How Much Does a Cracked Screen Repair Really Cost?
What actually drives the price of a phone screen repair, why quotes vary so much between shops, and how to avoid overpaying.
Ask three repair shops for a screen repair quote and you'll often get three different prices. That's not necessarily a red flag — but it does mean it's worth understanding what actually drives the cost, so you know whether a quote is fair.
What determines the price
Four things mostly explain the variation between quotes:
- The device and model. Newer, larger-screen flagship devices with more advanced displays cost more to source parts for than older or budget models.
- Screen technology. OLED and AMOLED displays (common on newer iPhones and Samsung flagships) are more expensive than the LCD screens found on older or entry-level devices.
- Part quality. Genuine and manufacturer-grade parts cost more than unbranded aftermarket parts — but the difference usually shows up in touch accuracy, colour reproduction and how long the repair lasts.
- Labour and diagnostics. Some repairs are more involved than others depending on how the device is built — some models require significantly more disassembly than others.
Why the cheapest quote isn't always the best value
A very low quote is usually a sign of a low-quality aftermarket part rather than a great deal. Cheap screens can have noticeably worse touch sensitivity, dimmer or less accurate colour, and a shorter lifespan — sometimes failing again within months. It's worth asking any shop directly what grade of part they're fitting before you decide based on price alone.
Typical starting prices
As a general guide, here's what screen and general repairs tend to start from across device categories at our Preston studio:
- iPhone repair — from £35
- Samsung repair — from £35
- iPad & tablet repair — from £40
- Smartwatch repair — from £30
- Laptop & MacBook repair — from £65
- Games console repair — from £45
These are starting prices — the exact cost depends on your specific model and the repair needed, which is why we always give a free, no-obligation quote before any work begins.
Red flags when comparing quotes
- No warranty offered on the repair.
- A price that's dramatically lower than every other quote, with no explanation for the difference.
- No proper diagnosis before quoting — a fair quote should be based on your specific device and fault, not a guess.
- Reluctance to say what quality of part they're using.
What a fair quote should include
A trustworthy repair quote should be based on a proper diagnosis, use manufacturer-grade parts, and be backed by a genuine warranty. Every repair we carry out comes with a 12-month warranty and our no fix, no fee guarantee — if we can't fix it, you don't pay for the attempt.