In a surprising revelation for Google’s latest owners, the cost to replace its inner display may leave some in shock. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold—a device that stands as a pinnacle of engineering and design—carries a replacement cost for its internal screen that exceeds even the price of buying a new flagship smartphone altogether.

Repair and part replacement platform iFixit now lists all the internal components for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and the figures show that this foldable beauty doesn’t come cheap when it comes to repairs. Replacing the inner display alone will set buyers back a staggering $1,199—around Rs 99,900—making it more expensive than purchasing an iPhone 16 Pro Max or even Google’s own Pixel 9 Pro XL outright.

In contrast, replacing the inner display of the original Pixel Fold was priced at $899. The price jump for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold reflects the sophistication of its design, which integrates the display, metal frame, and hinge mechanisms that enable its folding capability. As impressive as this technology is, the steep replacement cost could give Pixel owners pause.

The high replacement cost may be partly explained by the repair complexity. According to iFixit, replacing the inner display involves a guide with 199 steps and takes an estimated 3 to 4 hours for an experienced technician to complete. This intricate process is a testament to the complex build of foldable devices but also highlights the substantial resources required to execute the repair correctly.

While the inner display’s repair cost might be eye-watering, other Pixel 9 Pro Fold components also carry notable price tags:

• Outer Display: Priced at $189.99 (approx. Rs 15,800), up $30 from the previous model.
• Rear Camera Module: Now $256.99 (approx. Rs 21,300), a sharp increase from $139.99 on earlier versions.
• Charging Assembly: More reasonably priced at $59.99 (approx. Rs 4,900).
• Base and Flip Batteries: Both available at $66.99 (approx. Rs 5,500).

These prices reflect Google’s investment in higher-grade components but may make potential buyers think twice about self-repairs or even opting for non-insured purchases.

The inner display’s replacement price tag could push customers away from repairs, prompting them to consider purchasing an entirely new flagship device instead. For those already invested in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, this high repair cost serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of foldable screens. The logical choice here may be to opt for an insurance plan and treat the inner display with extra care.

In a market where smartphones have become near-essential tools, seeing such exorbitant repair costs may raise questions about the long-term sustainability and affordability of foldable devices. As Google—and indeed, the entire smartphone industry—continue to innovate in foldable technology, only time will tell if these devices can evolve to match both the convenience and affordability that today’s buyers expect.