Is It Worth Changing an Old iPhone's Battery over Just Getting a New iPhone?

Lgeorgecrustanza on 04/05/2022 - 17:22
Last edited 04/05/2022 - 17:23

Hey folks,

I've got an iPhone 8 from August 2018 that's still very much alive and kicking. I've still got plenty of storage left (opted for 256gb in anticipation of keeping this phone for a long time) and pretty much everything works, save for the screen freezing once a month which is easily fixed by simply giving it time or restarting.

The only problem is that the battery drains about 50% per 3 hours, meaning I have to bring a charger with me to work/uni to plug into my laptop and I'm down to <50% battery from just scrolling during my morning commute. Most of the time, this is tolerable, however when I'm out with my mates and I don't have a charging block, things get iffy when I can't contact my parents for my ride home (which doesn't happen all that often).

Is it ever worth bringing in an old phone to a repair shop just for a battery replacement or should I just bite the bullet and get an upgrade? For reference, my battery health is at 82%. I see some iPhone 12 deals hanging around and they're a bit tempting. Others who have gotten a battery replacement have told me that it's not worth it as the new battery works for about three months tops before it too bites the dust. Any thoughts/experiences/opinions?

Thanks!

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 04/05/2022 - 17:30
    +8

    https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/07/iphone-battery-replacemen…

    How To Get An iPhone Battery Replacement
    If you’re looking to get an iPhone battery replacement from Apple, you have two options: go in-store, or mail your device to Apple.

    However, you don’t necessarily need to go to an Apple Store, you just need to make sure you’re getting it replaced at an authorised third-party retailer.

    For the love of God, do not get your iPhone battery replacement from an unauthorised repairer unless you’re happy to have your warranty void.

    If your device is still within warranty or covered under AppleCare, the replacement is free. Alternatively, you can purchase a new battery if you’re not covered.

    iPhone battery replacements for models up to and including the 8 Plus will set you back $79, while newer models will cost you $109.

    The cost of a battery repair for an out-of-warranty iPhone 8 is just $79 + $19.99 mailing costs, which to me seems like a good deal to take up.

    Do not go to just any repair shop. Official Apple spare parts like batteries are difficult to come by and many repair stores do not have reliable / easy access to genuine Apple batteries, so they may likely give you an Aliexpress Special™ deal and you'll be left with a battery that also has a short lifespan.

    • RockyRaccoon on 04/05/2022 - 18:44

      Good point, why save a few bucks on a battery which more than likely wont stand the test of time.

      Most likely the phone is at least 3-4 years old, so $80 to get another 3-4 years life out of the battery is like $20-25 a year. Vs say a cheap $30 would average around $10 a year. That is if you are lucky to get that out of the 3rd party battery, which as you, the op, says might only last 3 months. Moreover a crap battery could even damage the phone. overheating etc.

      But the point about affecting warranty is a bit mute, as any warranty on an iphone8 would be long gone.

    • ColtNoir on 05/05/2022 - 09:45
      +1

      It’s an iPhone 8. It’s well out of warranty.

      Just go to one of those stores at your local Westfield. If it stops working just keep taking it back to them and making them fix it.

  • brendanm on 04/05/2022 - 17:30
    +7

    things get iffy when I can't contact my parents for my ride home

    Buy a car, not only will you be able to drive yourself, you can charge your phone from the cigarette lighter. Win/win.

    • Quantumcat on 04/05/2022 - 19:16
      +1

      OP is probably getting a ride as they have been drinking

      out with my mates

    • FoxJump on 04/05/2022 - 20:37

      Ride?
      Is this the guy that wanted to use a horse instead of a car?

      • brendanm on 04/05/2022 - 21:45

        Giddy up!

    • c64 on 04/05/2022 - 21:44
      +3

      buy a bicycle, connect a dynamo and your phone will be charged by the time your trip to uni/home is complete

  • jakka on 04/05/2022 - 17:47
    +4

    Who charges a phone these days?

    Don’t you just get a new one when the battery runs out?

  • SF3 on 04/05/2022 - 17:52
    +2

    Can't decide?

    Just get a power bank until you figure out what you want to do…

    • FoxJump on 04/05/2022 - 20:37

      and stick it to the back with double sided tape.

  • ozwog05 on 04/05/2022 - 18:06
    +1

    George likes his pillows spicy

    • MontyMacaw on 05/05/2022 - 16:18

      That will make him sweat all night!

  • Gervais fanboy on 04/05/2022 - 18:17
    +2

    Just sharing my personal experience with you

    I had a similar issue with a Samsung that I used to own, it was about 2.5 years old and had a severely affected battery life. I ordered a new battery online and replaced it myself but that still didn’t make much difference only to find out that it wasn’t the battery but the newer software updates that had drastically reduced my phone’s performance.
    So in the end I just gave up and bought a new phone.

  • chrisn26 on 04/05/2022 - 18:39
    +4

    OP unless you need to upgrade your phone (as there are no more software/security updates), then a battery replacement is the most economical. You can get an easy 2-3 years extra life with a battery replacement IF you get it done at apple. No point dropping 2k on a phone and only using it for 2 years, that's 1k a year!

    Btw I have an iphone 6 since 2014, got a new battery in 2018 and now it needs a replacement. My battery health is at 93% but it doesn't hold a charge well. I charge to 80% and recharge at 40%, this will maximise cycle life (number of times you can recharge). But batteries also degrade with time so seems like 4 years is the limit (at least based on my experience).

    • vr0ssi46 on 05/05/2022 - 01:09
      +1

      There are no more software/security updates for iPhone 6 mind you ;)

  • solidussnake on 04/05/2022 - 19:26
    +4

    It's $80 for a new battery get it replaced and keep going !! unless you want a slightly faster phone and better camera and alot less cash afterwards lol

  • jjjaar on 04/05/2022 - 19:50
    +2

    Yes. My battery was needing charging twice a day with heavy usage once it hit about 3 years. Replaced the battery and got another two years out of it. The new battery could have gone a third had I not been gifted a new phone at that point.

    Apple did try to hassle me to upgrade, so beware of that. I just said I couldn’t afford it. They even tried to remind me that you can trade in your old phone and I politely reminded them that $100 back on my phone to then have to spend $800 was not necessarily a cheap option.

  • AustriaBargain on 04/05/2022 - 20:20
    +3

    What scrimshaw said, a few years ago Apple drastically lowered the price of an official battery replacement so if that's your only issue with your phone then you should do that. Of course the iPhone 8 is nearly five years old, so I would say you should upgrade and gift your 8 to your kid nephew or something. Either way you will want to replace the battery anyway.

  • blindingshadowz on 04/05/2022 - 21:33
    +1

    For me, I'd consider yes, the price of a battery replacement at Apple vs third party repair outlets. I've not really found the outlets to be much less than Apple these days, but maybe I'm not looking at the 'bargain' friendly places haha. I'd also consider the potential longevity left on the iPhone. Given that the 6S is supported until iOS 15 (since iOS 9), I'd wager there must be about 2 or so years of software updates until the 8 gets phased out. A battery change could take the 8 over the line there before you'd be well overdue for an upgrade from a technological standpoint.

    Further, I believe there is a warranty that accompanies a battery replacement at Apple. In the end, do what's best for you. For me, I'd find the iPhone 8 battery insufferable if it's draining the battery that quickly even before the 80% mark!

  • LanceVance on 04/05/2022 - 21:37
    +3

    Get the battery changed, much cheaper and the iPhone 8 is still objectively a great phone. The OS is still essentially the same, and as others recommended get it done through Apple. I've had this done a few times with older phones, one time they forgot to charge me for it, the other they said the replacement had failed and handed me a refurb unit that was as good as brand new.

  • Gracey on 04/05/2022 - 21:47
    +4

    Im a big fan of replacing batteries, just keep in mind you've probably only got 2.5 years of iOS support left

    • LanceVance on 04/05/2022 - 21:58
      +3

      Is it just me or another 2.5 years seems pretty damn good!

      • Gracey on 04/05/2022 - 22:25

        Yeah like Apple or not, its hard to knock the ongoing updates

  • cashless on 04/05/2022 - 21:55
    +2

    iPhone 8 currently using latest iOS 15.4.1, so worth hanging onto.
    I am running an iPhone 8+ with battery life showing 83% on original battery.
    Am planning to get the $79 Apple upgrade soon and hopefully a few more years.

  • Kranbone on 04/05/2022 - 22:16

    I'm still on a first gen SE. I don't think I'd ever part with it as it still allows me to do what I need. I haven't updated iOS but it feels very snapped.

    I'm just worried about app support though.

  • altomic on 04/05/2022 - 22:48
    +5

    ebay iphone 8 battery $17.35 delivered - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/254617500887

    ifixit battery replacement guide https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+8+Battery+Replacement/10…

    i've swapped 20+ iphone batteries and it is easy as pie.

  • Hugh G Rection on 05/05/2022 - 07:37
    -2

    its time to upgrade. i will hold on to my phone a minimum of 2 years, and then i wait for a deal to come until i buy my next one. usually wait unit the next iPhone comes out, that's when you're going to get the best deals. they have to get rid of stock to make room for the new iPhones.

  • lilbudgie on 05/05/2022 - 09:14
    +3

    I dropped my old original iPhone SE into a local repair shop to ask them to check if the battery was on it's way out. They were busy and said they would ring me when they had a chance to test it. I decided to upgrade pretty much as soon as I left the shop but thought no harm done. There was a communication breakdown somewhere along the line because a couple of hours later they rang to say yes they have changed the battery and it was $50. It was probably my fault and anyway I thought it would be good for a spare. Very soon after my husband's iPhone died which was ancient so I gave him this one. That was about 18 months ago and it is perfect.

    I do have to add that we are older and our needs not very flash so old phones don't worry us we actually prefer familiar. This was just any old repair shop in regional Qld so hardly a flash, fancy specialist place. Even though the iPhone is old it still does it's job perfectly which is call, text and do the rare google. I personally think it was very worth it for our needs but if you are really into tech you may have a different idea.

  • OzHunterNSW on 05/05/2022 - 11:36

    Have a look on eBay for a new iPhone 8…. you may be surprised.

    I recently bought a Samsung s10 Plus (tops in its day 2 years ago)… and got it cheap.

  • gmozz on 05/05/2022 - 12:13

    My experience… had a perfectly good working iphone 8, so went to Apple to get the battery replaced. A week after the battery change the audio output would randomly stop working (to both the speaker and any linked bluetooth device)… took it back to Apple and that flatly said not our problem. Apparently it's just a coincidence that this happened after they opened it up.

  • MontyMacaw on 05/05/2022 - 16:20
    +1

    You need to ask?? It’s doing everything you need right now and a battery replacement is peanuts compared to an upgrade. Regarding the screen freeze I would suggest you do a backup of your phone then do a factory reset and load your data back on. I did this with my XSMax and it was like new again. Still going strong and i used to upgrade almost every year but they are so good now the changes are incremental.

  • pjbargain15 on 05/05/2022 - 18:33
    +1

    I would suggest take it to an authorised store and ask them for an actual quote ro replace battery. Get the quote in writing.
    I went down similar path few years back and the guy at authorised store straight up said, battery can't replaced because it is "bent and inaccessible". Now mind you, phone was in perfect working condition, albeit a bit slow. Nothing was bent anywhere. Battery health was similar around 75%. The guy offered to give me a seconds iphone for only $500 as a replacement. What a steal deal, he mentioned! Well, I did google search and seconds iPhone (same model) was anyway at that price, so effectively he said give me your phone for free and I will sell you a seconds iphone at market rate because I am too lazy to even think about replacing the battery.

  • Bronnie on 08/05/2022 - 00:22

    Before you insert a new battery, just check your apps and make sure one is not draining the battery. I found out that it was my gmail app that was draining the battery. The way to fix it was to uninstall the app and then reinstall it.

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