Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Not DIY Friendly
Since its unveiling last month, Samsung’s new flagship phablet has been racking up customers, boasting more U.S. pre-orders than previous Note handsets during the same period.
But while the Galaxy Note 8 isn’t due in stores until next week, the teardown experts at iFixit already took a peek inside.
Despite its “somewhat familiar layout,” the new device lives up to its promise of a bigger display and slimmer bezels. Plus, the increasingly common fingerprint sensor can now be found around back, alongside two cameras.
Similarly, the Note 8 comes with “familiar components [in] unfamiliar places,” according to iFixit. Lamenting the death of Samsung’s standard Note/Galaxy S layout, the team discovered the 3,300 mAh juice pack “nearly dead-center,” surrounded by other relocated units.
The USB-C port and 3.5 mm headphone jack are modular for easy replacement (iFixit)
In the wake of a major battery scandal, the manufacturer has opted to stick with (pun very much intended) its glued-on charging pack, making it “unnecessarily difficult,” but not impossible, to replace.
The neighboring motherboard hosts the Note 8’s four cameras: in front, an iris scanner and 8-megapixel shooter; in back, the new dual camera module, with one wide-angle and one telephoto lens.
Unlike rival Apple, this smartphone comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack—one of the many modular fixings (including the USB-C port and front-facing sensor) that can be replaced independently.
Unfortunately for DIY mechanics, the negatives outweigh the positives: All repairs require removal of the fragile glass rear (and maybe front) panel—a tricky task thanks to Samsung’s heaps of adhesive.
On the bright side, the only bolts in the phone are standards Phillips screws.
Stylus vs stylus: Note 7 (Luke) against Note 8 (stormtrooper) (via iFixit)
iFixit awarded the Galaxy Note 8 a measly four-out-of-10 repairability score, the same its predecessor earned last year.
Consumers can snag an unlocked Galaxy Note 8 directly from Samsung, starting at $929.99 (or $38.75 per month for 24 months). Early-bird buyers can also take their pick of a free manufacturer gift: Gear 360 camera, 128GB memory card, or fast wireless charging accessory.
Former Note 7 owners, meanwhile, are eligible for a special offer for an instant trade-in value of up to $425 when upgrading to the Galaxy Note 8.
Or, register for the device—in black, purple, blue, or gold—from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon. The Note 8 is also on sale from Target and Best Buy, and is expected to hit shelves Sept. 15.
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