Keeping its promise to Pixel Fold owners, Google has taken a significant step by offering spare parts for repair through iFixit. This initiative provides Pixel Fold owners in various countries with the opportunity to fix their phones, and the support is available in regions where the device is sold, including the US, UK, and Germany.
Google’s approach to supporting repairs is comprehensive, as they offer spare parts for virtually every component of the Pixel Fold. This includes components such as the battery, earpiece, fingerprint sensor, front camera, rear lens, and even a portion of the logic board. It appears that the only missing part for repair is the phone’s metal frame.
Each spare component comes with an extensive how-to guide, guiding users through the repair process step-by-step. Additionally, users receive warnings at critical stages, advising them to exercise caution. For instance, the guide may caution users about the fragility of the smartphone’s glass corners and recommend using heat and gentle handling.
Pixel Fold owners have the ability to repair both the Outer and Inner Screens of their devices. However, there is a notable price discrepancy that may limit the feasibility of certain repairs.
The cost of the individual spare parts is generally reasonable. For instance, the inner front camera’s lens alone costs $43/£38/€43, and users have the option to purchase a full kit with tools for $50/£45/€50. There are various kit options available for most of the parts. However, the Outer Screen is among the pricier components, with a replacement cost of $160/£155/€160, excluding any missing tools.
The Inner Screen, on the other hand, comes with a significantly higher price tag, costing $900 or $910 if the user opts for the repair kit. This price is a bit over half the cost of the Pixel Fold itself. In the UK, the standalone screen is priced at £895, with the kit priced at £905. German users are looking at a €900 cost for the display, while the kit is priced at €910.
Replacing the Inner Screen is also the most challenging component to replace, requiring users to essentially disassemble the device’s internal hardware before transferring everything over. The process can take approximately three to four hours, and even iFixit recommends proceeding with caution and patience.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of before embarking on Pixel Fold repairs through iFixit. Some spare parts are currently out of stock, with no indication of when they will be available. Additionally, iFixit is imposing limits on purchases in the United States, restricting customers to a maximum of seven items unless they are operating under the iFixit Pro program.
The precise interpretation of the “limited to seven per customer” rule remains somewhat unclear, and clarification from iFixit is being sought. It could imply a restriction on the number of items that can be purchased in a single order or a lifetime limit of seven items per individual. This aspect will be updated as more information becomes available.
With this newfound support, the Pixel Fold emerges as the sole foldable device on iFixit’s website offering extensive repair options. While the front screen of the Motorola Razr can be replaced, the Pixel Fold now stands out as a device with a comprehensive repair ecosystem.
