Why is smartphone repairability more important than ever?

Specs and cameras get a lot of attention. But if your phone breaks, none of that matters. Repairability is what gets your device working again without breaking the bank. And that should be your top priority when looking for a new phone.

Fewer upgrades mean more dependence on support

More people are choosing to hold on to their phones longer, in part because the motivation to upgrade isn't as clear as it was a few years ago. Tech enthusiasts can easily list dozens of reasons why newer flagship phones are superior to their predecessors, including new AI features, better cameras, and faster chips.

But for the average person, whose phone is a portal to their favorite apps, all this extra stuff doesn't make much sense. If the phone still works as expected, then what reason do they really have to buy a new phone and go through the hassle of setting up a new device?

For them, it's more important that the manufacturer continues to provide repair support for years to come, so they're not forced to upgrade due to a lack of spare parts available. If you agree with this view, Apple and Samsung are definitely the safest bets, as other manufacturers tend to stop support after just 3 years.

Replacing the battery is the quickest way to extend product life.

One thing we all want in a phone is good battery life, but because lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, the overall capacity you have left after two years of use starts to feel uncomfortable. And by the third year, it's down to the point where you might want to consider upgrading.

That's not necessary. If the rest of the phone is still working fine, simply replacing the battery can easily extend the life of the phone by about 2 years. The issue is whether the system has a removable battery or not and whether the manufacturer makes it easy to replace.

Unlike most manufacturers, Google still uses very strong adhesives to hold the battery to the chassis. This makes removing and replacing the battery much more difficult even with specialized tools, let alone basic beginner tools. It also makes recycling old batteries more difficult, as technicians may have to heat the battery to soften the adhesive, and high temperatures damage the internal chemistry of lithium-ion batteries. That's why it's always recommended to keep the temperature down in your device if you want to prolong the battery life in your laptop or smartphone.

Samsung has done the opposite, doing away with adhesives altogether and now using easy-to-peel stickers that pop the battery right out. This is the easiest way to remove the battery on a modern feature phone.

If you plan on keeping your phone for more than 3 years, you'll definitely need to replace the battery at some point, so it's important to check how easy it is to remove the battery. Even if you don't fix it yourself and have a technician replace the battery, having an easy-to-remove battery will make the whole process much quicker and often cheaper.

Increased modularity makes repairs faster and cheaper

The modular design means you only have to fix what's broken and nothing more. In comparison, replacing a cracked back glass on older iPhones could cost hundreds of dollars because it was glued directly to the frame, requiring heat, solvents, or even laser tools to remove. Thankfully, Apple has improved the internal design for the new iPhones, so repairs are now significantly easier and cheaper.

With a more modular design, components are isolated, so you only pay to replace what is actually broken. That means lower repair costs, less downtime, and less headaches when something inevitably breaks. This design is efficient, cost-effective, and just plain smarter.

How to check the repairability of your phone

Companies make all sorts of repairability claims to appear eco-conscious, but the only way to know for sure is to do your homework. YouTube teardown videos ( like those from JerryRigEverything or PBKreviews) are a great resource for seeing how easy or difficult it is to open up a device and replace parts.

iFixit's repairability score is another great benchmark, rating phones based on factors like parts availability, tool requirements, and modular design. And starting June 20, 2025, phones sold in the EU will include a repairability score right on their energy labels, making it easier than ever for users to compare models at a glance. If long-term usability is important to you, here's what to check before you buy.

Consider DIY repair using iFixit's guides

Not every repair requires a trip to a service center. Sites like iFixit have step-by-step guides that walk you through common repairs like replacing a battery or screen. If you have steady hands and a basic toolkit, doing your own repairs can save you a lot of money and extend the life of your phone.

Many phones only require a few screws and patience to disassemble. Plus, iFixit often links to the exact parts and tools you need, making the whole process much easier. For simple problems, DIY repairs are smart, satisfying, and entirely doable.

No matter how boldly a manufacturer claims a phone's durability, it's inevitable that it will break. If you plan on keeping your phone for years to come, make sure the company intends to support it for that long.

Kareem Winters

Update 09 June 2025