Samsung vs Sony: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 959 real repair records from community repair events.
Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 2,727 total smartphone records
Last updated: · Fix rates and sample sizes refresh weekly from openrepair.org
The Bottom Line
Samsung has a slight repairability edge at 46% vs 42.4%, though both brands can typically be fixed when something goes wrong. Sony smartphones tend to last longer before needing repair (6 years vs 4.5), suggesting better build quality or more invested owners. Both brands share the same top failure type: Screen/Display (16.8% for Samsung, 21.7% for Sony).
If durability matters most:
It depends on what you value. Samsung is easier to repair when something goes wrong. Sony tends to last longer before needing repair in the first place. If you prefer prevention, go Sony. If you prefer fixability, go Samsung.
Based on 959 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
Head-to-head reliability data for Samsung vs Sony smartphones, based on 959 community repair records. Samsung leads on fix rate (46% vs 42.4%).
| Metric | Samsung | Sony |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 46% | 42.4% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | $30.84/pt | N/A |
| Top Failure | Screen/Display (16.8%) | Screen/Display (21.7%) |
| Sample Size | 867 | 92 |
| Avg. Age at Repair | 4.5 years | 6 years |
| iFixit Score0-10 scale | 4.4/10 | N/A |
| French Repairability IndexGovernment-mandated, 0-10 | 6.9/10avg of 34 models | N/A |
Price Comparison
Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate, in CAD.
Premium
Samsung
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Below 30-day avg
No premium smartphone from Sony
Value
No value smartphone from Sony
Budget
Samsung
NOTE 20 N981U 128GB GREEN
No budget smartphone from Sony
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Common Failure Types
Samsung
Sony
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung or Sony more reliable for smartphones?
Based on 959 repair records, Samsung is more reliable with a 46% fix rate vs 42.4% for Sony.
What are the most common Samsung vs Sony smartphone failures?
Samsung's top issues are screen/display and battery/power. Sony's top issues are screen/display and battery/power.
Which smartphone brand lasts longer, Samsung or Sony?
Sony devices tend to last longer, averaging 6 years before first repair vs 4.5 years for Samsung.
Should I buy Samsung or Sony if durability matters?
If durability is your priority, Samsung 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.