Goodbye to disposable cell phones: what are the new models that are repaired at home and are made to last longer?

With a simple adjustment tool release the back coverleaving the battery, camera and microSD slot visible, among other components. The real innovation is in the assembly: each component fits and removes like Lego pieces, without hidden screws or glue. Thus, repair stops being a technical job and becomes a friendly process.

Unlike the Galaxy oh go iPhonethese devices do not compete for status, but for resistance: their merit is to continue working when other models have already been discarded. They call on three different profiles: the user who prefers to repair rather than replace, the user who is aware of their digital footprint and the company that seeks stable technological fleets, without forced renewal cycles.

There is a fourth profile, closer to the culture maker and free software. They are savvy consumers who replace Android by systems like /e/OS or Ubuntu Touch, value control over the parts and look for uncommon functions on the market, such as physical switches that disconnect cameras and microphones at the hardware level.

At the Mobile World Congress 2026, TECNO presented its Modular Phone: a concept that unites two trends, that of ultra-thin phones (4.9 mm) and modularity. Its magnetic back, divided into eight zones, allows you to attach accessories in seconds – extra battery, telephoto lens, action camera, speaker – to add functions without changing mobile phones. For now it is only a prototype: it is not for sale.

Repairable cell phones cost between 20% and 30% more than equivalent models because they prioritize a modular engineering that simplifies the reforms. That bet involves some concessions: greater thickness, a more limited ecosystem of accessories and the need to respect official procedures so as not to lose the warranty.

The payoff comes over the years: replacing the battery or upgrading the screen costs a fraction of a new phone. And replacement parts are available at official storesglobal right-to-repair platforms and specialist distributors.

What today still seems like a niche concept could become the new standard. From February 18, 2027, the european regulation which will require smartphone manufacturers to incorporate batteries that are easily replaceable by the user, without specialized tools or complex procedures.

He Fairphone Gen 6+ It is the first modular with mass distribution, with support until 2033 and 12 replaceable items. The arguments of its rivals are: certified durability in the Galaxy XCover 7opening with a single screw on the HMD Skylinephysical privacy switches in the SHIFTphone 8.1 and the Moray Teracube 2sthe cheapest of the lot and arrives without Google services out of the box.

Presented on August 18, 2026, allows replacing sweet components with a Torx T5 screwdriver: battery, screen, three cameras, USB-C port, speaker and two rear panels, among others. The removable battery changes in less than five minutes and the modular design makes repairs easy without advanced technical knowledge.

Integrates a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB expandable via microSD, Android 16 and 4,415 mAh battery. You will receive guaranteed updates until 2033 and have a five-year warranty. Without official distribution in Argentina, it is obtained by importers from 1.300.000 pesos.

Designed for demanding environments, it preserves the tradition of removable battery without tools: the rear cover is removed by snapping with your hands to change it instantly, like in classic equipment. Oriented to companies and professionals outdoor, also reaches the general public and prioritizes physical durability over a slim profile.

The certification IP68 and military standard MIL-STD-810H They support its resistance to severe falls, mud and immersion in water. It integrates 128 GB storage, 50 MP main camera and guaranteed long-term software support, with a 4,050 mAh battery. Without official distribution in Argentina, it is obtained through importers from 1.100.000 pesos.

It opens with a single torx screw located next to the charging port: the back cover gives way in seconds and leaves the battery, screen or USB-C port within reach, with complete replacements in less than ten minutes. The screen is mounted on a foam gasket, without glue, and the team obtained 9/10 for repairability according to iFixitwhich sells original spare parts with detailed guides.

Integrate a Snapdragon 7s Gen 212 GB of RAM, 256 GB expandable via microSD and 6.55-inch pOLED screen at 144 Hz. The replaceable battery is 4,600 mAh, with 33 W fast charging and 15 W magnetic wireless Qi2 certified. It receives two major Android updates and three years of security patches. Without official distribution in Argentina, it is obtained by 800.000 pesos.

It is the first modular phone with IP66 certification against dust and water, a milestone in a segment where constant opening usually sacrifices resistance. Under the rear cover it incorporates two physical switches that cut power to cameras and microphones by hardware. Comes with iodéOS preinstalled, a version of Android stripped of trackers.

6.67-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, with a Snapdragon 778G with 12 GB of RAM. The photographic set combines a dual 50 MP rear camera with sensor Sony IMX766 and 32 MP front, with interchangeable universal format battery. Round the 900.000 pesos.

The most accessible alternative in the segment comes with /e/OS pre-installed, an Android-based system that eliminates Google services and blocks trackers for the benefit of personal data. Its modular chassis supports home repair at low cost—the battery is changed without tools—and the brand backs it up with four years warranty and a flat accidental repair fee.

The construction is committed to sustainability: recycled materials and a funda biodegradable included in the box. Integrates 6.1-inch screen, processor MediaTek Helio G364 GB of RAM, dual SIM and 4G LTE connectivity, with an interchangeable 4,000 mAh battery. Without official distribution in Argentina, it is obtained through importers from 700.000 pesos.