Is iPhone Repair Worth It? Complete Cost vs Replace Guide Singapore 2026

📸 Featured Image: Broken iPhone with calculator

You’ve cracked your iPhone screen. Or maybe the battery dies by noon. Perhaps it won’t charge anymore. Now you’re facing the big question: should you repair it or just buy a new phone?

This is a genuine financial dilemma. iPhones aren’t cheap in Singapore—a new iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $2,199. But repairs aren’t free either. This complete guide will help you make the right decision with clear cost breakdowns, decision frameworks, and expert advice.

The Quick Decision Framework

Before diving into details, here’s the TL;DR decision framework:

Common iPhone Repairs: Costs vs Value

Screen Repair

Apple Official: $258-$598 depending on model
Third-Party: $150-400 for most models

Worth repairing? Yes, for most iPhones less than 4 years old. Screen repair is usually the most cost-effective repair.

Battery Replacement

Apple Official: $119
Third-Party: $60-120

Worth repairing? Absolutely yes! Battery replacement is one of the best value repairs. Makes phone feel brand new.

Charging Port Repair

Third-Party: $60-100

Worth repairing? Yes, simple and affordable fix.

Motherboard/Logic Board Repair

Third-Party: $200-500+ depending on issue

Worth repairing? Depends on phone age and issue complexity. Get free diagnostics first.

iPhone Model-Specific Repair Decisions

Let’s get specific. Here’s repair advice for each iPhone generation:

iPhone 15 / 15 Pro (2023) – Current Flagship

• Current value: $1,400-2,200
• Repair decision: Repair almost always worth it
• Typical repairs: Screen $300-500, Battery $80-120
• Verdict: Your phone is too new and valuable to not repair

iPhone 14 / 14 Pro (2022)

• Current value: $1,000-1,800
• Repair decision: Repair makes sense for single issues
• Typical repairs: Screen $280-450, Battery $70-100
• Verdict: Phone has years of life left, repair is smart

iPhone 13 / 13 Pro (2021)

• Current value: $700-1,400
• Repair decision: Repair worth it unless multiple issues
• Typical repairs: Screen $250-380, Battery $60-90
• Verdict: Still very capable, worth repairing

iPhone 12 / 12 Pro (2020)

• Current value: $500-1,000
• Repair decision: Depends on repair cost vs upgrade desire
• Typical repairs: Screen $200-320, Battery $60-80
• Verdict: Still solid phone, repair makes sense if you’re not itching to upgrade

iPhone 11 / 11 Pro (2019)

• Current value: $300-600
• Repair decision: Borderline—depends on issue
• Typical repairs: Screen $150-250, Battery $60-80
• Verdict: Battery replacement absolutely yes. Screen repair maybe. Motherboard repair probably not.

iPhone XS / XR / X (2017-2018)

• Current value: $200-400
• Repair decision: Only for cheap repairs
• Typical repairs: Screen $150-220, Battery $50-70
• Verdict: Battery replacement okay. Screen repair questionable. Consider upgrading instead.

iPhone 8 and Older (2017 and before)

• Current value: $100-250
• Repair decision: Not worth it unless minimal cost
• Verdict: These iPhones are reaching end of life. Save money for an upgrade.

The Real Cost of “Just Buying New”

Let’s talk about what “buying new” actually costs in Singapore 2026:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: $2,199
• iPhone 15 Pro: $1,849
• iPhone 15: $1,299
• iPhone 14: $1,149
• iPhone SE: $719

Even the “budget” iPhone SE costs $719. That’s about what the iPhone 13 costs used in excellent condition. Would you rather:

• Pay $150 to fix your iPhone 13’s screen and keep using it for 2 more years?
• Pay $1,299 for a new iPhone 15 that offers only incremental improvements?

The math often favors repair—unless you genuinely want/need the new features.

Should You Trade In vs Repair?

Apple and phone shops offer trade-in programs. But damaged phones get drastically reduced trade-in values:

Example: iPhone 13 Pro Trade-In Value

• Perfect condition: $700
• Cracked screen: $200-300
• Battery issues: $150-250
• Multiple issues: $100 or rejected

Better strategy: Repair the screen for $250, then trade in for $700 instead of $250. You net $200 more.

The “Hidden” Benefits of Repairing

Beyond cost savings, repairing has advantages:

1. Keep your data/setup: No transfer needed
2. Familiar with your phone: Don’t need to relearn new interface
3. Environmental: Less e-waste
4. No setup hassle: Avoid hours of restoring from backup
5. Keep accessories: Cases, screen protectors, MagSafe accessories all still fit

When You Should Definitely Upgrade Instead

Some situations clearly favor buying new:

• Your iPhone is 5+ years old (iPhone 8 or older in 2026)
• Multiple expensive repairs needed simultaneously (screen + battery + charging port = $400+)
• Phone is getting iOS updates but runs slowly even after repair
• You’ve already had the same part replaced twice
• Repair cost exceeds 50% of phone’s current value
• You genuinely need/want new features (better camera, 5G, etc.)

The Smart Middle Ground: Certified Used/Refurbished

There’s a third option: buy a certified used iPhone instead of brand new. In Singapore, you can get:

• iPhone 14 Pro: $1,200-1,400 vs $1,849 new
• iPhone 13: $600-800 vs $1,149 new
• iPhone 12: $500-650 vs discontinued new

This can make sense if:

• Your current phone is beyond economical repair
• You want to upgrade but don’t need the absolute latest
• You buy from reputable sellers with warranty

Final Decision Calculator

Use this simple formula:

Example: iPhone 13 screen repair costs $250. Phone worth $800. That’s 31%—borderline but still reasonable to repair.

Conclusion: Repair Usually Wins for iPhones Under 4 Years

For most people with iPhones made in the last 4 years (iPhone 12 and newer in 2026), repair is the smart financial choice. The exceptions are when you face multiple expensive repairs simultaneously, or when you genuinely want to upgrade anyway.