Should Gamers Trade Broken iPhones to GameStop?

As a lifetime gamer and content creator focused on the gaming industry, I get asked often if GameStop buys broken phones. And does broken mean cracked screens or totally smashed? What about water damage?

The short answer is yes, GameStop does purchase damaged, faulty, and even broken iPhones and other smartphones – but read on for the full details from a gaming expert‘s perspective.

What "Broken" Means to GameStop

First, let‘s define what condition we‘re talking about when it comes to broken phones for GameStop trade-ins.

Here‘s a quick checklist of what does and doesn‘t qualify as a broken phone to GameStop:

Acceptable Broken Phone Damage

• Cracked or scratched screens/glass
• Dented, scuffed, or scratched phone frames
• Faulty batteries that need replacing
• Partial water/liquid damage (powers on)
• Software bugs or glitches

Unacceptable Broken Phone Damage

• Completely shattered screens
• Won‘t power on whatsoever
• Severe fire or liquid damage
• Parts missing (e.g. SIM card tray)
• Modified/jailbroken devices

So "broken" to GameStop means phones that still mostly work, aside from cracked screens or other semi-minor physical damage. If your phone is totally wrecked or has irreparable harm, chances are slim they‘ll take it.

iPhones with busted screens but working displays/touch sensors are prime candidates for trade-ins. Water damaged phones that still power on also qualify as broken to GameStop.

But a phone that‘s snapped in half? One that turns on but has a fully non-functional screen? Unfortunately not even GameStop wants those as they likely can‘t resell them.

The good-ish news is that the most common iPhone damage – cracked screens – falls under the broken category GameStop will buy. Just don‘t expect to cash in big for it…

Broken iPhone Trade-In Values at GameStop

We‘ve established GameStop will indeed buy your damaged smartphone, but how much cash or store credit can you expect to score?

The answer depends on three key factors:

1. iPhone model – Newer iPhones net you more
2. Damage severity – More minor issues mean higher value
3. Demand fluctuations – Hot phones = better rates

Let‘s break down estimated broken phone payouts from GameStop using some common examples:

iPhone XS Max (Cracked Screen)

• Up to $100 cash
• $120-150 store credit

As a fairly recent iPhone with robust processing specs, the XS Max fairs decently well even with minor damage. I‘d personally take the extra store credit here to put towards games or accessories.

iPhone XR (Water Damage, Powers On)

• $35-85 cash
• $50-100 store credit

Water damage tanks the iPhone XR‘s resale value significantly, but working functionality lets GameStop resell it for parts. Expect to land around 50% normal trade-in value if it turns on.

iPhone 11 Pro (Dented Frame, Shattered Screen)

• ~$20 cash
• $25-50 store credit

Oof, broken screens slash resale big time. And dented metal frames signal potential internal issues too. File this under better than nothing money back from GameStop.

iPhone 12 Mini (Won‘t Power On)

• $0 cash back

Bricked phones with no signs of life fetch $0 even at GameStop. Unless you specifically need e-waste recycling, it‘s not worth the trip without power.

Data ranges estimated based on current GameStop broken phone programs. Individual device condition and testing determines final offer

As you can see, a broken iPhone‘s model and just how busted it is play huge factors in GameStop‘s valuations.

But on the bright side, their tolerance for damaged devices opens up trade-in options that are completely closed with Apple and wireless carriers.

My advice is to go after hairline cracks and screen scratches for minimal devaluation at GameStop. Water damage and shattered glass slash anywhere from 50-90% of expected cash back.

Should Gamers Choose GameStop for Broken Phones?

We know GameStop takes cracked screen, water damaged, and semi-broken iPhones – but how do their rates compare to alternatives?

As a gamer, I believe GameStop is one of the smarter moves for trading in your broken iPhone thanks to a few key advantages:

Higher Value Potential

• Rewards program multipliers boost trade credits further
• Bonuses like +10-30% extra during sales events

Immediate In-Store Credit

• Fund your next console, games, accessories same-day
• Avoid waiting for PayPal/check payments

Accessories Discounts

• Level up to Elite Pro for 20% off used gaming gear deals
• Stack store credit for max savings on controllers, headsets

Easy In-Person Process

• Quick diagnostics test condition on the spot
• Grade and finalize valuation face-to-face
• Leave with store credit or cash in minutes

The convenience for gamers is clear – broken iPhone converted directly into gaming swag. And by leveraging rewards and coupons, you efficiently unlock more value from damaged Apple devices.

Check around for quotes, but in my experience, GameStop competes aggressively on broken electronics with bonus potential through their PowerUp program. For gamers, it‘s a win-win to funnel imperfect iPhones into gaming money.

What Does the Future Hold for Broken Phone Trade-Ins?

As phone repairs get pricier and upgrades stay expensive, demand for compromised devices should rise. That includes growing interest in fixer-upper electronics from gamers with limited budgets.

Expect GameStop‘s broken categories to expand further. But stiff competition from ecoATM kiosks and online resellers will likely cap maximum payouts in years ahead. Still, keep an eye out for periodic % boosts during special promos.

Bottom line – broken iPhone trade-in options show no signs of slowing at GameStop. Their gaming customer base will continue dealing damaged goods for discounted gear. And as production costs increase, handing down better-than obsolete phones makes more and more sense.

So while a busted iPhone won‘t finance the latest $1000 setup, it takes the sting out of splurging on controllers and accessories. As a gamer, I happily welcome any chance to unlock free gaming swag – broken screens and all!