Cracked your screen? You’re not alone. A broken phone screen is one of the most common tech mishaps people deal with every day – and the first question that pops into everyone’s head is: how much does it cost to repair a phone screen?
The honest answer is: it depends. But don’t worry – by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect, what affects the price, and how to make the smartest decision for your phone and your wallet.
What Affects the Cost of a Phone Screen Repair?
Before we get into the numbers, it’s worth understanding why phone screen repair costs vary so much. Two phones sitting side by side on a table could have completely different repair bills – here’s why:
1. The Brand and Model
An iPhone 17 Pro max screen repair is significantly more expensive to replace than a budget Android handset. Premium devices use high-end display technology like OLED and ProMotion panels, which cost more to source and fit.
2. Screen Technology (LCD vs OLED)
LCD screens are generally cheaper to replace. OLED screens – found on most flagship phones – are pricier because of the display quality and manufacturing cost.
3. Where You Get It Repaired
Manufacturer repair centres, independent local shops, and mobile repair services all charge differently. Independent repair specialists like iExpert Repairs often offer the same quality at a more competitive price than going directly to the manufacturer.
4. Original vs Third-Party Parts
OEM (original manufacturer) parts cost more but maintain full functionality – including Face ID, True Tone, and other sensor-dependent features. Third-party parts are cheaper but may affect display quality or certain phone features.
5. Whether the Touch Layer or Just the Glass Is Damaged
Sometimes only the outer glass is cracked but the display underneath still works fine. A glass-only repair is cheaper than a full screen assembly replacement.
How Much Is a Phone Screen Repair? A Full Breakdown by Device
iPhone Screen Repair Costs
iPhones are the most commonly repaired smartphones in the UK. Here’s a rough guide to iPhone screen repair costs:
| iPhone Model | Estimated Repair Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2nd/3rd Gen) | £60 – £90 |
| iPhone 11 | £80 – £120 |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro | £99 – £150 |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Pro | £110 – £160 |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Pro | £130 – £180 |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Pro | £150 – £220 |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Pro | £160 – £249 |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro | £199 – £399 |
Older models and budget iPhones tend to sit at the lower end. The newer and more premium the device, the higher the cost to repair a phone screen. Apple’s own repair service will typically be at the top of this range or above it.
Going to an experienced independent specialist like iExpert Repairs means you can often save £90 – £200 compared to manufacturer pricing, without compromising on parts quality.
Samsung Screen Repair Costs
Samsung is the UK’s most popular Android brand, and Samsung screen repair is one of the most frequently requested services at repair shops.
| Samsung Model | Estimated Repair Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Samsung A-Series (A14, A34, A54) | £50 – £100 |
| Samsung S23 / S23+ | £110 – £160 |
| Samsung S23 Ultra | £140 – £200 |
| Samsung S24 + S25 | £199 – £290 |
| Samsung Z Fold / Z Flip | £200 – £400+ |
Samsung’s foldable range (Z Fold and Z Flip) can be considerably more expensive due to the specialist folding display technology involved.
iPad Screen Repair Costs
If you’ve cracked your tablet, iPad screen repair costs depend heavily on the generation and model:
| iPad Model | Estimated Repair Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| iPad (Standard, 9th/10th Gen) | £80 – £130 |
| iPad Mini | £90 – £140 |
| iPad Air | £110 – £170 |
| iPad Pro 11″ | £140 – £220 |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ | £180 – £280 |
iPad screens are often larger and more complex to replace than phone screens, which is reflected in the pricing. The Pro models with Liquid Retina XDR displays are particularly specialist repairs.
MacBook Screen Repair Costs
A cracked MacBook display is one of the more expensive repairs you’ll encounter. MacBook screen repair prices vary by model:
| MacBook Model | Estimated Repair Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| MacBook Air (Intel) | £150 – £250 |
| MacBook Air (M1/M2/M3) | £200 – £350 |
| MacBook Pro 13″ | £220 – £350 |
| MacBook Pro 14″/16″ | £300 – £500+ |
MacBook screen repairs are more involved because the display assembly is often integrated with the chassis, especially on newer M-series models. Always go to a qualified technician for these.
Samsung Tab & Android Tablet Screen Repair Costs
For tab screen repair on Samsung Galaxy Tabs and other Android tablets, costs are broadly similar to iPads depending on screen size and quality:
| Tablet | Estimated Repair Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A | £70 – £120 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 / S9 | £120 – £200 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ Series | £180 – £400 + |
How Much to Repair a Phone Screen: General Phone Screen Repair Pricing
For a general phone screen repair, here’s a rough guide based on device tier:
- Budget Android phones (Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia entry-level): £30 – £70
- Mid-range Android phones (Google Pixel 7a, OnePlus Nord): £70 – £170
- Flagship Android phones (Google Pixel 8 Pro, Sony Xperia 1): £120 – £200
- iPhones (all models): £60 – £299 depending on model (see above)
Repair vs Replace: Which Is the Smarter Choice?
This is the big question everyone asks after dropping their phone. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Repair makes sense when:
- The repair cost is less than 50% of the phone’s current market value
- The rest of the device is in good working condition
- The phone is less than 3-4 years old
Replacement makes sense when:
- The repair cost nearly matches what you could get the same phone for second-hand
- There are other faults developing (battery, camera, buttons)
- The phone is older and no longer receiving software updates
If you’re considering replacing your device, it’s worth checking out iExpert Market – iExpert’s platform for quality refurbished phones and tablets. Buying refurbished is a smart, budget-friendly option that’s also better for the environment. You can often pick up a refurbished iPhone or refurbished Samsung for a fraction of the new price, fully tested and ready to go.
Can You Repair a Cracked Screen on a Phone Yourself?
It’s technically possible to repair a cracked phone screen yourself – DIY kits are widely available online. But here’s what you need to know before you try:
- Modern phones are not designed for easy DIY repair. iPhones in particular have components that are software-paired to the logic board. Even if you physically replace the screen, you may lose Face ID functionality or get warning messages about non-genuine parts.
- You could cause more damage. Cracking the battery or bending internal connectors during a DIY attempt can turn a £100 screen repair into a £300+ logic board issue.
- It may void warranties. If your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare or a manufacturer plan, opening it yourself will void that coverage.
For most people, the safer and more cost-effective route is to take it to a trusted repair specialist.
What to Look for in a Phone Screen Repair Service
Not all repair shops are the same. Here’s what to check before handing over your device:
- Warranty on repairs – A reputable repair shop should offer at least a 30–90 day warranty on their work. iExpert Repairs provides a warranty on all screen repairs, giving you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong with the repair itself, you’re covered.
- Quality of parts – Ask whether they’re using OEM-quality parts or budget alternatives. For iPhones especially, OEM parts preserve all native features.
- Turnaround time – Most straightforward screen repairs can be completed same-day or within a few hours. If a shop is quoting a week for a standard repair, look elsewhere.
- Reviews and reputation – Check Google reviews and Trustpilot. A shop with hundreds of consistent 5-star reviews is a far safer bet than an anonymous listing.
- Transparent pricing – You should be able to get a clear quote before any work begins, with no surprise charges at collection.
Is It Worth Getting Phone Insurance Instead?
Phone insurance through your network, bank, or a standalone insurer can cover accidental screen damage. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Most policies have an excess charge of £25-£100, which partially offsets the repair cost
- Some insurers send refurbished replacement devices rather than repairing your original phone
- Monthly premiums can add up – £10/month over two years is £240, which would cover most screen repairs outright
Insurance makes the most sense for premium devices (£800+) where screen repairs are expensive and the risk of damage is high.
Back to posts
