iFixit, the company that regularly brings us teardowns of nearly all noteworthy gadgets, has released a list of smartphones sorted by repairability score.
As defined by iFixit, Repairability is rated on a scale of zero to 10 — ten being the easiest to repair and zero being the hardest.
See also: See Apple's iPhone 5S From the Inside
To receive a good score, a device must be easy to disassemble. A service manual should be available, and points are deducted or awarded based on difficulty to open and complexity in replacing major components. Component modularity and ability to upgrade easily can boost the device's score, while use of non-proprietary tools for servicing can reduce it.
iFixit's list doesn't cover all the smartphones on the market, but it does address most of those available in the United States. According to iFixit, the repairability champion is Motorola, whose Droid Bionic and Atrix 4G are the only devices on the list with nine points. Samsung's Galaxy S4, as well as its younger siblings S3 and S2, both received eight points, as did the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2.
Apple's iPhone 5 also has a solid seven, a score also awarded to Google's Nexus 4, Motorola's Moto X and the iPhone 3G and 3GS. The iPhone 5C and 5S have a slightly lower score of six, since their batteries are harder to remove than the iPhone 5.
The original iPhone, which debuted in 2007, has a score of two, as it has hidden clips make it "nearly impossible" to open and its battery is "very difficult" to replace.
The HTC One rounds out the bottom of the list with a score of one. iFixIt said the phone's construction is solid, but it is "virtually impossible to open without extreme damage to rear case," making it extremely hard to repair.
Do you agree with iFixit's list? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Image: Motorola
This case is made at the original Etch-a-Sketch factory. It's an interesting study into how companies evolve their products to suit the market, and also a fun case for your phone.
Cost: $24.99
Sucker this little fella on to the back of your iPhone and it'll keep it upright -- no plumbing required.
Cost: $10
Described as "huge" and "easy to handle," the Arkhippo case adds some colorful heft to your iPhone with some well-padded protection, and a handy way to stand it up.
Cost: $24
If you yearn for the days of the Walkman, this sticky tape cassette decal for your iPhone offers some handheld nostalgia.
Cost: $6.99
Complete with six different colored inserts, this clever stand frames your iPhone on your desk or bedside table. It's perfect for slideshows, alarm clock apps, watching media and more. Appstanding!
Cost: $24.99
The Spiderpodium is one way to keep arachnophobes away from your precious iProduct. The grippy octopod has -- you guessed it -- eight flexible legs as well as a hole in its body for feeding cables through.
Cost: $24
Your iPhone can earn its wings with this whimsical stand that works in both portrait and landscape mode thanks to its removable sucker cup.
Cost: $12
Considering that the cellphone is the "little black book" of today, this case is certainly appropriate. With a sturdy wooden frame, this unusual case is crafted using traditional bookbinding techniques. It allows access to all ports and even boasts a suitably placed hole for the camera.
Cost: $64
Do you hark back to the glory days of the 80s "brick" phones with fond memories? No, neither do we really, but we do find this case somewhat amusing.
Cost: $20
This cardboard holder will turn your iPhone, or iPod touch, into a teeny vintage goggle box, perfect for watching old movies.
Cost: $7.95
Can we give you a hand? In fact, here's two to cradle your beloved device when yours are busy.
Cost: $20
Is your iPhone as much a compact camera as it is a portable telephone? Then show your love of iPhotography with this hand-crafted wooden case that's designed to look like a retro snapper.
Cost: $34.99