A majority of people in Nigeria use smartphones and are faced, from time to time, with the challenge of a cracked screen. No doubt dropping your phone and cracking the screen can completely ruin your day. However, it does not have to be the end of the world.
With the economic situation of the country right now, buying a new phone is definitely not the first option. If on the other hand you did not opt in for phone insurance, and your warranty is exhausted, it might be worth considering other solutions for the damaged screen.
- Fix it yourself
Thanks to Youtube and the internet, anyone can basically build or fix anything these days. While the DIY (do-it-yourself) solution can be a little risky, it can be achieved with the right tools and a little know-how, which you can get online. Fixing it yourself is sometimes even cheaper than an insurance claim. A full replacement screen and front for a Samsung Galaxy S5 can be bought from any store in computer village or from online stores. You would then need to find instructions on how to proceed from a website like iFixit or follow guidelines from a video on Youtube. The process can be frustrating and take a few hours to complete, however, this gives techies the most satisfaction. Note that this solution is not recommended if you have any doubts, as you could cause even more damage.
- Visit a Local repair shop
This only makes sense when the damage is not too severe and your manufacturer’s warranty period is expired. If the phone manufacturer does not have an office in your area, search the internet for local repair stores in your area with good reviews or visit a local mall for a repair kiosk. Cracked screen repairs typically cost around NGN 10,000 or more, and can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two. Ensure you find a provider who will repair your phone while you wait. Independent repair shops are actually a lot cheaper than manufacturer shops, but the risk of them not fixing it to a high standard is always there.
- Sell the phone
If the crack it lethal or maybe it is not the first time the screen is getting broken and you have had the phone for a long time, it might not be worth paying for repairs. However, rather than throw it away, as you can sell the damaged device to smartphone vendors to get a bit of money back. This is an easy thing to do at Computer Village, Ikeja or Saka Tinubu, Victoria Island. The phone technicians in those areas gladly buy broken devices, so they can use the spare parts. It is, however, important to bear in mind that damaged phones will only get you about 50 percent or less of what the device was originally worth. The point is that you will use that cash towards a replacement phone so that you can get it at a lower price.
- Ignore the crack
So, your phone screen is cracked but not completely destroyed or totally dislodged…it is not the end of the world. First check out the phone’s basic functions: Are the screen sensors still reactive? Is the text legible? Does the screen still respond to your touch? Can you still receive and make calls easily? If yes, then you shouldn’t have to worry much.
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This article was first published on 17th February 2016
nkemndem
Nkem Ndem is a dynamic freelance writer and editor who can be reached for online writing(web content and blog) and editing, screenwriting, ghost writing, copy proofreading and reviews. She has since worked with Jumia, SpiceTV Africa, and Bella Naija. Check out her Instagram: @kem_dem, twitter: @ndemv and
snapchat: @ndemv
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