Which Mobile Devices Are Worth Repairing?

This is a question that is asked quite often when it comes to mobile device repair, and it’s being asked with increasing frequency as Techs are seeing budget devices at very low prices being introduced into the consumer market.

This isn’t the sort of question that would be answered by a long list of devices, because it would have to be updated every few weeks because new devices are appearing more and more often now, and others are becoming obsolete.

However, with the help of a few considerations, and a few answers from the client, you’ll be able to determine by looking at any mobile device whether or not it is worth repairing, and you won’t need a list, because these factors will probably never change when it comes to mobile devices. Just remember three factors: value, age, and cost of parts and labor. If the device is still under warranty or an insurance policy, take a look at this article here.

1. Cost of the Mobile Device

What was initially paid for the device, if it is only a couple months old? If it is a couple years old, how much is a used device of the same model number on Ebay? Is the device in good condition, or does it look like someone took a sandblaster to the screen and the case and performed liquid spill testing on it? If it’s already in rough shape, determine that into the value variable you’ve gotten from online retailers or auction websites.

If it is much older than that, it may not be worth repairing, of course, depending on the next two factors of age and cost of repair. Why?

2. Age of the Device

As mobile technology evolves, the content that is served to the device evolves as well, an example of which is how very old websites usually appear very small on modern display resolutions, and they often look extremely plain and basic.

For example, while many Android devices with versions below ICS are still in the hands of consumers, there are apps being developed that are not compatible with anything below ICS, which means the consumer will eventually have to unlock their device and flash a newer Android version ROM, or they will have to discard the old device if they want to use any new apps.

While the operating system of the device is important, the initial value of the device is also important regarding the age. For instance, if the initial retail value of the device is quite low compared to other devices in the same size range, age is even more important because the lower retail price indicates lower quality, and lower quality means it won’t last as long.

As a case in point, one major retailer just offered a budget tablet with exceptional features for the price late in 2014, but many of the devices ceased to operate within a few weeks of consumers getting the devices into their hands. While this example exaggerates this point, this is something you’ll need to consider when looking at budget devices and their age.

3. Cost of Parts and Labor

Next you’ll need to find the parts, if any, that need replacement on the device. How much will you need to pay, including tax and shipping? The older the device, the rarer the replacement parts will be, as a general rule, although I have seen huge lots of obsolete PDA parts on Ebay occasionally, more than a decade after they were in common use, so that may not be such a problem with mobile devices at this point in time.

How long will it take you to repair the device? If you’re not familiar with this particular model, have you researched the particulars of disassembly and repair? From that, you can estimate how much labor you’ll be charging for the device. If you have a set fee per mobile device repair type, hopefully the replacement part cost is covered in that as well as your labor cost.

Factor Everything In

Now that you have considered the 3 main factors, what is the estimated value of the device given the initial retail price, the current price for a used device in similar condition, and it’s age? Secondly, what is the cost of parts and labor? How much does the cost of repair compare to the value of the device?

Here is where the decision becomes more complex, because we’ve only factored in the static value of the device. What we haven’t factored in is the value of the device to the client. Was it a gift? Does it have treasured memories stored in digital format that weren’t backed up and aren’t accessible until it is repaired? Don’t ask them how much they’re willing to pay to fix the device, but give them the estimate and let them decide. Assure them that you are trying to determine whether the cost of the repair will be a better value to them than replacing the device.

They may not have a backup of all their numerous apps and app data, or their personal pictures and documents, and they don’t have the time or want to go to the trouble of doing it all again on a new device, and they would rather pay extra just to get their device back how it was before it was damaged.

With older devices, not only could it suffer damage due to age while you’re repairing it, because the components or the case have become brittle, but it could be at the end of its lifespan anyway, and the client will be putting money into a device that is going to fail within the next year, and is becoming obsolete anyway. They’ll also have an older operating system which will be less compatible as time goes by with newer apps. Explain all of this to them, and the final decision on whether or not the repair is worth it will be theirs.

If you have any tips on factors you think are important regarding mobile device repair, drop a comment below, we’d love to hear it!