Samsung Galaxy S21 will be easier to fix than predecessor, but still tricky
Recently, iFixit specialists disassembled the Samsung Galaxy S21 – the base model in the new flagship family of smartphones from the South Korean company. The device received a modest maintainability rating, but things are better than in previous models. GSMArena reports this.
In the new device, the company decided to use a plastic back cover – this had a positive effect on the device’s disassembly process. It is much easier to remove it without damage than glass. Removing a flat panel display without curved edges is also much easier.
However, things are not so simple with the insides. To remove the battery, you must use isopropyl alcohol because the battery is secured with double-sided tape. IFixit notes that with a special pull tab you can pull to remove the battery, the disassembly process would be easier. A similar solution is used in the iPhone battery mount.
The same problem exists when removing the display module – without preliminary warming up and using a separator; it cannot be removed without damage.
IFixit has noticed a new fingerprint scanner built into the display. Compared to the previous generation, it has become wider, which provides a larger actuation area.
Summing up, experts estimated the maintainability of the Galaxy S21 – 4 points out of 10 possible. The reason for the low score was the difficulty in removing the battery and display. iFixit didn’t look at the base Galaxy S20, but as they point out in the video, Samsung has taken a small step towards simplifying the repair process. You can learn more about the iFixit report in the video above.
