Watch Out for Scratches! When Screen Polishing Is Worth It and When It's Not
We've all felt that sinking feeling when we discover the first scratch on our new phone's screen. Whether it's an iPhone 15 Pro fresh out of the box or our beloved Apple Watch that goes everywhere with us. At onoff.gr, we've seen thousands of cases — from the tiny scratch that's “barely visible” to the completely shattered glass that looks like a spider web. Experience has taught us that not all scratches are the same, and most importantly? They don't all need the same solution. While many rush straight to screen replacement (which can cost €200-400!), often a professional polishing process can save the day at a fraction of the cost. But when exactly is it worth trying polishing, and when is it better to go straight for replacement?
Assessment Is Key - Not All Scratches Are the Same
First things first, let's clarify something: there is no “magic” solution that works in every case. Every scratch has its own “personality” — its depth, its location, and even the way it was created plays a role in what we can do about it.
The 3 Levels of Scratches We See Daily
These are the scratches you can only feel if you run your fingernail over them — and sometimes not even then! They're usually caused by keys in your pocket, sand, or general wear and tear. They're the ones that “ruin” the aesthetics but don't affect functionality.
✅ Success rate with polishing: 100%
Here we're talking about scratches you can clearly feel with your fingernail, but the glass hasn't completely “cracked.” They may have been caused by a drop on a hard surface or contact with a metal object.
⚠️ Success rate with polishing: 98%
When the glass has “cracked” in layers or there are cracks extending over a large area, then polishing is not an option. Here we need a full screen replacement.
❌ Success rate with polishing: 0% It is worth noting that very deep scratches — not cracks — can be noticeably improved.
Polishing Prices & Before-After Results
Check out our competitive prices and the real results we achieve in our workshop. All prices include full diagnosis, polishing, and quality control.
iPhone - Screen Polishing
📱 iPhone Price List
| Model | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT 24% |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 94.50€ | 117.18€ |
| iPhone 16 Pro/Plus | 81€ | 100.44€ |
| iPhone 15 Pro/Plus | 74.25€ | 92.07€ |
| iPhone 14/13 Pro | 67.50€ | 83.70€ |
| iPhone 12/11 Series | 60.75€ | 75.33€ |
| iPhone X/XR/XS | 50€ | 62€ |
✨ Before & After
Result: Like new!
💰 Savings: iPhone screen replacement costs €280-€400. With polishing, you save up to €305!
Samsung Galaxy - Screen Polishing
📱 Samsung Price List
| Model | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT 24% |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | 90€ | 111.60€ |
| Galaxy S24/S25 Series | 75-80€ | 93-99.20€ |
| Galaxy S23 Series | 70€ | 86.80€ |
| Galaxy S22 Series | 65€ | 80.60€ |
| Galaxy S21 Series | 60€ | 74.40€ |
| Galaxy S20/S10/S9/S8 | 50-55€ | 62-68.20€ |
✨ Before & After
Professional result!
💰 Savings: Samsung screen replacement costs €220-€340. With polishing, you save up to €270!
Apple Watch - Screen Polishing
⌚ Apple Watch Price List
| Model | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT 24% |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 81€ | 100.44€ |
| Apple Watch Ultra | 75.60€ | 93.74€ |
| Series 11/10 | 59.40-64.80€ | 73.66-80.35€ |
| Series 9/8/7 | 54€ | 66.96€ |
| Series 6/5/4/SE | 48.60€ | 60.26€ |
| Series 3/2/1 | 43.20€ | 53.57€ |
✨ Before & After
Shine like day one!
💰 Savings: Apple Watch screen replacement costs €180-€340. With polishing, you save up to €297!
See All Prices & Full Technical Analysis in Detail
Book an Appointment Today!
Bring your device in for a FREE diagnosis and find out if polishing is the right solution for you. No obligation!
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
When Polishing Is the Golden Solution
Here's something that might surprise you: 80% of the cases we see in our workshop can be handled with professional polishing! And no, I'm not talking about the “toothpaste trick” you read about online (which, by the way, can cause more harm than good).
Our philosophy
At onoff.gr, we believe the best repair is one that keeps the original screen intact. Why? Because no replacement — even the best one — can reproduce 100% of the factory quality.
The ideal cases for polishing:
When to Avoid Polishing (and Thank Us Later)
I don't want to only give you the good news. There are cases where polishing is like trying to fix a broken mirror with tape — technically it can be done, but the result won't satisfy you.
Warning: Signs that say “stop” to polishing
If you notice any of these, don't waste time — you need a screen replacement:
The “angled light” trick
A simple trick we use in the workshop: hold your phone at an angle under a light (e.g., under a lamp). If you can see the scratch as a “channel” or “gap,” then it's probably too deep for polishing. If it looks more like a “shadow” or “line,” then the chances are good!
Polishing vs Replacement: The Big Comparison
Let's talk realistically about what you gain and lose with each option. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about money — it's about time, results, and... peace of mind!
Professional Polishing
✅ Advantages:
- Cost €50-94.50 iPhone | €50-90 Samsung | €43.20-81 Apple Watch (vs €150-550 for replacement)
- Preserves the original factory glass
- Quick process (usually 1 day)
- No loss of water resistance
- Environmentally friendly
❌ Disadvantages:
- Doesn't work in every case
- Traces may remain on very deep scratches
Screen Replacement
✅ Advantages:
- 100% result for all types of damage
- Like a brand new phone
- Also fixes other issues (e.g., touch)
❌ Disadvantages:
- Cost €150-400+
- Possible loss of water resistance
- Quality depends on the replacement part
Our advice
If the damage is “borderline,” always start with polishing. In the worst case, you'll spend €50-94.50 (depending on the device), but in the best case, you'll save hundreds of euros and have your original glass in excellent condition!
Our Process at onoff.gr - Why We're Not “Just Another” Repair Shop
Allow me to tell you something you don't often hear from repair shops: Screen polishing isn't a “magic trick” you learn from a YouTube video. It's a craft that requires experience, the right equipment, and — most importantly — honesty about what can and can't be achieved.
The Assessment: The Most Critical Step
Before we even touch your device, we conduct a thorough examination. Not by eye — with specialized equipment that shows us the depth and extent of each scratch. And we tell you the truth, even if it means we'll lose a job.
Our process step by step:
Important clarification
Delivery time is at least one day, depending on the workshop's workload. We don't do “express” polishing — quality takes time!
Most Frequently Asked Questions (and Honest Answers)
🤔 “Can I do it myself with toothpaste?”
Ah, the famous toothpaste! Yes, we've seen all the YouTube videos. The reality? At best it won't do anything, at worst it can create more scratches. Screen glass requires specialized materials and techniques — not hygiene products!
💰 “Is it worth polishing an old phone?”
It depends on the phone's value and your personal attachment to it. If the phone is worth more than €150 and you plan to keep it for at least another year, then yes — it's worth it.
⏰ “How long does the result last?”
If the polishing has been done correctly, the result is permanent for those specific scratches. Of course, you can create new scratches through use — but the ones we polished won't come back!
🎯 “What's your success rate?”
For surface scratches: 100%. For moderate scratches: 90-99.9%. They almost always come off completely. For deep ones: 0%. We can only improve them. These are the real figures from our workshop.
The Final Verdict: How to Make the Right Decision
After countless repairs, I've arrived at a simple rule: "If you're not sure, start with polishing". Why?
The logic behind this advice:
The “golden” tip
Before coming to onoff.gr, take a photo of the scratch in good lighting and send it to us. That way, we can give you an initial assessment of whether it's worth trying polishing!
