For such people, there are several options for achieving the cherished goal:
- take a device on credit, which cannot be considered an ideal solution to the problem;
- purchase a replica from a Chinese store (AliExpress, GearBest, Bangood) with a 50 × 50 probability that the purchased phone will work perfectly;
- assemble a smartphone yourself from spare parts purchased at the mentioned Chinese sites.
Material from the Tehno.guru portal will tell you how realistic it is to assemble an iPhone from components, purchased in the Middle Kingdom, and most importantly, how much will the device, assembled from spare parts with AliExpress.
Immediately, it should be noted a few points that must be taken into account when deciding to assemble a replica of a phone from a well-known brand from spare parts purchased separately:
- such an event will require the involvement of a master with experience in repairing cell phones;
- since Apple very carefully controls the manufacture of components, if there is a low-quality chip in the purchased boards, problems may arise with the operation of the device;
- the material is for reference only, because sellers in the AliExpress store change prices very often. In addition, promotions are periodically held. Therefore, in order to obtain the lowest possible cost, it is necessary to monitor all the stores of the site.
CONTENT
- 1 Where to start: the heart of an iPhone-style phone
- 2 The most important thing is tactile sensations
- 3 Display to see better
- 4 What about the photo
- 5 Nutrition is important for maintaining health
- 6 A set of loops for the functioning of buttons
- 7 Sound is the head
- 8 Important and necessary little things
- 9 Summarizing
Where to start: the heart of an iPhone-style phone
The most important part of any smartphone is the motherboard, which directly contains central processor and video accelerator, as well as the main units responsible for normal operation devices.
When creating a search query, you should be prepared for the fact that according to the search results it will be possible to find boards of two types: the presence of TouchID (a special technology that allows you to unlock the device using a fingerprint) and the absence of this technology.
The purchase of the second option will be cheaper, but in the end the user gets a phone where the central button will have only one function - Home, which naturally reduces its functionality.
When deciding to buy a motherboard with TouchID, you should carefully study customer reviews and store ratings. The fact is that the manufacturer binds this sensor to the motherboard at the hardware level. Therefore, a separate purchase of the motherboard and TouchID is not possible, since the assembled structure will not work correctly.
There is a danger of acquiring not a new part, but taken from a used phone, so you should be prepared for possible troubles.
The cheapest options available on AliExpress are:
- motherboard without TouchID with 32 GB memory
- motherboard with TouchID of the same memory size
The cost of the first option is 6207 rubles, and the price of a more advanced sample is 11302 rubles. This seller has free shipping. This point should also be taken into account when monitoring the cost, because, in some cases, the amount for delivery can simply "eat" the charm of the minimum price.
When purchasing a board with an already integrated TouchID, keeping in mind that this element cannot be changed, you should choose the desired color right away - either white or black.
Another point that should worry the user is the amount of RAM, which is also on the motherboard. Everything here is simple and logical - the more gigabytes the user wants, the more the seller will have to pay.
TOINFORMATION!
When choosing the right part, it is important to carefully read the description and select the unlocked options, otherwise there is a chance of getting a spare part that is already locked to a certain operator.
The most important thing is tactile sensations
The next important component of any phone is the body, which will be responsible for tactile sensations while using the device. In order for the gadget to deliver aesthetic satisfaction during everyday use, it is recommended not to save on this detail, but to look for a higher price and better quality.
When choosing a case, you should check that all the necessary parts are in the kit:
- tray for placing a SIM card;
- volume control buttons;
- on / off buttons;
- switch of modes of operation of the device.
All these parts can be found separately, but it is very difficult to select components of the same color shade, made by different manufacturers. Most sellers offer all this little thing at once in the kit, which saves the master from further searches.
TOINFORMATION!
A self-respecting seller offers enclosures that already have a built-in camera peephole, therefore, you will not have to look for it separately, which will also have a positive effect on the collection time of the necessary details.
The most acceptable option is the following offer - Buy on AliExpress
The cost of the case in this case is 1194 rubles for the red version. Depending on the color and size, the price varies slightly upwards.
Some sellers offer a complete set of assembly tools for a little more money, which will ultimately lead to savings in time and money. The tool will still have to be purchased separately, unless the person who conceived the assembly works in a cell phone repair shop.
The option with the tools included at a price of 1417 rubles for the red color of the case:
Display to see better
Another part that no phone can be imagined without is the screen. When looking for this part, it is very important to indicate that an OEM display is required. This will mean a higher quality finished product.
When buying a screen for an iPhone on AliExpress, you should be prepared for the fact that, in the end, the image quality will differ slightly from the original brand products. Color rendering, color saturation, or responsiveness may be slightly distorted.
It is gratifying that fully assembled displays are offered on the Chinese site. This means that the set includes not only the screen itself, but also glass (not Gorilla Glass of course) and a built-in touch panel, which makes it possible to control the gadget by clicking on the desired area display. This increases the cost somewhat, but makes it easier to assemble the replica.
The best option in terms of price-to-order ratio is an offer from the next store - https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/100-iPhone-6-6s-7-8-7-Plus/32853222164.html
The cost of this kit, in which, in addition to the display, you can get tools and even a holder for the back cover with a ring, is 1271 rubles, including shipping.
Additionally, it will not be superfluous to purchase a special part, which is a kind of protection for the display. This is a plate that prevents the screen from overheating during operation of the device and eliminates the influence of other negative factors.
The cost of the part will be 269 rubles with free shipping in Russia.
What about the photo
A modern smartphone is not only a means of communication, but also combines the function of a camera. Therefore, the camera is an indispensable part for him. When deciding to assemble an iPhone 7, you should not try to choose the cheapest offers, since the cost of a camera for this model in the spare parts market is already quite low.
The main camera, due to the better quality of the images taken and the fact that it is a priori the main one, costs a little more than the front one.
The most preferred options are:
- main camera - https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/IPartsBuy-Back-iPhone-7-4-7/32882359754.html
- front-camera - https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/100-IPhone-4S-5-5S-5C-6-6S-Plus-7-8-X/32923225528.html
In the first case, the seller only offers the module directly with the required loop for connection at a price of 1,713 rubles. The second store sells a full set of front camera with flex cable and noise canceling microphone. The cost of this option is 876 rubles. All offers are delivered completely free of charge.
Nutrition is important for maintaining health
An important part that will ensure reliable and uninterrupted operation of the device is the rechargeable battery. When looking for this component, you should know that the nominal capacity of Apple's native battery for the iPhone 7 is 1960 mAh. This indicator should be guided by when buying.
It is a mistake to look for batteries with increased capacity or excessively cheap ones, because in the end it can cause the gadget to malfunction or fail.
TOINFORMATION!
Most of the conscientious sellers immediately warn that the actual capacity may differ from the declared one. As a rule, this happens downward within 10% of the nominal.
The best option for buying is this offer: https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/2019-HORUG-100-iPhone/32851972667.html
The cost of the battery will be 846 rubles with free shipping to Russia. The manufacturer claims that the battery will be able to withstand up to 800 charging cycles, and the capacity ranges from 1810 to 2200 mAh. The first option is closer to reality.
A set of loops for the functioning of buttons
This detail, small in size, but important in value, is necessary to connect the volume control keys together, switch the phone operating modes and the off button. The cost of this device is truly ridiculous.
In this offer, the price of the loop, which will additionally have a flash and the necessary microphones, is 284 rubles, including delivery. It is worth noting that due to its low cost and small size, many sellers ship this part in a minimum lot of 10 pieces.
Sound is the head
The phone has two loudspeakers - a speaker and a main one. The first is used to make voice calls. But this is not its only function. It is also used to create a stereo sound effect when listening to music.
One of the best offers for the price - 221 rubles, including delivery: https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/iPhone-4-4S/32871083412.html.
The next speaker is the main one. It is also required for audio playback. When purchasing this part in the vastness of the Chinese trading platform, you should not expect a sound from the purchased speaker that produces a similar device of original origin.
TOINFORMATION!
When buying, it is important not to confuse the conversational and the main dynamics, so you should first familiarize yourself with the description of the goods from the seller, or even better write off the latter.
The best offer is the option:
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/iPhone-4-4S-5-5S-SE-5C/1000005446278.html - for which you will have to pay 300 rubles, taking into account the delivery, which is half the cost of the component.
Important and necessary little things
The basic parts required to assemble the iPhone 7 yourself have been covered. There are little things left that are necessary for normal operation. They do not require such a detailed description, since everyone understands their purpose, and the cost of these components represents an insignificant percentage of the total amount.
Charging port
The 7 series models use a modern socket called Lightning, which is required to connect a charger and connect various third-party accessories to your phone. Again, due to the small size of the part, most of the sellers sell them in batches of 10 pieces.
An important addition is the fact that the kit will include the main microphone, allowing you to kill two birds with one stone when you buy.
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/AYJ-usb/32958836997.html
The cost of the part will be 313 rubles, taking into account the delivery, which, in this store, is paid for this item.
WiFi module
To ensure wireless communication, you will need to purchase a module with a Wi-Fi antenna. Most often, the delivery set includes all the accompanying elements, for example, a ribbon cable.
The optimal offer will result in 208 rubles, and the quality has been verified by a large number of orders and reviews.
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/100-Original-Wifi-WI-FI-Antenna-Signal-Flex-Cable-Repair-Parts-For-Iphone-5-5G-5S/32704590774.html
Set of fasteners
All internal components need to be interconnected, so for a high-quality assembly you can and should purchase a set of hardware. This includes various strips, corners, plastic parts. The best option in terms of the ratio of cost and number of orders will cost 313 rubles, including delivery.
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/-/32832262880.html
Vibration feedback
Many people who have an iPhone 7 series or older in their hands know that when they press the Home button, they feel a vibration response. In fact, inside the case is a tactile motor called the Taptic Engine. You should be prepared that the Chinese replica will not convey the sensations that are present on the original device, but it's better this way than without vibration at all.
The cost of the part is only 87 rubles. It should be noted that there are not many sellers on AliExpress offering this component, so there isn't much to choose from.
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/-/32956041886.html
Bolt set
All parts are required not only to be combined with each other, but also to screw them, otherwise the insides of the phone will dangle. To do this, do not rummage in the mezzanine in search of jars with screws and cogs. The complete set can be purchased in a Chinese store at a price of 121 rubles.
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/1set-New-High-Quality-Complete-Full-Screws-Screw-Set-With-Bottom-Replacement-For-iPhone-7-7/32814935980.html
Summarizing
So, all the necessary components have been purchased. It's time to calculate how much the purchase of an iPhone 7 for parts and its subsequent assembly will cost. Is it worth the candle?
| Detail | Cost, rub. (optimal in terms of price / number of orders) |
| Motherboard | 11302 |
| Frame | 1194 |
| Protected display | 1271 + 269 |
| Camera: main and front | 1713 + 876 |
| Battery | 846 |
| Loops | 284 |
| Speaker: main and spoken | 300 + 221 |
| Lightning port | 313 |
| WiFi module | 208 |
| Set of "pieces of iron" | 313 |
| Vibration motor | 87 |
| Bolts | 121 |
| TOTAL: | 19318 |
It turns out that the cost of parts for assembling a Chinese replica will be 19,318 rubles for the version with 32 GB of memory and the TouchID module. If the latter function is not required, then the cost of the entire set will be only 14223. If an increase in the amount of memory is required, then for each step (64/128/256) you will have to pay an average of 1,500 rubles.
It is also worth considering how the finished product will be assembled. When contacting a specialized workshop, you can safely add 2-2.5 thousand rubles to the total amount, which will include not only work, but also the purchase of minor trifles, since everything will be foreseen impossible.
The purchase of a new smartphone in a store with an official guarantee will cost about 27-28 thousand rubles. To buy a device from hand will cost from 16 to 18 thousand rubles. But, in this case, no one promises a long and high-quality work of such a device. Similar devices offered on AliExpress have a price tag of 19 to 23 thousand rubles, depending on the amount of RAM.
Summing up, we can say that the option of purchasing components from China with subsequent assembly will not lead to significant savings. Rather, it is a designer set for people who are carried away and for those who want to show originality.
Once again, you can see what the real iPhone 7 consists of from the presented video.
