June 21, 2023, 10:38 am | Read time: 3 minutes
With its self-service repair program for iPhones and MacBooks, Apple has demonstrated how DIY repairs can work. Samsung has also launched a similar initiative, which is finally coming to Europe.
Through the self-repair program, consumers receive original replacement parts and tools along with official instructions directly from Samsung. Those who feel confident in repairing their own devices no longer need to visit a service shop or send them in. The replacement parts shop is now available in Germany.
Samsung’s Self-Repair Service Comes to Europe
The new program aims to make it “as easy as possible for users to enjoy their devices for a long time,” according to Andreas Beck, vice president of service at Samsung Electronics GmbH. It is intended to complement Samsung’s existing repair service.
The program has been running in the U.S. since last year. Now, Samsung is expanding the availability of Self Repair to Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. At launch, parts are available for the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S22 series, as well as for the Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360. However, for the latter, the company offers parts only in Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the UK.
Read more: New EU battery regulation could put pressure on manufacturers
Where Smartphone Battery Replacement Is Cheapest in Germany
Smartphone Displays Malfunction After Update–Samsung Responds
Fair Prices for Replacement Parts–Except in Germany
While Samsung has set up a dedicated, user-friendly shop for some European countries, self-repair in Germany is only accessible via the support page. This is not just a formal difference. In the self-repair shop, the display with frame and battery for the Galaxy S22 Ultra is available for a reasonable 233.60 euros, but it costs significantly more at 311.78 euros in Germany. In other countries, the price is even lower than what sellers on eBay charge for the display unit alone without a battery. TECHBOOK has asked Samsung whether the new shop will also come to Germany.
In addition to the display and battery, the shop also offers a USB-C port and glass back. Buyers have the option to order a small toolkit with the respective replacement part. The kit includes tools such as heat pads, screwdrivers, tweezers, a suction cup, a spudger, and picks, and costs an additional 28.44 euros (28.80 euros in Germany). Unlike in the U.S., where Samsung collaborates with repair experts iFixit, customers in Europe do not receive a high-quality toolkit. In the U.S., iFixit not only distributes the replacement parts but also provides its tested tools.
Not Only Samsung Offers Self Repair
Samsung competitor Apple announced its own self-service repair program back in 2021. The company also offers replacement parts and tools for its smartphones and laptops. However, consumers can perform significantly more repairs themselves. Apple offers replacement parts such as displays, USB-C ports, speakers, cameras, SIM trays, and Taptic Engines (vibration motors).