For most Galaxy A phones from the A15 onwards, a repair is worth it: they're still getting Samsung updates, and a battery or screen costs a fraction of a new phone. For the older models, the A12, A13, A22, A32, A51, A52, A52s, A71 and A72, and to a lesser extent the A33 and A53, it's a closer call, because their security updates have ended or are ending soon. Batteries are nearly always worth it, and big repairs on old phones are the ones to think about.
Repairing Galaxy A phones is my business, so weigh my view with that in mind. I'll tell you when I think a repair isn't worth it.
Three questions to ask
1. How long will Samsung keep updating it?
Security updates are what keep a phone safe to use for banking and payments. Once they stop, the phone still works, but it's more exposed to new threats over time. Samsung commits to a set number of years of security updates for each model, counted from launch. This list shows which Galaxy A phones still get them.
2. What does the repair cost, compared with replacing the phone?
A good rule of thumb: if the repair costs less than about half of what a comparable replacement would cost you, and the phone has updates left, repairing it is usually the better deal. A new phone also means setting everything up again.
3. What's it worth, and what else is wrong?
Check what your model sells for on eBay's sold listings or a trade-in site. If the phone has several faults at once, add up the repairs. One repair on a good phone is usually worth doing; three on a tired one often isn't.
Model by model
Galaxy A05s
An entry-level phone from 2023 that still gets Samsung's security updates, though no more major Android versions. A £49 battery or charging port is good value. A £79 screen is a big share of what an A05s is worth, so compare it with a newer budget phone first.
Galaxy A12
Launched in 2021 at £169, and out of security updates since early 2025. It was slow even when new, and a repair won't change that. A £49 battery or port makes sense if it's a second phone or one you're happy with; a £79 screen usually doesn't.
Galaxy A13
Launched in 2022 at £179, and now at the end of Samsung's security updates. A £49 battery is reasonable if you're happy with the phone and just want it to last the day. A £79 screen is harder to justify on a phone this age and value, so compare it with a newer budget phone first.
Galaxy A14
Launched in 2023 at £179 to £219.99, with security updates to around 2027. A £49 battery or port makes sense. A £79 screen is worth it if you plan to keep the phone for its remaining supported life. If the touchscreen stopped working straight after an update, check this software fault before paying for a screen.
Galaxy A15 and A16
Both still have years of updates ahead, especially the A16, which Samsung promised six years of Android and security updates. At £49 for a battery and £79 for a genuine screen, repairing either is usually well worth it. See the A15 and A16 pages.
Galaxy A17
Launched in 2025 with six years of updates promised for the A17 5G. Almost any repair is worth it. If it's still inside Samsung's warranty and the fault isn't damage, go to Samsung first. A17 repair prices.
Galaxy A22 and A23
The A22 (2021) is out of security updates; the A23 5G (2022) still gets them on Samsung's quarterly schedule. On either, a £49 battery or port is worth doing if you like the phone. A £79 screen is easier to justify on the A23 5G, which is still supported.
Galaxy A25, A26 and A27
The A25 (2023, £249) has security updates to around the end of 2028; the A26 (2025, £299) has six years promised. Both are worth repairing for any of the usual faults. The A26 has a glass back, so a £49 back glass replacement is a common one. A25 repair prices. The A27 (2026) has six years promised and a glass back too; if it's inside Samsung's warranty and the fault isn't damage, go to Samsung first. A27 repair prices.
Galaxy A32
Both the A32 and A32 5G (2021) are out of security updates. A £49 battery, port or back is sensible if you're happy with the phone. I replace screens on the A32 5G for £79, but not on the 4G A32, whose fingerprint reader sits under the screen.
Galaxy A51, A71, A52, A52s and A72
The popular mid-range Samsungs of 2020 and 2021. All are now out of security updates: the A51 and A71 since early 2024, the A52, A52s and A72 during 2025. They still have good screens and cameras, and a £59 battery can keep one going as an everyday or second phone. Screens are another matter: I don't offer them on these models because of the under-screen fingerprint reader, and Samsung's prices of £134 to £164 are hard to justify on a phone out of support. See the A51, A52, A52s, A71 and A72 pages.
Galaxy A33 and A53
Both launched in April 2022 with five years of security updates, so they have around a year of support left. A £59 battery can carry either phone through that and beyond, and many owners will find that worthwhile. A screen is a different matter: I don't currently offer it on these models because of the fingerprint calibration issue, and Samsung's price (£134 for the A33, £144 for the A53) is a lot to put into a phone near the end of its updates. See the A33 and A53 pages.
Galaxy A34 and A54
Launched in 2023 with security updates to 2028. A battery, charging port or back is well worth doing. The A54 in particular is a popular phone to keep going with a £59 battery. As with the A33 and A53, I don't currently offer screens on these two. See the A34 page too.
Galaxy A35 and A55
Launched in 2024 with updates into 2029. Any repair is worth it on phones this good and this well supported. Screens are coming soon; batteries, ports and backs are bookable now. See the A35 and A55 pages.
Galaxy A36 and A56
Launched in 2025 with six years of updates promised, to 2031. Almost always worth repairing. If either is inside Samsung's warranty and the fault isn't damage, go to Samsung first. See the A36 and A56 pages.
Galaxy A37 and A57
Launched in April 2026 with six years of updates promised. Any repair is worth doing, and if either is inside Samsung's warranty and the fault isn't damage, go to Samsung first. Backs, batteries and charging ports are bookable now; screens are coming soon. For an A57 screen right now, Samsung's own £119 is good value. See the A37 and A57 pages.
When I'd say don't repair it
- The phone has several faults at once, and the total is close to the price of a newer model.
- It's out of security updates and the repair is a screen, not a battery.
- It has water damage. I don't repair water-damaged phones, and they're often unreliable even after a repair.
- The back is bulging from a swollen battery and the frame or screen has been bent by it. Contact me first and I'll give you an honest view.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth replacing the battery on an old Samsung?
Usually, if you're happy with the phone otherwise. A battery is one of the cheapest repairs and makes the biggest difference to daily use. Just don't expect it to fix a slow phone.
How do I know when Samsung updates end for my phone?
Samsung commits to a number of years of security updates from each model's launch. Newer models from the A16, A26, A36 and A56 onwards have six years promised; most older ones had four or five. Samsung's security website lists the models it still updates.
Should I repair or replace a Galaxy A with a cracked screen?
If it's an A15 or newer, repairing is usually better value. On an older model such as the A12, A13, A14, A22 or A32, compare the repair price with a newer budget phone first.
