It’s the moment every tablet owner dreads. A slip of the hand, a tumble from the couch, and suddenly your sleek iPad display is a spiderweb of shattered glass. Once the shock wears off, the big financial question hits: Should you pay to replace the screen, or is it time to just buy a new iPad?
In 2025, the answer isn’t as simple as checking a price tag. With iPad prices in India rising and repair technology becoming more advanced, the "repair vs. replace" math has changed. This detailed cost analysis will help you decide the most financially sound option for your specific situation.
The "Repair or Replace" Formula
Before we dive into the rupee-for-rupee comparison, there is a simple "50% Rule" many tech experts follow:
If the cost of repair is less than 50% of the cost of a new equivalent device, and your current device is under 3 years old, REPAIR IT.
However, iPads are unique because they hold their value incredibly well. Let’s look at the hard numbers.
1. Cost Breakdown: Screen Replacement vs. New Device
Note: Prices are estimates based on average market rates in Bangalore and major Indian cities for 2025.
| iPad Model |
Avg. Cost of New Device (₹) |
Authorized Service Center Repair (₹) |
Third-Party/HelloRe Doorstep Repair (₹) |
Savings with Repair (approx.) |
| iPad Pro 12.9" (M2/M3) |
₹1,10,000+ |
₹35,000 - ₹45,000 |
₹18,000 - ₹25,000 |
~80% Saved |
| iPad Pro 11" |
₹80,000+ |
₹28,000 - ₹34,000 |
₹15,000 - ₹19,000 |
~78% Saved |
| iPad Air (5th Gen) |
₹55,000 |
₹22,000 - ₹26,000 |
₹10,000 - ₹14,000 |
~75% Saved |
| iPad Mini (6th Gen) |
₹46,000 |
₹18,000 - ₹21,000 |
₹9,000 - ₹11,500 |
~75% Saved |
| iPad (9th/10th Gen) |
₹30,000 |
₹12,000 - ₹15,000 |
₹5,000 - ₹9,000 |
~70% Saved |
The Data Analysis
As you can see from the table, repairing is almost always significantly cheaper than buying new, especially if you choose a trusted third-party service like HelloRe.
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For Pro Models: Buying a new iPad Pro is a massive investment (>₹1 Lakh). Spending ₹18k–₹25k to fix a screen is a fraction of that cost.
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For Base Models: The gap narrows. If you have an older 9th Gen iPad, an authorized repair (₹15k) might feel too expensive compared to a new device (₹30k). However, a third-party repair at ₹5,000 makes total financial sense.
2. Hidden Costs of Buying New
When you think "I'll just buy a new one," you often forget the auxiliary costs that come with a new device. It’s rarely just the price of the tablet.
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Accessories Compatibility: Apple frequently changes dimensions and magnet placements. Your old ₹10,000 Magic Keyboard or ₹3,000 case might not fit the new model.
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Pencil Compatibility: Moving from an older iPad to a new one might force you to upgrade from Apple Pencil Gen 1 to Gen 2 (or Pro), costing another ₹10,000+.
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E-Waste Guilt: Discarding a perfectly functional computer just because the glass is cracked contributes to the massive e-waste problem.
3. When Should You ACTUALLY Buy New?
While we love fixing devices, there are scenarios where upgrading is the smarter financial move:
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Your iPad is >5 Years Old: If your device is stuck on an old iOS version and can’t run modern apps, a pristine screen won’t fix the performance lag.
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More Than Just the Screen is Broken: If the frame is bent and the battery is dead and the charging port is loose, the combined repair costs might inch closer to the price of a new device.
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You Need a Professional Upgrade: If you are a video editor or illustrator who needs the specific power of the M4 chip, treat the broken screen as a sign to upgrade.
4. The "Trade-In" Trap
“But can’t I just trade in my broken iPad?”
Most retailers (including official stores) drastically reduce trade-in value for devices with physical damage.
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Value of Good Condition iPad Air: ~₹20,000
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Value of Cracked Screen iPad Air: ~₹2,000 - ₹4,000 (or rejected entirely)
Pro Tip: It is often profitable to repair the screen first with a cost-effective service like HelloRe, and then sell the device. You will likely recoup the repair cost and profit more from the higher resale value.
5. Why HelloRe is the Sweet Spot for Cost Savings
Authorized centers are fantastic, but their pricing often pushes customers toward buying new devices. Local repair shops can be cheap, but they often use low-grade glass that affects touch sensitivity and Apple Pencil precision.
HelloRe bridges this gap:
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Transparent Pricing: You pay ~50% less than authorized centers.
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Doorstep Convenience: We fix it at your home in Bangalore, saving you travel costs and time.
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Quality Assurance: We use high-grade replacement parts that maintain your display’s retina quality and touch responsiveness.
Final Verdict
Financially, replacing the screen is the winner for 90% of users.
Unless your iPad is ancient (pre-2019), spending ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 to restore a device worth ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 is a smart investment. It extends the device's life by another 2-3 years and keeps money in your pocket.
Don't write off your iPad just yet.
Check Your Screen Replacement Cost with HelloRe Today and see how much you can save!
