Nokia makes a smartphone that can be repaired by ‘someone without DIY experience’

The high cost of replacing parts on smartphones made by Apple and Samsung has long been a specter for owners eager to make handsets last.

Now rival Nokia has dropped the gauntlet with a smartphone where even ‘someone with no DIY experience’ can replace the screen, charging port and battery.

The G22, which costs £149.99, can have parts replaced in five minutes with a few basic tools, Nokia claims. A replacement battery costs £22.99, a screen £44.99 and a charging port £18.99.

The average cost for an official manufacturer repair of a smartphone screen is £170, according to consumer group Which?. Batteries cost around £43 on average.

Using third-party repairers, which can be less expensive, often voids a warranty.

Nokia’s warranty, which typically lasts three years, is not affected if an owner performs the repair themselves.

In addition to keeping costs low, Nokia says the policy also helps reduce the number of handsets sent to landfill.

Adam Ferguson, Head of Product Marketing at HMD Global: “Even someone like me can change parts quickly. You don’t need DIY experience.

“The G22 is purpose built with a repairable design so you can use it for even longer.”

Phones are becoming increasingly difficult to repair as makers cram more components into them, which are then glued, soldered, or screwed together to prevent them from moving.

There used to be more space inside, which made it easier to get to things. Plus, before phones became water and dust proof, the back covers could be easily removed.

This made it easy to replace batteries in particular.

Ben Wood, Lead Analyst at CCS Insight, said: “As consumers increasingly demand durable devices that last longer, the ability to easily and affordably repair smartphones will become a key selling point.

“Our research reflects this: about half of mobile phone users say they would like to have their device repaired for a reasonable price if it breaks outside of the warranty period.”

Nokia is working with repair specialist iFixit, who will keep the parts in stock. They will also do the repairs, but at an additional cost.

At home, ‘fit kits’ with all the tools cost £5, or Nokia says most people will have the equipment – a small screwdriver, SIM pin and pick or similar – at home.

The G22, due out on 8 March, is an entry-level smartphone priced at £149.99. It has a respectable 6.5-inch screen, three days of battery life and a 50MP camera.

Nokia was once the largest phone maker in the world, selling two out of every five – before Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s handsets took over.

It was abandoned after being slow to adopt touchscreen displays.

Today, Nokia phones are made under license by a company called HMD Global.