Cracked Screen: Should You Repair or Replace Your Phone?

Your screen just cracked. Now what? Here's how to make the right decision without wasting money.

It happens to everyone. One slip, one bad drop, and suddenly your phone has a spiderweb of cracks across the screen. Before you run out and buy a new phone—or ignore it and keep using a cracked screen—read this first.

Is a Cracked Screen Dangerous?

Yes, actually.

Most people think a cracked screen is just cosmetic. But here's what's really happening:

Sharp glass edges can cut your fingers, especially as the cracks spread over time.

Water gets in easier through cracks, causing internal damage that's much more expensive to fix later.

Touch sensitivity decreases as the digitizer underneath gets damaged, making your phone harder to use.

Cracks spread with normal use. What starts as one small crack becomes a shattered screen within weeks.

The longer you wait, the more it costs. A simple screen replacement today could become a screen plus digitizer plus water damage repair tomorrow.

Should You Repair or Replace?

Repair Your Phone If:

✓ It's less than 3 years old

✓ It's a flagship model (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel)

✓ Only the screen is damaged—everything else works

✓ Repair cost is less than 50% of what the phone is worth

✓ You still owe payments on it (finish paying it off first)

✓ You like your phone and don't need an upgrade

Replace Your Phone If:

✓ It's more than 4 years old

✓ It's a budget phone that cost under $200 new

✓ Multiple things are broken (battery AND screen AND charging port)

✓ The repair costs more than the phone is worth

✓ You were already planning to upgrade anyway

Not Sure If It's Worth Repairing?

Here's a quick way to figure it out:

  1. Look up your phone model on eBay or Swappa (used phone marketplace)

  2. Find what your phone sells for used in good condition

  3. Compare that to our repair cost

If repair cost is under 50% of used value → repair it

If repair cost is over 50% of used value → consider replacing

Example:

  • iPhone 13 used value: ~$350

  • Screen repair at Longview Tech Pros: $85

  • $85 is 24% of $350 → definitely worth repairing

Types of Screen Damage We See

Surface scratches only The glass is scratched but the display works fine. Not urgent, but a screen protector can prevent it from getting worse.

Cracked glass, display working The top glass layer is cracked but your display, touch, and colors are fine. Repair soon before it gets worse.

Cracked glass with display issues Screen has lines, dead spots, discoloration, or touch isn't working properly. The LCD or OLED underneath is damaged. Repair immediately.

Completely shattered Screen is in pieces, display may or may not work. Bring it in as soon as possible to prevent further internal damage.

Back glass cracked Doesn't affect functionality but leaves your phone unprotected. Worth fixing if you plan to keep the phone.

What's Actually Getting Replaced?

When we fix your screen, here's what we're replacing:

Glass only repair - For minor cracks where the display still works perfectly. Less expensive.

Full screen assembly - Glass, digitizer (touch layer), and LCD/OLED display replaced together. More common and ensures everything works perfectly.

We'll assess your specific damage and recommend the right repair for your situation.

How Long Does a Screen Repair Take?

Most screen repairs at Longview Tech Pros are completed in 45-60 minutes.

You can literally drop it off, grab lunch, and come back to a fixed phone.

What About Temporary Fixes?

Screen protector over cracked screen Helps hold glass together and prevents cuts. Doesn't fix the crack but buys you time.

Clear tape Same idea—holds cracked glass in place temporarily. Not a long-term solution.

Just leaving it Fine for a day or two. Not fine for weeks. Cracks spread, water gets in, touch sensitivity decreases.

None of these are real fixes. They just slow down the inevitable.

Our Screen Repair Prices

  • iPhone Screen Repair: Starting at $65

  • Android/Samsung Screen Repair: Starting at $75

  • iPad/Tablet Screen: Starting at $85

All screen repairs include our lifetime warranty. If the screen fails due to our workmanship (not a new drop), we replace it free.

Protect Your Screen After Repair

Once we fix your screen, keep it protected:

Screen Protector - Tempered glass protector absorbs impact and prevents scratches. We install them in-store for $15.

Quality Case - A case with raised edges protects the screen when your phone lands face-down. We carry cases in-store.

Pop Socket or Ring Holder - Reduces drops by giving you a better grip. We have them available too.

We Fix All Major Brands

  • Apple iPhone (all models from iPhone 6 to latest)

  • Samsung Galaxy (S series, A series, Note series)

  • Google Pixel

  • LG, Motorola, OnePlus

  • iPad and Android tablets

Don't Wait—Get It Fixed Today

The longer you use a cracked screen, the worse it gets and the more it costs to fix. Stop by Longview Tech Pros today and we'll have your screen looking brand new in under an hour.

📍 514 East Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 📞 903-212-1211 ⏰ Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM | Sat 9AM-3PM

Walk-ins welcome. Most screen repairs done in 45-60 minutes. Lifetime warranty included.

My Console Won't Show A Picture - Is It The HDMI Port?

If your gaming console powers on but your TV shows "No Signal," the HDMI port is the most likely culprit.

It's one of the most frustrating gaming problems. You turn on your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, hear the startup sounds, see the controller connect—but your TV stays black. Before you panic and assume your console is dead, check the HDMI port first.

Signs Your HDMI Port Is Damaged

No picture at all Console powers on, lights are working, but TV shows "No Signal" no matter what you do.

Fuzzy or flickering display Picture comes and goes, has lines through it, or only works when the cable is held at a certain angle.

HDMI cable falls out easily If the cable feels loose or wiggles around, the port is likely bent or broken inside.

Only works on certain TVs Tried multiple TVs and it only works on one—or none at all.

Port looks bent or pushed in Physical damage to the port opening is a clear sign it needs replacing.

What Causes HDMI Port Damage?

Tripping over the cable The most common cause. Someone trips over the HDMI cable and yanks the port sideways. Even a small bend can break the solder points inside.

Moving the console while connected Pulling or rotating the console while the cable is plugged in puts stress on the port.

Kids or pets Enough said.

Manufacturing defects Some consoles, particularly the PS5, have known HDMI port issues straight from the factory.

Normal wear and tear Plugging and unplugging repeatedly over years loosens the port over time.

Which Consoles Have the Most HDMI Problems?

PlayStation 5 (PS5) The PS5 has a well-known HDMI port issue. The port is particularly vulnerable to damage and can fail even with normal use.

Xbox Series X The large size of the console makes it prone to cable stress when moved. HDMI port failures are common.

PlayStation 4 Older PS4s with years of use often develop loose HDMI ports from repeated cable swaps.

Xbox One Similar issues to PS4—older units with heavy use frequently need HDMI port replacement.

Nintendo Switch (Dock) The Switch dock's HDMI port can fail, but the Switch itself also has display connector issues.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

Short answer: No.

HDMI port replacement requires microsoldering—a specialized skill that involves soldering tiny connection points under a microscope. Attempting this without proper training and equipment almost always makes things worse.

We've seen many consoles come in after a failed DIY repair attempt. What was a $80-100 HDMI port fix becomes a $200+ motherboard repair—or worse, the console is permanently damaged.

Don't risk it. Bring it to us.

How We Fix HDMI Ports

Step 1: Diagnosis We inspect the port, test the console, and confirm the HDMI port is the issue—not the cable, TV, or something else.

Step 2: Professional Removal Using specialized tools, we carefully remove the damaged port without damaging the motherboard underneath.

Step 3: New Port Installation We solder a brand new, high-quality HDMI port in place. Every connection point is checked under magnification.

Step 4: Full Testing We connect your console to a monitor and test picture quality, audio, and resolution before handing it back to you.

Step 5: Lifetime Warranty Your HDMI port repair is backed by our lifetime warranty. If it fails due to our workmanship, we fix it free.

How Long Does It Take?

Most HDMI port repairs are completed same day. Drop it off in the morning, pick it up in the afternoon.

Complex cases involving trace damage (damaged connections on the motherboard) may take 1-2 days.

Before You Bring It In—Try These First

Rule out simple fixes:

✓ Try a different HDMI cable (cables fail more often than ports)

✓ Try a different HDMI input on your TV

✓ Try a different TV entirely

✓ Power cycle your console completely (hold power button 10 seconds)

✓ Check if the port has any visible debris or bent pins

If none of these work, it's time to bring it in.

We Repair All Major Consoles

  • PlayStation 5 & PS4

  • Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One

  • Nintendo Switch

  • Older consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U)

Don't Buy a New Console Yet

A broken HDMI port doesn't mean your console is done. In most cases it's a straightforward repair that costs a fraction of a replacement.

HDMI port repair is almost always worth it if the rest of the console works fine.

Get Your Console Fixed Today

📍 514 East Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 📞 903-212-1211 ⏰ Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM | Sat 9AM-3PM

Walk-ins welcome. Most HDMI repairs done same day. Lifetime warranty on all work.

Why Is My Gaming Console Overheating? (And How to Fix It)

Is your PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch shutting down randomly? Overheating is the most common cause.

Why Consoles Overheat:

1. Dust Buildup - Dust clogs the vents and fans, trapping heat inside

2. Old Thermal Paste - The paste that transfers heat from chips to fans dries out over time

3. Bad Placement - Consoles need airflow. Don't put them in enclosed cabinets

4. Worn-Out Fans - Fans slow down or stop working after years of use

DIY Prevention:

- Clean vents monthly with compressed air

- Keep console in open, well-ventilated area

- Don't stack things on top of it

- Give it a break - turn it off when not in use

When to Bring It In:

If your console:

- Shuts off after 15-30 minutes of play

- Has loud fan noise

- Shows overheating warnings

- Won't turn on at all

We clean, replace thermal paste, and fix fans.

Most done same day

📞 903-212-1211 | We repair PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

5 Signs Your Phone Battery Needs Replacement

Is your phone acting weird? The battery might be the culprit. Here are 5 signs it's time for a replacement:

1. Battery Drains Fast

If your phone dies by lunchtime even with minimal use, the battery is degraded. Most phone batteries last 2-3 years before losing capacity.

2. Phone Shuts Off Randomly

Does your phone turn off at 30% battery? This means the battery can't hold a proper charge anymore.

3. Phone Gets Hot

If your phone feels warm even when you're not using it, the battery is working overtime and needs replacement.

4. Slow Charging

Taking 4+ hours to charge fully? That's not normal. A healthy battery charges in 1-2 hours.

5. Swollen Battery

If your screen is separating from the frame or the back is bulging, STOP using it immediately and bring it in. This is dangerous.

Most done in under 1 hour | 6-month warranty

📞 903-212-1211 | Walk-ins welcome