Samsung Debuts DIY Repair Kits, Limited to Certain Phone Variations
Samsung Debuts DIY Repair Kits, Limited to Certain Phone Variations
Samsung recently took its initial steps towards enabling users to self-repair their devices, launching repair kits in collaboration with iFixit. As of now, these kits are only compatible with select models, and the cost of new parts remains steep.
Samsung unveiled its new repair kits, complete with genuine parts, on Tuesday. The packages come equipped with guides and tools, but the available parts are limited to screens, charging ports, and back glass. The pricing for charging ports remains consistent at $67, while screens typically cost around $230, with the price varying by phone model. Back glass replacements fall between $70 and $90 per device.
The following models are supported by these repair kits:
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21 +
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S20
- Galaxy S20 +
- Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Tab S7
Although the cost of these repair kits is significantly lower than the price of a new phone (the S21 retails at $530 with trade-in, or $850 without), considering the detailed instructions provided by iFixit, it may be a worthwhile investment. The kits include a return shipping label to send damaged parts back to the company, which will recycle them.
Samsung announced its intention to venture into self-repair in March, likely influenced by Apple's decision to allow users to repair some iPhones last year. Samsung's repair offerings have garnered criticism from iFixit for its less-than-optimal repair standards, so this partnership is a positive development. However, the new repair program is currently exclusive to the US, and does not include the latest models like the Galaxy S22, Tab8, Galaxy Note, or the Galaxy Z Flip/Fold series.
Apple launched its iPhone repair kits in April, supporting the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and third-gen iPhone SE. For a week's use, Apple charges nearly $50 for tool rentals. The repair kits come with more parts and tools for select product lines, such as cameras and sim trays, but their pricing is similar to Samsung's. Apple does not offer return credits for its repair services, unlike Samsung.
iFixit has criticized Apple's self-repair program for making it difficult to stock up on backup parts, which negatively impacts small repair shops while not impacting individual users.
Although Samsung's repair options are more straightforward than Apple's, the limited availability of parts to replace is a major drawback, even with promises of expansion in the future. With the prolonged demand from users and government agencies for the right to self-repair, Samsung's efforts appear lackluster.
Other tech giants, such as Google and Microsoft, are also exploring the release of their own self-repair services. Google revealed plans to make parts available for the Pixel 2 through Pixel 6 Pro later this year, with repair options also planned for the UK, Canada, and Europe. Microsoft released a study showcasing the benefits of self-repair and promised to eventually implement these practices. However, it remains silent on the timeline for its self-repair service release.
Samsung is planning to expand its repair kit offerings to include more models in the future, aiming to meet the increasing demand for self-repair options. In the tech industry, companies like Google and Microsoft are also considering releasing their own self-repair services, recognizing the importance of this trend for the future of technology and consumer rights.