Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 has picked up a disappointing repairability score after iFixit took the latest foldable apart, highlighting problems with dust ingress, difficult disassembly and limited access to replacement parts.
iFixit’s teardown largely echoes the findings from JerryRigEverything’s recent durability test. However, it goes further by examining how the Fold 8 handles fine particles and how practical it is to repair. The foldable carries an IP48 rating, which provides water resistance but doesn’t certify the device against fine dust or sand. Samsung itself warns users to take care around these particles.
To see how vulnerable the hinge is, iFixit exposed the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to a UV-reactive powder and repeatedly opened and closed the phone. This test eventually caused the hinge to produce noticeable crunching and grinding sounds. After disassembly, iFixit found the hinge packed with debris. However, the main circuitry, cameras and batteries remained comparatively clean.
That makes the Fold 8’s hinge one area owners will want to protect if they regularly use the phone around sand, dust or other fine particles.
Repairability doesn’t fare much better. Removing the outer display, which is among the components most exposed to accidental damage, requires considerable heating and prying. iFixit also noted that replacement panels weren’t available to independent repairers when the teardown was filmed.
Accessing other components can be similarly complicated. Reaching the battery or camera module requires removing the motherboard and reapplying thermal paste. One of the batteries can only be accessed after lifting the fragile outer display.
The plastic bezel surrounding the main folding display proved particularly troublesome. The material cracked and chipped instead of coming away cleanly during disassembly.
There are some repair-friendly elements. The USB-C port is modular, while the battery pouches can be removed relatively easily. However, iFixit’s concerns about disassembly and parts availability outweigh those positives.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 ultimately receives a 4/10 repairability score from iFixit, making it a difficult device for anyone hoping to carry out repairs themselves. Samsung’s history of spare-part availability for the previous Galaxy Z Fold 7 also does little to ease those concerns.
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