The Swiss online retailer Galaxus, also active outside home country, has shared data on smartphone repair rates during the 24-month warranty period of all their active smartphone brands. In order to let customer make a well thought through purchasing decision, based on not only brandname and price, they also publish repair rates. And guess what, their findings reveal a clear trend: smartphones today are built to last longer and require fewer repairs.
According to Galaxus’ data Apple is clearly the best performing brand, followed closely by Samsung. By the way we are not sure what type of smartphone Zebra is selling. All the bigger Chinese brands ae in the top 15 with repair rates well under 2%. Remarkable is that Google has with 2.1% a relatively high repair percentage.
Modular sustainable smartphone manufacturer Fairphone is doing with 1.9% slightly better. Nokia, or rather HMD, with a high focus on repairability scores a disappointing 2.9%. This is all good news for consumers, (r)e-tailers and the environment. However, repair companies suffer and are having a difficult period.
Better materials and manufacturing processes
One of the main reasons for the improved quality of smartphones is the use of superior materials. Manufacturers now integrate features like scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, reinforced frames, and water- and dust-resistant designs, making devices more robust against accidental damage. Improved manufacturing techniques ensure tighter assembly tolerances, reducing internal wear and tear.
Advanced internal components
Modern smartphones boast more reliable and efficient internal components. Solid-state storage, advanced processors, and optimized batteries have replaced older, failure-prone parts. Batteries are designed for extended lifespans, with fast-charging technologies minimizing long-term degradation. These advancements mean fewer issues during the typical warranty period.
Rigorous quality testing
Before reaching consumers, smartphones undergo extensive quality tests. Drop tests, heat and cold exposure, and long-term usage simulations ensure devices can withstand daily challenges. These rigorous procedures minimize defects, making it rare for smartphones to require repairs due to manufacturing flaws.
Software updates and AI integration
Software updates play a crucial role in enhancing smartphone longevity. Regular updates ensure devices stay secure and functional, reducing hardware strain. Artificial intelligence also helps optimize performance and detect potential issues early, preventing problems from escalating.
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