The display is one of the more expensive components on a foldable smartphone, and with good reason. The panel and the hinge mechanism are complex and require specialized technology to produce, that obviously adds up which is why the cost to replace these components can be higher than conventional phones.
Fortunately, Samsung has decided to make display repairs cheaper for foldable phone users, however it appears that this is only being offered to Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 customers in its home country of South Korea.
Display repairs are getting cheaper for foldable phone owners
Samsung has announced the expansion of its repair service for foldable phone displays, covering the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 models. The idea behind this move is to reduce the repair costs for customers and also to cut down on electronic waste.
Instead of having to replace the entire display unit, foldable phone owners will only be able to replace only the necessary components that need to be swapped out. For example, they can get the display panel replaced only, or the casing, instead of swapping the entire unit.
The company is also expanding the number of service centers in South Korea that offer display-only repairs for these devices. They're being increased from 13 centers to 32 across the country. These display-only repairs might take a bit more time, usually up to one hour, compared to repairs where the entire unit is replaced, Samsung says that this will enable customers to save up to 36% on repair costs.
To put that in perspective, Galaxy Z Fold 5 owners would be able to save up to $150 on display repairs. That's certainly not an insignificant amount.