Why Samsung Phones Remain Hard to Fix
Samsung's move to unibody designs has made its devices look premium but significantly harder to repair, leaving consumers with fewer options for fixing broken screens or batteries.
Repairing a smartphone is often cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying a new one, yet manufacturers have largely prioritized sleek aesthetics over ease of maintenance. While Apple frequently attracts criticism for these design choices, its largest competitor, Samsung, faces equal scrutiny from consumer repair advocates. Despite producing dozens of different models annually, the South Korean tech giant uses a standardized construction method across its lineup that presents significant challenges for anyone attempting to fix a cracked screen or replace a failing battery.
According to data cited by GN technics/mobile (en-US), the core issue lies in how the phone is assembled. Whether it is a high-end flagship or a budget model, the internal components are locked inside a central frame. The front screen and the back panel are both attached using strong adhesives rather than removable screws or clips. This unibody structure, introduced to improve water resistance and give the device a more premium feel, creates a sealed environment that makes access to internal parts difficult and risky for DIY repairers.
Adhesive creates major repair hurdles
The glue used to seal Samsung phones serves a dual purpose: it holds the device together and provides the IP rating for water and dust resistance. However, this same strength is what makes repairs frustrating. To open a device, technicians must apply heat to soften the adhesive and carefully pry the shell apart, a process that risks breaking the glass or damaging internal circuits. This complexity was highlighted when the repair platform iFixit rated the Galaxy S23 Ultra with only 4 out of 10 points, a score significantly lower than the 7 out of 10 given to the iPhone 16.
The situation was exacerbated by the use of curved displays on many flagship models in recent years. While these screens offered a futuristic look, the curves made them more prone to accidental breakage and far more difficult to replace. The combination of strong glue and fragile curved glass led iFixit to end a two-year partnership with Samsung in 2024. The repair group cited concerns that official parts were priced so high that many users chose to buy new devices rather than attempt repairs, effectively discouraging the circular economy of gadget reuse.
Recent models show slight improvements
Despite these long-standing issues, Samsung has introduced minor adjustments in its latest hardware to address the most common pain points. The recent Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra models dropped the curved screen design in favor of flat displays, which are inherently easier to remove and replace. Additionally, the newer models feature a pull-tab system for the battery, a small but significant change that reduces the risk of damaging other components during extraction.
These changes have resulted in a modest improvement in repair scores. The Galaxy S25 Ultra received a 5 out of 10 rating from iFixit, the highest score a Samsung phone has achieved in recent years. However, this still leaves a considerable gap compared to other market leaders. While the trade-off for water resistance and a sleek design is increasingly difficult to justify for repair advocates, the shift toward flat screens and easier battery access suggests that manufacturers are beginning to acknowledge the consumer demand for more maintainable devices.
