iPhone 4 repair or cheap Droid?

[saratoga172]

My iPhone slipped out of my hand today and the screen cracked. It's a pretty nasty crack, but everything still works. It's just annoying as Hell.

Anyone have recommendations on who I could buy the front glass/digitizer/lcd screen from? Looks like it'll cost me about $100-150.

Also looking at some Droids on craigslist for $150-200 or so. There is a Droid Incredible for $150 in my area. Any recommendation? Not against a WP7 phone either if they've got a cheaper price.

I'll eventually fix the iPhone, but I've been toying with the idea of using an Android. I'm on AT&T if that sways anyones recommendations.

Thanks.

 

[ImDonly1]

I haven't fixed one but have been thinking about buying a broken one to fix. The youtube videos make it seem easy. Doesn't ebay sell the LCD/digitzer for $50?

From what I read the LCD and digitizer are glued together and cannot be separated. So don't buy them separate if people are selling them separate. That was only for the iphone 3gs, etc.

You could also try craigslist, there's tons of spam on there for repairing iphones, maybe you can find the part there.

 

[saratoga172]

Haven't checked ebay yet. And yeah they are glued together, which is why it's so expensive. No dice on Craigs yet.

 

[kaerflog]

I've taken them apart a few times so its quite easy for me now.
The first time is nerve racking cause there are so many screws and most are different sizes.
Best tip I can give you.
Take out the sim tray first thing.
I had taken apart everything and for the life of me I couldn't pull the mainboard out.
I then took part another IP4 and couldn't pull the baord out either.
I was so pissed I was just about to yank out the board and see what happenned.
I'm glad I didn't because that would have been catastrophic.
Oh last thing if you decide to play with an Android for the first time.
Be prepared to be shocked at how bad the battery life is.
I've been spoiled by the battery life of the IP4.
With most Android phones, you have to constantly turn off stuff to conserve battery life.

 

[shortylickens]

They are two completely different platforms. You dont switch because of convenience.
Get what you want.

 

[Kabob]

I'd fix your iPhone.

 

[saratoga172]

Very reputable source? Found the front lcd setup for $100.

http://www.directfix.com/mm5/mercha...ode=GHT&Product_Code=IP-2411&Category_Code=CS

 

[saratoga172]

And Etech has them for $69: http://www.etechparts.com/iPhone-4-LCD-Screen-and-Digitizer-Assembly-Black-p/822-4144.htm

 

[cheezy321]

Ive heard from multiple friends that Apple will fix it for free in some cases. They originally tell you its $100 to fix then they come out and say 'Shit happens, we understand. We fixed it for free. Thanks for being our customer'.

Both times I heard it these guys did not have applecare or anything.

 

[saratoga172]

Thanks cheezy, I'll go down to my apple store and see if they will offer anything. I also chatted with AT&T and they said I can get any phone at upgrade price except the iPhone.

My options are now: LCD replacement screen for ~$70,
Offered HTC Inspire for $75
Atrix or Infuse for $200
WP7 $50-100 - played with them a bit and would definitely take some getting used to. Not to mention little app support.

I'm mainly debating between fixing and looking at an Android phone. HTC Inspire sounds pretty tempting.

I could also end my contract early for $100 and switch carriers, but I've got no real complaints with ATT. However maybe switch to Verizon and Droid? They seem to have better options.

So far leaning towards fixing or living with it for the time being.

 

[ImDonly1]

Fix it or sell it to me for cheap .

 

[kaerflog]

Yeah, I know a few people that got the right CS and they replaced the phone for free.
That $69 part look legit. If you live near me I would replace for you for $10.
BTW, what version is your phone on ?? 4.xx ??

 

[saratoga172]

4.1 still. I'm jb and don't feel like redoing the new jb and setting everything up.

How can you fix it for $10? I have the replace that part.. It's $70. Unless you have access to them? Pm me if you do.

 

[kaerflog]

Of course I meant taking them apart and put the new one in for you.
Can't buy that part for $10.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

what droids are you talking about? Droid 1 is pathetic. Avoid at all costs. Droid 2? I don't know. i hear it's slow as fvck cuz of the locked bootloader and MotoBlur.

I was on the Milestone forum and people were talking about how Milestone 1 overclocked with CM7 is buttery smooth compared to Milestone 2 which is a LAGFEST. To me Milestone with anything is a lagfest, but if the Milestone 2 is that bad, perhaps the Droid 2 is bad.

Incredible 2 is pretty solid though and so is the Charge.

 

[chin311]

i had a friend over the weekend get his fixed, ran him about 140$ and was done in less then 30 minutes. www.ubreakifix.com was the place, local store.

 

[saratoga172]

Kaerflog: I was under the impression You couldn't take apart the glass and LCD screen/digitizer with the iPhone 4. At least not with high success rate.

I'll do a little research today but I'll probably just get the piece and fix it.

My parents just picked up a couple droids with verizon and seem to be liking them so far. I played around with it a bit and it's not too bad. Just can't remember what they got for the life of me.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Try bringing it into the Apple Store, the chances of them replacing it with no problem is very high.

 

[saratoga172]

Did just that Chaotic. Made my appointment last night and brought it by tonight. Figured it was worth a shot.

The CS rep replaced it on the spot. Said they warranty the first time it breaks...might even do the second time. He even saved my invisible shield for me so I could send it to Zagg for warranty replacement.

Very nice experience. Apple definitely has top notch CS.

 

[cheezy321]

Did just that Chaotic. Made my appointment last night and brought it by tonight. Figured it was worth a shot.

The CS rep replaced it on the spot. Said they warranty the first time it breaks...might even do the second time. He even saved my invisible shield for me so I could send it to Zagg for warranty replacement.

Very nice experience. Apple definitely has top notch CS.

Boom. Take note, other cell phone manufacturers. Apple knows how to do customer service right.