Why Repair Costs Differ by Model and Shop
Phone repair prices differ widely, even for the same model. The real reasons lie in parts quality, supply chain volatility, and how each shop chooses to operate.
1. Why So Many Customers Ask About Price Gaps
Both our Christchurch and Auckland branches receive the same question daily:
“Why is this shop cheaper?”
“Why is this model so expensive to fix?”
The answer is simple: repair pricing is driven by parts cost, model complexity, and quality differences across shops.
2. Most Customers Don’t See What Happens Behind the Scenes
People notice the price differences and assume it’s random. It isn’t.
Parts quality, labour difficulty, and even supplier behaviour affect the final cost.
3. The Real Reasons Repair Costs Differ
3.1 OLED vs LCD, Curved Displays, and Model Variations
OLED panels (iPhone 12–15, Samsung S/Note series) cost far more than LCDs.
Curved OLEDs (S10–S23 Ultra) are fragile and expensive. Foldables require specialised skill and equipment.
3.2 Parts Come in Grades: A, B, and C
Suppliers don’t just sell “original or copy.” They sell multiple quality grades:
| Grade | Quality | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| A (Premium) | OEM-refurb / best aftermarket | High |
| B (Mid-grade) | Good aftermarket | Medium |
| C (Low-grade) | Budget; lower brightness/touch | Low |
3.3 Why We Avoid Ultra-Low-Grade Parts
Cheap screens cause issues: weak touch, low brightness, early failures.
Customers return with the same problem — and redoing the repair costs more time than the small savings from a cheap part.
3.4 The Strange Reality: Older Models Can Be More Expensive
Some models fluctuate wildly in parts cost. At times, Galaxy S23 Ultra OLED panels cost more for us to buy than S24 Ultra panels — even though the S24 is newer.
This happens because large wholesalers adjust prices based on stock, production line changes, and demand.
When production slows or stops, even older devices become surprisingly expensive to repair.
3.5 Labour Difficulty and Shop Philosophy
Newer models have stronger adhesives, more sensors, and tighter internal layouts.
Shops offering proper testing, solid warranty, and higher-grade parts naturally charge more.
4. Technical Factors Behind the Pricing
- OLED panels have higher rejection and failure rates → higher cost.
- Touch IC calibration differs by model.
- Curved or foldable panels increase risk during installation.
- Stock shortages keep older models expensive.
- Premium parts and strict QC raise the shop’s operating cost.
5. Related Guides
This article is for general information and reference only. Device conditions vary, and you should not rely solely on this content to make repair or safety decisions.
For accurate diagnosis or repair, please have your device inspected by a qualified technician.