Google Pixel Beats Apple and Samsung in Repair Rankings

Your next smartphone might be easier to fix than you think, and Google Pixel is leading the charge among America's biggest phone brands.

The US Public Interest Research Group just released its 2026 "Failing the Fix" report, ranking the top four smartphone makers on how repairable their devices actually are. While none of the scores were stellar, Google Pixel earned a C minus, beating out Samsung's D and Apple's D minus.

Motorola took the top spot with a B plus, showing that smaller players can still make a big difference when it comes to consumer-friendly design. The rankings used data from the European Union's product registry, weighing factors like how easy devices are to take apart, whether spare parts are available, quality of repair documentation, and software update commitments.

The results might surprise anyone who assumes the biggest brands offer the best long-term value. Google has been quietly pushing forward on repairability across its product lineup, making genuine progress where it counts.

The Ripple Effect

This shift toward fixable phones means real savings for everyday people. When your phone screen cracks or your battery dies, being able to repair instead of replace keeps hundreds of dollars in your pocket and tons of electronic waste out of landfills.

Google's recent moves show the company is listening. Last year's Pixel Watch 4 became the first fully repairable smartwatch in the lineup, while the Pixel Buds 2a introduced a replaceable battery in the charging case, something almost unheard of in wireless earbuds.

The advocacy group published these rankings hoping manufacturers will compete to improve their scores. When companies know consumers care about repairability, they design products that last longer and work better for real life.

Even with Google's lead over Apple and Samsung, a C minus grade shows there's significant room for improvement across the industry. But the fact that repairability is now being measured and publicized creates pressure for positive change.

The shift is already happening in Europe, where regulations require manufacturers to make products more repairable. American consumers are starting to demand the same respect for their purchases and the environment.

Every phone that gets repaired instead of tossed is a small victory for your wallet and a big win for the planet.