With tablets becoming increasingly popular and affordable, more people than ever own and rely on tablets for work, school, entertainment, communication, and more. As with any electronic device, tablets can break or stop functioning properly over time. When this happens, a common dilemma is deciding whether to repair the tablet or replace it entirely.
This decision requires comparing the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of repair versus replacement. Key factors to consider include expense, convenience, data security, warranty coverage, repair quality, resale value, environmental impact, and individual repair skills. The choice ultimately depends on personal needs and priorities. This article weighs the pros and cons of tablet repair versus replacement to help device owners make an informed decision.
Cost Comparison
Repairing a tablet is often much cheaper than buying a replacement, especially for common issues like a cracked screen. According to Yelp, the average cost to replace a tablet’s screen is $50-75 (Source). This is significantly less than the cost of purchasing a new tablet, which can range from $100 for a basic model to over $1,000 for a high-end device. Electronics.CostHelper estimates that replacing glass on a tablet screen costs approximately $100-200 depending on the model (Source). While not insignificant, this repair cost is still far less than replacing the entire tablet.
For other minor repairs like replacing a faulty battery, improving storage, or fixing buttons, the costs are typically under $100 according to repair shops. More extensive damage or motherboard issues can run higher, but are often still less than buying a brand new tablet. When weighing the costs, repairs make sense financially for tablets that otherwise work well and are not extremely outdated.
Convenience
Getting a tablet repaired can often be much more convenient than replacing it entirely. Repairs typically take 1-2 weeks on average according to most repair shops. For example, Quick Mobile Repair states that their average turnaround time is just 2-5 days for most repairs [1]. This is much faster than having to back up your data, reset your tablet, and restore everything on a new device.
The repair process is also fairly simple – you can often mail your tablet to a repair shop or visit a local store for walk-in service. Samsung specifically cites that most tablet screen repairs take about 1 hour [2]. So you can minimize time and effort needed versus buying a replacement.
Overall, getting your tablet repaired requires less effort than replacing, with a short 1-2 week turnaround in most cases. This makes repair a convenient option to quickly get your tablet working again.
Data Security
Some users are hesitant to get their tablet repaired because they worry about the data security implications. If the repair involves replacing core components like the motherboard, screen, or storage, the repair shop will often need to transfer data off the tablet and then back onto it after the repair.
According to one Reddit user, if the tablet has a broken screen that prevents accessing data normally, it’s best to take it to a professional data recovery service instead of a standard repair shop. They said “Quickly research data recovery/micro soldering repair shops in your area and pick the one with the best reviews. Take it to them asap and get your data recovered before any repair is attempted.” (Source)
Professional data recovery services like Gillware specialize in safely removing data from damaged devices. Their technicians can often recover data even when software solutions have failed. (Source)
However, there is still a small chance of permanent data loss if the tablet has been “securely erased” or uses advanced encryption. According to software company NewSoftwares.net, “While [secure erase] is designed for thorough data protection, the slim chance of recovery depends on the device’s memory structure and the efficiency of the data recovery software.” (Source)
Warranty Impact
One question many consumers have is whether getting their tablet repaired will void the manufacturer’s warranty. The answer is that it depends on the repair and who performs it.
According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the United States, manufacturers cannot void a warranty simply because a third-party repair was performed unless they can prove the repair caused the damage being claimed under warranty. However, if you damage something while attempting a DIY repair, that would not be covered.
“According to this act, manufacturers cannot void a warranty simply because the consumer opted for repairs or services from an independent third party. The warranty remains valid unless it can be proven that the third-party repairs or services caused damage to the product,” (Source).
So getting a repair done by a qualified repair shop likely won’t void your tablet’s warranty. But attempting a complex repair yourself can if you cause damage. Check your manufacturer’s policy and local laws to be sure.
Quality of Repair
When it comes to the quality of tablet repairs, the data shows mixed results compared to purchasing a brand new device. According to a study by the Open Repair Alliance, 42% of repaired tablets exhibited no faults after being repaired during community repair events. However, 26% developed minor faults and 32% developed major faults after repair.
This indicates that while repairs can often fix issues successfully, there is a significant chance that new problems may arise or the original issue may reoccur. Factors like the repair technician’s skills and the availability of quality parts likely impact success rates.
For minor issues like cracked screens, repair quality and longevity may match or exceed that of a new device. But for more complex repairs involving components like batteries and logic boards, quality can suffer compared to factory conditions.
Ultimately, those considering repair need to weigh the risks of inconsistent quality against the benefits of extending a device’s usable lifespan. And right to repair legislation aims to improve access to parts and information that could improve repair quality.
Resale Value
When deciding whether to repair a tablet, it’s important to consider how repairing it may impact the device’s resale value. In general, repaired devices do not retain as much value as brand new or refurbished devices.
According to SellCell, used and refurbished tablets can still fetch 50-60% of their original retail price if they are in good condition. However, tablets that have been repaired, especially by a third-party or uncertified technician, typically have a lower resale value. This is because buyers may be wary that the repair was low quality or compromised the integrity of the device in some way.
Sites like Reebelo and eBay show that professionally refurbished tablets retain more value than repaired ones. So if you are considering repair mainly to resell the tablet later, it’s generally better to sell it as-is and put funds toward buying a certified refurbished replacement.
Overall, a repaired tablet will likely fetch a lower resale price compared to never having been damaged. This loss in value should be factored into the decision to repair versus replace.
Environmental Impact
Replacing and disposing of tablets generates a significant amount of electronic waste, creating environmental problems. According to Electronic Waste Facts from the The World Counts, we generate around 40 million tons of electronic waste every year worldwide. Much of this electronic waste ends up landfilled or incinerated, releasing toxins and harmful chemicals into the environment. With 151 million mobile phones discarded each year in the US alone according to a ZDNet article, the waste from all mobile devices including tablets is enormous. Repairing a tablet instead of discarding it reduces its environmental impact and lessens the stream of hazardous e-waste.
Repair Skills
Many basic tablet repairs can be done at home by the owner with minimal tools and technical expertise. According to Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering DIY Cell Phone Repairs!, common DIY tablet repairs include:
- Replacing a cracked screen
- Replacing the battery
- Fixing software and performance issues
- Fixing physical damage like dents
More advanced repairs like motherboard issues may require professional assistance. But for many tablet owners, acquiring a few specialized tools like screwdrivers and following online repair guides can enable fixing basic issues themselves. This avoids downtime shipping tablets to a repair shop and can save on technician labor costs.
Overall, tablets are designed to make many components user-serviceable. With preparation and care, owners can likely handle some repairs on their own, especially with guidance from repair websites like iFixit.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to repair or replace a tablet, there are several key factors to weigh:
- Cost – Repairs may seem cheaper in the short-term but could add up over time versus replacing the tablet.
- Convenience – Repairs require being without the tablet for some time versus getting a replacement right away.
- Data security – Repair shops may not guarantee data protection like a replacement under warranty.
- Warranty impact – Repairs often void any existing warranty coverage.
- Repair quality – Third party repairs may not match OEM quality and lifespan.
- Resale value – Repairs can diminish resale value versus an undamaged device.
- Environmental impact – Repair extends the tablet’s useful life keeping it out of landfills.
Evaluating these key factors will help determine if a tablet repair is worth the time, cost and effort compared to replacement.