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Decision Guides

Repair or replace? The practical device math

Use replacement value, repair cost, data value, and safety risk to decide.

Direct answer: Repair usually makes sense when the quote is less than about half the cost of a comparable replacement and the device still meets your needs. Replace when the repair approaches replacement cost, the device is unsupported, or the failure is unsafe or likely to repeat.

The right answer is not always “fix it.” A good repair quote should help you decide, not pressure you into spending money.

The 50% rule

Compare the repair quote to the cost of a similar used or refurbished replacement, not the original retail price. If the repair is under 50% of that replacement cost, it is often worth considering.

Reasons repair can still make sense

  • The device has important photos, files, 2FA apps, or work data.
  • You know the device history and do not want someone else's used problem.
  • The repair is simple: screen, battery, charging port, SSD, fan, or cleanup.
  • The replacement would require setup time, migration, accessories, or downtime.

Reasons replacement may be smarter

  • The device is no longer getting security updates.
  • Multiple major parts failed at once.
  • There is liquid/board damage and the outcome is uncertain.
  • The repair cost gets too close to the value of a better replacement.
Bench note: I would rather tell you not to repair something than take money for a bad-value job. Trust is worth more than one repair ticket.
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