Google Pixel 8's camera repair parts as expensive as iPhone's
Google and repair outfit iFixit are selling genuine parts for the Google Pixel Pro 8, but the cost of the camera module is quite expensive, roughly the same ballpark as its Apple-based iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro rivals.
Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8
As an online repair shop, iFixit sells components and tools for consumers to make their own repairs to various devices. For a while, it has been selling genuine Google Pixel parts to consumers, and over the holidays, expanded the line to include the flagship Google devices, namely the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The cost of repairs will be quite expensive to consumers who may be more used to the idea of a warranty repair or sending hardware to a repair shop for someone else to perform the fix.
A replacement rear case for the Pixel 8 will cost $143 from iFixit, with the 8 Pro priced at $173, reports Ars-Technica. A replacement battery is $43 regardless of model, and the displays are $160 and $230 respectively.
However, the biggest cost to consumers will be replacement camera assemblies, which are surprisingly expensive. The Google Pixel 8 Pro Rear Camera module costs $199.99, with the front costing $42.99.
For the Google Pixel 8, the cameras are sold separately at $142.99 for the Wide Rear module, $62.99 for the Ultra Wide Rear module, and $42.99 for the front camera. In total, the rear camera module parts will cost $205.98 for the Pixel 8, cheaper than the Pixel 8 Pro.
These components are quite costly, but iFixit is selling genuine parts for the smartphone. However, they're also fairly expensive when put against Apple's iPhone.
While iFixit does sell replacement camera modules, it is currently only doing so for the iPhone 14 generation at the latest. For reference, the iPhone 14 Pro Rear Camera Assembly costs $149.99 from iFixit, with the front camera another $39.99.
When going through Apple's official Self Service Repair program, the replacement parts for the iPhone 15 Pro Max under a "Camera & Screw Kit" costs consumers $219.64, but if you return your old parts back to Apple, the $30.40 credit brings the price down to $189.24.
On the more directly compared iPhone 14 Pro Max, the rear camera module alone is $196.84 with a $30.40 returned part credit bringing the cost down to $166.44. A second bundle, which includes extra elements including adhesives, is only a few dollars more at $198.83 before the credit, $30.40 after the credit.
Apple's pricing is largely for components with small amounts of extras, such as screws. Though it is assumed that consumers will have tools available to them, much like iFixit's manuals, Apple does also offer rentals of specialist equipment, which may be required depending on the task at hand.
The pricing of the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro's camera versus Apple's devices certainly demonstrates that the camera module is one of the most expensive parts of modern smartphones, regardless of the manufacturer.
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