Need a 2nd opinion on iPhone repair.

[davidg4781]

A friend has a broken screen iPhone 7. She took it to Best Buy since they’re an authorized repair center. They said it has LCD burn and needed the $319 repair instead of the $149.

I thought they were all one piece. I’m also suspect because an ex Geek Squad manager mentioned that they had a sales quota to meet.

Can anyone confirm this? I suggested taking it to an Apple Store for a 2nd opinion but that’s 2.5 hours away.

 

[chscag]

If your friend is really your friend, keep her away from Best Buy. Take the iPhone to an Apple Store or another authorized Apple repair facility. The $319 price is way too much for a screen replacement. And how does the geek at BB know that it has LCD burn if the screen is broken?

 

[Mlrollin91]

Definitely go through Apple if possible. You can mail it in, or do Express Replacement through AppleCare. Express Replacement will cost extra, but you get a device overnighted to you.

 

[davidg4781]

She doesn’t have AppleCare.

And the main reason we went through Best Buy is its 10 minutes away instead of 2.5 hours. I was also hoping since they’re authorized we should be able to trust them. I guess my gut feeling was correct.

And the $319 was because it wasn’t just a broken screen and more would need to be replaced.

 

[Mlrollin91]

She doesn’t have AppleCare.

And the main reason we went through Best Buy is its 10 minutes away instead of 2.5 hours. I was also hoping since they’re authorized we should be able to trust them. I guess my gut feeling was correct.

You don't need AppleCare to call AppleCare and do a mail in or Express Replacement.

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks. Looks like I'm making a road trip to Austin on Thursday. Good friend, I guess. And it'll be a fun day off.

Do I need to make the appointment or can she do it? It's her device, but I'll be there with my ID.

 

[Mlrollin91]

Thanks. Looks like I'm making a road trip to Austin on Thursday. Good friend, I guess. And it'll be a fun day off.

Do I need to make the appointment or can she do it? It's her device, but I'll be there with my ID.

Definitely make an Appointment. Otherwise you could wait 3+ hours if the store is busy. Just go to Apple.com/Support and go through the steps to set up an appointment. You can always call AppleCare and they can set one up for you if thats easier.

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks. I'll do it online. I just wasn't sure if it mattered who created the appointment. I'd hate to drive all the way over for nothing.

 

[Mlrollin91]

Thanks. I'll do it online. I just wasn't sure if it mattered who created the appointment. I'd hate to drive all the way over for nothing.

Its typically easier with the AppleID associated with the device. But if you are taking the device in, then yours might be easier.

 

[Minho]

That's just a normal, "dead" LCD. You can either have it replaced by Apple (in person or mail-in) or find a reputable independent repair shop that's close by. Some shops install very high quality screens, even if they aren't "Apple Original".

 

[davidg4781]

Is a dead LCD the same as a screen replacement? I thought they were naked together. Or is that a different Apple item?

 

[Minho]

Is a dead LCD the same as a screen replacement? I thought they were naked together. Or is that a different Apple item?

Yeah, the glass, digitizer, LCD and backlight are all fused together. Here's an interesting teardown of the 6S screen assembly which is very similar to the iPhone 7 screen assembly.

 

[davidg4781]

Yeah, the glass, digitizer, LCD and backlight are all fused together. Here's an interesting teardown of the 6S screen assembly which is very similar to the iPhone 7 screen assembly.

That’s what I thought. Why would Best Buy say the LCD needs replacing if it’s all together?

I should find out more today. I’m about to leave to Austin.

 

[Minho]

That’s what I thought. Why would Best Buy say the LCD needs replacing if it’s all together?

I should find out more today. I’m about to leave to Austin.

No offense intended (to BB) but it sounds like either they didn't really know or understand how the iPhone is built or they were trying to scam your friend out of extra money...you know, like how car mechanics might assume a "girl" wouldn't know wether the brakes were still good or not .

Just because they are a big box (and authorized to boot!), doesn't mean they are good.

 

[davidg4781]

No offense intended (to BB) but it sounds like either they didn't really know or understand how the iPhone is built or they were trying to scam your friend out of extra money...you know, like how car mechanics might assume a "girl" wouldn't know wether the brakes were still good or not .

Just because they are a big box (and authorized to boot!), doesn't mean they are good.

That's what I was thinking, which is frustrating because they're an authorized repair center. Hopefully at least the work is being done right with Apple parts, instead of going to those 3rd party repair shops. I'm sure most do good work but I've heard a few too many issues come up from them (TouchID not working, screen doesn't look right, etc.).

 

[Minho]

That's what I was thinking, which is frustrating because they're an authorized repair center. Hopefully at least the work is being done right with Apple parts, instead of going to those 3rd party repair shops. I'm sure most do good work but I've heard a few too many issues come up from them (TouchID not working, screen doesn't look right, etc.).

Careful what you say about independent repair shops (see my profile) .

Yeah, there are a lot of cowboys installing crap parts, especially in mall kiosks but there are also a lot of shops that offer high quality parts and back them with longer warranties than even Apple. Just like car dealers and independent mechanics, there are good/bad dealers and good/bad shops; you have to shop around.

 

[davidg4781]

That's why I said I'm sure most do good work.

I wonder if we should try going to one of those? She took her iPad to one once and the screen kept popping up. I'm not sure if she took it back or not but it ended up dying. I would think an awesome repair shop would be charging close to what Apple charges anyway, right?

 

[Minho]

That's why I said I'm sure most do good work.

I wonder if we should try going to one of those? She took her iPad to one once and the screen kept popping up. I'm not sure if she took it back or not but it ended up dying. I would think an awesome repair shop would be charging close to what Apple charges anyway, right?

That depends...

Obviously there is warranty/AppleCare+ to consider. If your phone is under warranty or AppleCare+, then Apple should be your first consideration. That said, Apple is known to strong-arm their customers when there is physical damage to the housing. They will not repair a phone that has even the slightest dent in the housing. Those customers are asked to replace the device at very high cost.

On new models, Apple is now the cheapest solution because sourcing iPhone 8 parts, for example, is difficult and they can be problematic when first released. However, once a model is about 1 year old, very good quality parts are available and most independent shops will charge less than Apple. You always have to shop around and ask questions. However, in the end you get what you pay for. Good screens cost money and if someone offers to repair it for "too good to be true" cheap, then watch out.

 

[davidg4781]

Done!

Took it to Apple. $149 + tax. Said there was no reason to charge more for that screen.

And we ended up getting a brand new replacement. They said they were running behind, the repair didn’t go well, so new iPhone 7.

I asked the guy at a kiosk outside the Apple Store. $129 to replace the screen with Apple one, 30 day warranty. $119 for generic one that works just as good.

 

[Minho]

Great!

Just keep in mind that they didn't give you a new phone but a factory refurbished unit. 30 day warranty is bare minimum, I offer 6 months. Mall kiosks...well, let's not go there .

 

[davidg4781]

Great!

Just keep in mind that they didn't give you a new phone but a factory refurbished unit. 30 day warranty is bare minimum, I offer 6 months. Mall kiosks...well, let's not go there .

Oh yeah. You’re right. I knew it was refurbished. Just didn’t word it right.

Yeah. I didn’t get a good vibe from them. When I walked by earlier no one there. Later 2 there sitting. One eating. That’s the guy I asked and he looked annoyed I was bothering him while his McDonald’s got cold.