EH releases a comprehensive look at repairability trends across recent smartphone models
ElectronicHub, a smartphone repair company, has issued a major report highlighting how repair-friendly various models from the last few years are. The study focuses on how easily common issues can be addressed and how long it typically takes to disassemble and fix devices. The findings shed light on which phones are simple to service and which ones pose more challenges for users attempting self-repairs.
According to EH experts, the assessment centers on average repair times and the share of cases in which a device can be repaired within a given timeframe. For instance, the Moto G7 released in 2019 emerged as the most affordable option for in-field repair, with an average repair time of 25 minutes and a 50% success rate within that timeframe. Close behind is the Samsung Galaxy A40 from 2019, repairing in about 32.6 minutes and achieving a 42.9% success rate. The Samsung Galaxy S22 from 2022 also appears in the top tier, requiring about 33.3% of a typical repair session and averaging 48.1 minutes to disassemble and fix common issues.
The list of the ten easiest devices to repair continues to include several popular models such as the iPhone 11 Pro Max (averaging 63.2 minutes with a 30% repair rate), the iPhone 12 (67.8 minutes in 25% of cases), the Poco M3 (35.6 minutes in 20% of cases), the OnePlus Nord 2 (44.1 minutes, 20% of cases), the iPhone 14 (47.7 minutes in 20% of cases), the Poco F3 (51.2 minutes in 20%), and a second mention of the iPhone 12 with a 72.2-minute average in 20% of cases. The results illustrate a mixed landscape where some mainstream models remain accessible for DIY maintenance while others demand professional service or specialized tools.
On the flip side, the most challenging devices to repair are dominated by the Google Pixel 7 from 2022, which requires more than an hour for repairs in every instance. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 from 2019 also ranks high in difficulty, averaging about 58.4 minutes per repair, regardless of the issue. Rounding out the top three is the iPhone SE 3rd generation, averaging 55.6 minutes with a 100% repair rate across cases, signaling that while every repair needed may be lengthy, its predictability is high for self-service attempts.
The list extends to include models like the Redmi Note 7 (53.8 minutes), the Xiaomi Mi 9 (53.6 minutes), the Huawei P30 Pro (53 minutes), the Redmi Note 11 Pro (45.4 minutes), the Google Pixel 3a XL (45 minutes), the Samsung Galaxy A72 (43.5 minutes), and the Samsung Galaxy A53 (40.5 minutes). These figures help consumers gauge which devices might be worth attempting a home repair and which would benefit from professional service, depending on the type of fixture required and the likelihood of success in a given repair window.
From the data, EH concludes that certain brands tend to be friendlier to do-it-yourself maintenance. Apple and Asus devices often rank among the easier models to repair, while some Sony-branded products may require more careful handling by the owner. The overall takeaway is clear: repairability varies widely across models, and having a plan before attempting a repair can save time, money, and potential damage.
Additional commentary from EH notes that buyers in Canada and the United States should consider repairability trends when choosing a smartphone, especially if a long-term ownership plan is in place. Consumers might weigh the trade-off between initial price and anticipated maintenance costs, as models with easier access to common spare parts and standard tools tend to offer more economical long-term upkeep. This assessment is part of a broader effort to empower users with practical guidance on self-service repairs and informed decisions about where to turn for professional assistance when needed.