Which IPhone Is The Most Difficult To Repair: Maintainability Rating Of All Models Of Apple Smartphones

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-06-04 23:58

It's no secret that consumer electronics manufacturers do not want to extend the life of their devices at all, it is much better if the user comes and buys a new gadget. Nevertheless, it is also impossible to release smartphones falling apart in hands and not suitable for repair, which means that a certain balance must be observed.

The world's leading experts in the study of the insides of modern phones are rightfully considered experts from the iFixit company, who study in detail the components of mobile devices immediately after their release. Naturally, the “apple” gadgets were also closely examined, the ratings of which on a 10-point scale differ in the range from 2 to 7.

iPhone 7/7 Plus (7 points)

How the iPhone 7 differs from the iPhone 7 Plus

The rating of Apple devices starts with smartphones from 2015 with a score of 7 points. Experts noted the easy access to the battery of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, but underestimated the result due to the new three-point screws, which complicate the disassembly of the gadget without a special tool.

iPhone 6s / 6s Plus (7 points)

The older brother for a year also pleases experts with the ability to easily replace the battery and front panel. The main problem is again in the screws - the proprietary five-point fastening elements imply that the master has a special Pentalobe screwdriver. Actually, such "locks" from Apple are caused not so much by greed as by the desire to protect the user from the temptation to repair the device with his own hands.

iPhone 5 (7 points)

Another 7-point smartphone from Apple, which has exactly the same pros and cons as the above models.

iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS (7 points)

For oldies, the opposite is true - iFixit experts raised the final grade for using common Phillips screws, but noted the difficulty of accessing the battery hidden under the logic board. And the main advantage of the iPhone 3G / 3GS (from the point of view of a repairman) is the ability to replace the glass (touchscreen) and screen separately.

iPhone 11 (6 points)

Apple's 2019 smartphones have no fundamental structural differences from previous models and therefore received similar maintainability ratings from iFixit of 6 points on a 10-point scale. It shouldn't be difficult to replace the screen and battery, but the service technician should use a special tool and have the skills to work with the insulating materials that make the iPhone waterproof. As in the case of the iPhone XS / Max / XR, the most problematic element of the case is the rear glass panel, which will cost the user a lot of money to replace.

iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max (6 points)

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are better protected from moisture ingress inside the case, and also have a steel frame between glass panels instead of aluminum (as in the iPhone 11), but this does not affect the maintainability of the device - iFixit experts estimate it at the same 6 points and highlight similar problems: difficulties when working with fastening elements and replacing the back panel in case of damage. The display module and battery, which often require replacement, can be removed and installed without much difficulty.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max (6 points)

Both smartphones have a similar design, the main advantage of which (as in the case of the predecessor iPhone X) is the ability to quickly and relatively easily replace the display and battery. It is this kind of repair with replacement that can be performed right in the presence of the client in any service center with free hands. At the same time, Apple engineers specially made it so that the screen could be removed without affecting the Face ID biometric identification module.

IFixit specialists also noted reliable and high-quality screw connections, for which you need a special screwdriver. Certain difficulties during dismantling are caused by waterproofing elements that protect the inside of the smartphone from moisture.

The most vulnerable point of the device is the glass back panel, in case of damage to which you will have to dismantle many components, as well as completely change the chassis chassis.

iPhone XR (6 points)

Visually, the budget iPhone XR 2019 model is significantly different from the flagship counterparts, but the main problem is still the same - the back panel is made of mineral glass, which will require very expensive repairs in case of damage.

Any iPhone XR hardware repair starts with removing the screen, which can be easily removed with care without the Face ID module. A case without a screen makes it just as easy to drain your battery.

iPhone X (6 points)

The 2017 flagship of the California-based company makes it relatively easy to replace the battery, but many of the components of the device have too complex connections, which significantly increases the cost of both the parts themselves and repairs. In addition, experts were unhappy with the mounting of the rear glass panel, which would be quite problematic to dismantle in case of damage.

iPhone 8/8 Plus (6 points)

The G8 will also provide trouble for the owner who breaks or scratches the back panel of the glass "sandwich", but the repairmen consider it a plus to reduce the load on the main connector due to the introduction of the wireless charging module.

iPhone SE (6 points)

The main drawback of the device during repair is the poor location of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor cable, which can easily be damaged during disassembly of the smartphone. On the plus side, easy access to the battery.

iPhone 5S and 5C (6 points)

Replacing the front panel of these gadgets in case of damage or deterioration will be very easy, but the battery in smartphones manufactured in 2013 is fixed quite firmly, it is rather difficult to remove it from the case.

iPhone 4 / 4S (6 points)

A small amount of glue makes it easier to separate the screen from the case, but removing the back panel will require a Pentalobe screwdriver. In addition, the screen and front glass are a single module and cannot be replaced separately.

iPhone 2G (2 points)

If you have a desire to resurrect the first iPhone of 2007, then you should prepare for the fact that even a banal screen replacement in this smartphone is a complex engineering and technical operation, and to remove the battery you will have to dismantle the motherboard. But all the main elements are fastened with standard "Philip" screws.