Which iPhones Are the Easiest to Repair? A Look at Screen Replacements Since 2017
A cracked screen is one of the most frustrating issues iPhone users face, but not all models are created equal when it comes to screen repair. If you’re looking for a cheap screen repair near me, you might be wondering which iPhones have the easiest and most affordable screen replacements. Since 2017, Apple has released a variety of iPhones, each with different levels of repairability. At Legit Electronics, we specialize in screen fix services for all iPhone models, and in this guide, we’ll break down which iPhones are the easiest (and hardest) to repair when it comes to screen replacement.
iPhone Models from 2017 and Beyond: Which Screens Are the Easiest to Replace?
Apple has introduced dozens of iPhones since 2017, but some are much easier to repair than others. Let’s take a look at the best and worst models for screen replacement based on design, repair difficulty, and cost.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017) – Easy Screen Replacement
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus remain some of the easiest iPhones to repair. Apple kept the same design as the iPhone 7, meaning the screen is straightforward to remove and replace. The screen fix process involves removing two screws, heating the adhesive, and swapping out the display.
• Screen repair cost: Affordable due to widely available parts.
• Repair difficulty: Low – great for a quick, cheap screen repair near me option.
iPhone X (2017) – More Expensive, But Still Repairable
With the iPhone X, Apple introduced OLED screens, making repairs more expensive than older LCD models. While screen replacements are still possible, they require extra care due to Face ID components.
• Screen repair cost: More expensive due to OLED panels.
• Repair difficulty: Moderate – Face ID components make repairs more delicate.
iPhone XR (2018) – One of the Easiest Models to Repair
The iPhone XR is one of the easiest and most affordable iPhones to repair since 2017. Unlike the iPhone X and later Pro models, the XR uses an LCD screen, making replacement much cheaper.
• Screen repair cost: Lower than OLED models.
• Repair difficulty: Low – easy access and widely available parts.
• Best for: Cheap screen repair near me searches.
iPhone XS and XS Max (2018) – OLED Screens Add Complexity
While the iPhone XS and XS Max improved performance, they also made screen replacements trickier. The OLED display is fragile, and Face ID components add another challenge.
• Screen repair cost: Higher due to OLED.
• Repair difficulty: Moderate – professionals should handle it.
iPhone 11 and 11 Pro Series (2019) – LCD vs. OLED Matters
Apple continued offering LCD and OLED options with the iPhone 11 series. The iPhone 11 has an LCD screen, making it a much more affordable and easy screen fix option. However, the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have OLED displays, making their screen repair pricier.
• iPhone 11 screen repair cost: Low – LCD screens are cheaper to replace.
• iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max screen repair cost: High – OLED screens drive up the cost.
• Repair difficulty: Moderate – more adhesive used in newer models.
iPhone 12 Series (2020) – Tougher Screens, Harder to Replace
The iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max introduced Ceramic Shield glass, which made screens more durable but more difficult to replace. Additionally, screen replacements must be done carefully to avoid Face ID malfunctions.
• Screen repair cost: Higher due to Ceramic Shield and OLED panels.
• Repair difficulty: High – requires special tools for a proper screen replacement near me.
iPhone 13 Series (2021) – Face ID Complications
The iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max continued Apple’s trend of making screen repairs more difficult. Initially, replacing the screen would disable Face ID entirely, though later updates allowed for professional repairs without losing Face ID functionality.
• Screen repair cost: Expensive due to OLED and Apple’s repair restrictions.
• Repair difficulty: High – Face ID and small components make it harder.
iPhone 14 Series (2022) – Slightly Easier Than iPhone 13
With the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max, Apple improved the repairability of its standard models. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus screens are easier to replace than the Pro models, which still use complex OLED displays.
• iPhone 14 screen repair cost: Moderate – easier than iPhone 13.
• iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max repair cost: High – OLED and Face ID components still a challenge.
• Most iPhone 14 screen repairs at Legit Electronics cost under $100!
iPhone 15 Series (2023) – Similar to iPhone 14 Repairs
The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max continue Apple’s trend of making Pro models harder to repair. However, the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are easier to fix than the Pro models due to simpler screen construction.
• Screen repair cost: Standard models are affordable; Pro models are expensive.
• Repair difficulty: Moderate – best done by professionals.
Which iPhone Has the Easiest Screen Replacement?
If you’re looking for the best iPhone for a cheap screen fix, these are your top choices:
1. iPhone XR – LCD screen, easy access, widely available parts.
2. iPhone 11 – LCD screen, cost-effective screen repairs.
3. iPhone 8 and 8 Plus – Simple design, easy to repair.
4. iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Gen) – Based on iPhone 8 design, very repairable.
5. iPhone 14 (Standard Model) – Improved repairability over iPhone 13.
If you’re searching for a cheap screen repair near me, these models will be the most budget-friendly options.
Where to Get Your iPhone Screen Fixed Near Me?
At Legit Electronics, we specialize in screen repair, cracked screen replacement, and affordable screen fix services for all iPhone models. Whether you have an iPhone 11, iPhone 12, or iPhone 14 Pro Max, we provide fast and professional repairs at competitive prices.
• Most iPhone 14 screen repairs cost under $100!
• High-quality parts and expert technicians.
• Fast turnaround – get your phone back same-day!
Visit Us for the Best Screen Repair in Columbus
📍 Legit Electronics
655 Cassady Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
📞 Call us at 614-655-6500
If you’re dealing with a broken screen, cracked display, or need a screen replacement near me, don’t waste money on a new phone—repair it today at Legit Electronics!