Another win (…kinda) for the right to repair movement as Samsung’s flagship phone scored the highest it’s ever been.
Bumpy start for the S25 Ultra
Samsung’s top-of-the-line model, the S25 Ultra, has been off to a rough start. With what was described as an underwhelming launch by many and various software and hardware issues plaguing the device, the S25 Ultra just can’t catch a break.
The move to use Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for the Ultra instead of the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus that the S24 Ultra had has been criticized by many. However, Samsung defended the move, claiming that the lesser Gorilla Glass Armor 2 improved drop resistance and visual clarity. The S25 Ultra also had to endure the embarrassment that was the camera rings that could be pried with a razor.
A sliver of hope
The iFixit team was a little more forgiving with the flagship, even giving it a 5 out of 10 score for repairability, the highest that any Samsung device has achieved in a decade. However, it’s still nothing to write home about; its closest rival, the iPhone 16 Pro, scored an impressive 7 out of 10, highlighting the industry’s change of heart when it comes to repairability.
These are a few of the things that drew to iFixit’s verdict:
- Easy battery replacement—Samsung decided not to glue the battery to the chassis; instead, they included four tabs to quickly separate the battery. It greatly improves accessibility for DIY users and reduces the need for specialized tools.
- Modular camera lens design—It looks like the camera rings issue has an advantage after all. The camera lens can be replaced without dismantling the whole device. Although we still agree that it still imposes an issue, especially when it comes to dirt.
Unfortunately, the screen is still a difficult aspect to tackle. Upon iFixit’s inspection, the screen still has to be heated to a toasty 150°C for 3 minutes straight so that the glue that holds the screen to the chassis can soften. Just don’t mess with it if it’s not necessary. On the off chance that it is, we recommend just bringing it to a trusted technician to avoid further complications.
Is it still a good phone to buy?
Don’t get us wrong, the S25 Ultra is still a great device despite its shortcomings. Even better if you were able to purchase it at a lesser price. Plus, even the iPhone 16 Pro grappled with hardware and software issues when it launched.
To read more about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, check out our other articles.