High repair costs make even low-cost smartphones expensive to maintain

In Tanzania, smartphone users are realising that even affordable or older phones can be expensive to repair. Many people find that repair costs at formal service centres can approach the price of a new phone, forcing them to turn to independent technicians who charge lower fees. Students and small business owners alike report frustration over the high cost of fixing devices, even for minor issues like screen or battery replacements. Technicians explain that costs are driven by the difficulty of sourcing parts, the complexity of modern smartphones, and the expertise required for proper repairs. Independent technicians offer cheaper fixes, but sometimes use non-genuine parts, which may reduce device performance. Formal service centres provide quality assurance and warranties, which explains their higher charges. The reality for many consumers is that repair costs do not reflect the original price of the phone, and decisions often come down to trade-offs between cost and reliability. As smartphone adoption grows in Tanzania, the demand for affordable repair options continues to rise, highlighting the need for awareness among users about repair pricing and expectations.