Galaxy Z Fold 7 Teardown Reveals a Repair Nightmare
A new teardown of Samsung’s highly anticipated foldable phone confirms what many suspected: despite improvements in durability, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains exceptionally difficult to repair. The analysis, conducted by the experts at iFixit, highlights a complex internal structure and extensive use of adhesive, earning the device a dismal 3/10 repairability score.
The iFixit team’s detailed examination, documented in a recently released video, offers a revealing look inside the $2,000 smartphone. Even the initial stages of disassembly proved challenging, with attempts to separate the exterior display inadvertently causing the back panel to detach from the chassis – a pattern echoed in recent durability tests performed by JerryRigEverything.
The primary focus of the teardown was battery replacement, a common repair scenario. However, the Z Fold 7’s dual battery configuration immediately complicates matters. Reaching the first battery cell requires a meticulous process of disconnecting ribbon cables, removing numerous screws, and disassembling the lower assembly and USB-C power components. “Samsung’s using a pull tab method to remove the cell here,” the iFixit analysis notes, “rather than the folding sleeve seen on the S25 Ultra,” a method described as more “brutal” and prone to damage.
Removing the second battery proves even more arduous, necessitating the unsealing of the exterior display and further disassembly of the phone’s internal components. The process involves significant heat application and suction force, alongside the removal of brackets, countless screws, and ribbon cables. Even the SIM tray is firmly glued in place, adding another layer of difficulty.
The inner display presents the most significant challenge. Applying heat to the bendable screen is only the first step; removing the rubber bezel effectively tears it apart, requiring careful manipulation with pointed tweezers. While the screen ultimately lifts out with relative ease, iFixit cautions against attempting this repair on a functioning device, as the twisting motion required is likely to cause irreparable damage.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s design prioritizes form and function over repairability. iFixit attributes the low score to a lack of readily available documentation and replacement parts from Samsung, further hindering independent repairs. Considering the device’s price point, prospective buyers should factor in the potential cost of professional repairs, as self-repair is likely impractical.
