Not long ago, Apple started letting iPhone users fix certain glitches on their own, and now Google has started offering a similar service to Pixel owners.
In partnership with I fix it (opens in new tab)Google now offers parts and repair kits that address a plethora of mobile issues, spanning the original Pixel all the way up to the Pixel 6 line – although the exact selection of supported parts and phones seems to vary slightly from country to country.
You can order a kit online and it will come with the relevant replacement parts along with the tools needed to fit them together. iFixit also provides detailed repair manuals for all supported fixable issues; Available fixes include replacements for the screen, rear cameras, batteries, and in some cases, the charging set.
Want your Pixel to last even longer? Starting today, @iFixit has the genuine Pixel replacement parts you need to give your Pixel 2 to 6 a hardware makeover. 🤩To learn more, visit https://t.co/a5WmCdqnXnJune 29, 2022
Depending on the device and issue, the cost of these repair kits can range from $22.99 / £24.99 (for a Pixel 2 camera) to $192.99 / £189.99 / AU$252.99 (for a Pixel 6 Pro display).
At launch, the kits are available in the US, UK, Australia and EU countries where the Pixel range is available.
Of course, these repairs won’t be for everyone – we generally suggest having a professional fix your Pixel unless you’re confident in what you’re doing. Anyway, another manufacturer that officially supports the repair right is great.
For those of you who have the technical knowledge or for whatever reason can’t easily fix their phone elsewhere, this is a handy option and should make Pixel phones last longer – which is good for our wallets and the middle. Environment.
Review: How does this compare to Apple’s self-service repair?
We haven’t tested either of these services, but looking at both, it seems that Google’s repair service might have some advantages over Apple’s.
For one thing, Pixel replacement parts often seem cheaper – although that can vary depending on the components in question and the region.
One key difference with these Pixel repairs is that you buy the job-relevant tools from iFixit, whereas Apple Self Service Repair simply rents them. The latter is probably more sustainable, but in addition to paying for the equipment rental, a huge hold ($1,100 before US tax) will be placed on your card in case you don’t return the complete kit on time.
That huge cost is because Apple ships a full set of tools, with the same selection sent regardless of your issue, while iFixit only ships the tools you need for your device’s specific ailment.
Another difference in favor of Google and iFixit is that, at the time of writing, Apple Self Service Repair is only available in the US, although that is slated to change.
Still, given the number of problems On the edge (opens in new tab) had when performing your own iPhone repair, you might want to skip it anyway, and it remains to be seen whether Google repairs will be any easier. Our advice? Choose one of the best eco-friendly phone cases and we hope your phone doesn’t need to be repaired in the first place.