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Yesterday saw the launch of the new HTC One M8, and naturally, today sees the iFixit guys break down a Verizon branded handset into all of its individual bits and pieces. It’s never a pleasant sight, seeing a hot new device torn asunder, but at least it’s not as heart-wrenching as the inevitable Drop Test videos that will be showing up in the near future. It’s probably just me, but I always feel that the Drop Tests show a remarkable lack of respect for a device, and all the respective work put into producing the handset. Whereas the iFixit guys take care unwrapping the device, all the way to its inner-core. Sure, sometimes accidents happen (as per the next paragraph), but it just feels different, you feel like the device has died with honor, although I might well be getting carried away. Back to the real story, and it’s not really good news. Much like the HTC One M7 that scored a miserly 1 out of a possible 10 in terms of repairability, the M8 is not a user-friendly device. Theres virtually no possibility of a layman repairing this device.
Why? I hear you ask? Well, for starters, the HTC One M8’s motherboard is glued down. And to repair the display, you have to remove everything from the rear in order to get to the display. There is no plying the screen out of the front of the device. You even have to remove the motherboard to get at the battery. Thats not good folks. The iFixit guys were unfortunate that applying heat to loosen up the adhesive, whilst separating the display from the chassis, they inadvertently snipped the digitizer cable with the guitar pic they were using. And that means the device died a tragic death. After some deliberation (and a beer), the HTC One M8 received a score of 2/10. They praised the solid external construction, and although the device is no longer impossible to open up without damaging the rear of the case, it’s still extremely difficult. Luckily for people in the US, HTC offer the Advantage service that provides one free replacement screen within the first 6 months of the handset’s life. It’s best to be a lot more careful with your HTC One M8 after the six first six months has passed. For the rest of the world, it’s definitely best to take good care of your new device from the very beginning.
Does the repairability of a device affect your decision when purchasing a new handset? Will the low score of the HTC One M8 perhaps turn your attention to more easily repairable smart phones? Let us know in the comments or via our Google Plus page.
