Google’s second foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, has been praised for its repairability in a teardown test conducted by popular tech repair site iFixit.
Foldable phones often present challenges for DIY repairmen due to their complex designs and fragile displays, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out as a positive step in this area.
iFixit praised the “logical layout” of the phone’s internal components, with one team member humorously noting that he might even consider switching to Android because of this user-friendly design.
Frequently broken parts like the USB-C port are easy to replace because they are installed independently of other components. Google’s preference for screws also makes the device easier to disassemble and reassemble than rival foldable phones.
iFixit also cited the fact that the outer screen can be removed without heat as a major advantage, a process that reduces risk, especially for users who are inexperienced in repairs. However, there were some downsides to the disassembly process. The battery replacement process in particular was criticized by iFixit. Google’s battery removal pull tabs were found to be weaker than Samsung’s and could easily break even when heat was applied.
Another criticism was that the device’s motherboard was “fragile.” iFixit recommended that users handle this component with extreme caution, as it could otherwise be damaged.
Foldable displays present some inherent repair challenges. The hinge design in particular makes the device’s screen more susceptible to dust and liquid ingress, potentially leading to issues that could require expensive repairs.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold is more repairable than its peers
Despite these drawbacks, Google’s efforts in terms of repairability are commendable. The company’s decision to provide detailed repair guides with the device is also a positive step. It can be concluded that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a more repairable option than many current foldable phones thanks to its user-friendly design and easily replaceable parts.