Broken Screen

[Mis3]

A few cars ran over my Flip-5 so both my cover and main screens are not working.  I could make calls in my car after the incident so Bluetooth was still working .

Went to Samsung repair store and they told me that it’s likely that the motherboard is still good and they can replace both screens for me for about $580 CAD.  After the repair, the phone will look brand new.

I am looking for way to retrieve data from the phone.   A phone repair store suggested if I can get another Flip-5, they can switch the motherboard to get the data like using Smart Switch.   After getting the data, they will put the motherboard back to the 2nd Flip-5.

Does this work?  Can you think of any complications?

[Oxford]

You said you could make calls in the car as the Bluetooth works so I'm assuming the phone is still on, can charge it? If so, obviously the usb-c port is still working. I wonder if you could plug it into a computer and then use the file manager from the computer to access the "external drive" it should detect?

[Mis3]

Problem is I cannot unlock the phone.

I need some files in Samsung Notes.   My friend has a Flip-5 that I can borrow.   I am wondering if switching the motherboard would work.   If I can get the data from my old Flip-5, I would have options (repair or buy the new Flip-7). 

[realaud]

If you were synong your notes with Samsung Cloud, when you open notes on any Samsung phone and log into your Amsung account, they would automatically populate.

[realaud]

@Oxford is on the right track here.  If your phone is still working, other than the screen, you can connect to a computer via USB and retrieve your data and/or do a Smart Switch backup.  Then you can decide whether you want to actually repair the phone or just get a new one.  I don't know the cost of a new Flip, but I'm assuming it's more than twice as much as the repair.  I assume they won't do the repair/charge you if the motherboard turns out to be defective. I'm not certain I'd place my trust in a motherboard that was in a phone that was run over.  I think it would be on borrowed time.  Just my opinion, and if I could swing it, I'm more likely to buy a new phone.  Incidentally, you can restore your backup and data to any phone.  I wouldn't delay attempting the data retrieval.

[Oxford]

I thought about Smart Switch before I posted what I did, but I believe you need to interact on both phones in order for Smart Switch to work. Therefore, if the flip screen doesn't work you can't interact with it to complete the Smart Switch setup.

[realaud]

I believe you only need to interact with the phone if you are trying to transfer phone to phone or make a backup to  a flash drive.  You do need the screen for that.  With the computer connection, I do not believe you need the screen operational on the phone itself, as all the controls are on the computer app.  It's been awhile since I did a phone to computer backup. In either case, connecting to the computer via USB or Bluetooth (if the computer is BT capable), should allow them to access the file manager.

[Mis3]

Using Smart Switch from my PC, I tried to get the data from my other Samsung phone.   It asked for a few permissions with I have to approve in my Samsung handset.   I cannot possibly do this in my Flip -5.  

[Oxford]

That's what I thought, thank you for confirming. That's why I went to file manager route through the PC because I don't believe there needs to be any interaction on the flip because it's just going to consider it an external drive.

[justafacelessguyinaO]

Well yeah, you're just looking at the electronics, there's metal framework inside too, it could have been damaged and all the new parts just might not be fitting and sealed, thus Samsung won't repair it, but i hope not..

My screen replacement on my flip was almost $350, and an extra $100 for a back cover, but you get batteries with a Samsung screen replacement.

I'd say with USD to CAD conversion you are paying for two covers, screen, batteries.. if the hinge & frame are still able to fit & seal.