iFixit experts initially assessed the repairability of the foldable smartphone Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 at 4 out of 10. This low rating is primarily due to the device’s hinge mechanism being difficult to repair or replace and having poor protection against small particles.
Image source: iFixit
Galaxy Z Fold 8 is dust and moisture-proof according to IP48 standards. This means there is no protection against particles smaller than 1 mm. This can cause dust and sand to get into the hinge mechanism, making it difficult to repair and expensive to replace. Ultimately, small particles that get into the hinge can cause the smartphone to make strange sounds when it opens and closes.
“After we folded and unfolded the Fold 8 multiple times, the hinge started making really horrible creaking and grinding sounds, and the smartphone wouldn’t open properly. Samsung has previously replaced the hinge and internal display as a single unit, and for the purposes of our evaluation, we’re assuming the Fold 8 will follow the same design. Therefore, damage to any of these components would require an almost complete disassembly of the smartphone to replace the entire assembly.”” iFixit said.
Developers’ failure to protect foldable smartphones from pocket lint has plagued Samsung and other manufacturers for years. However, some foldable smartphones that have been launched, such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Honor Magic V6, have full IP6X dust resistance. It might be time for Samsung to catch up to its competitors and pay more attention to hinge protection for its foldable smartphones.
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