I dropped my iPhone 13 mini on a dry floor, which I don't think was a hard drop. Now, it only shows the Apple logo and goes into a boot loop when plugged in, but it stays black when unplugged. I tried updating it in recovery mode, but it didn't work. I want to recover my data before attempting a restore. I took it to a certified Apple repair center, where the technician opened the SIM tray, looked at it under a microscope, and confirmed the boot loop. He told me it can't be repaired and suggested I buy a refurbished iPhone 13 mini for 414 euros. Do you think my phone can actually be fixed? Is it worth spending 414 euros on that refurbished device?
3 Answers
Why do you think it can be fixed? Do you have any experience with phone repairs? It sounds like the technician did a thorough check, but if you're feeling doubtful about their assessment, maybe look into other opinions or repair quotes. That said, if the phone is liquid damaged, which might have been assessed through the SIM tray check, a replacement could be necessary, since repairs can sometimes end up costing more than a refurb.
I'd recommend asking the technician directly why they can't repair the phone. That way, you can understand their reasoning better. Based on what you've told us, it’s hard to say definitively without seeing the phone, but just be cautious—sometimes they lean towards replacements instead of repairs.
Have you considered asking them to check if the battery connector is properly attached? Sometimes the connectors can get loose, which might cause the behavior you’re describing, but keep in mind that it might be a more serious issue too.
The battery connector is usually secured tightly, so it’s unlikely that it’s come loose. Still, it doesn’t hurt to double-check!

I read a review where someone had a similar issue and managed to fix it themselves after being told it was unrepairable, so I’m skeptical about their diagnosis.