Dropped phone, screen doesn't work but phone does?

[tbp5]

I accidentally dropped my Galaxy S4 phone and the the bottom left of the screen cracked. Now the entire screen is blank/black and does not work.
However, the home/volume/power buttons work. The notification light works at the top left of the phone, and the menu buttons at the bottom light up. I get calls texts everything, but obviously can't answer them.
I have a 2 year contract with AT&T, and I just got my phone in Nov 2013 (not sure if they'll replace for free?)
What should I do??? Is it easily fixable at home?

 

[androidcentral8450]

...the entire screen is blank/black and does not work. However, the home/volume/power buttons work. The notification light works at the top left of the phone, and the menu buttons at the bottom light up. I get calls texts everything, but obviously can't answer them.

Hi tbp5. I had the EXACT same issue. From what I was told, the LCD and the screen had to be replaced. Based on your comment, I would presume you do not have insurance on the phone, correct? If AT&T is anything like Sprint, there is no way they will replace the phone for free. If you have insurance, you will have to pay a $100 deductible (or something there about) to get the phone replaced. If you do not have insurance, you're looking at roughly $200-$250 to repair the phone. That may seem like a lot but current S4 devices are selling for $400-$500 on Craigslist and eBay.

Your avatar is small but it looks like the Brooklyn Bridge, is that correct? If so, I can recommend a retailer on the Upper West Side that will fix your device in about 30 minutes.

 

[tbp5]

Thank you so much for your insight! This was definitely helpful. And good to know its just a screen replacement issue (aka easily fixable at retail).
I am going to go to an AT&T Store to see what they say in case. I don't have insurance with them but going to shop around for prices at retail stores after. From your message, the $100-200 range is the average? I have learned my lesson and next time will invest in a higher rimmed and stronger phone case as well.
It is the Brooklyn Bridge, but I don't live there anymore but the memories always stick!

 

[androidcentral8450]

From your message, the $100-200 range is the average?

Here's what I do know (based on the NYC market). The average screen replacement - the screen is damaged but the device is still functional - is about $70-100 depending on the store. The average LCD and screen replacement - the phone still works but there is nothing visible - is about $200-250. Since NYC is one of the most expensive regions in the country, your city's average price may vary. Most stores in this area will be able to fix the phone within an hour, depending on their backlog. The average turn-around time is about a day. I used Yelp to find the store in the UWS. Good luck and feel free to update this thread with your results.

 

[bfry21]

I had the same issue, dropped my phone and the lcd display broke. I took it to my mobile carrier (Verizon) and they replaced it for free because my phone was less than a year old. I do not have insurance, it was still under the manufacturers warranty by Samsung.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[androidcentral8450]

I took it to my mobile carrier (Verizon) and they replaced it for free because my phone was less than a year old. I do not have insurance, it was still under the manufacturers warranty by Samsung

Hi bfry21. I have never heard of such a policy from any carrier. I would almost bet that was an one-off situation. You might have lucked up on getting the right sales person at the right time. If that was Verizon's policy (to provide free replacements on phones less than a year old without insurance) every Verizon customer would be eligible for this and run to the Verizon store anytime they get a nick on their device. The manufacturer's warranty covers hardware defects not accidental damage - that is what the insurance does.

 

[MinJin Lee]

How long did it take for your phone to be fixed?