How much does it cost to replace a foldable phone’s screen?

Android Authority –

Update, August 20, 2021 (4:57AM ET): We’ve updated our article to include repair costs for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3. You can scroll down to view these details and information on repairs for other foldable phones.

2019 marked the debut of foldable smartphones, after years of rumors and speculation. Since then, we’ve seen Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola all launch more foldable devices.

The last thing you want to do is drop your new purchase, as foldable displays are cutting-edge technology and pricey as well. But what’s the damage to your wallet if your foldable phone needs a screen repair? We’ve got you covered with our rundown.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

The clamshell foldable is arguably the most polished foldable phone yet, offering a slick design and a cheaper price than other devices on this list. You’ll still be paying some premium pricing for this device though.

SamMobile spotted Galaxy Z Flip screen repair costs on the Samsung website, and you’ll need to pay $499 for the main screen and $99 for the back panel (containing the tiny secondary screen).

Buy the clamshell phone before December 31 2020 and you could get your screen repaired for $119. This was a one-time deal though, so tough luck if you break the screen a second time.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 picks up where the older release left off, delivering the same basic form factor. However, we do get a $999 price tag, water resistance, and a larger secondary display.

As for repair costs, Samsung told The Verge that an out-of-warranty repair costs $369 for the foldable screen. Broke the Z Flip 3’s secondary screen? Then you’ll be paying $99 to fix it.

Samsung Galaxy Fold

The first foldable phone from a major brand saw a massive delay from April to September, as Samsung fixed flaws found by reviewers. Nevertheless, the ~$2,000 Galaxy Fold eventually landed in quite a few markets, bringing the foldable concept to commercial reality.

Related: The best Samsung Galaxy Fold cases

Samsung discounted your first Galaxy Fold screen repair (at least in the US), charging $149 as part of the Galaxy Fold Premier Service. This applied if you bought the device before December 31. What happened thereafter though?

Subsequent Galaxy Fold repairs would set you back $600 according to Samsung’s website. That’s basically a Galaxy S20 FE on special right there.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung’s second Galaxy Fold device really hit the ball out of the park, delivering a more aesthetically pleasing external screen and ultra-thin glass on the main display for increased durability. So what should you expect if you break either screen?

The firm’s own website notes that replacing the main/inner display will set you back $549, which is actually a little cheaper than fixing the same screen on the original Galaxy Fold. Otherwise, you’ll be spending $139 to replace the outer display, which is in line with the original model.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

The latest and great Z Fold device is more of an evolution than a revolution compared to the Z Fold 2. There’s the Snapdragon 888 SoC, water-resistant design, an under-display selfie camera, and a tougher foldable screen that offers S Pen support.

Dropped the Z Fold 3 and broken the screens? Samsung told The Verge that you’ll be paying $479 to fix the foldable display. Otherwise, the external smartphone panel costs $149 to repair.

Huawei Mate X/XS

Huawei’s first foldable phone was only available in China, but made for a different approach to Samsung’s device. The Mate X packed an out-folding design, with the screen folding back. Meanwhile Samsung’s foldable had an in-folding display that folded like a book.

In any event, Huawei’s website pegs a replacement screen at 7,080 yuan (~$1,010). That’s almost half the price of the Mate X in China, currently retailing for around ~$2,400. This seems like the price for the screen only rather than any labor, so it’s possible the final price will change.

More reading: Huawei Mate XS review — Know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em

The company also subsequently listed screen replacement pricing for the mildly upgraded Mate XS, and it too shares a 7,080 yuan price tag. But at the time of writing, Huawei was running a half-price promotion, meaning you’ll only pay 3,580 yuan (~$555) for a new screen.

Huawei Mate X2

The Chinese brand is taking the Galaxy Fold route with the Mate X2, featuring an in-folding design with an external display rather than the Mate X/XS’s out-folding design. Huawei is also charging almost $3,000 for the device, which is expensive for foldables too.

Dropping the foldable could be an expensive mistake, as Huawei’s website notes that you’ll be paying 5,699 yuan (~$883) for an inner screen replacement. That’s essentially the same price as a vanilla Huawei P40.

The outer screen will cost 799 yuan (~$124) to replace though, which seems in line with (if not cheaper than) screen repair costs for traditional flagship phones.

Motorola Razr

Motorola’s first foldable phone is a tribute to the Razr of yore, offering a clamshell design that opens up to reveal a tall screen. It’s the cheapest foldable device from a major brand, coming in at $1,500, but it’s still pricey compared to traditional flagships (especially with its mid-range specs otherwise).

Read more: Motorola Razr vs Samsung Galaxy Fold: Battle of the fold

PhoneArena reports that a screen replacement for the Razr costs $299, citing Verizon and Motorola, which makes it the cheapest foldable screen repair around. This is actually only $10 more expensive than a Galaxy S21 Ultra screen replacement.

What would it take for you to buy a foldable phone? Let us know in the comments!