# **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Teardown: Progress in Repairability with a Significant Warning**
The newest flagship from Samsung, the **Galaxy S25 Ultra**, has been meticulously disassembled by **iFixit**, showcasing considerable enhancements in its repairability. Nonetheless, a crucial alert has been raised regarding the phone’s **OLED display**, which poses significant challenges for removal without causing damage.
## **Key Insights from the iFixit Teardown**
– **Easier Battery Replacement**: Samsung has improved the **process of removing the battery**, opting for **sticky pull tabs** as a replacement for heavy adhesive.
– **Modular Camera Design**: The **triple camera system** features **independent modules**, allowing for the repair of individual lenses rather than the entire assembly.
– **Difficult Screen Repair**: iFixit cautions users **against removing the display unless it’s broken**, due to the inherent complexities involved.
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## **Battery: An Encouraging Upgrade**
A significant enhancement in the **Galaxy S25 Ultra** is the **battery replacement mechanism**. Unlike its predecessors that demanded **specialized tools and substantial heat**, the S25 Ultra employs **four pull tabs** to secure the battery. Once freed, the battery can be **easily extracted**, facilitating self-repairs for users.
This adjustment reflects the increasing consumer advocacy for **right-to-repair initiatives**, enabling battery replacements without professional help.
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## **Camera System: Enhanced Repairability**
Samsung has also made strides in the **repairability of its camera system**. The **triple camera setup** is composed of **distinct modules**, allowing for the replacement of a single lens if it becomes damaged, rather than replacing the whole camera assembly. This modular design **lowers repair costs** and **reduces electronic waste**.
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## **The Display: A Major Concern**
In spite of these advancements, the **OLED display remains a significant drawback**. iFixit expressly cautions against screen removal **unless it is damaged**, due to the **strong adhesive bond and the delicate nature of the panel**.
This challenge is not new—earlier Galaxy Ultra models featured **displays that were hard to remove**, and the S25 Ultra perpetuates this issue. The possibility of **accidental damage during the removal process** makes screen repairs **both pricey and complicated**.
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## **Overall Repairability Rating**
iFixit awarded the **Galaxy S25 Ultra a repairability score of 5/10**, designating it as **Samsung’s most repairable flagship in years**. However, it still falls short compared to rivals like the **iPhone 16 Pro**, which garnered a **7/10 score** for its **simplified screen and battery replacement features**.
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## **Samsung vs. Apple: Who Leads in Repairability?**
While Samsung has made **significant advancements**, Apple retains the upper hand in **repair-friendly designs**. The **iPhone 16 Pro** outperformed with its **more straightforward screen replacement procedure** and **superior modular design**.
Interestingly, **PBKReviews previously assigned the Galaxy S24 Ultra a score of 9/10**, emphasizing **Samsung’s incorporation of pull tabs** for the battery. Nevertheless, the **screen removal procedure continued to pose a challenge**, an issue that persists in the S25 Ultra.
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## **iFixit and Samsung: A Tense Relationship**
It’s important to highlight that **iFixit ended its collaboration with Samsung** last year, citing **disparate goals concerning repairability**. Samsung’s practice of utilizing **heavy adhesive** hindered iFixit’s ability to furnish **affordable repair kits** for consumers.
Still, iFixit remains committed to **assessing Samsung devices** and offering insights into their **repairability progress and flaws**.
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## **Final Assessment: Progress Made, Yet Still Lacking**
The **Galaxy S25 Ultra** signifies **progress in repairability**, especially in the realms of **battery and camera repairs**. However, the **display continues to pose a formidable challenge**, rendering screen replacements **difficult and costly**.
For those who prioritize **repairability**, the **iPhone 16 Pro** stands out as a superior choice. Nevertheless, Samsung’s advancements indicate that **future Galaxy iterations may trend toward enhanced repair-friendly designs**.
Would you consider a **DIY repair** on your Galaxy S25 Ultra? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀
