It is nothing new for hobbyists to make a smartphone work again. Finally, there are numerous tutorials on the Internet for rescuing (old) mobile devices. In addition to Apple and Google, Samsung now wants to offer a self-repair program – in cooperation with the well-known repair specialists from iFixit.
The website iFixit.com is intended to provide customers with detailed instructions in addition to the spare parts and the necessary tools. However, some restrictions must be observed.
Offer still very limited
The coverage of the devices that Samsung supports with their program is currently very thin. At the moment the following mobile devices are on the program:
- Samsung Galaxy S20-Serie
- Samsung Galaxy S21-Serie
- Samsung Tab S7+
Smartphones from the current S22 series or the Tab S8 family are not yet included. In addition, the program has so far only started in the USA. However, coverage is expected to expand to more countries, devices, and partial repairs, at least that’s what the website reports engagdet.com.
Here you can order the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The amount of damage to be repaired also leaves a lot to be desired. In addition to the front display and the back, there are only batteries and charging ports in the range.
Furthermore, the manufacturer explicitly warns against repairing swollen batteries yourself, as they can explode if damaged. Also, the battery should be discharged to less than 25 percent to avoid a fire hazard.
How about the competition? Apple’s counterpart was announced in November 2021. The Cupertino-based company offers other partial repairs such as cameras, SIM trays and speakers, but not beyond iPhones. You can even order individual screws from the shop.
The damaged parts can be returned to both Samsung and Apple for recycling. A return slip is included with the Samsung kits.
Manufacturers are under pressure
Manufacturers are under increasing social and political pressure to make their devices more sustainable. The idea of launching a self-made repair program for the numerous buyers does not just come from pure consumer friendliness.
At least you can Extend the life of a Samsung smartphonewithout fearing long processing times and high repair costs. Equally, such measures also offer a reduction in global e-waste. The decision to buy a new one might be reconsidered with the option of being able to repair the existing device yourself.
user up Reddit are in any case glad that iFixit now offers them the opportunity to obtain original parts such as the battery. Even if several critical voices are raised about a possible monopoly of the platform, the majority of users would rather accept such a monopoly than not being able to fall back on any solution for such problems.
There should also be news from Samsung soon in the form of new smartphones. Are you excited for the upcoming event? On August 10th the time has come:
What is your opinion on this topic? Have you already repaired smartphones in the past to extend their lifespan? How long do you own a smartphone until you have to buy a new one? Write us your experiences!