When it comes to iPhone repairs, one of the most common issues is a cracked or damaged back glass. This leaves many iPhone users with a crucial question: should they replace just the back glass, or opt for a complete housing frame replacement? Let’s delve into both options to help you make an informed decision.
1: What is the Back Glass of an iPhone?
The back glass of an iPhone is the rear part of the phone’s casing. It’s made of glass and includes the wireless charging coil. This part of the iPhone is prone to damage, especially from drops or impacts. If the back glass is cracked or damaged, it can be replaced either by itself or as part of the entire housing frame.
2: Procedure for Back Glass Replacement Only
As per iFixit, this type of repair is rated as difficult and it’s recommended to be performed by a professional to prevent any additional damage to the device.
Step 1: Utilize a Laser Machine to Mark the Glass
A laser machine is used to burn the adhesive that binds the back glass to the housing, facilitating its removal.
Step 2: Detach the Back Glass and Clean
Shatter the back glass and carefully remove the fragments. This step is crucial and must be done with caution to avoid damaging the cable, flashlight, charging port, or camera.
Once the back glass is removed, it’s necessary to clean all the remaining adhesive and ensure no fragments of the back glass are left. Even a small piece of leftover back glass can damage the new glass when installed.
Step 3: Install the New Back Glass
Apply a specific adhesive and install the new back glass.
3: Replacing the Whole Housing Frame
Alternatively, a more thorough solution is to replace the entire housing frame of an iPhone. This method requires the removal and transfer of all internal components of the phone to a new frame. Although this process is more complex, it can be a viable option if the phone has sustained significant damage. However, this approach may also be more costly.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between replacing the back glass or the whole housing frame on an iPhone depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of the repair.
| Back Glass Only | Whole Rear Housing | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Reasonable | Expensive |
| Time | 1-2 hours | 3-5 hours |
| Durable | Less durable | Same as the original one |
| Water Resistance | 50-60% | 90-95% |
