Samsung: Difference between revisions
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*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216195434/https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210205721/https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> | *Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216195434/https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210205721/https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204203115/https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</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">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904143805/https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays," according to a former Samsung authorized technician.{{Citation needed}} "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" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204203115/https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</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">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904143805/https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays," according to a former Samsung authorized technician.{{Citation needed}} "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: | **Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:Samsung no product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708191450/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250901020137/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |archive-date=1 Sep 2025}}</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 name=":3" /> 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>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116024124/https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</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 name=":3" /> 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>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116024124/https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" /> | ||
*Newer Samsung TV models have parts with encrypted keys which lock parts to a specific TV set. Service personnel have to enter a passcode to "unlock" major parts when they are replaced, therefore requiring Samsung's permission and potentially restricting the use of second hand parts or even preventing repair of TVs.<ref>{{Cite web |author=TV repair community. |date=2026-03-26 |title=they won't win. Its now getting personal. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95mb3YXKbw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q95mb3YXKbw |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=YouTube}}</ref> | *Newer Samsung TV models have parts with encrypted keys which lock parts to a specific TV set. Service personnel have to enter a passcode to "unlock" major parts when they are replaced, therefore requiring Samsung's permission and potentially restricting the use of second hand parts or even preventing repair of TVs.<ref>{{Cite web |author=TV repair community. |date=2026-03-26 |title=they won't win. Its now getting personal. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95mb3YXKbw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q95mb3YXKbw |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=YouTube}}</ref> | ||
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Despite Samsung's dubious claim that "quality" was the reason for pulling support for Gear smartwatches on newer devices, several users found the inability for the watches to connect is merely a software-level restriction that can be circumvented by installing an older version of the Galaxy Wearable app and installing additional plugins if necessary.<ref>{{cite web |author=XH64bit |title=[GUIDE] Get the Gear S working with new Galaxy phones |website=XDA Forums |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ |url-status=live |date=5 Nov 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129224905/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ |archive-date=2026-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ |website=[[Reddit]] |author=Fraggin-Basctich |title=Anyone gotten this to work on S24? |date=29 Jan 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250323032847/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ |archive-date=2025-03-23}}</ref> | Despite Samsung's dubious claim that "quality" was the reason for pulling support for Gear smartwatches on newer devices, several users found the inability for the watches to connect is merely a software-level restriction that can be circumvented by installing an older version of the Galaxy Wearable app and installing additional plugins if necessary.<ref>{{cite web |author=XH64bit |title=[GUIDE] Get the Gear S working with new Galaxy phones |website=XDA Forums |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ |url-status=live |date=5 Nov 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129224905/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ |archive-date=2026-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ |website=[[Reddit]] |author=Fraggin-Basctich |title=Anyone gotten this to work on S24? |date=29 Jan 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250323032847/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ |archive-date=2025-03-23}}</ref> | ||
===Ads in Family Hub refrigerators ('' | ===Ads in Family Hub refrigerators (''September 2025—Present'')=== | ||
{{Main|Samsung ads in refrigerators}} | {{Main|Samsung ads in refrigerators}} | ||
On September 16, 2025, [[Reddit]] user <code>u/angrycatmeowmeow</code> posted screenshots of a software update changelog for their Samsung Family Hub refrigerator that explicitly mentioned the addition of advertisements to the Cover Screen display.<ref>{{cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |date=2025-09-16 |title=Not even your kitchen is safe from ads after Samsung's new update for its refrigerators |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203074312/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> The update was delivered through an over-the-network (OTN) software update that users could not decline without losing smart functionality.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolf |first=Michael |date=2025-09-17 |title=Samsung Rolls Out Ads to Family Hub Fridges |url=https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102114706/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon}}</ref> | On September 16, 2025, [[Reddit]] user <code>u/angrycatmeowmeow</code> posted screenshots of a software update changelog for their Samsung Family Hub refrigerator that explicitly mentioned the addition of advertisements to the Cover Screen display.<ref>{{cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |date=2025-09-16 |title=Not even your kitchen is safe from ads after Samsung's new update for its refrigerators |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203074312/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> The update was delivered through an over-the-network (OTN) software update that users could not decline without losing smart functionality.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolf |first=Michael |date=2025-09-17 |title=Samsung Rolls Out Ads to Family Hub Fridges |url=https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102114706/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon}}</ref> | ||
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The advertisements appear on the Cover Screen when the refrigerator display is idle, specifically affecting the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung confirms its $1,800+ fridges will start showing you ads |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116151613/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> Users who select Art Mode or Gallery themes can currently avoid advertisements, though Samsung has not guaranteed these themes will remain ad-free.<ref name=":02" /> | The advertisements appear on the Cover Screen when the refrigerator display is idle, specifically affecting the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung confirms its $1,800+ fridges will start showing you ads |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116151613/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> Users who select Art Mode or Gallery themes can currently avoid advertisements, though Samsung has not guaranteed these themes will remain ad-free.<ref name=":02" /> | ||
===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection ('' | ===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025—Present):''=== | ||
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}} | {{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}} | ||
On 15 December 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Samsung,<ref name="petition-samsung">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206163119/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately disclose the data collection capabilities of {{Wplink|automatic content recognition}} (ACR) technology in their smart televisions<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=December 16, 2025 |title=Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214045721/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allege that ACR technology captures screenshots of television displays at frequent intervals and that the resulting viewing data is sold to advertisers and data brokers without meaningful consumer consent.<ref name="txag-main">{{Cite web |date=15 Dec 2025 |title=Attorney General Paxton Sues Five Major TV Companies, Including Some with Ties to CCP, for Spying on Texans |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221015756/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> | On 15 December 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Samsung,<ref name="petition-samsung">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206163119/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately disclose the data collection capabilities of {{Wplink|automatic content recognition}} (ACR) technology in their smart televisions<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=December 16, 2025 |title=Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214045721/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allege that ACR technology captures screenshots of television displays at frequent intervals and that the resulting viewing data is sold to advertisers and data brokers without meaningful consumer consent.<ref name="txag-main">{{Cite web |date=15 Dec 2025 |title=Attorney General Paxton Sues Five Major TV Companies, Including Some with Ties to CCP, for Spying on Texans |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221015756/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||