Phone breaks stops working now works all a sudden, can I trust that

Assessing the Reliability of a Temporarily Repaired Smartphone: Should You Trust It Again?

When your smartphone experiences malfunction or signs of water damage, it can be a stressful situation. Recently, I encountered a similar challenge with my device. It started acting unpredictably—periodic green flickering on the display that persisted for several days, reaching up to five, before suddenly ceasing after I powered it down for about a day. Suddenly, the phone began working normally without further issues.

This sequence raises an important question: Can I trust that my device won’t break again, especially considering the history of water damage? And, more broadly, how should one approach the decision to continue using a device that has shown intermittent issues versus purchasing a new one?

Understanding the Situation

Water damage can cause long-term, unpredictable problems in smartphones, even if they seem to recover temporarily. The flickering green display indicates potential underlying hardware issues, likely related to internal components affected by moisture. When the device resumed normal functionality after being turned off briefly, it suggests some temporary stabilization—possibly due to residual moisture evaporating or minor component settling.

Assessing the Risk of Reoccurrence

While the phone appears to be functioning now, there’s a legitimate concern about whether the issues might return. Water damage often causes corrosion over time, which can intermittently disrupt circuit connections. The previous flickering and glitches indicate that the hardware might still be compromised, even if it’s currently stable.

Recommendations for Decision-Making

Conduct a Thorough Inspection: Have the device examined by a professional technician. They can assess internal corrosion or residual moisture and determine the extent of damage.
Monitor Performance Closely: Keep an eye on the device’s behavior. If issues like flickering, glitches, or unexpected shutdowns resume, it’s a sign that the damage persists.
Consider Data Backup: Protect your important data by backing it up regularly. If the device begins to malfunction again, you’ll be prepared.
Evaluate Repair or Replacement Costs: Weigh the costs of professional repairs against purchasing a new device. Sometimes, ongoing repairs can be more expensive and less dependable in the long run.
Trustworthiness of the Device: If the device is currently stable but shows signs of past damage, it’s essential to remain cautious. Water damage can cause delayed failures, so trust should be granted only after thorough testing and a reasonable period of stable operation.