Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 exhibit typical repair-resistant characteristics
The latest offering from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, has received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that it is one of the least repairable phones on the market.
The low rating is a result of the device's complex disassembly process, fragile inner components, and glued batteries that are hard to replace. The batteries, which use pull tabs for easy removal, require excessive force and often tear, making battery replacement extremely tricky and risky.
The external cover display is secured with very strong adhesive, complicating screen removal and increasing the chance of damage. The inner foldable display is highly sensitive to pressure and torsion, and its bezels are glued tightly to the frame, requiring sharp tools and force to remove.
Extensive disassembly, including many screws, ribbon cables, and glued components like the SIM tray, is required even for minor repairs like camera replacements, necessitating a full teardown.
iFixit's assessment highlights that the Galaxy Z Fold 7's construction prioritizes durability but results in a “repair nightmare” scenario where most common repairs are prohibitively difficult and expensive.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7's teardown process is not quick or simple. For instance, removing the first battery from the device requires disassembling the lower assembly and USB-C power, and using a pull tab method. Removing the second battery is more complex, requiring unsealing the exterior display, stripping the phone apart completely, and using more pulling-and-prying maneuvers.
The inner display disassembly is more difficult than battery replacement, with heat being applied directly to the bendable display during the teardown. The display's removal separates the back panel from the chassis before the display budges.
If you are considering buying the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it might be wise to set aside money for potential future repairs. The Fold 7's screen can be lifted out with heat, but iFixit recommends doing this only with a completely busted screen to avoid damaging working panels.
Despite the repairability issues, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has shown to be resilient in a stress test conducted by iFixit. However, given that foldables aren't known for their repair-friendly builds, these challenges are not surprising.
[1] iFixit (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Teardown. [online] Available at: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+Z+Fold+7+Teardown/138023
[2] iFixit (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Repairability Score. [online] Available at: https://www.ifixit.com/News/18116/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-repairability-score
[3] iFixit (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Battery Replacement Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Samsung+Galaxy+Z+Fold+7+Battery+Replacement/138024
[4] iFixit (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Inner Display Replacement Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Samsung+Galaxy+Z+Fold+7+Inner+Display+Replacement/138025
[5] iFixit (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 External Display Replacement Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Samsung+Galaxy+Z+Fold+7+Exterior+Display+Replacement/138026
- The Galaxy Z Fold 7, equipped with various smartphones and gadgets, showcases technology that prioritizes durability, but its complex repair process makes it a challenge for users to fix common issues themselves.
- With numerous repair guides available online (1, 3, 4, 5), it's evident that owning a Galaxy Z Fold 7, despite its advanced smartphone features, might require setting aside funds for potential future technology-related repairs.
