The new iPhone XR went on sale last Friday, and now the guys from iFixit have taken the handset apart to find out what was inside the device and how easy it was to repair.
The handset comes with the new Apple A12 Bionic processor that is also found in the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. This powerful chip enhances performance and efficiency, making the iPhone XR a formidable device in terms of speed and capability. It also comes with a new 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, which Apple claims is the most advanced LCD in the industry. Additionally, the iPhone XR features Apple’s Face ID, which uses advanced facial recognition technology to unlock the phone and authenticate purchases.
iFixit Teardown and Repairability
As we can see from the video, Apple’s new iPhone XR comes with lots of different components inside, including a number of new ones. The teardown reveals a well-organized internal structure, with components like the battery, logic board, and cameras neatly arranged. The battery is a 2942 mAh unit, which is slightly smaller than the iPhone XS Max but still offers impressive battery life due to the efficiency of the A12 Bionic chip.
iFixit scores devices that they take apart on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means that the handset is very difficult to repair and 10 means that it is easy to repair. Apple’s new iPhone XR scored 6 out of 10 on the iFixit repair index. This score indicates that while some repairs are manageable, others can be quite challenging.
Challenges in Repairing the iPhone XR
One of the main challenges highlighted by iFixit is the glass back of the iPhone XR. If the glass back is damaged, it requires the entire chassis to be replaced, which is a complex and costly repair. This design choice makes the device more fragile and expensive to maintain in the long run. Additionally, the use of proprietary screws and extensive adhesive makes opening the device and replacing components more difficult for the average user.
Despite these challenges, there are some positive aspects to the iPhone XR’s repairability. For instance, the battery and display, which are the most commonly replaced components, are relatively easier to access and replace compared to other parts. This is a significant advantage, as these components are often the first to wear out or get damaged.
Moreover, the modular design of some internal components, such as the Taptic Engine and the logic board, allows for easier replacement of individual parts without needing to replace the entire unit. This modularity can help reduce repair costs and extend the lifespan of the device.
In conclusion, while the iPhone XR presents some challenges in terms of repairability, it also offers some advantages with its modular design and relatively accessible battery and display. Users should be aware of the potential costs and difficulties associated with repairing the device, especially the glass back, and consider these factors when purchasing and using the iPhone XR.
Source iFixit
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