2024-08-16 10:21:14
Instead of buying new
Broken smartphone? That’s why a repair is twice as worthwhile
Updated on 16.08.2024 – 08:50Reading time: 3 min.
Many people prefer to replace their broken smartphone rather than have it repaired. But repairs are often more environmentally friendly and can save money.
According to a recent survey by the TÜV association, only about one in three Germans has had a defective smartphone repaired in the last five years. The majority do not do so for fear of high costs or uncertainty about repairability.
If you have experience or feel confident, you can often take care of your device yourself: spare parts and instructions can no longer only be found somewhere on the internet, but are increasingly available directly from the manufacturers.
However, many people prefer to have the phone repaired. This can be done at a local workshop, via an online service provider or even from the manufacturer. Depending on the age of the phone, the repair costs should of course not be too close to the new price of the device – otherwise the effort is hardly worth it.
The consumer protection portal “Mobilsicher.de” has drawn up a roadmap with four tips on how to proceed:
Within the first two years after purchase, you should make use of the statutory warranty, i.e. hold the seller responsible in the event of defects. Alternatively, or after the two years have passed, it is worth checking whether the manufacturer may voluntarily offer a more extensive guarantee.
Defects caused by the user, such as water damage or a broken display after a fall, are not covered by the warranty and are generally not covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee.
If dealers or manufacturers do not pay for repairs or no longer pay for them, you should look for good and affordable offers – online and at local workshops, or from the manufacturer or its repair partner.
One of the cheapest services for many models is usually cleaning after water damage, which often costs around 30 euros. For example, a new camera glass can be had for around 50 euros. A new battery, including installation, often costs between 50 and 100 euros. Replacing the display can quickly cost 100 euros or more.
In the repair shop, it is important to discuss exactly what is to be done and whether the device should be looked at. In the best case, this is free of charge – but the maximum charge should be 15 euros.
When it comes to parts that need to be replaced, it is best to inquire whether they are new or recycled or original parts. The latter is essential, at least when repairing iPhones. This is because Apple checks new parts and only activates them if they are original.
Something can always go wrong during a repair. The phone often has to be unlocked and handed in or sent to the workshop. It is therefore important to back up all important data and then delete it (reset the device to factory settings). This way, no one can view or misuse personal or sensitive data.
If you don’t want to send your phone in, but don’t feel confident enough to repair it yourself, you can go to a repair café. There, professionals or more experienced hobbyists are on hand with their know-how and tools.
Good to know: Citizens who live in Thuringia receive a so-called repair bonus from the state. The bonus is 50 percent of the amount (gross) of the repair bill. The maximum amount per person is 100 euros per calendar year. The gross invoice amount must be at least 50 euros. Exception: Anyone who buys spare parts for the Repair Café can have invoices starting at 25 euros reimbursed.
There is already a repair bonus in cities such as Starnberg, Aschaffenburg and Miltenberg. In Berlin, this bonus will be available from September 2024.