Samsung: Difference between revisions

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">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217192708/https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VCC Board Repairs - Jesse Cruz |url=https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Daniel Advanced Device Repair |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>[[File:Alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250910131601/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |archive-date=10 Sep 2025}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]

*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911024225/https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918190307/https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</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}}</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.<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>{{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" />

[[Bootloader unlocking|Unlocking the bootloader]] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250822103721/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Archived]), which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202203145/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>^{← {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Verifiability#Wikipedia_and_sources_that_mirror_or_use_it|[Wikipedia reference!]}}} Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this 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 if users decided to flash an unsigned file from Samsung, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. If an unsigned file haven't been flashed when the bootloader was unlocked, re-locking the bootloader re-gains all KNOX functionalities. These restrictions apply even after re-locking the bootloader after the KNOX E-fuse has been tripped, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its after-market value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251223091227/https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115337/https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</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>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904213328/https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231114181136/https://old.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ Archived])</ref>

*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210142144/https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>

*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231183350/https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251022150501/https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation Archived])</ref>

*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" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907182826/https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref>

Samsung [[Discontinuation bricking|completely removed support]] for it's Tizen-based Gear smartwatches in more recent Galaxy smartphones, completely preventing users of these devices (such as the Gear S, Gear S3, and Gear Sport) from connecting to these newer phones. Users of these smartwatches were notified of this change from a pop-up message in the Galaxy Wearable app.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240930045916/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ Archived])</ref> In addition, Samsung [[Storefront shutdown|terminated Galaxy Store support]] for these devices, suspending sales of paid content on September 30th, 2024, downloads of free content on June 25th, 2025 and lastly; any downloads of all owned content on September 30th, 2025. Per Samsung's ToS, no refunds for paid content were to be issued.<ref>https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251207134801/https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 Archived])</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>https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260129224905/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250323032847/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ Archived])</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 |date=2025-09-16 |title=Now ads are coming to your Samsung refrigerator |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 |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/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102114706/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>

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 |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" />

On December 15, 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 |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/ |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica |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}}</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=December 15, 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>