The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is amazing, but issues arise when it requires repair.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ranks among the top smartphones to buy in 2026. Its Privacy Display is truly remarkable and stands out as one of the few genuine innovations in smartphones we've seen recently.
The device delivers exceptional performance, boasts one of the best camera systems available, and features useful AI capabilities. However, iFixit recently disassembled one, yielding results that are both impressive and somewhat embarrassing for Samsung.
What are the positives regarding the S26 Ultra’s repairability?
Let’s begin with the positives. The battery replacement on the S26 Ultra is simple. Samsung has implemented a pull-tab adhesive system that can be easily removed by hand, without the need for tools or heat. iFixit even stated it is superior to Apple’s method in terms of pure simplicity, a point that’s hard to dispute.
The USB-C port is also modular, allowing for replacement without requiring full disassembly of the phone. Accessing the rear camera assembly is somewhat challenging, but it remains relatively easy to repair. Overall, Samsung achieves good scores for the repairability of its battery, ports, and cameras.
Why did the S26 Ultra receive a score of only 5 out of 10?
This is where the issues arise. Replacing the screen on the S26 Ultra is a difficult task. The display connector is accessible only through the back panel, meaning that a cracked screen necessitates dismantling the entire phone.
During the teardown, even after applying heat to the screen, it hardly moved, and when it finally did, it cracked. This is one of the most challenging, if not the most challenging, screen repairs encountered on a phone in quite some time.
The selfie camera is so securely glued that iFixit warns there’s a significant risk of damaging the screen while attempting to remove it. For a phone priced at $1,300, that’s not a favorable statistic.
Additionally, Samsung’s parts catalog is lacking. When iFixit checked a listing on Samsung’s official repair website, it had no image, no description, only a part number. For a company of this magnitude, that’s quite embarrassing.
What does this imply for Samsung Galaxy S26 buyers?
If you have purchased or are thinking about buying the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, you should hope that you don’t damage the screen or the front camera. The repair process is not only complex but will also likely be expensive.
I would suggest getting the Samsung Care+ plan, which extends the warranty and includes damage protection. Without it, Samsung is expected to charge high repair fees, and the intricate nature of the repair process makes DIY fixes nearly impossible.
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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is amazing, but issues arise when it requires repair.
iFixit's teardown of the Galaxy S26 Ultra showed a combination of results: a surprisingly straightforward battery swap, a frustratingly difficult screen replacement, and a replacement parts system that is almost comically inadequate.