How Safe Is It to Use the Screen of a Damaged Phone if it is Still Working?

Remember those times when you own a Nokia phone, and you accidentally dropped it? For sure, you weren’t worried about damaging its screen, right? Most of us simply pick it up and slip it in our pockets knowing that the compact device is still working. Today, however, is another matter. Unless your smartphone has a strong case, dropping it can make your heart skip a bit as there is a good chance that you will end up with a damaged screen.

Can you still use your smartphone even with a cracked screen? (photo credit: buzztech.com.au)

The problem with mobile devices these days is that aside from covering the entire front portion of the gadget, the display is made from delicate materials that can break when it hits a hard surface. Although some will end up with mild scratches and cracks, the question now is whether it is still safe to use.

Possible Risks of Using A Screen-Damaged Phone

New and refurbished phones can have their screens damaged if we are not careful with the way we handle them. But since the cost of a brand-new device is guaranteed to put a dent on our pockets, we still keep on using our phones even when it has a damaged screen because the unit is still working. But is it really safe for us to use our phones with its screen cracked?

The Korean tech company, Samsung, has already advised its users to stop using their mobile phones if the screen is cracked to avoid any untoward incidents. So, what are the risks involved when you use a smartphone that has a damaged display?

• Malfunctioning Screen.
  It doesn’t matter whether your device’s screen has small cracks or several, once it has been compromised, you will experience problems with the touch screen. You will notice that you are having difficulty getting the display to respond well to your taps or gestures. Also, since there are minute cracks in your phone, the oils and sweat from your fingers can easily penetrate into the inner components which can further damage it.
• Glass Splinters.
  Cracked displays are not something to take lightly. Even when you have sealed it with a clear tape, there is still a possibility of glass shards getting into your fingers.
• Protection is Compromised.
  Even if the cracks on the screens of new or refurbished phones are not that severe, you are still compromising the internal components which are far more sensitive. Like it was mentioned before, the cracks can cause debris, sweat, and oils to penetrate the device where it can harm the internal parts. Additionally, since mobile devices nowadays come with water resistant features, if the display is cracked, this will automatically be voided.
• Strains Your Eyes.
  What other risks does a cracked screen pose? If you are using a mobile gadget that comes with an HD display, then you will notice that your viewing experience is no longer as good as before. Just imagine having to decipher the page that you are reading through a broken display. Not only will it be tough, but your eyes will get tired easily too.
• Exposure to Radiation.
  Do cracked cell phones leak radiation? If what the International Agency for Research on Cancer said is anything to go by, they stated the radio frequencies being emitted by cell phones are carcinogenic to us. Although there are still miles to go to determine whether using a smartphone with a cracked screen means exposure to radiation, you wouldn’t want to risk it, don’t you?

What to Do with Your Damaged Smartphone?

So you have dropped your mobile phone and now are dealing with a cracked display. On a good note, the screen still works and your device is still responding to your commands. You’re probably thinking, what can you do about it?

What to do with your phone’s cracked screen? (photo credit: zaggphonerepair.com)

• Check your warranty. Time to check whether the warranty on your mobile phone is still intact. If it is, then you are in luck, since the manufacturer will replace the damage without you paying anything at all. However, you might end up paying extra if your warranty has already expired.
• Look for a replacement. Regardless of whether you will have yours repaired, or you are still thinking of getting a brand new model, you will need a replacement for a while. If you have an old mobile phone lying around then you can use it while waiting for your other phone to get fixed.
• DIY repair. If you are not interested in buying a new mobile device, then why not attempt to repair your phone’s damaged screen? The good news is that there are mobile phone parts available that you can take advantage of. Just make sure that you know the risks involved such as further damaging your device if you make the wrong move. Also, this will involve buying the right tools for the task.
• Repair Shops. The cost of having your phone’s cracked screen repaired will vary depending on the brand. Apple has the highest cost of repairs which is why many are turning to third party repair shops to have their smashed screen fixed.
• Buy Refurbished. If having your damaged screen repaired is more expensive than buying a replacement device, then why not choose the latter? Refurbished phones are cheaper plus they are often in pristine and unlocked condition. And if you know where to look, you will be able to get a one year warranty as well.

How Long Can a phone Last with a Cracked Screen?

Most people tend to keep their damaged phone with them as long as it is still working. This is true even when the display is already cracked. One reason behind this is that the cost of repairs is quite high, especially when the repairs will be done by the manufacturer. Yes, having a warranty or even an insurance for your gadget is all good, but what if your warranty has already expired? Are you willing to spend more than £300 to have yours fixed?

You’re probably thinking how long can a phone last with a cracked screen. Well, there are several factors that can play a part here such as:

• How severe the damage is.
• The current condition of your smartphone.
• Its age.
• How often you drop your mobile phone.

Unfortunately, there is no specific time frame on when your device will suddenly die on you after you have dropped it. As a matter of fact, both new and refurbished phones with cracked screens can stop working all of a sudden.

Like it was mentioned before, once the screen of your smartphone is damaged, you are putting your device’s internal components at risk of exposure to dust, dirt, sweat, and oil which can affect them. The same problem will still arise if it took you a long while before you had your phone’s cracked display fixed.

You might think that having a damaged screen is not a big problem, but you are actually putting yourself at risk of getting hurt, not to mention end up paying more when you have finally decided to bring your smartphone in for repairs.

Should You Repair Your Device or Look for Replacement?

Refurbished phones are great alternatives. (photo credit: hobi.com)

This will depend mostly on how severe the damage is. Some smartphones that got dropped can still remain unscathed, while others end up with a smashed display. If yours is still covered by a warranty, then by all means, bring your device to the manufacturers. On the other hand, if you are out of warranty, then you might want to consider looking for a replacement.

A replacement smartphone can be brand-new, but if the price of the device that you have been eyeing is not exactly cheap, then why not consider refurbished phones instead? Refurbished phones are these devices that have undergone testing and repairs prior to being sold to ensure that they are in pristine condition. They are typically sold at cheaper prices too on this website.

Mobile phone manufacturers do sell refurbished smartphones in their stores, but their cost will only have up to 10% discount. Now, if you get one from third-party retailers, then there is a good chance that you will end up saving up to 40%. How cool is that?

Of course, you need to consider where you will be purchasing your refurbished unit because you also have to check whether they come with warranties and return policies just to name a few. You don’t want to end up with a phone that gets broken easily without getting free repairs or replacement for it, right?

Wrap Up

Although using your phone even when the screen is cracked is still possible, keep in mind that you are putting yourself in danger here. Just imagine the effects of dealing with a cracked glass even if you have taped it up well. You might end up scratching your finger, strain your eyes, and even get annoyed or frustrated that your screen isn’t responding well to your commands!

When your phone’s display has been damaged, then you need to bring it in for repairs to avoid any accidents.But if you are looking for a cheaper replacement, there are always refurbished phones to consider. After all, they can look and work just like new without you splurging on one.