Samsung & apple lag behind: repairability scores reveal a shocking truth

The smartphone industry’s obsession with sleek designs has come at a steep price: crippling repairability. A new report from PIRG reveals that Samsung and Apple are languishing near the bottom of the rankings, a stark contrast to the brands consumers typically trust to deliver longevity.

A failing grade for two giants

The ‘Failing the Fix’ report, released this week, throws cold water on the assumption that the world’s leading phone manufacturers are also its best when it comes to repairability. Samsung earned a disappointing D grade, while Apple landed a dismal D-, leaving them trailing behind nearly every other major player evaluated.

Software support: a key weakness

The core issue? Both companies are strategically withholding crucial software support information, declaring only the bare minimum of five years in the EU’s EPREL database – despite offering well over five years of updates in practice. This significantly impacts their scores in that category, pushing them to the lowest possible marks.

Lobbying against right to repair

Adding fuel to the fire, both Samsung and Apple actively lobby against Right to Repair legislation, aligning themselves with groups like TechNet and the Consumer Technology Association. PIRG docked points for this deliberate obstruction, highlighting a clear prioritization of profit over consumer convenience.

A flawed system, a clear message

While the EPREL system, based on the European Union’s new repairability scoring, provides a valuable metric, it has limitations. Notably, it doesn’t account for the cost of replacement parts – a significant deterrent for many consumers opting for a brand-new device instead of a repair. The report’s authors rightly point out this blind spot, urging the EU to refine the system, focusing on tangible accessibility, not just theoretical ease of disassembly.

Motorola leads the charge

Motorola emerged as a clear winner, earning a B+ for its repairability efforts, followed closely by Google with a C-. This demonstrates a growing trend – that a commitment to repairability can actually benefit a brand’s reputation and customer loyalty. It’s a surprising, and frankly, overdue shift.

Beyond the numbers

Ultimately, the findings aren’t about individual grades; they’re about a fundamental disconnect between the promises of longevity and the reality of modern smartphone design. Samsung and Apple possess the resources to change course, to prioritize repairability alongside innovation. Until they do, they’re failing to meet the needs of a growing segment of consumers who simply want a device that lasts – and can be easily fixed when it inevitably breaks.