How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Repair My Phone or Buy New? UK Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Phone?

Cracked screens are the most common phone repair in the UK — and for good reason, they happen constantly. Whether a phone repair is worth it comes down to two things: how old the phone is, and what the fault actually is. A screen replacement on a 1-year-old iPhone is an easy yes. A screen replacement on a 4-year-old mid-range Android needs more thought.

Typical UK Phone Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Screen replacement (budget phone)	£50 – £100
Screen replacement (iPhone 14/15)	£120 – £280
Battery replacement	£25 – £80
Charging port repair	£30 – £70
Back glass replacement	£40 – £120
Camera repair	£60 – £150

How Long Should a Phone Last?

Phones typically have a useful life of 3–5 years before software support ends or performance degrades. Apple provides iOS updates for 5–6 years from launch. Android varies massively — Google Pixel gets 7 years of updates, most Samsung flagships get 4–6 years, budget Androids often get 2–3 years.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

Battery replacements are almost always worth doing — a £30–£50 battery swap can give a phone another 2 years of life. Screen repairs are worth it on phones under 3 years old, especially flagship models. Beyond 4 years, check whether the phone still receives security updates — a phone that's end-of-life from a software perspective isn't worth significant repair spend.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your phone and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

iPhone vs Android: Repair Costs Compared

Your phone's platform and brand significantly affect repair options and pricing in the UK. iPhones have standardised repair pricing through Apple Stores and authorised providers — screen repairs range from £169 (iPhone SE) to £369 (iPhone 15 Pro Max) through Apple, though independent shops are typically 30–50% cheaper. Samsung Galaxy phones are the most popular Android devices in the UK, with screen repairs costing £80–£250 depending on the model. Google Pixel phones are increasingly repairable thanks to Google's partnership with iFixit for genuine parts. Budget Android phones from brands like Xiaomi, Motorola, and OnePlus often have the cheapest screens to replace but can be harder to source parts for in the UK. Whichever phone you own, independent high street repair shops typically offer faster turnaround and lower prices than manufacturer services.

Signs Your Phone Needs Replacing

No longer receiving security updates — a phone without security patches is vulnerable to malware and data theft. Check your manufacturer's update policy to see if yours is still supported.
Battery drains within half a day — if a professional battery replacement doesn't restore reasonable battery life, the phone's power management hardware may be degraded.
Apps crash regularly or won't install — when your phone can't run essential apps like banking or messaging due to insufficient RAM or storage, it's time to upgrade.
Screen has dead pixels or ghost touch — intermittent touch responsiveness after a screen replacement suggests deeper damage to the digitiser or display connectors.
Swollen battery pushing the screen out — a swelling battery is a safety hazard. Stop using the phone immediately and take it to a repair shop or recycling centre.

Cost of Ownership and Getting Best Value

The true cost of a phone goes beyond the sticker price. A flagship iPhone or Samsung on a UK contract typically costs £40–£70 per month over 24–36 months, totalling £960–£2,520 including the airtime plan. Buying a SIM-free phone outright and pairing it with a cheap SIM-only deal (£8–£15 per month) often works out significantly cheaper. Refurbished phones from UK sellers like Back Market, Reboxed, and Music Magpie offer 20–40% savings over new prices with 12-month warranties. A £50–£80 battery replacement on a phone you already own is almost always better value than upgrading, especially if the phone still receives software updates. If you do replace, trade in your old handset — most UK networks and retailers offer trade-in credits of £50–£300 depending on condition and model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing a cracked phone screen?

Usually yes, especially on phones under 3 years old. iPhone screen replacements cost £120–£280, mid-range Android screens £50–£100. If the phone is otherwise in good condition and still receiving software updates, repair is almost always the better financial choice.

How much does phone repair cost in the UK?

Phone repairs in the UK vary widely. Battery replacements cost £25–£80. Screen replacements range from £50 for budget phones up to £280 for recent iPhones. Most high street repair shops can fix common faults same-day.

How long should a phone last?

Most phones last 3–5 years before becoming sluggish or losing software support. iPhones get 5–6 years of iOS updates. Google Pixel phones get 7 years. Budget Android phones often lose support after just 2–3 years.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a phone?

For phones under 3 years old, repair is almost always cheaper. A screen replacement at £100–£200 is far less than a new flagship at £800–£1,200. For older phones or major internal damage, replacement may be more cost-effective.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Repair My Phone or Buy New? UK Calculator?