Repairability: Are Budget Phones Easier to Fix?

We’ve all felt it — that sinking feeling when your phone slips from your hand, hits the ground, and you see a cracked screen. The big question quickly follows: Should I repair it or replace it?

Smartphones are getting more expensive and essential in our lives. So, repairability is now important for everyone, not just tech enthusiasts. It’s a practical way to extend the life of your device. Here’s a twist: premium phones catch the eye, but budget phones may be better for repairs.

This blog looks at how easy it is to repair smartphones. It asks if cheaper devices are truly easier and less expensive to fix. Let’s look at what makes a phone easy to repair. This matters to you for many reasons, from screen swaps to battery replacements.

Why Repairability Should Be on Your Radar

Before we discuss budget vs. premium, it’s worth asking why you should care about repairability.

Here’s why it matters:

• Saves money in the long run by extending your phone’s usable life.
• Reduces e-waste, supporting a more sustainable tech culture.
• Let you fix or replace parts without paying high service centre fees.
• Improves resale value, since a fixable device can be refurbished more easily.

Also, it feels great to give your trusted device a new life, especially when it costs much less than buying a new one.

What Actually Makes a Phone Repairable?

Not all phones are created equal when it comes to maintenance. Some are nightmares with glue-laden designs, while others are modular dreams.

Key Factors That Impact Repairability:

1. Modular components – Can you replace the screen, battery, or camera individually?
2. Standard screws – Are tools accessible, or do you need proprietary gadgets?
3. Adhesive usage – Less glue usually means easier access and fewer risks.
4. Software support – A fixable phone still needs regular updates to remain usable.
5. Spare parts availability – Can you actually find a new screen or battery online?

A good example is comparing the teardown of a Fairphone to that of a recent iPhone—it’s like assembling Lego versus defusing a bomb.

Budget Phones: Surprisingly Repair-Friendly?

At first glance, you might assume that cheaper equals disposable. But many budget phones are actually more repairable — and here’s why.

Design Simplicity = Easy Maintenance

Budget devices tend to have:

• Fewer components, making them easier to open.
• Plastic backs which are easier to remove than glass panels.
• Less glue, especially on batteries and displays.

Take the Moto G series, for instance. These phones are praised by DIY repair enthusiasts for their straightforward design. iFixit, a trusted expert, frequently rates these devices better than flagships for repairability.

Real-World Repair Example:

Daniel, a student from Manchester, changed the battery in his £150 Xiaomi Redmi Note. He did it in just 30 minutes with a simple kit and a YouTube video. “I didn’t want to spend £60 at a repair shop, so I did it myself. Honestly, it was easier than expected.”

Premium Phones: Sleek Looks, Stiff Challenges

Flagship phones are loved for their sleek design, which features curved screens, glass backs, and edge-to-edge displays. But these features come at a cost: repair nightmares.

Why Premium Phones Score Lower on Fixability:

• Heavy use of adhesives, especially around batteries and screens.
• Sealed units with non-removable backs.
• Proprietary parts, sometimes only available through official service channels.
• Software locks on replacements are common. For example, Apple disables Face ID if someone uses an unauthorised screen.

Consider the iPhone 14 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Beautiful? Absolutely. Easy to fix? Not quite. Even professionals tread carefully when repairing them.

Teardowns Tell the Truth: What the Experts Say

Let’s bring in some hard evidence. Sites like iFixit provide lots of information on how easy smartphones are to repair. They usually score devices out of 10.

Recent Scores Snapshot:

• Fairphone 5 – 10/10 (designed for modular repairs)
• Moto G Power (2022) – 7/10 (easy battery and screen replacement)
• Samsung Galaxy S23 – 4/10 (strong adhesive, complex teardown)
• iPhone 14 – 6/10 (improved over past models but still challenging)

These scores show how design priorities affect maintenance. Budget phones often perform better than expected in this area.

The Cost of Repairs: Budget vs. Premium

Repairability isn’t just about whether it can be fixed—it’s also about how much it costs, and the difference can be stark.

Typical UK Repair Costs:

Premium phone parts cost more. Also, authorised repair services often need you to book ahead, wait, and pay high fees. Budget phones? Walk into a local shop and walk out with a fixed device.

Right to Repair Movement: What’s Changing?

Thankfully, consumers are pushing back. The Right to Repair movement is growing around the world, and now even governments are paying attention.

Progress So Far:

• In the EU and UK, laws now require manufacturers to give spare parts and repair guides for several years after the sale.
• Apple started its Self-Service Repair program in some areas. This is a small but important change.
• Google and Samsung are now providing more repair kits and teaming up with repair networks like iFixit.

We may not be in utopia yet, but the pressure is helping. Budget phone users will gain the most because lower repair costs make self-service more attractive.

Consumer Habits: Are We Throwing Too Much Away?

According to Statista, the UK alone generated over 23 kg of e-waste per person in 2023. Smartphones make up a large part of waste. People often discard them, not because they’re broken, but because fixing them is too hard or too costly.

What You Can Do Differently:

• Check repair scores before buying a phone.
• Delay upgrades — your 2-year-old phone is likely still capable.
• Learn simple repairs — battery and screen fixes are beginner-friendly.
• Use cases and screen protectors to avoid damage in the first place.

As more people demand repair-friendly devices, brands will start prioritising functionality over fragility.

A Shift in Perspective: Fixing Is Cool Again

It feels great to open your phone, swap out the battery, and see it start up like new. It’s like baking your own bread — you could just buy it, sure, but doing it yourself feels better.

Communities like r/RightToRepair on Reddit and local repair cafes thrive. Users come together to help each other fix devices. The tools are cheap, tutorials are free, and support is everywhere. You don’t need to be a tech genius — just a bit curious and careful.

Conclusion: Budget Phones for the Win?

So, are budget phones easier to fix? In many cases, yes, absolutely.

They’re simpler, less glued, and often more forgiving when it comes to repairs. They might not have top specs, but they are easy to maintain and affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded buyers.

Premium phones are catching up, especially as consumer demand and legal pressure mount. If you value repairability and long-term value, budget smartphones are the quiet heroes to consider.