If you own a tablet, it's likely you've had the terrible experience of dropping it, cracking the screen, spilling water on it, or one of the many ways you can break your own device. In fact, the average time from purchasing a new device to breaking it in some way is 10 weeks! So, when does it make more sense to get a whole new device, or to repair the damaged tablet you own? Depending on what happened to your device, how much it costs to fix, what you need your tablet to be able to do, how much you have to spend right now, and other factors, that answer might differ.
Figure out what's wrong with your tablet
Depending on the extent of the issue, it may be an inexpensive fix. Or, if it's a bigger problem, perhaps it's more worthwhile to recycle the entire device and get a new one. Do you just have a broken screen, or are you looking at extensive water damage? If your fix is minimal it may not cost too much and be worth the repair. If the issue is more extensive and complicated you'll probably want to see how much the repair will cost before making your decision.
The difficulty in fixing your issue may depend on your device and model as well. For example, some tablets have the battery glued into the device, which can make that easy fix suddenly more complicated. Similarly, many iPads have a strong, solid barrier of very strong adhesive that can make repairs more complex. Recently released iPads also have the lightning port soldered to the logic board which makes it challenging to fix. The battery and logic board replacements are also hindered by strong adhesive. This doesn't mean iPads are impossible to repair it just adds an extra layer of complication.
How much will it cost to fix your tablet?
Repairs on tablets can sometimes cost 50% to 100% of the purchase price. That high price is usually when the repair is done by the manufacturer. For example, if you break the screen on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) with WiFi and take it to an Apple store for repairs, it will cost you $699 to fix it if you're out of your warranty! There are some pros to get your device fixed by the maker, but you can also try taking it to a reputable local repair shop. Smaller businesses often charge less to fix your device, and can typically get you a quote on the total cost to fix the issue.
Check your warranties
Depending on where you bought your tablet from, and how long ago, your device may still be covered by a warranty. Amazon provides a two-year warranty on many devices, Apple provides a one-year limited warranty, and Samsung offers a range from one to five years of coverage depending on the device. Check the warranty on your device, and see if your tablet is still covered. Depending on the type of warranty extended for your device, the company you bought it from may cover repairs or even a replacement.
Check your budget
If you have a lot of money currently available to spend on electronics, then getting a whole new device may be the way to go for you! If you are a bit more limited in your budget, repairs will likely be the cheaper route. Determining how much money you have to spend on a new tablet will help you choose the best course of action for you.
See how much you can trade your tablet in for
If you need additional cash quickly to buy your new tablet, one great way to increase your budget is by selling your old device. Online sites such as Gizmogo will pay you cash when you sell your old, broken tablet to them. Many buy-back sites won't take broken devices, but Gizmogo is committed to recycling used devices in order to protect the environment from the negative impacts of e-waste. Determining how much you can anticipate receiving back from your resale may help you decide what to do. Look into selling your broken tablet to Gizmogo, and help make your decision a little easier!