Tablet repairs are dominated by screen damage — the most common fault by far. Whether it's worth fixing depends almost entirely on the tablet's age and original value. A cracked iPad Pro screen on a 2-year-old device is worth repairing. A cracked budget Android tablet that cost £80 new is probably a write-off. The maths here is fairly simple.
Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.
iPads typically get 5–6 years of iPadOS updates. Most Android tablets receive 2–4 years of software support. Beyond software support, tablets still work but become increasingly vulnerable to security risks and incompatible with newer apps.
The rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50% of what the tablet is worth now (not what you paid for it), it's probably not worth it. Battery replacements (£50–£100) are almost always worth doing. Screen repairs on budget tablets often exceed the device's current value — check second-hand prices before committing.
Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your tablet and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.
The UK tablet market is dominated by three ecosystems: Apple iPad, Android tablets (Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo, Amazon Fire), and Windows tablets (Microsoft Surface). iPads tend to hold their value best and receive software updates for 5–7 years, making repairs more worthwhile on newer models. However, Apple repairs are also the most expensive — an out-of-warranty iPad screen replacement costs £150–£300 through Apple. Android tablets vary hugely in quality; flagship Samsung models are worth repairing, while budget Amazon Fire tablets (often under £60 new) rarely justify any professional repair. Windows tablets like the Surface are generally expensive to repair due to their sealed construction. Your tablet type significantly affects whether repair makes financial sense.
Tablets have a relatively low running cost — they use very little electricity to charge (typically under £5 per year) — but the total cost of ownership depends heavily on how long the device remains usable. A premium tablet costing £500 that lasts 5 years works out at £100 per year, while a budget £100 tablet that becomes sluggish after 2 years costs £50 per year but offers a worse experience. When deciding whether to repair, consider the tablet's remaining useful life. If it still receives software updates and a screen repair costs less than 40% of a new equivalent, repair is usually worthwhile. Many UK high street repair shops and online services like iSmash or Repair Not Replace offer competitive pricing for common fixes.
Tablets are increasingly repairable, but the feasibility depends on your model and confidence with delicate electronics. Before attempting any DIY fix, back up your data and check whether your device is still under warranty — opening the case will almost certainly void it.
For any repair costing more than 40–50% of a quality refurbished replacement, it's usually better to upgrade and recycle the old tablet responsibly through a WEEE-compliant scheme.
It depends on the tablet's value. Battery replacements (£50–£100) are usually worth doing on any tablet under 5 years old. Screen repairs are worth it on iPads and premium tablets but may not make sense on budget Android devices where replacement is cheap.
Tablet screen repairs cost £40–£350 depending on the device. Budget tablets run £40–£80, mid-range iPads £100–£180, iPad Pro models £200–£350. Battery replacements typically cost £50–£100 across most tablets.
iPads typically receive software support for 5–6 years. Android tablets vary from 2–4 years of support. Physically, tablets can last much longer — an older iPad that no longer receives updates may still function perfectly for basic tasks.
Check the tablet's current second-hand value on eBay first. If the screen repair costs more than 50% of that value, replacement may make more sense. For iPads especially, Apple's own repair pricing is worth comparing against third-party repair shops.
It depends on the model. A screen repair on a budget Android tablet can cost £80–£130, while a refurbished equivalent might be £100–£150. For iPads, screen repairs often run £150–£250, making a refurbished older-generation iPad competitive. Always compare like-for-like specs before deciding.
Most tablets last 4–6 years with normal use. Performance drops when the manufacturer stops issuing software updates, which is typically after 3–5 years for iPads and 2–4 years for Android devices. If your tablet no longer receives security patches, replacing it is the safer option.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must last a reasonable time. If your tablet develops a fault within six months of purchase, the retailer must prove it wasn't faulty at delivery. Between six months and six years, you may still have a claim but you'll need to show the fault was inherent rather than caused by wear and tear.
Repairing is almost always greener than replacing — manufacturing a new tablet generates roughly 70–100 kg of CO₂. If repair isn't viable, sell or donate it for parts and recycle through a local council WEEE collection point rather than sending it to landfill.
Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.
Not what you were looking for? Try one of these related repair vs replace calculators:
Join thousands of UK homeowners. Get money-saving advice, cost guides, and appliance lifespan tips straight to your inbox.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.