Google announced it would offer spare parts for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro alongside a massive seven years of software and security support. The parts to repair your own smartphone are now available.
Several official spare parts are available through the popular iFixit website, with landing pages for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro parts set up. The ‘big ticket’ item many will look for first is the screen. The Pixel 8 screen and digitzer is available for $159, or $229 for the Pixel 8 Pro version. A new battery for either Pixel is $42. These can all be bought individually or as part of a fix kit, which includes the necessary tools to replace the part, including suction handles, pry tools, cleaning cloths, and 4mm bits.
Some parts are not available. The one most likely to cause an issue is the lack of a replacement USB-C port. This is part of the main circuit board, and the main board is not available for purchase.
While this may be a disappointment, it should not negate the positive benefits of offering official parts and repair guides. Pixel owners now have a supply of parts available for the same seven years as the software updates. Google is highlighting the benefits of an open repair program to the rest of the smartphone industry.
Now, we need everyone else to open up and let consumers have the right and the tools required to repair their own smartphones.
Now read why the Pixel 8 Pro is my smartphone of the year…
