Galaxy S25 Ultra scores high for repairability — iPhone 16 Pro Max still beats it

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

iFixit has declared that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has achieved the highest repairability score of any Samsung phone in 10 years. However, it still falls behind the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Samsung phones have never been the easiest devices to repair, primarily due to Samsung's reliance on glue to hold down components. However, with the push from Europe regarding right-to-repair laws, it seems that Samsung has made some major strides regarding repairs for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The changes, and how they affect repairing the phone, were all revealed in iFixit's recent breakdown video.

Galaxy S25 Ultra Teardown: The Highest Scoring Samsung Phone in 10 Years! - YouTube Galaxy S25 Ultra Teardown: The Highest Scoring Samsung Phone in 10 Years! - YouTube
Watch On

The first major change is that the battery is much easier to remove from the S25 Ultra. In the past, Samsung used glue that sat under the battery to hold it in place. This glue usually required rubbing alcohol to remove and would often leave a residue that needed to be cleared.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, uses four sticky tabs that attach over the battery and can be pulled by hand, making DIY battery replacements much easier.

New sticky tabs holding the Galaxy S25 Ultra battery in place

(Image credit: iFixit)

Not only is the battery easier to remove, but Samsung has also made it possible to remove individual cameras from the main board. This will, in theory, make it much cheaper to replace a faulty camera as you won't need to pay for the whole set. However, it appears that the selfie camera is still glued in place, making it much harder to repair.

While certain things are easier to replace, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen remains a challenge to remove by hand. Thankfully you don't need to remove the screen the access the internal components, only the back plate. As such, it's likely a better idea to leave the screen alone unless it is already broken.

iPhone 16 Pro Max is still the winner

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Overall, iFixit scored the Galaxy S25 Ultra five out of ten, which is a pretty great score, and comparable with the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

However, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max scored a seven out of ten, making it the clear winner. This high score was thanks to its easy-to-access design and less focus on using adhesive. The score also represents Apple's push for DIY repair and the apparent success of the self-repair program.

There's a lot to be said about making phones easier to repair at home, especially when it comes to saving money. However, there's no doubt that the best option is to keep your phone as safe as possible. On that note, we have a full list of some of the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cases that you can grab right now to keep your phone safe.

More from Tom's Guide

Josh Render
Staff Writer

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
New Galaxy S25 Ultra's durability test throws cold water on Samsung's claims
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max — 7 ways Samsung beats Apple
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra torture test is a step backwards from last year’s model
Galaxy S25 Ultra showing the trailer for Captain America Brave New World
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra battery life tested — there's good news and bad news
A Galaxy S25 Ultra held alongside a Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: biggest upgrades
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
I put Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max cameras through an 11-round shoot-out — and I'm shocked
Latest in Android Phones
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
One of Apple’s most controversial AI features could be coming to Android phones
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders could come with a free Google TV Streamer — what we know
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (L) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras
I took 200 macro photos with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro — here's the winner
Latest in News
iPhone 17 Air render
New leaked iPhone 17 dummy units show off super-thin iPhone 17 Air with this surprising design tweak
Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin in "Picture This" now streaming on Prime Video
Prime Video top 10 has 3 must-watch movies — including a bubbly romcom starring 'Bridgerton's' Simone Ashley
(L-R) Josh Hartnett as Cooper and Ariel Donoghue as Riley in "Trap"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 19 and everything we know so far
Siri
Siri 2.0 features reportedly only working ‘two-thirds to 80% of the time’
Jack Draper in action at Indian Wells 2025
How to watch Indian Wells men’s and women’s finals: live stream tennis online