Google’s latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, are now part of Google’s self-repair program through iFixit. It’s important to note, however, that buying repair parts for these devices will be more expensive than for their predecessors, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
iFixit is known for its detailed teardowns and repair guides for various gadgets, and it also sells high-quality replacement parts and tools. Google recently released the official Diagnostic App and manuals for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, allowing users to identify and fix common issues with their phones. iFixit has now added the repair parts for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro to its catalog, including the screen, rear case, battery, and cameras.
The repair parts for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are more expensive than those for the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, reflecting the higher cost of the components and the increased difficulty of the repair process. For example, the Pixel 8’s screen, which has a 120 Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, costs $13 more than the Pixel 7’s screen, which has a 90 Hz refresh rate and lower brightness.
However, things get more interesting with the Pixel 8 Pro. The most notable change is the triple camera system, which is sold as a single unit for $40 more than the Pixel 7 Pro’s camera assembly with repair kit. A curious detail is the replacement battery for the Pixel 7 Pro, which is a bit more expensive than the 8 Pro’s.
The availability of Pixel 8 and 8 Pro repair parts and its repairability is a positive step for Google, as it empowers users to fix their phones themselves, potentially saving money and reducing electronic waste. However, the price increases for some components, particularly the cameras, might give some DIY enthusiasts pause.
