Apple vs Samsung: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 2,090 real repair records from community repair events.
Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 2,511 total smartphone records
Last updated:
The Bottom Line
Apple is significantly more repairable at 60.8% vs Samsung's 46%. That 15-point gap means a Apple smartphone that breaks is much more likely to be fixed rather than scrapped. Both brands show similar longevity, with smartphones typically coming in for repair around 4.1 years old. Both brands share the same top failure type: Screen/Display (33.9% for Apple, 16.8% for Samsung). France's government repairability index scores Samsung higher at 6.9/10 vs 6.1/10.
If durability matters most:
Apple has the repairability edge. When your smartphone eventually needs repair, Apple is more likely to be fixable. Both brands show similar longevity, so this advantage is the tiebreaker.
Based on 2,090 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Apple | Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 60.8% | 46% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | $9.66/pt | $13.68/pt |
| Top Failure | Screen/Display (33.9%) | Screen/Display (16.8%) |
| Sample Size | 1,223 | 867 |
| Avg. Age at Repair | 4.1 years | 4.5 years |
| iFixit Score0-10 scale | 6.1/10 | 4.4/10 |
| French Repairability IndexGovernment-mandated, 0-10 | 6.1/10avg of 29 models | 6.9/10avg of 34 models |
Price Comparison
Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate.
Premium
Apple
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Below 30-day avg
Samsung
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Below 30-day avg
Value
Apple
iPhone 15 Pro
Below 30-day avg
Samsung
Galaxy S24+
Below 30-day avg
Budget
No budget smartphone from Apple
Samsung
NOTE 20 N981U 128GB GREEN
Below 30-day avg
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Common Failure Types
Apple
Samsung
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple or Samsung more reliable for smartphones?
Based on 2,090 repair records, Apple is more reliable with a 60.8% fix rate vs 46% for Samsung.
What are the most common Apple vs Samsung smartphone failures?
Apple's top issues are screen/display and battery/power. Samsung's top issues are screen/display and battery/power.
Which smartphone brand lasts longer, Apple or Samsung?
Both brands show similar longevity, with devices averaging around 4.1 years before needing repair.
Should I buy Apple or Samsung if durability matters?
If durability is your priority, Apple edges ahead with a higher fix rate, meaning repairs are more likely to succeed when needed. The best choice still depends on your specific model and usage.
Check a Specific Model
Brand averages only go so far. Your specific model matters too. See repair costs, repairability scores, and failure data for individual smartphones.