Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Flip 7 undergoes scrutiny following a disassembly that highlights its challenges
The Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung's latest foldable smartphone, has been the subject of a teardown by Zach Nelson on the JerryRigEverything YouTube channel. The teardown sheds light on the device's repairability, a concern that was also raised with the Fold 7.
According to the teardown, Samsung uses battery pull tabs and screws for the removal of components in the Galaxy Z Flip 7. This method has been criticised as "inferior", as the battery pull tabs often break or require too much force, potentially damaging the battery.
The teardown also reveals that the cover display, which features full, edge-to-edge coverage and slimmer bezels, is easy to damage. Similarly, the inner foldable display and larger internal components were found to be difficult to remove.
Zach Nelson's investigation discusses the new changes to the phone's hinge and thermal specifications. The ultra-thin glass (UTG) for the Flip 7's inner display was found to be flexible but potentially vulnerable to damage. Samsung's use of UTG, similar to that used in the Fold 7, was also noted.
The teardown of the Fold 7, conducted earlier in August by iFixit, highlighted the difficulties one would face when attempting to fix the device. The Fold 7's repairability score was found to be minimal, a concern that may also affect the Galaxy Z Flip 7's repairability score.
Samsung stated that it made the UTG 50% thicker on the Fold 7 to reduce the noticeability of the crease, suggesting a similar upgrade for the Flip 7's crease. The cover display of the Flip 7 was difficult to remove, but its optical image stabilization (OIS) functioned well during the teardown.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7's OIS held up well, offering little jitter when shaken with the camera app open. Zach Nelson expressed hope that Samsung could make the ultra-thin glass thicker for improved longevity.
The teardown investigation of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 before its release in August 2022 was conducted by Samsung itself. The information was reported by SamMobile and iFixit.
While the teardown could potentially help the Galaxy Z Flip 7's repairability score in the future, repairing foldables remains challenging. The low repairability score of the Fold 7 serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for the repairability of the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
