Having a water damaged phone is never a good situation to be in. Most of us rely heavily on our phones for communication, work, entertainment, and more. When your phone gets exposed to moisture, you’re immediately faced with the difficult decision of whether to repair it or replace it entirely. There are several factors to consider when determining if repairing a water damaged phone is worth it. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons, look at average repair costs, and provide tips for preventing water damage in the first place.
The Severity of the Water Damage
The extent of the water damage makes a big difference in whether your phone can be repaired cost effectively. If your phone only had minor exposure to moisture and you powered it off right away, there’s a good chance it can be fixed. However, if it was fully submerged in water for a long time, the internal components are likely too damaged for repair to be worthwhile.
Signs your phone has only minor water damage include:
- It was splashed or dropped in water briefly
- It still powers on, but some features aren’t working
- The charging port or headphone jack stopped working
- It won’t power on at all, but only after water exposure
On the other hand, signs of major or irreparable water damage include:
- It was fully submerged in water for over 30 minutes
- It was in salt water, soda, or another corrosive liquid
- It shows physical signs of water intrusion like fogging or staining under the screen
- It won’t power on at all, even after thorough drying
The longer the phone was in water and the deeper the water ingress, the less likely repairing it will be cost effective.
Cost of Professional Repair
For minor water damage like splashes, spills, or brief submersion, professional repair costs range from $50 to $200 on average. Here are typical repair costs for common water damage issues:
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drying out phone and cleaning corrosion | $50 – $100 |
| Replacing water-damaged charging port or headphone jack | $100 – $150 |
| Removing moisture from under screen or camera | $150 – $200 |
For phones that were fully submerged or have extensive water damage, costs are usually over $200. Here are average repair costs for significant water damage:
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Logic board inspection and repair | $200 – $350 |
| Replacing burned out or damaged internal components | $250 – $500+ |
| Full motherboard replacement | $300 – $600+ |
Keep in mind that costs vary widely based on your phone model, repair shop, and geographic location. Diagnostic fees may also apply if disassembly is required to assess the damage.
Cost to Replace the Phone
In some cases, extensive water damage means repair costs exceed the value of the phone. If full replacement of the motherboard or other core components is needed, it’s often cheaper to replace the phone entirely.
The latest model premium smartphones usually cost $800 – $1200+ to purchase brand new. Slightly older flagship models can cost $500 – $800. Mid-range and budget phones cost $200 – $500+.
Here are some typical replacement costs for popular models:
| Phone Model | New Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $1099+ |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | $999 – $1199 |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | $749 – $899 |
| iPhone 12 | $599 – $699 |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | $349 – $449 |
Buying a used/refurbished phone can reduce replacement costs by $100 or more. Nonetheless, if your phone needs extensive component level repair, you’ll often come out ahead by replacing it altogether.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from strictly financial considerations, here are some other factors to keep in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace a water damaged phone:
- Phone’s age and value: Investing in repair is harder to justify on an older device that’s already depreciated significantly.
- Warranty status: Water damage often voids manufacturer warranties, so repair costs come out of pocket.
- Availability of replacement: New replacement stock may be hard to find for discontinued or older models.
- Data backup: Repair keeps your data intact. With replacement, you’ll need to restore data from backup.
- Sentimental value: You may want to repair a damaged phone with high personal/sentimental value.
You’ll get the best value by repairing newer, higher-end phones with minor damage. Replacement tends to make more economic sense for older, lower-value phones with extensive water intrusion.
Can You Repair a Water Damaged Phone Yourself?
In some cases, it’s possible to dry out and revive a water damaged phone yourself without professional help. Here are some DIY steps you can take:
- Immediately power off the phone and remove any SIM cards or memory cards.
- Dry the exterior with a microfiber cloth. Use compressed air to blow out any excess moisture in ports.
- Place the phone in a bowl or bag of dry rice overnight to absorb moisture.
- The next day, reconnect the battery and try powering it on. If it won’t turn on, let it dry for 24 more hours.
- Use alcohol and cotton swabs to carefully clean and dry the charging port, headphone jack, speakers, etc.
- If the phone powers on but has issues, inspect the internal hardware using online repair guides.
DIY disassembly carries risk of damaging components. Only attempt internal repairs if you’re technically skilled. Also note that liquid residue can short out circuits days later, so backups are still important after drying a phone.
Tips to Prevent Water Damage
It’s much easier to prevent water damage than to deal with the aftermath. Here are helpful tips to keep your phone dry:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water. Quality cases can withstand brief submersion.
- Attach a floating strap to your phone if boating or swimming.
- Keep your phone away from toddlers and babies with cups, sinks, etc.
- Never charge your phone near a sink or bathtub.
- Avoid placing your phone in a pocket when washing dishes, clothes, or hands.
- Only use your phone in steady rain when needed. Water can enter via speakers.
- Back up your phone data routinely in case accidental water damage occurs.
Being mindful of moisture risks allows you to use and enjoy your phone without fear of it getting wet. But if an accident does happen, a waterproof case gives important temporary protection.
Conclusion
Repairing a water damaged phone can be well worth the investment, depending on the age of your device, extent of the damage, and repair costs relative to full replacement. For newer phones with minor exposure, professional repair often makes financial sense and allows you to continue using your current device. But for older devices with major water damage, replacement is usually the better option.
Prevention is critical as well. Use waterproof cases as needed, avoid charging near moisture, and backup your data routinely. With proper precautions, you can avoid costly phone damage and the difficult decision of whether to repair or replace your device.