Fingerprint scanner and USB port Samsung Galaxy S10 cannot be replaced

The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and USB-c port of the Samsung Galaxy S10 phones do not seem to be replaced, according to two teardowns. The capacitive fingerprint scanner of the cheaper S10e can be replaced.

According to iFixit’s and JerryRigEverything’s teardowns, the ultrasonic scanner is glued to the underside of the screen so tightly that users will likely need a new screen to replace the scanner. Because it concerns OLED panels, that is a repair of hundreds of euros.

That does not apply to the S10e, which has a conventional capacitive scanner on the right side. It is easy to remove from the PCB and replace it that way. It is still unknown how much such a repair will cost, but the part is probably not nearly as expensive as an entire screen with a built-in ultrasonic scanner.

The S10 is also the first Galaxy S phone with a soldered USB port. In all models, the part, which can break with frequent use, is attached to the pcb. Users therefore need a new board to get access to a new USB port. The 3.5mm jack, speaker and cameras can be replaced separately. The battery is firmly glued, which makes replacement difficult.

With that, the S10 has fallen a few steps back in terms of repairability compared to other Galaxy S models. Both iFixit and JerryRigEverything note that removing the fingerprint scanner from the back makes a repair easier; there is now no longer a cable stuck to the glass back that can break when opening the phone.