Foldable Phones and Their Repair Possibilities - Exceptionally Flexible

Foldable mobile phones have been on the market for several years. However, due to high costs, limited software functionalities, and vulnerability, they were never very popular. We are now witnessing significant strides in these areas, resulting in a surge in foldable mobile phone adoption. But what does this mean for repairing these screens? In this blog, we'll delve into this topic.

Different Variants in Foldable Phones

With the emergence of foldable smartphones, various concepts were present. It appears that manufacturers primarily adhere to two concepts as they are the least vulnerable. The first is the 'Fold,' where you unfold the device like a book into a small tablet. Though there are variations in screen ratios within this concept, they all feature an inward folding screen. Examples include the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Google Pixel Fold.

The second category involves the clamshell design, with a horizontal fold. In the folded state, this half is about half the size of a regular smartphone and quite square. Once unfolded, it functions as a regular smartphone. Examples include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr.

If rumors are to be believed, a new foldable variant will be added to the different concepts this year (2024). It seems Samsung is set to introduce the first triple-foldable model, featuring a larger screen than its predecessors.

How to Prevent Damage?

We want to emphasize the importance of preventive measures to minimize repairs for foldable phones. Applying a phone case and a screen protector can be crucial to protect the device from impact damage, scratches, and falls. Foldable screens are made of plastic and are more prone to scratching than chemically hardened glass. Although efforts are being made to address this vulnerability, such as placing a thin layer of glass between the plastic for protection, we still recommend users to use a phone case and a screen protector for enhanced protection.

Repair Challenges for Foldable Screens

Repairing foldable phones can be a challenging task due to their unique design. The intricate folding mechanism requires expertise for disassembly and repair. Taking these phones apart is more complex and time-consuming. However, this is not the only issue. Since these phones have been on the market for a short time, the availability of parts for them is limited. This can lead to longer wait times for repairs and higher costs.

There is progress in parts availability for foldable phones. For Google Pixel Fold phones, batteries, inner screens, and cameras are already widely available. As foldable phones become more common, manufacturers are likely to address this issue by producing more parts, solving the repair problem for the most part.

Tools for Foldable Phone Repairs

Below is a list of tools commonly used for foldable phone repairs:

Opening tools like the Iplastix opening tool, Pryer Cards, and a Spudger for opening the device's casing without causing damage to the inside.
Tweezers for tasks such as micro soldering.
Screwdrivers that work with small screws on smartphones and tablets.

As foldable phones gain more ground and technological advancements continue, staying informed about the latest trends and developments is essential for repair shops to stay competitive.

FDX LITE

To offer our customers an affordable option, we introduce FDX Lite. These screens have an HD resolution and provide the best quality within this price segment. While we conduct strict quality controls, we have no influence on the production process. FDX Lite screens come with a factory warranty, but damage to the interior of the screen is not covered by the warranty.

Features	FDX LITE
Pixel resolution	High Definition (HD)
Refresh rate	Fast response
Includes	Camera holder, earpiece mesh and proximity bracket
Temperature	Low and controlled
360° Polarized	Supported
Oil resistant coating	Supported
Anti-glare	Supported
Front Glass	Anti-dust and fingerprint oil
Inspection	Tested before shipment
Warranty	Covered

Service Pack

These parts are original and manufactured in a certified environment by the original manufacturer of the device.

Pulled

These parts are 100% authentic and undergo rigorous testing and inspection after being removed from an original pre-owned device.

Refurbished

These parts have been removed from an original pre-owned phone, but the front glass has been replaced with a glass equivalent to the original, while all other materials have remained authentic.

OEM-Equivalent

These parts are professionally assembled by a third party using equivalent components and materials to the original manufacturer.

FDX ULTRA

Soft OLED is a high-quality LTPS-OLED solution offering excellent value for money. Thanks to its flexible COP design, the display is thin, lightweight, and less prone to breakage, while delivering bright and vibrant visuals close to OEM-level quality. The touch response is fast and precise, and each batch is carefully tested for color, stability, and performance. This allows professional repair technicians to rely on consistent quality, high compatibility, and a dependable display that looks premium without the premium price tag.

FDX PRO

Hard OLED is an affordable OLED solution that combines bright, sharp image quality with strong price positioning. The rigid COF panel provides a solid construction that performs well in everyday use. Colors are vibrant, brightness is strong, and touch response remains accurate. Each batch is checked for stability, uniformity, and sensitivity, ensuring technicians can rely on consistent quality. Hard OLED is ideal for customers who want a competitive price without sacrificing reliable performance and visual clarity.

FDX ELITE

FDX Elite is our premium product, where we work closely with the manufacturer to optimize quality. We make improvements based on customer feedback and our own expertise. Due to our direct influence on the production process, we have full confidence in the quality. Therefore, we offer extensive warranty coverage on these screens: even damage inside the screen (which is normally not covered) is included. However, if damage is visible to the naked eye, whether inside or outside, the warranty becomes void. Our FDX Elite screen has an FHD+ resolution and will be the most expensive option due to its added value and extensive warranty. With this quality and service, we aim to provide a worry-free experience for our customers.

FDX PRIME

FDX Prime represents the standard in-cell quality, purchased directly from the manufacturer, just like other suppliers in the market. The choice of manufacturer depends on the quality of the production batch, and the products meet the highest in-cell quality standards in the market. FDX Prime screens have an FHD resolution and come with a regular factory warranty. This means that damage to the interior of the screen is not covered.