Since launching the self-repair program in August 2022, Samsung has aggressively added new devices to the mix. last Upgrade this week The current offer brings up to 50 products (when you take into account variants like Plus and Ultra), including smartphones, tablets, TVs, laptops, monitors, speakers and even a projector.
There are 14 new devices in total, including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Tab S9 series, Galaxy Book 2 series, and the aforementioned Freestyle 2 display.
The news also suggests that Samsung is adding a number of different hardware options, including speakers, SIM tray, side switch, and volume buttons on Galaxy phones and tablets. This is in addition to the screens, charging ports, and back glass. Meanwhile, the Galaxy book line adds speaker and fan fixes to the list. On the TV/monitor side, users will be able to replace ports and various components, “which can be repaired using common tools such as a Phillips screwdriver.”
Samsung partners with Encompass Supply Chain Solutions to offer a better deal on components. The company also has a multi-year partnership with DIY repair service iFixit. Samsung’s approach is generally in line with Google’s when it comes to access to tools and parts.
Meanwhile, Apple has drawn criticism for so-called “part pairing,” where a component’s serial number is tied to the phone, making it more difficult — or even impossible — to use third-party components. The battle has been a sticking point for Oregon’s proposed right-to-repair bill, which builds on recent legislation in California, with provisions added to limit the coupling of parts.