Internet do-it-yourself tech repair site iFixit gives the BlackBerry Z10 an 8 out of 10 for ease of repair in its step-by-step teardown of the new smartphone, now available in the United States.
In comparison, the iPhone 5 received a 7 out of 10.
The Z10 garners high marks for a replaceable battery, which allows users to swap out a damaged or depleted battery without worrying about voiding warranties or dealing with customer service, returns or repair fees. It also means it's easy to switch out a dead battery for a new one on the go, as long as you keep a spare around.
The Z10 also uses screws with standard heads (that means flathead or Phillips head), not the proprietary screwheads that have become more popular in tech these days to prevent end users from getting inside.
Unfortunately, the LCD display is fused to the glass screen. Typically this means if the glass cracks, the entire display must be replaced. A new glass panel can be had for as little as $20 online, but a new LCD usually runs several hundred. The LCD can be separated from the glass with a heat gun or hairdryer and a lot of patience, but it's a delicate process, and a simple slip-up ruins the LCD anyway.
In addition, many smaller components are held in place with copious amounts of adhesive. While this might make the more secure, if they break, it's difficult to remove them.
Even users who have no desire to repair their own tech should consider devices that are easier to fix, since warranties run out and insurance plans don't cover every eventuality. Sometimes, it's just cheaper to take a device to a third-party repair shop, and the easier the job, the less they'll charge.
The BlackBerry Z10 features a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 plus processor, 2GB of RAM, a 4.2-inch 1280x768 display, an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video, 16GB of internal storage, an SD card slot and runs the newly revamped BlackBerry 10 operating system.
Check back for the latest information on the BlackBerry Z10 as it becomes available.