Question 1

How do I make sure a spare part is compatible with my exact phone model?

Accepted Answer

Check your phone's full model number in Settings > About Phone, not just the marketing name — then match it against the part's listed compatibility. An iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro use different display assemblies despite looking similar. CoreParts and Fairphone both use structured part numbers that map to specific models; always cross-reference these against your device's hardware revision, especially for Samsung Galaxy variants which differ between UK and international releases.

Question 2

Is it worth replacing a phone battery yourself, or should I go to a repair shop?

Accepted Answer

For Fairphone owners, DIY is genuinely the right call — the modular design makes it a 10-minute job with no tools required. For iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices, it depends on your confidence: the repair involves heat, adhesive and precision screwdrivers, and a mistake can damage the display or motherboard. If you're not comfortable with that, a local repair shop using a quality CoreParts or OEM battery will still cost significantly less than an Apple or Samsung official repair, and you'll know the component quality is sound.

Question 3

What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket spare parts?

Accepted Answer

OEM parts are manufactured to the original device specification — either by the original supplier or under licence. Aftermarket parts are third-party alternatives that vary widely in quality. Premium aftermarket brands like CoreParts are generally reliable and well-priced, but cheap no-name components — particularly batteries — can fail early, perform poorly, or in rare cases pose a safety risk. For anything safety-critical like a battery, always check for CE and RoHS certification before buying.

Question 4

Are cheap replacement batteries safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Replacement batteries priced well below 14 £ without CE marking or RoHS compliance should be avoided — lithium cells that haven't been properly tested can overheat, swell, or in extreme cases catch fire. Stick to certified components from known brands. A battery that costs a few pounds more but carries IEC 62619 certification is a much safer choice for something you carry in your pocket every day.

Question 5

Should I avoid buying spare parts for older phone models?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but availability becomes the main issue. CoreParts covers a wide range of older iPhone and Samsung models, and parts for devices three to five years old are often still in stock and competitively priced. The real risk with older models is that you're investing in a repair for a phone that may have other ageing components — a new battery won't fix a degrading motherboard. If the repair cost approaches 40–50% of a comparable second-hand handset, it's worth pausing to reconsider.

Question 6

Do Fairphone spare parts work out more expensive than CoreParts equivalents?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Fairphone's official modules average around 23 £, noticeably above the CoreParts average. But the comparison isn't entirely fair: Fairphone parts are official OEM modules with a manufacturer warranty, designed for tool-free installation. CoreParts offers aftermarket alternatives for a wider range of devices at lower prices. If you own a Fairphone, the official parts are worth the premium for the warranty and ease of fitting. For other brands, CoreParts is the more practical choice.

Question 7

What tools do I need to replace a phone screen at home?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: a set of precision screwdrivers (Pentalobe and Torx for Apple devices), a plastic pry tool, a suction cup, and a heat gun or hairdryer to soften adhesive. Some repairs also require tweezers and spudgers. Fairphone is the exception — its display module clips in without any tools. For iPhone and Samsung screen replacements, iFixit-style toolkits are widely available and cost under £15, making them a sensible addition to your order if you don't already own them.

Mobile Phone Spare Parts Price Comparison

CoreParts MBXSA-BA0202 mobile phone spare part Battery Black

Mobile Phone Spare Parts Price Comparison

Mobile Phone Spare Parts price comparison UK

CoreParts MBXSA-BA0202 mobile phone spare part Battery Black