New EU Label Aims to Demystify Smartphone Durability & Repairability
Brussels, Belgium – Consumers across the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) now have a new tool to compare smartphone and tablet durability thanks to a recently implemented EU energy labeling scheme. The label, designed to increase openness in the mobile market, provides standardized facts on energy consumption, battery life, drop resistance, repairability, and water/dust resistance.
For years, comparing models across manufacturers has been challenging due to a lack of consistent metrics. The EU label addresses this by requiring all manufacturers to adhere to a common set of testing standards, making it easier for consumers to understand what the numbers actually represent.
The label’s core function is to provide consumers with information that was previously arduous to obtain. It details energy consumption, battery lifespan, drop performance, repair ease, battery cycle longevity, and IP (Ingress Protection) classification for dust and water resistance.
Energy efficiency is graded from A to G, with ‘A’ signifying the most energy-efficient devices. This calculation considers both usage time on a single charge and energy efficiency.
Key parameters included on the EU label are:
* Battery Life: displayed in hours and minutes, using a standardized test method across all manufacturers.
* Drop Tolerance: Indicates how many drops a phone can withstand before functionality is lost. A grade of ‘A’ requires survival of 270 drops, with screen cracks permitted provided that the device remains operational.
* Repair Rating: A composite score factoring in software update duration, required tools, and repair complexity.
* battery Cycles: The number of full 0-100% charges the battery can endure before capacity drops to 80%.
* IP Rating: The first digit denotes dust protection, while the second indicates water resistance.
According to mobilize, even phones achieving top scores in drop tests may experience screen cracks, but are still considered functional if they continue to operate.
The repair rating is a more complex metric,assessing factors like software update length and the difficulty of disassembling the device and replacing components – including screw types and specialized tools needed.
Battery cycles offer a straightforward indication of battery lifespan, with higher numbers suggesting greater longevity.IP classification provides a clear understanding of protection against environmental elements, with higher digits indicating improved resistance to dust and water.
The EU marking applies to all new mobile phones and tablets sold within the EU and EEA, aiming to empower buyers to make informed decisions based on durability and reliability.
