Folding smartphones are becoming more and more popular. But before you buy one, you may want to ask yourself how much repairs might cost if you damage this type of device. Indeed, while foldable screens have many advantages, they are also a very expensive component. For example, if you need to replace the interior screen of Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you may have to pay more than $1,000.
On iFixit, the smartphone repair specialist, spare parts to replace the internal screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold cost 1,199.95 euros. And if you want to replace the foldable screen yourself, you will have to pay 1,206.95 euros to buy the repair kit (which includes the tools). For comparison, the Pixel 9 Pro screen replacement kit is sold for 399.95 euros on iFixit, and the Pixel 9 screen replacement kit is sold for 196.95 euros.
It is important to note, however, that the replacement part offered by iFixit does not only include the foldable screen, but also the joints, the metal frame, the hinge, the side buttons, as well as an adhesive for the battery. As a reminder, the base price of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is 1,899 euros, with a storage memory of 256 GB. If we do not take into account its price and the price of the repair kits, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is in any case a good folding smartphone. During our test, we particularly appreciated the design, the quality of the camera, but also the integration of Google’s AI everywhere on this smartphone.
Folding smartphones are attracting more and more consumers, despite the prices
In any case, more and more consumers are interested in folding smartphones, which offer an innovative format compared to traditional devices. According to a study by the company IDC, published in March, the folding smartphone market could exceed 25 million units in 2024, up 37.6% compared to 2023. And this could even reach 45.7 million units by 2028.
“(…)the market has not yet fully adopted the form factor”nevertheless specifies Anthony Scarsella, research director at IDC. “High prices and longevity remain a challenge for consumers and sellers. Price reductions, greater sustainability and perhaps the arrival of a certain brand (editor’s note, Apple?) could be the catalyst in the years to come.”
Currently, rumors are circulating about a folding smartphone project at Apple. However, the Cupertino company does not seem to be in a hurry at all. And affordable models from the main folding smartphone brands are long overdue.
- If you break the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s foldable screen, you could pay (very expensive) to replace this component
- In fact, on iFixit, the repair kit costs 1,206.95 euros and the spare parts, without tools, cost 1,199.95 euros
- These parts, however, not only include the screen, but also the gaskets, the metal frame, the hinge, the side buttons, as well as an adhesive for the battery
- But if we don’t take into account its price and the price of the screen replacement kit, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a very good folding smartphone
