Earlier this week we noticed the Galaxy Z Fold8 undergo JerryRigEverything’s torture durability test the place it survived some exhausting bends and shut encounters with blades and sand. And the group over at iFixit has now introduced its teardown experience to Samsung’s fashionable flexible cellphone. Right here’s the total video:
The Z Fold8 earned a 4/10 repairability rating. That’s not spectacular by common smartphone requirements, however it’s a level greater than final yr’s Z Fold7 repairability score. For those who don’t really feel like watching the entire thing, listed here are the important thing takeaways.
The folding display continues to be a nightmare to switch. The iFixit host acquired the plastic bezels on his unit’s panel chipped, which finally obliterated the OLED layer, rendering the entire unit ineffective. The IP48 score doesn’t maintain up nicely in opposition to mud, and that finally enters the hinge, exposing key internals.
Z Fold8’s hinge uncovered to mud and particles
There are some positives, although. Samsung used commonplace Phillips screws all through the Fold8. The again plate is simple to pry out, the USB-C port is modular and never soldered on, which makes it straightforward to switch. The batteries characteristic pull tabs, which ought to translate to simpler removing, although they’re additionally straightforward to bend.
