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I have the option to get a $30 back glass replacement, or a $100 back housing replacement. Since this is a rather old phone, I want to spend a minimal amount. Will glass replacement be okay?
back glass replacement is fine depending on who is doing it and what method they use to remove the old glass
The rear housing is what virtually every other part in the phone is mounted on, so replacing the rear housing isn’t just any old part swap, but more like a complete disassemble and rebuild of the phone. If you can get away with just replacing the rear glass, definitely a far better option. As long as the case isn’t bent or distorted, the glass can be professionally replaced to where you would never know it had been broken.