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4-7-Year-Old Smartphone: Repair or Replace?

Your 4 to 7 year old smartphone has exceeded its expected lifespan. Replacement is usually the better choice.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Replace Recommended

Device Age

4 to 7 years

Typical Lifespan

3-7 years

Replacement Cost

~$950

Max Repair Budget

$190

20% of replacement

Where Your Smartphone Stands at 4 to 7 Years

Lifespan used by age

4yr

57%

5yr

71%

6yr

86%

7yr

100%

At this age, you're 100% through the expected lifespan. The remaining value is low - only cheap, quick fixes make financial sense. Consider whether the repair buys meaningful additional time.

2019--2022 Models: What These Smartphones Were Like

A 4 to 7 year old smartphone is part of the 2019--2022 Models generation. Understanding what technology was standard helps you evaluate whether repair still makes sense.

Standard Features (2019--2022 Models)

✓Early 5G on flagships, 4G LTE still standard on mid-range
✓60Hz to 90Hz displays on most phones
✓Face ID or rear fingerprint sensors
✓iPhones still using Lightning connector

Compared to Current Models

⚠Many models past or nearing end of security updates
⚠Camera quality noticeably behind current flagships
⚠Battery capacity significantly degraded by now
⚠Repair parts becoming harder to source for older models

Common Repairs and Costs

Typical repairs for a 4 to 7 year old smartphone, based on service data and manufacturer patterns.

minor

Speaker/microphone(typical failure: 4-6 years)

Speaker distortion or microphone failure from dust ingress and membrane wear

Repair cost: $60-$150Pro RecommendedWorth repairing

moderate

Screen (burn-in)(typical failure: 4-7 years)

OLED screens develop image retention or burn-in from static UI elements

Repair cost: $80-$350Pro RecommendedLikely not worth it

minor

Power button(typical failure: 5-8 years)

Power and volume buttons become unresponsive from mechanical wear

Parts Availability

Outlook:limited

Parts for 6 year old models are limited. Expect to rely on third-party, refurbished, or salvaged components.

•OEM parts likely discontinued for this model generation
•Salvaged parts from identical broken units may be the best option
•Repair shops may decline service due to parts scarcity
•Factor in parts search time when deciding whether to repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I repair my 4 to 7 year old smartphone?

Usually not, unless the repair is very cheap - under $200 CAD (20% of a ~$1000 CAD replacement).

What are common problems with 4 to 7 year old smartphones?

The most common issues are cracked or shattered screen from drops, battery degradation causing short battery life, charging port not working or loose connection. At this age you may see multiple issues at once, which can tip the balance toward replacement.

How much does it cost to repair a smartphone?

Common smartphone repairs range from $50 to $500 CAD depending on the issue. Screen and charging port repairs tend to be more expensive, while battery swaps are often the cheapest fix. See the repair cost table above for a breakdown by issue.

What smartphone repairs can I do myself at 6 years old?

At 6 years old, DIY-friendly repairs include battery replacement. These save 40-60% on labour costs and typically require basic tools. For a 6 year old smartphone, DIY repairs are a great way to extend its life without a large investment.

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