to repair.
Manufacturer control
- Brands like Apple or Samsung often lock parts or require certified repair tools.
- This raises third-party repair costs and limits who can do the job.
Complexity of disassembly
- Phones are getting slimmer, with more glue and fewer screws.
- That makes repairs harder, riskier, and more expensive.
If you’re paying $300+ to fix a screen, you should compare that to the cost of buying a used or refurbished version of the same phone.
Conclusion
Replacing a mobile phone screen costs anywhere from $50 to $329+, depending on the phone’s make, model, and where you get it fixed. For budget and mid-range phones, it’s usually cheaper to replace the screen. But for expensive repairs on older phones, buying a new or refurbished device might be a better choice.
