Don't Buy This Tech on Black Friday: A Smarter Guide for 2025

Every year Black Friday turns into a rush to buy new devices because the deals look too good to pass up. But here's the truth most big retailers won't tell you. Many of the "doorbusters" are designed to get you to replace tech you don't actually need to replace. That means extra spending, more e-waste, and devices sitting in drawers until they get thrown away years later.

At iFixPros, we've been repairing devices since 2012 and have fixed over 10,000 phones, tablets, computers, and gaming devices. And the pattern is clear. In most cases, you don't need to buy new. You just need to fix what you have. According to the UN Environment Programme, the world generates 62 million tonnes of e-waste annually, and Black Friday contributes significantly to this problem.

Here's what not to buy this Black Friday. And what to do instead if you want to save money and get more life out of your tech.

1. Don't Buy a New iPhone Just Because the Screen Is Cracked

This is the biggest trap. Retailers push trade-in offers hard on Black Friday to get you into a multi-year device financing cycle.

Why avoid buying new:

• Most cracked screens can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of upgrading

• Even newer devices with OLED screens can be repaired with OEM-grade parts

• Trade-in offers typically undervalue your device when it has damage

  
  

Smarter move:

Repair the screen with high-quality parts. It's cheaper, faster, and keeps you out of carrier financing contracts. At iFixPros, screen repairs are often done the same day.

2. Avoid "Budget Laptops" That Look Like a Deal

Big box stores love selling $199–$399 laptops on Black Friday.

The problem:

• These are usually under-powered models built specifically for holiday promotions

• Slow processors, cheap storage, and short lifespans mean you'll be replacing them again soon

• Many aren't repair-friendly

  
  

Smarter move:

Upgrade your current laptop. A new SSD or more RAM can make a sluggish machine feel brand new. And if you truly need an upgrade, buy a refurbished business-grade model (Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad, MacBook) rather than a Black Friday special.

3. Skip New Gaming Consoles If Yours Just Needs a Repair

A PS5 or Xbox that overheats or has fan noise is almost always repairable.

Black Friday trap:

• Big retailers rarely discount consoles themselves

• They bundle old accessories to make the price look appealing

• Issues like HDMI port damage, overheating, or disc reading errors are repairable

  
  

Smarter move:

A $79–$129 repair keeps your console going for years without spending $400+ on a new unit.

4. Don't Buy New Tablets for Kids if the Old One Just Has a Broken Screen

Parent trap. Kids drop tablets, screens crack, and suddenly the Black Friday "$99 tablet deal" looks tempting.

But those devices are typically low-performance, low-durability models.

Smarter move:

Repair the iPad you already own. The quality is higher and the longevity is far better than most Black Friday kid-tablet promotions.

5. Don't Buy Smartwatches Just to Replace a Dead Battery

Most people don't realize smartwatch batteries are replaceable.

Why you shouldn't buy new:

• Battery aging is normal after 2–3 years

• Charging twice a day shouldn't push you to spend hundreds on an upgrade

• Repairing the battery keeps the same watch running just as long

  
  

Smarter move:

Replace the battery and keep the watch you already like.

6. Don't Buy "Extended Warranty" Plans in the Checkout Line

Most of these plans:

• Don't cover accidental damage

• Require shipping devices out for long waits

• Cost more than most common repairs

  
  

Smarter move:

Repair when needed. You'll still spend less overall than the warranty cost plus the upgrade cycle.

When You Should Upgrade

Not all Black Friday buys are bad. If you fall into one of these categories, upgrading might make sense:

• Your device has severe logic board damage

• Your battery health is below 70% and you've already replaced it once

• Your laptop cannot be upgraded (e.g., soldered RAM) and is more than 6 years old

• You want to trade in while the model still has strong value

  
  

Even then, compare the cost of repair first. It's not unusual for a $1,000 Black Friday upgrade to be avoidable with a $79–$149 repair. Consumer Reports offers a helpful repair vs replace tool that can guide your decision-making process.

The Environmental Impact of Black Friday Tech Purchases

Research from CleanHub shows that Black Friday creates a 25% increase in household waste during the holiday season. Most of this comes from packaging, but a significant portion is discarded electronics that still had usable life left. When you repair instead of replace, you're not just saving money. You're keeping functional devices out of landfills and reducing the demand for new manufacturing, which requires mining rare earth minerals and consumes massive amounts of energy and water.

Repair vs Replace: The Real Numbers

Item	New Device Cost	Typical Repair Cost	Savings
iPhone Screen	$800+ (new phone)	$99-$199	$600+
Laptop SSD Upgrade	$400-$800 (new laptop)	$149-$249	$250+
Gaming Console	$400-$500	$79-$129	$300+
iPad Screen	$329+ (new tablet)	$149-$199	$150+
Smartwatch Battery	$250-$400	$79-$99	$200+

The Bottom Line: Black Friday Isn't Actually the Best Time to Buy Tech

It's the best time for retailers to convince you to buy tech.

The smarter move is this:

• Repair first

• Upgrade only when the repair doesn't financially make sense

• Sell or trade in your old devices after they're repaired for maximum value

  
  

At iFixPros, we help you extend the life of your tech, keep devices out of landfills, and save money year-round. Whether you're looking to repair, buy refurbished, or sell a device, our team can help you make the smart choice.

What We Repair at iFixPros

Our expert technicians handle repairs for all major devices:

Smartphones:

• iPhone (all models including iPhone 17 series)

• Samsung Galaxy

• Google Pixel

• OnePlus, Motorola, and other Android devices

Tablets:

• iPad (all generations)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab

• Microsoft Surface

Computers:

• MacBook repairs and upgrades

• Windows laptop repairs

• Desktop PC repairs

• SSD and RAM upgrades

Gaming Devices:

• PlayStation 5 and PS4

• Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One

• Nintendo Switch

Wearables:

• Apple Watch

• Samsung Galaxy Watch

• Fitbit

We use quality parts, offer same-day service on many repairs, and back our work with warranties. Before you spend hundreds or thousands on Black Friday deals, let us show you how affordable repairs can be.

Our experienced team is ready to help extend the life of your devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my device is worth repairing instead of replacing?

A: As a general rule, if the repair costs less than 50% of what a replacement would cost, repair is the better financial choice. Also consider the age of the device and whether it still meets your needs. A 2-year-old phone with a cracked screen is almost always worth repairing. A 7-year-old laptop with multiple hardware failures might be better replaced.

Q: Will repairing my phone void any warranties?

A: If your device is still under manufacturer warranty, you should use the manufacturer's repair service. However, most phones brought to us are already out of warranty. Our repairs don't affect your ability to use the device, and we provide our own warranty on the work we do.

Q: How long do repairs typically take?

A: Most common repairs like screen replacements, battery swaps, and charging port fixes can be completed the same day, often within 1-3 hours. More complex repairs like logic board work or gaming console repairs may take 2-3 business days.

Q: Are refurbished devices as good as new ones?

A: Quality refurbished devices from reputable sources can be excellent values. They've been tested, repaired if needed, and typically come with warranties. For many people, a refurbished flagship phone from last year is a better choice than a brand-new budget model.

Q: What should I do with my old device after I upgrade?

A: Don't throw it away! Old devices can be sold, traded in, donated, or recycled properly. If the device is damaged, get it repaired first to maximize its resale value. We can help you determine the best option based on your device's condition.

Q: Can you really repair water-damaged phones?

A: Yes, in many cases. The key is acting fast. If your phone gets wet, turn it off immediately, don't try to charge it, and bring it to us as soon as possible. We have specialized equipment to clean and dry internal components. Success rates vary depending on the type of liquid and how long the phone was exposed, but we save many water-damaged devices.

Q: Do you offer any guarantees on your repairs?

A: Yes, all our repairs come with warranties. The specific warranty period depends on the type of repair and parts used, but we stand behind our work. If you experience any issues with a repair we performed, bring it back and we'll make it right.

Q: Is it better to repair through you or use manufacturer repair services?

A: Both have advantages. Manufacturer repairs use official parts and won't affect warranties, but they're often more expensive and slower. We offer faster turnaround times, competitive pricing, and quality parts. For out-of-warranty devices, we're typically the better value. For devices still under warranty, manufacturer service might be your best bet.