Google's DIY Pixel repair is here, and it looks better than Apple's version for iPhones




Not so long ago, Apple started allowing iPhone users to repair certain faults for themselves, and now Google has started offering a similar service to Pixel owners.

In partnership with shad tech , Google now offers parts and repair kits catering to a myriad of mobile maladies, covering the original Pixel through to the Pixel 6 line – though the exact selection of parts and supported phones seems to vary a bit from country to country.

You can order a kit online, and it'll come with the relevant replacement parts, along with the tools necessary to fit them. Shad Tech also provides detailed repair manuals for all supported fixable problems; available fixes include replacements for the screen, rear cameras, batteries, and in some cases, the charging assembly.

Depending on the device and problem, the cost for these repair kits can range from around $22.99 / £24.99 (for a Pixel 2 camera) to $192.99 / £189.99 / AU$252.99 (for a Pixel 6 Pro screen).

 

n a strange twist, right-to-repair seems to be slowly catching up with smartphone makers who used to actively vilify it. Apple's Self Service program offers to make original iPhone parts available for people daring enough to fix their device at home, while Samsung recently followed suit with a similar program of its own. Now, Google is jumping on the bandwagon with a partnership with iFixit to provide original OEM parts to independent technicians.

At launch, the kits are available in the US, UK, Australia, and EU countries where the Pixel line is available.

Of course, these repairs won’t be for everyone – generally, we’d suggest getting a professional to fix your Pixel, unless you're confident in what you’re doing. Either way, another manufacturer that officially supports the right to repair is great.

For those who have the tech know-how or for whatever reason can’t easily get their phone repaired elsewhere, this is a handy option, and one which should make Pixel phones last all the longer – which is good for both our wallets and the environment.

Analysis: how does this compare to Apple’s Self Service Repair?

We haven’t tested either of these services ourselves, but from looking at them both it seems Google’s repair service might have some advantages over Apple’s.

For one thing, the replacement Pixel parts generally look cheaper – though this can vary, depending on the components in question and the region.

One key difference with these Pixel repairs is that you buy the relevant tools for the job from iFixit, whereas Apple Self Service Repair simply has you rent them. The latter is probably more sustainable, but alongside paying for the equipment rental, an enormous hold (of $1,100 excluding taxes in the US) will be put on your card, in case you don’t return the kit in full and on time.

That huge cost is because Apple sends out a full suite of tools, with the same selection sent out regardless of your issue, whereas iFixit just sends the tools you need for your device's specific ailment.

Another difference in Google and iFixit’s favor is that, at the time of writing, Apple Self Service Repair is only available in the US, though this is set to change.

Still, given how much trouble The Vergehad when performing their own iPhone repair, you might want to skip it anyway, and it remains to be seen whether Google’s repairs will be any easier. Our advice? Pick up one of the best eco-friendly phone cases, and hopefully your phone won’t need to be repaired in the first place.

 

The company announced that parts for phones ranging from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are coming soon to iFixit's virtual store shelves. Likewise, Google plans to support all future Pixels for DIY repairs moving forward. Parts will be available for purchase both individually and bundled with Fix Kits filled with necessary tools. That means that if you ever need to replace your battery, screen, cameras, and more, you'll be able to source original, Google-made parts to do it yourself. According to the company, this comes as part of its hardware sustainability commitments — making phones easier to repair, thus extending their lifespan and reducing e-waste.

 

This partnership comes on the heels of a similar program with iFixit by Samsung to provide official replacement parts for its phones. But just like that announcement, it's not coming today. Samsung aims for a summer launch for its program, while Google says that you can expect to buy parts for your phone "later this year." We wouldn't be surprised if both repair programs launch at similar times. Both companies also offer solid long-term software support for their phones, offering up to 5 years of security updates for their latest flagships. Between extended patches and easy repairs, it's looking like they're the phones to get if you want to use them for more than two years.