Samsung has made it more difficult to repair smartphones

Samsung has reserved the right to remove certain parts of users’ smartphones during repairs. This was reported by 404 Media.

Media journalists studied the agreement concluded by independent service centers (SCs) and Samsung. Among other things, it stated that service center specialists are required to stop servicing if, upon examination of the smartphone, it turns out that it was previously repaired using third-party parts not produced by Samsung.

Also in this case, service centers are required to disassemble the smartphone, mark the non-original part and immediately report this to Samsung. Journalists from 404 Media said that in this way the company complicates the process of repairing its gadgets and violates laws.

According to experts interviewed by the publication, customers who contact the service center do not expect that their confidential information can be sent to Samsung without their knowledge. Electronic Freedom Foundation lawyer Keith Walsh noted that users have the right to use non-original parts when repairing smartphones. Specifically in the United States, Samsung’s agreement with the service center will contradict the federal law on warranty service, which will come into force before the end of the year.

It also became known that Samsung has ceased cooperation with iFixit, an organization that studies gadgets and issues repair instructions. Representatives from iFixit said Samsung’s approach was “contrary to their mission.”

In early April, Apple allowed users and service centers to disassemble the iPhone into parts and use them to repair other gadgets. The company noted that it provides customers with more choice.