Samsung Galaxy S26: King of repairability?

The latest teardown by popular channel PBKreviews reveals that the Samsung Galaxy S26 will be one of the most repair-friendly phones on the market. With a high repairability score of 9 out of 10, Samsung is setting high standards that Apple is unlikely to meet with the upcoming iPhone 17, mainly due to its more modular design and easy replacement of key components.

Photo: PBKreviews

In 2026, durability and longevity of devices have become key factors for consumers, and Samsung has taken a step ahead of the competition with the Galaxy S26. A teardown video reveals that the internal structure of the base S26 is extremely transparent. The device received top marks in the categories of availability of spare parts, ease of battery replacement, and quick replacement of small components such as the USB-C connector.

The Galaxy S26’s 9/10 rating matches that of the Ultra, confirming a consistent strategy across the series. In comparison, the iPhone 17 received a 7.5/10 rating from the same reviewer. While Apple has made improvements to battery removal due to stricter environmental standards, Samsung still has the edge in overall component accessibility and less use of strong adhesives that make it difficult to tamper with.

In addition to its excellent service rating, the S26 series is also impressive physically. The base model Galaxy S26 weighs just 164g and measures exactly 0.8cm thick. This means the phone is 13g lighter and almost 0.1cm thinner than the iPhone 17. Samsung has managed to combine a sleek, slim body with an internal design that allows owners to use it for a long time without expensive service.

Despite its slim profile, the device maintains a powerful battery, with the Ultra model sticking to 5,000 mAh. For users who swear by durability, the Galaxy S26 with its modularity currently represents the best choice in the premium segment. With this year's series, Samsung has proven that modern technology does not require closed and difficult-to-repair devices.