Help me fix my iPhone4

February 21, 2012 5:23 AM

I'm looking to replace the back glass panel of my iPhone 4. The options seem to be cheap ($2-$10) options from Amazon, or $80 from iFixIt. I'm mostly interested in the quality of the glass covering the lens. Mine is tremendously scratched, rendering my camera useless. I'd prefer to not pay $80, but I also don't trust the $2 knock-offs from Amazon. I've heard that the cheap ones have very crappy lens coverings - essentially just plastic wrap, not clear glass at all. Any advice on getting a quality rear backing at a decent price?
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates to Technology (14 answers total)

From what (admittedly little) I've read about it, the main problem with people getting fuzzy pictures after swapping out their back plate was that they would neglect to peel off the protecting film, putting all of their future photos into a permanent soft focus. I can only presume that they just figured that since they pulled off the main plate's protective film, they got the film over the lens as well.
posted by Kyol at 5:37 AM on February 21, 2012

Response by poster: Well, it seems like there has to be SOME difference between the $2 and the $80 options.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 5:52 AM on February 21, 2012

My business is cellular/electronics repair; I would get one from Gadgetfix on Ebay. Which exact one are you looking for? White/black? Iphone 4, 4s? Verizon/AT&T? Let me know, and I'lll post the right links. I wouldn't pay more than $20, Ifixit is nice but they take advantage of people not knowing the actual cost of parts.
posted by psiwave at 6:25 AM on February 21, 2012

I used ifixit and got the new back. But annoyingly, I didn't get the back plate to align perfectly. So my camera takes pics, but they are fairly rubbish. Just an FYI.
posted by MuffinMan at 6:28 AM on February 21, 2012

Response by poster: Black, iPhone4, AT&T.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 6:28 AM on February 21, 2012

I bought one on eBay for like $10 including shipping and used the iFixit guides to make the replacement. It's super simple, though. Looks like new (including logo and text), camera works fine.
posted by supercres at 6:30 AM on February 21, 2012

Response by poster: supercres, do you remember the vendor?
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 6:30 AM on February 21, 2012

I also bought a $7 back glass, from Amazon, that came with two tiny screwdrivers, and works perfectly.
posted by roofus at 6:35 AM on February 21, 2012

I asked about this when picking up my iPhone 4S as the Apple store. They told me that replacing the back glass costs $30 in the store. Not sure if that was only when it is under warranty.
posted by stopgap at 6:43 AM on February 21, 2012

Response by poster: Sadly, I don't live near an Apple Store, but that is definitely an option. I think I'd feel better if I knew it was coming directly from Apple.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 6:47 AM on February 21, 2012

Response by poster: roofus, do you remember the vendor?
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 6:48 AM on February 21, 2012

Best answer: http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-iphone-4-Compatible-Rear-Back-Cover-Glass-Housing-/230691822257 $10
posted by psiwave at 7:15 AM on February 21, 2012 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: psiwave, it's ordered. I will post an update when it's received and let everyone know if does the job. Thanks everyone for the advice.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 7:36 AM on February 21, 2012

Response by poster: Got it in the mail today, fits perfectly and the glass over the lens is great. Thanks again. Back in bidness!
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 6:39 PM on February 25, 2012 [1 favorite]