Smartphones · Last assessed 6/9/2026
Score breakdown
Why this grade
Google partners with iFixit to sell genuine parts for every Pixel since the Pixel 2 and publishes free public service manuals (widely praised as best-in-class documentation), plus a privacy-preserving Repair Mode and on-device diagnostics. iFixit scored the Pixel 8 at 6/10 (v1.6); the Pixel 9 'dual-entry' design is provisionally ~5/10 under the stricter v2.0 rubric — battery glue and a soldered charge port still hurt. Parts are reasonably priced 'with no strings.' PIRG 2026 grades Google C- (second-best of the four majors). Lands a solid D on the equal-weight composite. No true board schematics published.
Methodology & version
Five dimensions — parts availability, schematic access, repairability, OEM pricing, and software freedom — are scored 0–100 and weighted equally; the letter grade is the average (A 90–100, B 80–89, C 70–79, D 60–69, F below 60). This assessment is current as of 6/9/2026 and cites its sources below. It covers the Smartphones category and is not a claim about every device the maker ships.