The Core Question: Does Repair Add More Value Than It Costs?
The math is simple: repair only makes sense if the buyback value increase from the repair is greater than the cost of the repair. In most cases, it doesn't pencil out. Here's the breakdown.
Cracked Screen
Repair cost: $100–$300 depending on model and who does it. Apple charges $279 for iPhone 15 Pro screen replacement (out of warranty). Third-party shops: $80–$150.
Buyback value increase: "Broken" to "Good" condition typically increases buyback value by $60–$120 for most iPhone models.
Verdict: Usually not worth it. The repair costs more than the value gained. Exception: high-end models (iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro Max) where the condition delta is larger — run the numbers using our quote tool for both conditions.
Dead Battery
Repair cost: Apple charges $99 for battery replacement. Third-party: $40–$70.
Buyback value increase: A phone with "battery health below 80%" to "good battery" increases value by $20–$50.
Verdict: Not worth it. Battery replacement costs more than the value recovered. Sell as-is and note the battery health accurately in your quote.
Broken Face ID / Touch ID
Repair cost: Face ID is non-repairable by third parties on newer models (it's paired to the TrueDepth camera system). Apple charges $399+ for this repair on newer models. Effectively unrepairable affordably.
Verdict: Never repair. Sell with broken Face ID noted in condition. We still buy it.
Water Damage
Repair cost: Highly variable. Corrosion cleaning: $50–$200. Full board repair if needed: $200–$400+. Success rate is not guaranteed.
Verdict: Don't repair unless the phone is a high-value recent model with minor water exposure and you have a trustworthy shop with a warranty. For most cases, sell as water-damaged.
When Repair Does Make Sense
One scenario where repair makes financial sense: you're selling an iPhone 15 Pro Max or 16 Pro Max with only a cracked screen and the phone is otherwise perfect. The value difference between "broken screen" and "good condition" on high-end models can be $150–$200, which might exceed the screen repair cost at a quality third-party shop.
Use our quote tool to check both conditions before deciding:
- Get a quote for your model in "broken" condition
- Get a quote for the same model in "good" condition
- Compare the difference to the repair cost you've been quoted
If repair cost < value difference, repair first. Otherwise, sell as-is.