Tag: iFixit

  • Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo on Easy Mode in Repair Video

    Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo on Easy Mode in Repair Video

    Key Takeaways

    1. Alarmo features an alarm sequence inspired by Mario games and allows users to switch to themes from other Nintendo titles, like The Legend of Zelda.
    2. The clock includes a 24GHz mmWave radar for wireless functionality and gesture control, with easy access to internal components using tri-wing screwdrivers.
    3. There is ample space between components, making it easier to replace parts like the 2.4-inch LCD screen and Hall sensor.
    4. The removable CMOS battery (CR2032) is designed for clock memory and settings, making it easy to identify for replacement.
    5. Silicone cases and screen protectors for the Alarmo are available on Amazon at reasonable prices.

    Today is March 10, 2025, often referred to as MAR.10, or simply Mario Day. In celebration of this special occasion, iFixit has chosen to dissect a unique alarm clock that features one of Nintendo’s beloved characters on its display.

    Alarmo’s Features

    The Sound Clock: Alarmo offers a fun way to wake up, using an alarm sequence inspired by Mario games. Users can also switch it up with themes from other popular titles, like those from the Legend of Zelda series. The challenge is to get out of bed before a character like Bowser appears on its round screen.

    Technical Specifications

    This alarm clock is equipped with a 24GHz mmWave radar, which allows for wireless functionality and gesture control. Accessing the internal components is surprisingly straightforward, especially if you have the special tri-wing screwdrivers that Nintendo favors.

    There’s a notable amount of space between the components inside the Alarmo, which could make it easier to replace parts like its 2.4-inch LCD screen and the Hall sensor located on the large dial at the top.

    Battery and Longevity

    An important feature of the Alarmo is its removable CMOS battery, which is used for clock memory and storing settings. This battery is labeled as a CR2032 in its holder, making it simple to identify when it needs replacement.

    Overall, the Sound Clock: Alarmo appears to be quite “Princess Peach-worthy” for long-term use.

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  • Galaxy S25 Ultra Achieves Highest iFixit Score in a Decade

    Galaxy S25 Ultra Achieves Highest iFixit Score in a Decade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features significant design improvements compared to its predecessors, despite resembling the iPhone.
    2. The battery release mechanism has been enhanced, but the S Pen lost Bluetooth functionality from the S24 Ultra.
    3. The 6.9-inch OLED display is challenging to remove, making repairs difficult unless the display is already damaged.
    4. iFixit rated the S25 Ultra as “the most repair-friendly Samsung device we’ve seen in a decade.”
    5. The phone received a preliminary repair score of 5 out of 10 due to limited spare parts and restrictions on accessing user data.

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra might be seen as just another phone that resembles the iPhone more than any of its predecessors. However, according to vloggers like iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari, the improvements in its design are more significant than that.

    Battery Mechanism and S Pen Changes

    The team now agrees with others, such as PhoneRepairGuru, that the “battery release mechanism” has seen considerable enhancements, even though they share JerryRigEverything’s opinion that the S Pen has become less functional due to the loss of Bluetooth features found in the S24 Ultra, which is currently priced at around $890 on Amazon.

    Display Challenges and Repairability

    On the flip side, the S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch OLED display with Corning Gorilla Armor 2, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, is said to be quite a “nightmare” to take off. iFixit suggests that unless the display is already damaged, it’s best not to attempt removal. Interestingly, this seems to be the only way to access the phone’s larger vapor chamber.

    iFixit has now labeled the latest One UI 7 flagship as “the most repair-friendly Samsung device we’ve seen in a decade.”

    Repair Score and Durability Issues

    Nonetheless, it only received a preliminary score of 5 out of 10 because of the company’s “aggressive anti-repair tactics.” These include a limited availability of spare parts and restrictions on services to access user data.

    So far, the S25 Ultra has received a mix of reviews concerning its durability and performance.

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  • iFixit Offers Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Parts, Display Price High

    iFixit Offers Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Parts, Display Price High

    Google has recently begun offering original spare parts for its Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL models, and now you can also find spare parts for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at iFixit’s online shop.

    Pricing for Spare Parts

    Customers can order a new USB-C port for $59.99, while replacing the rear cover will cost $129.99. For those needing a rear triple camera, the price is $249.99, and a front camera is available for $79.99. The two batteries are sold separately, making the total cost for replacing both around $135. If you’re looking to replace the outer screen, it’s priced at $189.99.

    Fix Kits and Repair Instructions

    As is common with iFixit, all these spare parts can also be bought as part of a “Fix Kit.” This kit comes with all the necessary tools for an additional fee of about $7. Furthermore, iFixit provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to perform the repairs, including estimates on the difficulty and time required for each repair job.

    Complexity of Screen Replacement

    Replacing the foldable main display is, unsurprisingly, the most challenging task. According to iFixit, customers should allocate three to four hours for this repair, as the smartphone needs to be mostly disassembled to take out the OLED panel. The price for this replacement part is $1,199.99, which is comparable to the cost of a new Apple iPhone 16 Pro. Before making a purchase for such a pricey replacement part, it’s highly advised to go through the repair guide to assess whether you feel capable of handling such a complicated repair task.

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  • iFixit Teardown Reveals Apple Watch Series 10 Lacks Upgrades

    iFixit Teardown Reveals Apple Watch Series 10 Lacks Upgrades

    The Apple Watch Series 10 features a case that is a bit larger and thinner compared to the Series 9. Nevertheless, the modifications in design and functionalities are rather minor, and the overall construction of the smartwatch remains almost the same as its earlier version.

    Inside the Smartwatch

    To access the internal components of the smartwatch, one must first remove the display from the case. The screen is secured using a substantial amount of adhesive. Once you take off the display, it becomes impossible to put it back on; the display cable is arranged in a manner that requires almost complete disassembly of the smartwatch to swap the screen out.

    Battery and Other Components

    Fortunately, the battery and the Taptic Engine can be swapped out fairly easily once the case is opened. However, the mainboard, which includes the processor, RAM, and storage, must be replaced as a single unit, similar to the glass back and all sensors present in the smartwatch. It’s almost funny how little has changed between the teardown of the Apple Watch Series 10 and the first-generation model: even after ten years, Apple has made only slight adjustments to the smartwatch’s design.

    Repair Rating

    iFixit has rated the Apple Watch Series 10 with a repair score of 3 out of 10, indicating that the design modifications for easier repairs are significantly overdue. Apple itself provides a battery replacement service priced at $99. For any other type of damage, Apple suggests a complete replacement, which can range from $299 to $399 depending on the model.

    iFixit (YouTube)

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  • iFixit Ends Samsung Repair Hub Citing Misaligned Repairability Goals

    iFixit Ends Samsung Repair Hub Citing Misaligned Repairability Goals

    After two years of launching the Samsung Repair Hub together with the company, iFixit is now concluding this collaboration. Starting next month, they will cease to be Samsung’s designated third-party distributor for parts and tools.

    Samsung Galaxy A55 Teardown

    iFixit stated, “Our goal was to set the gold standard for repair documentation and empower local independent repair businesses with the necessary tools and parts, all while keeping Galaxy devices operational.”

    Samsung Reportedly Didn’t Want to Support Local Repair Shops

    However, iFixit has been unable to achieve their objectives. They argue that the high prices of repair parts and tools have led users to opt for replacing their devices instead of repairing them. Samsung hasn't been cooperative in aiding local repair shops. Additionally, Samsung has not provided official parts for its recent models since the Galaxy S22.

    As a result, iFixit is terminating its partnership with Samsung after two years of effort. They noted that Samsung’s repairability approach did not align with their own. The following changes will occur:

    • Starting June 2024, iFixit will no longer be Samsung’s designated third-party distributor for parts and tools.
    • Beginning next month, the limit of seven Samsung parts per repair shop per quarter will be removed.
    • Existing information on iFixit will remain, but there will be no new collaboration with Samsung to develop manuals.
    • iFixit will continue selling parts and repair kits for Samsung devices, sourcing OEM parts when available and indicating clearly whether parts are original or aftermarket, similar to their approach with Apple repair parts.

    Samsung has responded to a request for comment, essentially affirming their desire to maintain control over the process.

    Here’s what they said: “Samsung is committed to providing quality, accessible device care to our customers with flexible options to suit their needs, including walk-in, mail-in, and ‘We Come to You’ services. For those interested in our self-repair program, we offer Samsung-certified parts, tools, and information for our qualified products in one convenient location: SamsungParts.com, powered by Encompass. We’re proud of the work we’ve done with iFixit. We can’t comment further on partnership details at this time.”

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