Soon India will ask phone and tablet makers to declare repairability score for their devices
The proposal has come in response to growing consumer complaints. Data from the National Consumer Helpline shows that mobile and tablet-related grievances rose from 19,057 in 2022–2023 to 22,864 in 2024–2025. Many of these complaints relate to poor access to repairs and a lack of clear post-sale support. The department hopes that introducing a Repairability Index will push brands to improve service quality and reduce the need for early device replacements.According to the official statement, 'The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are required to self-declare the Repairability Index based on a standards scoring criteria provided in the framework with no additional compliance burden.'The committee has identified 11 key parts that commonly break or wear out, including batteries, display assemblies, cameras, charging ports, microphones, speakers, and folding mechanisms in foldable devices. These parts will be evaluated using six key parameters: disassembly depth, availability of repair tools, spare part access, availability of repair information, fastener types, and software update support.The scoring system will combine the weightage from each of these areas to produce a final rating on a five-point scale. The government says the goal is to 'create an ecosystem where consumers choose options that align with the ethos of 'mindful utilisation' of their products over 'wasteful consumption.''Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare is now reviewing the report, and the ministry is expected to release guidelines soon based on these recommendations. While the Repairability Index will initially apply only to smartphones and tablets, it could be expanded to other electronics in future phases.
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Earlier generations had that disconcerting gap, and the risk of damage was high. That's gone now. Some of you may, as I did, notice that the unfold still isn't completely flat and there is a very slight hint of a 'V' there. Samsung, rightly so, isn't letting up on the AI integration. Google Gemini integration, Circle to Search and Samsung's own Galaxy AI suite remain as front and centre on the Galaxy Z Fold7, as they have done on the flagships this year. It may not mean much, but the Gemini Live interface as it floats across the 8-inch foldable screen, feels more intuitive here, than it has on any other device till now. For a phone that costs ₹174999 onwards, it is difficult to use the word 'value' for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. But then again, this book style foldable form factor isn't, at least in Samsung's scheme of things, isn't a mainstream device. This is still, if it's the right word, delivering ultimate snob value for those who flaunt it. Yet without doubt, the utility of foldable while at it, has increased manifold over the years. It is a concerted effort of the software and hardware at work. There's a lot of substance to go with that style. Speaking of which, the Blue Shadow is the colour to consider the most, amidst the troika that also has Silver Shadow and Jet Black as options.
