Repairable smartphones: more than a replaceable battery

Repairability can be assessed systematically

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre developed a method for assessing the repairability of smartphones and tablets. It considers priority components as well as design- and service-related characteristics. This makes clear that a single feature cannot provide a complete picture. A battery, for example, may in principle be replaceable, while access remains difficult or important information is missing. Conversely, a well-documented design can be rendered practically useless by spare parts that are hard to obtain. A meaningful comparison must bring such factors together. The JRC method was also tested for robustness and reproducibility. Nevertheless, every assessment remains bound by its criteria. A repairability class does not automatically describe every aspect of service life, software support or environmental performance. It offers a structured view of an important prerequisite, but does not replace a full assessment of the device throughout its use.

A technically possible repair must also be achievable in practice

A practical process lies between technical disassembly and a successful repair. The fault must be identified, suitable tools and spare parts must be available, and the work must not become disproportionately risky or expensive. Labour time and possible consequential damage also play a role. Ultimately, what matters to users is whether a device can be used reliably again. Design decisions influence this possibility at an early stage: connections that are difficult to undo or poorly positioned components can increase the effort required. Service information and a reliable supply of parts, by contrast, can help. The JRC study therefore explicitly considers design- and service-related parameters. It treats repair as a characteristic of the entire product ecosystem. Advertising that highlights a single easily replaceable part should therefore not obscure the fact that other commonly relevant repairs remain virtually inaccessible in practice or are possible only with disproportionate effort.

Longer use must genuinely displace a replacement

A repair can avoid the environmental impacts of a new device if it actually replaces or postpones its purchase. The benefit therefore depends on the additional period of use achieved and on subsequent behaviour. Spare parts, transport and the repair process also have impacts that must be considered in relation to the avoided new purchase. A blanket guarantee for every conceivable repair would therefore not be credible. Nevertheless, when choosing a new device, it is worth looking at documented repairability and long-term usability. The broader circularity principle also reflects the connection between quality, long use and repair emphasised by the European Environment Agency, even though its study cited here concerns textiles. The specific function remains decisive: a repaired smartphone should continue to be used reliably, rather than also sitting in a drawer while a new one is bought regardless.

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