The Fairphone 6, a device specifically engineered for home repair, comes with a five-year warranty and guaranteed software support until 2033, starkly contrasting with industry giants like Samsung, whose phones consistently score below 5 out of 10 for repairability by iFixit. The Fairphone 6's five-year warranty and guaranteed software support until 2033 set a new benchmark in the smartphone market, challenging established norms of device obsolescence.
Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and long-lasting products, but the smartphone industry largely continues to produce devices that are difficult and expensive to repair. This tension forces consumers into frequent and costly device replacements, contributing to electronic waste.
As consumer awareness and right-to-repair movements grow, brands prioritizing repairability and extended support are likely to gain a significant competitive edge over those clinging to planned obsolescence. This shift is particularly evident when comparing the most repairable smartphones in 2026.
The prevailing industry standard for smartphone repairability is alarmingly low, pushing consumers towards frequent and costly device replacements. Samsung smartphones scored the lowest in terms of repairability for brands in the U.S. according to the 'Failing the Fix 2026' study by BGR. The study graded four smartphone brands in the U.S. with Samsung receiving a 'D' grade. None of the last six Samsung phones rated by iFixit scored more than 5 out of 10 for repairability, further highlighting their design philosophy.
1. The Leaders in Longevity: Fairphone and Motorola
Best for: Consumers prioritizing extreme longevity and user-driven repairs.
The Fairphone 6 stands as the most repairable smartphone, scoring a perfect 10 on iFixit's scale, according to WIRED. The Fairphone 6 has 12 easy-to-replace parts, ranging from the battery to the camera. Despite its unparalleled repairability and extended support, the Fairphone 6 is cheaper than previous models at £499 (€599), as reported by The Guardian, suggesting that sustainable design does not inherently demand a premium price point.
