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What the new EU phone labels actually mean for your wallet.

What the new EU phone labels actually mean for your wallet.
Matthew T
iD Mobile Employee
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Ever wondered how long your new phone will really last? Or how easy it might be to get it fixed? From 20th June 2025, getting the answers to these questions is about to get a whole lot easier.

New, standardised energy labels are being rolled out for all new smartphones and tablets sold in the EU and right here in the UK. Think of them like the stickers you see on your telly or washing machine, but packed with even more useful info. This is all part of a bigger plan to cut down on waste, make devices last longer, and help you make genuinely sustainable choices.

Here at iD Mobile, we want to make sure you’re in the know. So, let’s break down what these new labels mean for you.

 

What’s the big idea?

 

 

The European Union has brought in these new regulations to help us all make more informed and sustainable choices when buying new tech. The aim is to give you a clearer picture of a device's energy efficiency, how long its battery should last, how tough it is, and how easily it can be repaired. It’s all about promoting transparency from manufacturers and helping to reduce electronic waste – a big win for both your wallet and the planet!

 

What’s on the label?

 

This isn't just a sticker about energy use – it's a clear, at-a-glance summary of what really counts. You'll find it on the box in-store and on the product page online. It features a series of simple ratings:

  • Energy Efficiency Class (A-G): The familiar A-G scale tells you how much power the device uses. 'A' is the most efficient, which is great for your bills and the planet.
  • Battery Life Per Charge: This gives you a standardised estimate of how many hours a full battery will power your device, making it easier to compare different models fairly.
  • Battery Cycle Rating: This crucial number tells you how many full charge and discharge cycles the battery can handle before its capacity drops below 80%. The minimum is 800 cycles, but a higher number means a longer-lasting battery.
  • Drop-Resistance Class (A-E): We've all had that heart-in-mouth moment. This score (from 'A' for most rugged to 'E' for least) gives you an idea of how well the device can handle accidental tumbles.
  • Repairability Score (A-E): A real game-changer. This score tells you how easy it is to get the device repaired. The higher the grade, the simpler and likely cheaper it will be to fix if something goes wrong.
  • Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: You may have seen this before. The IP rating indicates how resistant the device is to dust and water.

There will also be a QR code on the label that links to the EU’s EPREL database, where you can dig into even more detail if you fancy.

 

More than just a label.

 

 

Alongside these handy labels, the EU has also introduced new ‘ecodesign’ rules for manufacturers. These are designed to make sure devices last longer and are easier to repair. These rules mean that:

  • Manufacturers must make critical spare parts, like batteries and screens, available for at least seven years after a model is no longer sold.
  • You’ll be guaranteed to receive software updates for at least five years, keeping your device secure and up-to-date for longer.
  • Professional repairers will have fair access to the necessary software and firmware to carry out repairs.

 

What does this mean for you?

 

These new rules put the power back in your hands. You can now compare phones and tablets not just on camera specs or screen size, but on their long-term value and environmental footprint.

So, when you're browsing for your next phone, take a moment to read the label. Look for high grades in battery life, repairability, and drop resistance. A good repair score often means less cost and hassle if a part breaks, while strong durability ratings mean your device can better withstand the bumps and scrapes of daily life.

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