You hear the sickening crunch and your heart drops. Flipping over your phone confirms your worst fear: a spiderweb of cracks runs across the screen. If you‘re like the 50%+ of smartphone owners who have damaged their device, you know all too well the panic of a shattered screen.
With how much we rely on our phones daily, a broken display is more than just an eyesore – it‘s a major disruption to our lives. But do you need to replace the phone entirely or shell out big bucks at the manufacturer‘s service center? A trip to Walmart may be the fast, convenient, and cost-effective solution you‘re looking for.
Walmart Partners with Puls for Phone Repair
While Walmart doesn‘t have an in-house phone repair service, many of their stores have kiosks operated by a company called Puls that can fix your broken screen while you shop. Founded in 2015, Puls is a leading provider of on-demand tech repairs and installation services, including smartphones, smart home devices, appliances, garage doors, and more.
The Puls kiosks are typically located in Walmart‘s electronics section and are staffed by certified technicians with experience repairing all major phone brands and models. According to Puls CEO Itai Hirsch, their partnership with Walmart aims to "eliminate the hassle associated with device repair by offering a convenient and reliable solution."
How the Puls Phone Repair Process Works
Getting your phone screen fixed at a Puls kiosk in Walmart is designed to be an easy and seamless process:
- Find the kiosk and talk to the technician about your phone issues.
- They will inspect the device and give you a repair estimate.
- If you agree to the price, check in your phone and finish your shopping.
- Come back to retrieve your repaired phone, usually within the hour.
The technicians use high-quality replacement parts sourced directly from phone manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. They perform the repair right there in the kiosk, so you never have to wait for your phone to be shipped off to some third-party service center. Puls backs most repairs with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor, so if any issues arise, they‘ll make it right.
Aside from cracked screens, the Puls technicians can address a variety of other smartphone woes, such as:
- Battery replacement
- Charging port repair
- Speaker and microphone issues
- Button malfunctions
- Camera problems
- Water damage diagnosis
They service all the major phone brands – Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, LG, and more. Whether you have the latest and greatest iPhone or a budget Moto model from a few years back, they can get your device fixed up and functioning again.
Puls Repair Prices: What You Can Expect to Pay
As you might expect, phone repair prices at the Puls kiosks vary depending on your model and the extent of the damage. Most common repairs like screen replacement start around $70 for older or lower-end devices and go up to $300+ for premium smartphones. Here‘s a table of some sample price ranges from Puls for popular phone models:
| Phone Model | Screen Repair Price Range |
|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | $229 – $329 |
| iPhone 11 | $189 – $199 |
| iPhone XR | $149 |
| iPhone SE | $119 |
| Galaxy S21 | $219 – $299 |
| Galaxy S20 | $179 – $249 |
| Galaxy A12 | $99 |
| Pixel 5 | $189 |
| Pixel 4a | $99 |
While not the cheapest option, repairing a broken screen is almost always more cost-effective than purchasing a brand new phone, especially for newer models. Let‘s say you bought a Samsung Galaxy S21 a year ago for $800. Assuming the rest of the phone works fine, spending $250 on a screen repair instead of $800 on a replacement device saves you $550. Even when you factor in the potential resale value of your current phone, you still come out ahead financially with the repair route.
Of course, price isn‘t the only factor to weigh. A professional screen repair will restore your device to like-new condition, whereas buying a used replacement may come with its own set of cosmetic or functional issues. You also have to consider the hassle of setting up a new phone and potentially losing important data, photos, and customized settings in the process.
With a fast, reliable, and warrantied screen repair option right in your local Walmart, the convenience alone may be worth a small price premium over other alternatives. You can have your phone looking and working good as new in the time it takes to pick up lightbulbs and laundry detergent, rather than wasting hours comparison shopping or driving across town to a repair shop.
Other Phone Repair Options to Consider
While the Puls partnership makes phone repair more accessible than ever, it‘s not your only option. Here‘s a quick rundown of some other places that can replace a damaged phone screen and how they stack up:
Manufacturer Repair Services
Apple, Samsung, Google, and most other phone brands have first-party repair services, either through their retail stores, authorized service providers, or mail-in programs. Prices are usually on the higher end compared to third-party repair shops, but you get the peace of mind of genuine parts and certified technicians.
The main downside is convenience – there may not be a service location near you, and mail-in repairs can leave you without a usable phone for days. Appointments are also often required and may not be available on short notice. Manufacturer repairs are best if you have an uncommon device, need a repair not offered by Puls, or just feel more comfortable with the brand itself handling your device.
Wireless Carrier Repair Services
The "big three" wireless carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) all offer some type of phone repair service for their customers, either in-store or through a third-party partnership like Asurion. Prices are generally competitive with other repair providers, and some repairs may be free or discounted if you have device protection or insurance through your carrier plan.
However, carrier repairs often use lower-quality aftermarket parts to save costs, which can impact device resale value later on. They also typically have a more limited selection of models they service compared to manufacturers or independent shops. And in the case of mail-in repairs, you‘ll likely be without a phone for several days.
Local Electronics Repair Shops
Most cities have at least a handful of independently owned electronics repair shops that service phones, and major metro areas can have dozens to choose from. Local shops can offer some of the lowest prices and fastest turnaround times, especially for older devices.
The tradeoff is that quality and expertise can be hit-or-miss. Unless you have a personal recommendation, it‘s hard to know whether a shop is using genuine parts, following proper repair procedures, and standing behind their work. There‘s also the additional time and mileage to get to the shop location, whereas you‘re likely already visiting Walmart regularly for other needs.
Self Repair
If you‘re feeling extra brave (or extra cheap), it is possible to replace a phone screen yourself with basic tools and a replacement screen. Walmart sells some DIY screen repair kits through third-party marketplace sellers, typically priced between $20 to $50.
Fair warning: phone screen replacement is much more involved than a simple battery swap. You need to carefully disconnect cables, unstick adhesive, transfer fiddly internal components between the old screen and new, and more. One wrong move and you could damage a costly component or even brick the phone entirely.
Needless to say, self repair is not for the faint of heart or shaky of hands. It also likely voids any remaining manufacturer warranty on the device. For most people, the risk outweighs the potential cost savings, making professional repair the smarter choice.
Choosing a Quality Phone Repair Service
Regardless of whether you opt for Puls, the manufacturer, your carrier, or a local shop, you‘ll want to evaluate any phone repair provider on the following criteria:
- Certified technicians: Do they employ technicians who are trained and certified by the phone manufacturer or a reputable third-party organization? Puls, for example, requires all of its technicians to pass a rigorous vetting and certification process.
- Quality parts: Are they using genuine manufacturer parts (ideal) or high-quality aftermarket parts? Avoid providers that use cheap knockoff components, as these can lead to problems down the road.
- Warranty: What kind of warranty do they offer on the repair? Is it only for defective parts or does it cover labor and accidental damage too? The best providers will guarantee both parts and labor for at least 90 days if not longer.
- Turnaround time: How long will the repair take and will you have a functional phone to use in the meantime? While Puls can complete a screen replacement during a typical Walmart shopping trip, other providers may require you to drop off your device for several hours or ship it in for multiple days.
- Transparency: Does the provider offer detailed information about their repair process, pricing, warranties, and customer support? Can you get an estimate before committing to the repair? If a provider is vague or evasive about these details, it‘s best to take your business elsewhere.
Preventing Screen Damage: Tips from the Experts
Needing to repair a broken phone screen even once is no fun – let alone multiple times. While accidents happen, there are several simple steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of screen cracks and shatters:
- Use a screen protector. Think of it as a "sacrificial layer" that can absorb impacts and scratches so your actual screen doesn‘t have to. While plastic screen protectors offer a basic level of defence, tempered glass screen protectors are much more damage resistant.
- Keep your phone in a case. For the best drop protection, look for cases with shock-absorbing materials (think silicone or rubber), air pockets in the corners, and a lip that extends above the screen. Avoid thin, hard plastic snap-on cases – they may prevent scratches but won‘t do much in a fall.
- Watch where you put it. Never put your phone in the same pocket as keys, coins, or other hard objects that could scratch or press against the screen. The back pocket is also a risky spot as you could easily sit on it and cause a screen crack.
- Maintain a secure grip. Using a pop socket, ring holder, or lanyard can give you extra security when holding your phone, especially if you‘re prone to butterfingers. If you have a larger device like a iPhone Pro Max or a Galaxy Note, consider using two hands to minimize drops.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Many phone drops occur when people are distracted and fail to notice uneven pavement, an open grate, or a shallow pocket. Avoid walking and texting in high-risk areas or consider enabling a "digital wellbeing" feature that blocks notifications when you‘re in motion.
Even the most careful phone owners can still fall victim to the dreaded shattered screen. But by being proactive and choosing a quality repair option like the Puls service at Walmart, you can minimize the impact on your wallet and your day-to-day life. Stay safe out there!
