AIBU to ask if a phone can be beyond repair

[Fernx0x0]

Dropped phone in river by accident. Have taken it to phone repairer who said that would be better to buy a new phone than investing money in trying to repair old on as may not be successful. It's only a fairly cheap model (Huawei P Smart). However photos on there weren't backed up, so I am sad to lose them. Yes, I know that it was foolish not to have photos backed up :(
Is it a lost cause or does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can either take phone or send it for a second opinion?

Some can be damaged beyond repair, yes.

It depends how valuable the photos are to you really, as to whether it's worth spending the money on a fix that may fail anyway due to the water damage.

Data recovery might be a option but that might be even more expensive than a repair.

Often "can't be repaired" is based on it being cheaper/the same cost to buy a new phone. Did you tell the repairer that the photos are more important than the cost?

Definitely possible to retrieve pics even if phone is totally fucked - could be very expensive though.

Full marks for dropping it in a river - that’s impressive.

Thanks all for the advice. Where would you take the phone for data recovery? I can Google of course, but wondered if any one had any knowledge of companies who are good.