The second most popular phone in the US after Apple, Samsung has followed the frontrunner’s lead in having a self-repair program. Samsung owners will be pleased to know that the South Korean electronics company will be partnering with iFixit to show you how to fix a Galaxy phone yourself. This is in line with the expansion of their Customer-First Care Experience.
Prolonging the Use of Your Device
What was once treated as disposable items, use for a couple of years, then upgrade, DIY repair programs help prolong the life of your smartphones. As technology keeps on advancing, smartphones have become sturdier over the years but not totally free from repairs. Starting this summer, you no longer have to think about how to fix a Galaxy phone.
Samsung and iFixit will offer this in their efforts to minimize e-waste and promote a circular economy. The collaboration will offer Samsung users self-repair kits for select devices. The electronics giant wasn’t the first to do this. Motorola had partnered with iFixit before but lacked support for the newer models. Hopefully, Samsung will level up Motorola’s efforts and take this DIY program more seriously than the latter.
Samsung and iFixit Partenrship
The Samsung iFixit partnership will deal with user-replaceable parts. This is mainly for its Galaxy S20 or Galaxy S21 series and some of the most famous lines of mobile devices, including the Galaxy Tab S7+ tablet. This partnership will allow Samsung to provide genuine device parts, repair tools, and step-by-step guides that are visual and intuitive. There was no explanation as of now why the program does not include their cheaper A-series tablets and smartphones that are easier to repair at home.
Initially, iFixit will be providing the tools and guides. Samsung will then let users access original display assemblies and integrated batteries, charging ports, and back glass. More component categories will be added in the future, as well as additional devices.
Details and other information will be shared once the self-repair program becomes fully operational.
Responsible Recycling
To start, Galaxy device users will be able to return used and faulty parts to Samsung for responsible recycling. According to Ramon Gregory, Senior Vice President of Customer Care at Samsung Electronics America, the company is focused on creating ways for its customers to prolong the lifespan of their products. They plan to do this as an addition to their goal of providing premium care experiences. Plus, it fits the bill of placating regulators responsible for enforcing sustainability guidelines and circular economy in line with the Right to Repair Act.
Gregory also said that doing this will allow them to make it convenient for their customers to opt for sustainable solutions. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, puts it perfectly when he was quoted as saying, “Every time you fix a device, you’re helping the planet.”
The Right to Repair
Samsung understands that it is vital for consumers to be given access to official parts and instructions as a basis for the right to repair movement. This means that users should have the option to keep using their phones much longer than a lithium-ion battery’s average lifespan.
Fortunately, the electronics company has the software side already pat-down. This, after having one of the worst software update history in the early years of Android phones. After four years of OS updates and five years of security patches, they are now committed to providing the best updates.
Sustainability
One of Samsung’s core values is to provide sustainable products using sustainable practices and operations. With this DIY repair program, Samsung is on the right path, making its products well worth every penny.
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