The steep price of mending a smartphone serves as a hindrance, nonetheless...
When a smartphone malfunctions, many individuals opt for a brand new purchase instead of taking it for repairs. However, repairs can often be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
A faulty smartphone often ends up gathering dust in a drawer, as many users are hesitant due to the perceived high repair costs or uncertainties about the repairability. But there are valid reasons to give your old phone another chance - not just for environmental reasons but also to save some cash.
Recent statistics by the TÜV Association reveal that only about one-third of Germans had their defective smartphones repaired in the last five years. The majority avoid the repairs due to fears of high costs or uncertainties about the repairability.
Individuals with DIY skills or confidence can often fix their devices themselves: replacement parts and repair guides are readily available online, as well as from manufacturers. For those who prefer professional help, repairs can be done at local workshops, via online service providers, or even directly by manufacturers. But the repair costs should not be close to the price of a new device, as the effort would not be worthwhile.
Consumer protection portal Mobilsicher.de provides a guide on how to proceed:
Utilize warranty and guarantees
Within the first two years after purchase, you should make use of the statutory warranty and hold the seller accountable for any defects. Alternatively, or after the two years have passed, it's worthwhile checking if the manufacturer offers any additional voluntary warranties.
Self-inflicted issues, such as water damage or display damage from a fall, are not covered by warranty and generally not covered by manufacturer guarantees.
Estimate and compare prices
If the retailer or manufacturer does not cover the repair, look for reputable and affordable repair services - both online and at local workshops, as well as through manufacturers or their partners. In fact, the cheapest service usually involves water damage cleaning, which costs around 30 euros. A new camera lens costs around 50 euros. A new battery, including installation, often costs between 50 and 100 euros. A display replacement can cost 100 euros or more.
Prepare for workshop visit and consultation
Armed with price information, you can also request a specific cost estimate from a workshop. In any case, it's crucial to discuss the exact repair process and whether the device will be inspected (which shouldn't cost more than 15 euros).
If parts need to be replaced, ask if they are new, refurbished, or original. This is particularly important for iPhone repairs, as Apple only activates new parts if they are original.
It's also important to back up all crucial data and then delete it (reset the device to its factory settings) to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of personal or sensitive data, in case something goes wrong during the repair and the phone is given or sent to the workshop unlocked.
Consider repair initiatives and repair bonuses
Repair cafes are an alternative solution between DIY and going to a professional shop, where experienced individuals or professionals help those in need with their knowledge and tools.
Noteworthy: Citizens residing in Thuringia receive a so-called repair bonus from the state. The bonus amounts to 50% of the repair invoice total (gross). A maximum of 100 euros per person per calendar year is available. The gross invoice total must be at least 50 euros. Exception: Those who purchase replacement parts for a repair café can also be reimbursed for invoices as low as 25 euros.
Repair bonuses are already available in cities such as Starnberg, Aschaffenburg, and Miltenberg. In Berlin, it is set to be available from September 2024.
Considering the advice given, if your smartphone is malfunctioning, it would be beneficial to explore repair options before resorting to a new purchase. Advisingly, utilize warranty and guarantees within the first two years of purchase, and estimate and compare repair prices from various sources to ensure affordability.
