iFixit has provisionally given Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 a repairability score of 4 out of 10, which largely hinged on… well, the hinge. In its teardown of the device, iFixit found that because it carries an IP48 ingress rating — meaning it isn’t protected against particles under 1 millimeter — dust and sand could make its way into the hinge mechanism, a component that’s difficult to repair or replace.
“After working the Fold 8 open and closed, the hinge started making truly awful crunching and grinding noises, and the phone stopped opening normally,” iFixit said. “Samsung has previously treated the hinge and inner display as one replacement assembly, and for scoring purposes we have to assume the Fold8 will follow the same pattern. Damage to either component would therefore require essentially emptying the phone to replace the whole assembly.”