Is it worth repairing an old phone?

If it still gets security updates and the rest of it works well, usually yes. A screen or battery repair costs far less than a new phone. If the phone no longer gets security updates, or several things are failing at once, replacing it makes more sense.

How do I know how long my phone will get updates?

Check the maker's policy for your model. Google gives Pixel 8 and later 7 years of updates and Pixel 6 and 7 models 5 years. Samsung gives the Galaxy S25 series 7 years of OS and security updates. Apple's UK statement for iPhone 16 commits to at least 5 years of security updates from first supply.

Is replacing the battery worth it?

Usually, yes. A battery replacement is one of the cheapest repairs and can bring back a full day of use. iOS shows a message when battery health is significantly degraded, which Apple says isn't a safety issue but is a good time to replace it.

How much would a repair cost?

It depends on the model, the fault and the part you choose. Send the model and problem on WhatsApp to 641 780 077 or call 922 71 35 82, and A1 Computers gives you the price before any work starts, so you can compare it with a new phone. Diagnosis costs €15.

When should I definitely replace my phone?

When it no longer gets security updates and you use it for banking or work, when the board is badly corroded after seawater, or when the repair price is close to the cost of an equivalent phone. The counter will tell you honestly if a repair isn't worth it.

Repair · repair or replace phone

Repair or replace your phone?

Updated 22 October 2026 · Local 4, Centro Comercial San Eugenio, Av. de los Pueblos 20, 38660 Costa Adeje

How do you decide between repairing and replacing a phone?

Ask three questions:

Will it still get security updates for a while? A phone without updates becomes riskier every month, especially for banking and email.
Is it one fault or several? A cracked screen or a worn battery on an otherwise healthy phone is a good repair. A phone with a weak battery, a failing port and a bent frame is a candidate for replacing.
How does the repair price compare with a phone you'd actually buy? Get the price for your exact model first, then compare it with an equivalent new or refurbished phone, not a top model.

If the answers are "yes", "one" and "much cheaper", repair it.

How long will your phone get software updates?

Google Pixel: Google says Pixel 8 and later get updates for 7 years from when the model first went on sale on the US Google Store, and Pixel 6, 6a, 7, 7a and Pixel Fold for 5 years. Pixel 5a and earlier no longer get updates.
Samsung Galaxy: Samsung says the Galaxy S25 series gets seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from its global launch; timing varies by model, network and market, and older or cheaper Galaxy models have shorter support.
iPhone: Apple publishes a minimum security-update period per model for the UK. For iPhone 16 it is at least 5 years from the first supply date (20 September 2024).

A recent phone with years of updates left is almost always worth repairing.

Which repairs are usually worth it?

Battery: Apple designs iPhone 15 batteries to keep 80% of their capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles, and iPhone 14 and earlier after 500. Two or three years of daily use, plus the Tenerife heat, wears them out. iOS shows a message when battery health is significantly degraded, which Apple says isn't a safety issue. A new battery is one of the cheapest repairs; see battery replacement.
Screen: worth it on most phones less than four or five years old, especially if you choose a compatible screen to save money. See original vs compatible screens.
Charging port, speaker, camera, back glass: usually modest repairs that keep a good phone going.

When does replacing the phone make more sense?

It no longer receives security updates and you use it for banking, work or two-factor codes.
Seawater has corroded the board badly, so even a successful repair may not last.
Several parts are failing at once.
The repair price is close to the cost of an equivalent phone.

Even then, the data on it can usually be saved: see getting photos off a broken phone.

Do the new EU rules make repairs easier?

For new phones, yes. EU ecodesign rules for smartphones placed on the market from 20 June 2025 require manufacturers to supply key spare parts within 5 to 10 working days, for at least 7 years after a model stops being sold in the EU. Batteries must survive at least 800 charge cycles while keeping 80% of their capacity, operating-system updates must be available for at least 5 years after the last unit is sold, and the energy label shows a repairability score from A to E.

The European Commission says phones too often become obsolete waste quickly; these rules are meant to change that. They apply to models launched since then, not to phones already sold.

How do you get a repair price to compare in Tenerife?

Send the model and the problem on WhatsApp to 641 780 077, call 922 71 35 82, or walk in to Local 4, Centro Comercial San Eugenio, Av. de los Pueblos 20, Costa Adeje, Monday–Saturday 10:45–21:30 or Sunday 10:45–14:00. A1 Computers gives you the price before any work starts, and tells you honestly if a repair isn't worth it. Diagnosis costs €15.

FAQ

Is it worth repairing an old phone?: If it still gets security updates and the rest of it works well, usually yes. A screen or battery repair costs far less than a new phone. If the phone no longer gets security updates, or several things are failing at once, replacing it makes more sense.
How do I know how long my phone will get updates?: Check the maker's policy for your model. Google gives Pixel 8 and later 7 years of updates and Pixel 6 and 7 models 5 years. Samsung gives the Galaxy S25 series 7 years of OS and security updates. Apple's UK statement for iPhone 16 commits to at least 5 years of security updates from first supply.
Is replacing the battery worth it?: Usually, yes. A battery replacement is one of the cheapest repairs and can bring back a full day of use. iOS shows a message when battery health is significantly degraded, which Apple says isn't a safety issue but is a good time to replace it.
How much would a repair cost?: It depends on the model, the fault and the part you choose. Send the model and problem on WhatsApp to 641 780 077 or call 922 71 35 82, and A1 Computers gives you the price before any work starts, so you can compare it with a new phone. Diagnosis costs €15.
When should I definitely replace my phone?: When it no longer gets security updates and you use it for banking or work, when the board is badly corroded after seawater, or when the repair price is close to the cost of an equivalent phone. The counter will tell you honestly if a repair isn't worth it.