Samsung Galaxy owners can run built-in hardware tests before repairing or upgrading

The suite lives in Device care. Users open Settings, go to Device care, tap Diagnostics and then Phone diagnostics, where they can test components one at a time or select Test all and work through the checklist. Samsung says the diagnostics are available on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later, though the specific menus and available tests vary by phone and software version. The same tests can also be reached through the Samsung Members app, Engadget reported.

On a Galaxy S26 Ultra, the full run offered 22 checks, according to Engadget. The results are not a measure of how fast a phone is; the tests are closer to a physical exam for the hardware.

The checks cover more than battery health. Depending on the model, Samsung can test the touch screen, cameras, microphones, speakers, physical buttons, sensors, Wi-Fi, mobile network, Bluetooth, SIM card, NFC, USB connection, charging and the fingerprint reader. Devices with an S Pen or wireless charging get additional checks.

Some tests run automatically and others involve the owner. The proximity test asks users to cover the area around the front camera or call speaker with a palm, and another plays audio through the in-call speaker and asks whether it can be heard. If a test fails, Samsung says the app may offer troubleshooting suggestions or a related FAQ.

For older Galaxy phones, battery status is likely the most useful result. Samsung rates a battery Normal, Weak or Bad. Weak means efficiency may have decreased through long-term use or environmental conditions; Bad means battery life has significantly degraded, and Samsung recommends getting service advice.

Passing every test does not mean the phone will feel as fast as it did when new. Samsung's diagnostics do not provide a CPU benchmark, gauge whether an internet connection is slow or measure gaming performance. Internet speed tests measure the connection, which distance from a router and network congestion can affect, while a benchmark such as Geekbench measures processor performance and is more useful for comparing similar phones. Samsung's support guidance does not specify a benchmark score at which a three-year-old Galaxy becomes too slow, and age alone is a weak indicator because A-series and Ultra models start with different hardware.

When diagnostics pass and a phone still feels slow, Samsung points to outdated software, background apps, insufficient available memory or temporary system errors. Google says Android phones can begin to have problems when less than 10 percent of their storage is free.

Repeated failed tests or a Bad battery result are stronger reasons to consider servicing. If a phone is handed over for repair, Samsung's Maintenance mode can hide photos, messages, contacts and other personal data while still allowing technicians to test the device.

Editor's Summary

Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later include a Device care diagnostics suite that checks components including the screen, cameras, speakers, network radios and battery, which Samsung rates Normal, Weak or Bad, according to Engadget. The tests confirm whether hardware works rather than how fast a phone performs, and Samsung attributes slowness on a passing device to software, background apps, memory or temporary system errors. Failed tests or a Bad battery rating are the clearest signals to seek service, and Maintenance mode can shield personal data during repairs.