Latest news with #iFixit
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Yahoo
I repaired Samsung phones for a living — and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks like my nightmare come to life
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 shows off an impressive design that helps it stand out as one of the best foldables you can buy. However, this design comes with some downsides that, honestly, are going to make repairing the phone a lot more difficult than it should be. I used to work at a Samsung repair store and usually, Samsung phones were simple enough to fix. Many people could do the base repairs themselves if they were brave enough. However, in a recent video, iFixit revealed the inner workings of the Z Fold 7 and even a seasoned repairman would balk at the process. The new Z Fold is not a phone that the majority of people can fix at home. The complexity and, in some cases, danger of damage to the parts should dissuade anyone from attempting a repair. For that reason it's imperative to know how to protect your new Galaxy Z Fold 7 to allow you to put off a repair for as long as possible. What makes the Z Fold 7 so hard to repair? Repairing a phone is, at its core, pretty simple when you know how to do it. However, it is also very easy to do something wrong and end up causing more damage to the device. When it comes to the Z Fold 7, the two biggest risks are the batteries and the inner display. The first thing that concerns me is the pair of lithium-ion batteries in the phone, split across both halves of the device. These batteries are impressively thin, but that comes with its own major risk when trying to remove them. Firstly, Samsung appears confident that repairers can remove the batteries easily with the included tab pull system, but that's never really been the case. Even with a healthy amount of alcohol (for the glue, not you) it still requires a fair amount of force to pull them out. This can lead to the battery bending in the process, which thicker batteries can usually take without too much issue. The thinner a battery is, the less durable it is, which leads to an increased chance of the inner layer being pierced or breached. If this happens, then the chance of a fire is much higher. Battery fires are no joke. Not only are they difficult to put out, the speed at which they occur can take people by surprise. Removing the battery is only one issue; the other is down to just how fragile the inner display is. As you can see in the video, removing the outer rim is a tedious process and will likely lead to damage to the phone's chassis. This is bad enough, but the inner screen is by no means durable, so you can't just take a working one out and put it back in. Even if you do have a new screen, placing it in a damaged chassis is asking for issues, as any warping, dents or deep scratches would likely break the new screen. As such, you may have to fully replace the chassis as well, adding further complexity and expense to the repair. What can we do to protect the Galaxy Z Fold 7? It is important to note that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn't without its strengths, and the phone is more durable than you would expect. In his recent breakdown of the Z Fold 7, JerryRigEverything showed that the phone can take a surprising amount of punishment, and the outer display does match typical flagship phones when it comes to scratch resistance. Not only that, Samsung has claimed that the phone can handle 500,000 folds before the hinge starts facing problems. However, there are still some steps that you can take to keep your new phone safe and to make sure you avoid the repair shop for as long as possible. First, up is something that I have always recommended: Make sure you get a case for your phone. We have a breakdown of some of the best Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases, with options for all tastes. This will help protect the outer display and the chassis from any damage that could impair the device. You also want to make sure that you keep the battery healthy so that you avoid needing to have it replaced. The main thing to do is to avoid completely draining your phone or charging it fully every time. Instead, you want to keep the power level between 20-80%, which you can enable through adaptive charging in the settings. It's equally important to be aware of extreme temperature changes, since being too hot or too cold can affect performance and cause damage over extended periods of time. The inner display is slightly more difficult because it's softer than other screens and can show scratches from even a fingernail. Thankfully, the 6.3-inch outer display does mitigate this, with the increased size making it slightly more useful than on other Samsung foldables. Really, though, the best thing you can do for the inner screen is just be careful when handling it, and keep the phone folded when not in use. Thankfully, if you do cause damage, Samsung does offer one free replacement of the inner screen protector, while subsequent replacements cost around $19. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your phone safe, but let us know if you've had any issues with your device. Alternatively, if you've already tried to repair the Galaxy Z Fold 7, let us know how it went and what your experience was. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Google Pixel 10 arrives August 20 — here's the 7 biggest rumored upgrades Thieves hate this iPhone feature — how to enable Stolen Device Protection Pixel 10 telephoto camera rumor could mean big trouble for the iPhone 17 — here's why
Tom's Guide
06-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
I repaired Samsung phones for a living — and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks like my nightmare come to life
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 shows off an impressive design that helps it stand out as one of the best foldables you can buy. However, this design comes with some downsides that, honestly, are going to make repairing the phone a lot more difficult than it should be. I used to work at a Samsung repair store and usually, Samsung phones were simple enough to fix. Many people could do the base repairs themselves if they were brave enough. However, in a recent video, iFixit revealed the inner workings of the Z Fold 7 and even a seasoned repairman would balk at the process. The new Z Fold is not a phone that the majority of people can fix at home. The complexity and, in some cases, danger of damage to the parts should dissuade anyone from attempting a repair. For that reason it's imperative to know how to protect your new Galaxy Z Fold 7 to allow you to put off a repair for as long as possible. Repairing a phone is, at its core, pretty simple when you know how to do it. However, it is also very easy to do something wrong and end up causing more damage to the device. When it comes to the Z Fold 7, the two biggest risks are the batteries and the inner display. The first thing that concerns me is the pair of lithium-ion batteries in the phone, split across both halves of the device. These batteries are impressively thin, but that comes with its own major risk when trying to remove them. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Firstly, Samsung appears confident that repairers can remove the batteries easily with the included tab pull system, but that's never really been the case. Even with a healthy amount of alcohol (for the glue, not you) it still requires a fair amount of force to pull them out. This can lead to the battery bending in the process, which thicker batteries can usually take without too much issue. The thinner a battery is, the less durable it is, which leads to an increased chance of the inner layer being pierced or breached. If this happens, then the chance of a fire is much higher. Battery fires are no joke. Not only are they difficult to put out, the speed at which they occur can take people by surprise. Removing the battery is only one issue; the other is down to just how fragile the inner display is. As you can see in the video, removing the outer rim is a tedious process and will likely lead to damage to the phone's chassis. This is bad enough, but the inner screen is by no means durable, so you can't just take a working one out and put it back in. Even if you do have a new screen, placing it in a damaged chassis is asking for issues, as any warping, dents or deep scratches would likely break the new screen. As such, you may have to fully replace the chassis as well, adding further complexity and expense to the repair. It is important to note that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn't without its strengths, and the phone is more durable than you would expect. In his recent breakdown of the Z Fold 7, JerryRigEverything showed that the phone can take a surprising amount of punishment, and the outer display does match typical flagship phones when it comes to scratch resistance. Not only that, Samsung has claimed that the phone can handle 500,000 folds before the hinge starts facing problems. However, there are still some steps that you can take to keep your new phone safe and to make sure you avoid the repair shop for as long as possible. First, up is something that I have always recommended: Make sure you get a case for your phone. We have a breakdown of some of the best Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases, with options for all tastes. This will help protect the outer display and the chassis from any damage that could impair the device. You also want to make sure that you keep the battery healthy so that you avoid needing to have it replaced. The main thing to do is to avoid completely draining your phone or charging it fully every time. Instead, you want to keep the power level between 20-80%, which you can enable through adaptive charging in the settings. It's equally important to be aware of extreme temperature changes, since being too hot or too cold can affect performance and cause damage over extended periods of time. The inner display is slightly more difficult because it's softer than other screens and can show scratches from even a fingernail. Thankfully, the 6.3-inch outer display does mitigate this, with the increased size making it slightly more useful than on other Samsung foldables. Really, though, the best thing you can do for the inner screen is just be careful when handling it, and keep the phone folded when not in use. Thankfully, if you do cause damage, Samsung does offer one free replacement of the inner screen protector, while subsequent replacements cost around $19. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your phone safe, but let us know if you've had any issues with your device. Alternatively, if you've already tried to repair the Galaxy Z Fold 7, let us know how it went and what your experience was. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
GSM Arena
06-08-2025
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 video teardown reveals poor repairability
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 has been a lot more successful than any of its predecessors, at least in some markets. If you're interested in it, don't miss our in-depth review. If you'd like to know how easy to repair the device is, then take a look at the video embedded below. The self-repair experts at iFixit have torn down a Galaxy Z Fold7 to see how easy it is to repair. Here's the spoiler: the Fold7 falls short in repairability, with a score of 3 out of 10, where 10 would be most repairable and 1 would be least repairable. So it's clearly not a great situation for the Fold7, with its exceedingly fragile folding screen that can be damaged by dirt particles and even pressure from your fingernail. You shouldn't expect to be able to just replace the screen on this device, it will have to be both the screen and chassis due to the design. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Samsung is also called out for a lack of spare parts for its foldables in general, not just the Fold7. Even the one-year old Z Fold6 is still lacking any spare parts availability. So Samsung is definitely not catering to those inclined to self-repair their tech with this line.
Android Authority
05-08-2025
- Android Authority
Teardown confirms Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a repair nightmare, but maybe that's the point
TL;DR iFixit gives the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 a pitiful repair score in its latest teardown. Fragile inner components, glued batteries, and a hard-to-replace screen make DIY fixes tough. It could be that the same design choices may help the phone survive extreme durability tests. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 impressed last week in JerryRigEverything's notorious bend test, which is just as well. According to iFixit, if anything does go wrong, actually repairing the device is a different kind of endurance test. In a new teardown video, iFixit gives the Fold 7 a repairability score of just three out of ten, calling it fragile and a 'repair nightmare.' The team does praise Samsung's hardware engineering in some places — like the easily replaceable USB-C port — but says frustrating adhesives, ultra-thin batteries, and a highly delicate inner screen make most common repairs both difficult and prohibitively expensive. This whole process is everything that's wrong with battery replacement in modern electronics. iFixit The disassembly process reveals two glued-in lithium-ion batteries, both of which use older-style pull-tab adhesives that frequently tear and require force to remove. Given how thin the batteries are, iFixit warns that applying too much pressure could bend them enough to cause combustion. The inner display is even more of a headache. Despite being rated for 500,000 folds, the 8-inch AMOLED panel is extremely sensitive to pressure and torsion. Even tweezers used to lift the glued-in bezel can cause damage. iFixit estimates a screen repair will cost nearly $600, and replacing just the panel isn't realistic in most cases, as the screen and chassis replacements are typically bundled. In Samsung's defense, some of the same things that make the Fold 7 hard to repair may be helping it survive in one piece. JerryRigEverything's onslaught highlighted the device's impressive structural strength, with Samsung's redesigned hinge and outer display holding up under serious abuse. It's possible that the strong adhesives and tightly packed components that frustrate repair efforts also contribute to that surprising durability. Still, iFixit criticizes Samsung's broader repairability record, pointing out that spare parts and repair manuals are still missing for last year's Z Fold 6, let alone the new model. They say they'll consider updating the Z Fold 7 repair score if Samsung improves its support for self-repair. Follow
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
27-07-2025
- First Post
Cleaning your keyboard, mouse and smartphone? Here's what you need to know
While you may not be thinking about cleaning your electronic devices regularly, you probably should. From your keyboard and mouse to your laptop screen, AirPod and smartphone, here's what you need to know about how to go about it read more When you're using a computer, the keyboard and mouse are the things you touch the most — and they tend to get dirty fast. We use smartphones, laptops, headphones and electronic devices every day. However, this means daily wear and tear – not to mention all that dirt that needs to be cleaned off. While you may not be thinking about cleaning your devices regularly, you probably should. This, according to Logitech, the maker of keyboards, webcams and other computer devices. 'Regular cleaning and proper maintenance not only keeps your gadgets looking pristine, and wins you hygiene points, it also helps them perform better and last longer,' the company states. 'In the case of devices like earbuds, the accumulated bacteria and debris may even cause health issues or discomfort.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are some pointers on cleaning your tech: Making a beginning First, see if the device maker has laid out any guidelines you can follow. You'll need some cleaning equipment including A soft and lint-free cleaning cloth like a microfiber cloth Cotton swabs A soft-bristled brush Compressed air and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Isopropyl is a non-toxic cleaning solvent. It is both antiseptic and antibacterial. This liquid is a favourite of many because of its lack of residue and its quick drying effects. However, be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin. Also, don't apply it directly on the electronic item. Instead, put it on the cleaning cloth. While water and mild soap is good for grimy surfaces, rubbing alcohol can be used to clean the insides of a device, Alex Diaz-Kokaisl, a senior technical writer at electronics repair company iFixit, said. 'While there isn't a hard-and-fast rule for cleaning electronics, we generally use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (more than 90 per cent) because it evaporates quickly,' he said. 'The faster a liquid evaporates, the less likely it is to affect any components that conduct electricity.' Regardless of what you do, make sure to disconnect or turn it off before beginning the cleaning process. Cases, plugs, covers and accessories also have to go. When you're using a computer, the keyboard and mouse are the things you touch the most. These tend to get dirty fast, especially with crumbs falling between the keys. Here's how to keep them, and your other tech equipment, clean and working well. Cleaning your keyboard and mouse Start by getting rid of loose debris, like crumbs and dust. iFixit recommends using a can of compressed air. Just spray it across the keyboard, ideally while holding it upside down so everything falls out. No compressed air? Logitech says a hair dryer on the cold setting works. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some people even use a small balloon pump. Once the loose stuff is gone, dampen a cloth with a little water and gently wipe down your keyboard and mouse. Logitech says rubbing alcohol is also fine. But first test it on a hidden spot first to make sure it doesn't damage the keys or fade the letters. Antibacterial baby wipes can work great for cleaning a mouse. According to Diaz-Kokaisl, they're usually safe because they don't use too much liquid and dry quickly. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe off fingerprints. For tougher spots like food stains or sneezes, dampen the cloth with distilled water. You can also use 50/50 mix of distilled water and vinegar. Lenovo says vinegar's light acidity helps break down oily smudges. Avoid using regular glass cleaners (they often contain ammonia, which can damage screens), and skip paper towels too — they can scratch. Cleaning smartphones Both Apple and Samsung have posted cleaning tips for iPhones and Galaxy phones. They recommend using a soft, lint-free cloth, like the kind used for glasses, to wipe off your phone's exterior. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G. Apple warns against using harsh cleaning products as they can damage the oil-repellent coating on iPhones. That said, both Apple and Samsung say it's safe to use a little rubbing alcohol to disinfect your phone. Just avoid anything like bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Cleaning earbuds and AirPods Earbuds can build up a lot of gunk — earwax, sweat, and skin oils — so they require regular cleaning. If yours have silicone tips, take them off first. Brands like Logitech and Bose say it's fine to use soapy water. But Sony recommends avoiding water and wet wipes altogether, suggesting a dry cloth instead to prevent wear. Use a cotton swab to gently clean the earbud nozzles. For Apple AirPods, there's a more detailed routine: You'll need a child's toothbrush, two small cups, a paper towel, distilled water, and micellar water (usually used for skincare). Dip the toothbrush in micellar water and gently scrub the mesh parts of the AirPods. Blot dry with the paper towel. For Apple AirPods, there's a more detailed routine to follow. Do this twice, then repeat the process with distilled water to rinse off any residue. Let them air dry for at least two hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To clean the outer parts, use a damp cloth. And don't forget the charging case — brush out any debris and wipe it down with a dry or slightly damp cloth (isopropyl alcohol is fine if needed). Over-the-ear headphones Bose recommends wiping them down weekly, especially after workouts. Remove the ear pads and clean them with a cloth dampened with soapy water. This helps remove dirt and bacteria that hide in the crevices. With inputs from Associated Press
