Xiaomi has disclosed the out-of-warranty repair costs for its newly released foldable smartphones, the Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip. These devices have attracted considerable attention due to their innovative designs and advanced technology, but the expense of replacing damaged parts may deter some consumers.
Repair Costs High, Inner Screen Replacement Costs a Premium
The most notable cost is for the foldable inner screen. For the Mix Fold 4, replacing this essential component will cost users a substantial 3,590 yuan ($497), while the Mix Flip’s inner screen is priced at 1,730 yuan ($240). These prices highlight the fragile nature of foldable displays and the significant expense that comes with accidental damage.
Other expensive components include the motherboards, with prices varying based on memory configurations. For example, the top-end Mix Fold 4 model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage has a motherboard replacement cost of 2,880 yuan ($398). Comparatively, the Mix Flip’s 12GB+256GB motherboard is priced at 2,370 yuan ($328).
In addition to the high costs of individual components, Xiaomi also charges labor fees for repairs, typically around 40 yuan ($5.54) per component.
Xiaomi Mix Flip (12GB+256GB) Spare Parts Prices
| Part Name | Out-of-Warranty Material Guidance Price (Yuan) |
|---|---|
| External Screen | 500 |
| Front Camera | 60 |
| Inner Screen (Foldable) | 1730 |
| Rear Camera (Secondary) | 150 |
| Rear Camera (Primary) | 220 |
| Speaker | 20 |
| Data Cable | 29 |
| Motherboard | 2370 |
| Charger | 100 |
| Battery 1 | 119 |
| Sub-board | 85 |
| Battery 2 | 59 |
| Battery Cover | 120 |
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 (12GB+256GB) Spare Parts Prices
| Part Name | Out-of-Warranty Material Guidance Price (Yuan) |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera (Ultra Wide Angle) | 30 |
| External Screen | 750 |
| Front Camera | 45 |
| Inner Screen (Foldable) | 3590 |
| Speaker | 40 |
| Data Cable | 29 |
| Motherboard | 2580 |
| Charger | 100 |
| Rear Camera (Wide Angle) | 200 |
| Rear Camera (Floating Telephoto) | 120 |
| Rear Camera (Close-up Telephoto) | 270 |
| Battery 1 | 199 |
| Sub-board | 45 |
| Battery 2 | 89 |
| Battery Cover | 230 |
The release of these repair costs offers valuable insights into the potential expenses of owning a foldable phone. While these devices provide unique features and experiences, their fragile and complex design requires careful handling.
As the market for foldable phones expands, it will be intriguing to see how repair costs change and whether manufacturers can make these devices more affordable to maintain. For now, however, the high cost of replacing foldable screens remains a significant consideration for anyone looking to purchase these innovative yet delicate smartphones.