Repairing the iPhone X isn’t going to be as easy as you’d have hoped. The handset can be dismantled in 21 ‘straightforward steps’, but an abundance of complicated wires make it a pain to put back together, according to iFixit.
Before we reveal the repairability score the outlet assigned the iPhone X, we should touch on some of the alterations Apple’s made to the internal structure of its latest iPhone, which helped it squeeze a huge smartphone into a tiny body.
For starters, the iPhone X is the first iPhone to feature a dual-cell battery design, a decision that allowed the power pack to adopt a unique shape and placement, putting the firm in a better position to take advantage of leftover space.
In terms of spec, there’s a combined 2,716mAh capacity – larger than the cell found in the iPhone 8 Plus, which packs a 2,691mAh battery.
As most of the unit’s internal real estate is occupied by the dual-cell battery, Apple had to be creative when it came to designing the other components. The motherboard, for example, has been folded to make it 70% the size of the iPhone 8 Plus‘.
The teardown also casts a light on the technology behind Face ID; the system uses a host of infrared sensors to project a dot matrix over a face and create a 3D map, which is then compared to the one created during the initial setup process.
Now for the slightly worrying news. Apple ensured it didn’t mount any components on the display, so it can be replaced if it cracks. That meant it had to store most of the components on the (glass) back – so if that shatters, you’re in trouble.
The folks over at iFixit claim that in order to install a new backplate, you need to remove every component and replace the entire chassis. For that reason, the site awarded the iPhone X a repairability score of 6/10, with 10 being the easiest to repair.
That’s not too bad, though. For comparison, the iPhone 8 scored 6/10, the Galaxy Note 8 was awarded a cool 4/10 and the Essential Phone…well, the Essential Phone received the lowest rating possible: 1/10.
What do you think of the repairability rating iFixit assigned to the iPhone X? Be sure to let us know over on Facebook and Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
