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'''Samsung Group''' is a multinational conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
{{InfoboxCompany
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Samsung Group
| Name = Samsung Group
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1938
| Founded = 1938
| Industry = Conglomerate
| Industry = Conglomerate
| Official Website = https://www.samsung.com/
| Official Website = https://samsung.com/
| Logo = Samsung Black icon.png
| Logo = Samsung Black icon.png
}}
}}


== Consumer-protection profile ==
[[wikipedia:Samsung|'''Samsung Group''']] is a multinational conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.


==== Repairability ====
==Consumer-protection profile==
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">https://www.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs<ref>https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs</ref>, and Former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s<nowiki/>- Louis reads Samsung Authorized independent service technicians' complaint about Samsung in an email from ADRdaniel</ref> <ref name=":2">https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel</ref>
====Repairability====
 
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">https://www.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs</ref> and Former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s<nowiki/>- Louis reads Samsung Authorized independent service technicians' complaint about Samsung in an email from ADRdaniel</ref><ref name=":2">https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel</ref>[[File:Alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
'''Category:''' Smartphones[[File:Alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a</ref>|border|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>https://www.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones</ref><ref>https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/</ref>
* The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>https://www.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones</ref><ref>https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts</ref>
* Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices<ref>https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/</ref>, and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3">https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a#</ref> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors</ref>''')  than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">https://www.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays" according to a Former Samsung authorized technician<ref name=":2" /> "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
* Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3">https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a#</ref> are 2x times more expensive ( Samsung Genuine Part :$370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors</ref>''' )  than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing <ref name=":4" /> <ref name=":5">https://www.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive</ref> "These "service packs" from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays" according to a Former Samsung authorized technician<ref name=":2" /> ''"With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new. "''  <ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a</ref> for said model.     
** Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a</ref> for said model.     
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a</ref> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
*** Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref>https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a</ref> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers. <ref>https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models. <ref name=":4" />
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}'''Category:''' Home appliances
|}
* According to ifixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/</ref> and Repair.org<ref>https://www.repair.org/restricting-access</ref>, of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation" <ref name=":6">New article from ifixit
====Bootloader unlocking====
Unlocking the bootloader of an android device is a way users can take back control of their own device by allowing more customization, better performance, enhancing privacy, allowing choice in what software runs unrestricted or preloaded on the devices.<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/unique-android-launcher-3477698/ minmal andriod launchers for preformance.</ref> Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this essential feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/</ref>
 
*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: Secure Folder, Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass and Samsung Health. These restrictions apply even after relocking the bootloader, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its aftermarket value.<ref>https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-for-android/core-platform-security/root-of-trust/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20Knox,feature%20like%20SELinux%20is%20disabled</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/</ref>
*<!-- add a link to an internal article about Google Play services custom roms/ rooting / unlocking bootloaders
ref
https://www.androidpolice.com/how-google-nerfed-custom-roms-and-rooting/  -->
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>https://www.repair.org/restricting-access</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit


https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation
https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation
Line 34: Line 39:


https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf</ref>
https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf</ref>
* Repair manuals surveyed repair professionals where able to acquire from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs." <ref name=":6" />  
*Repair.org  surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" />


== References ==
==References==


[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Mobile phone manufacturers]]
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 18:14, 23 February 2025

Samsung
Basic information
Founded 1938
Type Private
Industry Conglomerate
Official website https://samsung.com/


Samsung Group is a multinational conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

Consumer-protection profile[edit | edit source]

Repairability[edit | edit source]

Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org[1] as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,[2] and Former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.[3][4]

Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.[5]
  • The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.[6][7]
  • Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,[8] and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.[9]
  • Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store[10] are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95[10] Mobilesentrix: $182.02[11]) than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have allegedly purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing[11][12] "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays" according to a Former Samsung authorized technician[4] "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."[12]
    • Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) provide no photos, detailed descriptions or distinction between tools[13] for these models services or parts[14] for said model.
      • Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.[15] An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.[16] for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.[11]
SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS

Bootloader unlocking[edit | edit source]

Unlocking the bootloader of an android device is a way users can take back control of their own device by allowing more customization, better performance, enhancing privacy, allowing choice in what software runs unrestricted or preloaded on the devices.[17] Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this essential feature comes with many restrictions:[18]

  • When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: Secure Folder, Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass and Samsung Health. These restrictions apply even after relocking the bootloader, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its aftermarket value.[19]
  • In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,[20][21] therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.[22][23]

Category: Home appliances

  • According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG[24] and Repair.org,[25] of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"[26]
  • Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."[26]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s- Louis reads Samsung Authorized independent service technicians' complaint about Samsung in an email from ADRdaniel
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel
  5. ↑ https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a
  6. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones
  7. ↑ https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/
  8. ↑ https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/
  9. ↑ https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a#
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 https://www.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive
  13. ↑ https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a
  14. ↑ https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a
  15. ↑ https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a
  16. ↑ https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php
  17. ↑ https://www.androidauthority.com/unique-android-launcher-3477698/ minmal andriod launchers for preformance.
  18. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/
  19. ↑ https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-for-android/core-platform-security/root-of-trust/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20Knox,feature%20like%20SELinux%20is%20disabled
  20. ↑ https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements
  21. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3
  22. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow
  23. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/
  24. ↑ https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/
  25. ↑ https://www.repair.org/restricting-access
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 New article from ifixit https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation The investigation by US PIRG, iFixit and Repair.org https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2022-0061-0033 Which is sourced from the below letter to the united states FTC https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf
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