It turns out to be a Samsung fix. not so easy Just as we originally thought. Over the past few days, we’ve discovered some hard truths about the maker of Android’s best-selling smartphone. The company has quietly parted ways with iFixit in the phone repair kit space. It also requires independent repair shops to disclose the identity of customers who come to have their equipment repaired.
Things started this week when edge Reports say iFixit and Samsung have parted ways. iFixit CEO and co-founder Kyle Wiens told The Verge’s Sean Hollister: “Samsung doesn’t seem to be interested in large-scale repairs.” Wiens said Samsung has repeatedly charged customers by bundling parts instead of selling them piecemeal. Exorbitant maintenance costs.
For example, the battery pack arrives from the parts manufacturer and is glued to the phone screen, requiring the entire module to be updated. This practice increases the overall maintenance cost of the equipment. People are offering cash for first-party components that they didn’t even ask for.
i fix it published its side on the record detailing the breakdown of its relationship with Samsung. The South Korean smartphone giant has limited the number of first-party parts that can be purchased, which has become a supply issue as iFixit tries to support parts to enable faster repairs.
Then things get worse. According to a report by The Verge and a statement from iFixit, 404 media has published a shocking report that will make you feel sour if you are currently using a Samsung device.
A leaked copy of a contract between third-party repair shops and Samsung shows the company requires repair shops to report reports to its customers in exchange for access to first-party parts. The agreement also provides for immediate disassembly of equipment sent for repair if any third-party components are found under the hood.
Company shall promptly disassemble all products manufactured or assembled from, consisting of or containing any service parts not purchased by Samsung. “And shall immediately notify Samsung in writing of the details and circumstances of any unauthorized use or misappropriation of any Service Parts for any purpose other than this Agreement. If these terms are violated, Samsung may terminate this Agreement.
The stores are also obliged to collect the name, contact information, IMEI and complaint details of each customer and send them to the head office.
Samsung’s prospects are poor
It’s no surprise that Samsung is destroying customer trust and goodwill. Samsung is a company that cheats repeatedly Baseline numbers on past phone calls and TV version Make consumers think their devices are more powerful sales figures Beyond Apple. Remember last year’s fiasco? exaggerated ability Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Space Zoom feature.
Those previous crimes are why this week’s news hit hard. This makes it harder to recommend Samsung as a trustworthy company. Samsung asks stores to report unsuspecting customers who come in for repairs promote narrative This is Firm You have the right to modify devices you own.
It’s equally disrespectful that small independent businesses are tasked with performing the dirty work of surveillance capitalism in exchange for delivering genuine Samsung parts.
We’re still waiting for an official statement from Samsung. We’ve reached out for comment.
The past 48 hours have made it difficult for a veteran phone reviewer like me to recommend that you buy a device with such anti-consumer behavior. At this stage of the buying cycle, you’re better off buying a Google Pixel device because it repair parts According to iFixit, the price is cheaper.
In the meantime, if you need a Samsung smartphone repaired, iFixit is still here to assist if you want to do it at home. However, if you purchase a third-party repair kit through a third party or another retailer, consider a backup plan. The contract may still be binding on other on-site repair shops.
