Pixel 8 Parts Store Now Live, Promising 7-Year Availability
Austin JayModern smartphones, including the top Android models, aren't as easily fixable as they were a decade ago. Yet, some brands advocate for the right to repair, partnering with manufacturers to offer replacement parts.
iFixit, a renowned repair kit brand, now sells separate components for the beloved Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
While today's smartphones boast sturdy exteriors that resist dust and water, they remain fragile. JerryRigEverything's durability test confirmed this for Google's Pixel 8 series. Though the brand offers repairs, tech-savvy individuals can now purchase replacement parts from iFixit to fix their phones themselves.
Even if you're not into DIY repairs, Google's collaboration with iFixit ensures access to authentic components.
Google and iFixit have unveiled an expanded array of genuine replacement components for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, fortifying their repair arsenal over the holiday season. These offerings include screens, rear cases, batteries, and camera assemblies, varying in price from $43 to $230.
Of particular note is the camera segment, which, despite featuring fewer lenses than some competitors, commands a cost of approximately $200, a potential concern for users prioritizing functionality beyond photography.
Regrettably, critical replacements, such as motherboards and official methods for USB port repairs, remain conspicuously absent, posing challenges for resolving crucial issues like water damage.
Despite these limitations, the availability of parts aims to complement the Pixel 8's promised seven-year major OS updates, hinting at an enduring device lifespan. Nonetheless, apprehensions persist around repair accessibility and costs, particularly for users emphasizing utility beyond extensive camera capabilities, despite the phone's commendable software support commitment.
iFixit simplifies Pixel 8 repairs with comprehensive tool kits. The Pixel 8 camera lenses are sold individually, which is an advantage for fixing specific camera issues. Yet, buying all three lenses as a bundle is more economical if multiple cameras malfunction.
Regrettably, the USB-C port is soldered onto the motherboard beyond iFixit's reach for replacement.
Seek Google's aid for any damage to the motherboard or its parts. To safeguard your device, consider wireless charging to lessen wear on the USB-C port. Investing in protective cases for the Pixel 8 or 8 Pro can also prevent potential expensive hardware damage.
Also Read: Google Play Points Promo: Save 40% On Pixel 8, 8 Pro, And Pixel Tablet
iFixit's addition of repair parts for Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro indicates higher costs than the previous Pixel 7 series. The catalog now includes crucial components such as screens, rear cases, batteries, and cameras, raising eyebrows due to the increased expenses and more complex repair processes.
For instance, the Pixel 8's screen, boasting a 120 Hz refresh rate and heightened brightness, surpasses the Pixel 7's by $13, despite the latter's 90 Hz refresh rate and lower brightness.
The Pixel 8 Pro's triple camera system, sold as a single unit, is $40 more than the Pixel 7 Pro's camera assembly. While these parts promote self-repair and reduced electronic waste, the amplified prices may deter some DIY enthusiasts, notably for the cameras.
Related Article: Google Introduces Video Boost For Pixel 8 Pro Users
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