In October, Google made a big deal about the longevity of the newly announced Pixel 8. Buyers were promised not only seven years of software support, but also that spare parts would be available for the same period.

This was a big step forward for repairability, allowing users to freely perform DIY repairs under Google's approval and direction. At the time, however, it was not clear how much each part would cost, given that the Pixel 8 costs $100 more than the Pixel 7.

Today, spare parts are available on the iFixIt site, along with a 200+ page repair guide. However, as 9to5Google discovered, prices have risen above what Google had initially charged for the previous generation, especially in the camera department.

For the basic Pixel 8, the wide rear camera jumped from $89.99 to $142.99. The ultra-wide module also increased in price, albeit slightly, from $42.99 to $62.99.

This is interesting: as a comparison of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 shows, there is actually not that much difference between the two camera arrangements. On paper, the ultra-wide lens has the same 12MP, f/2.2 specs on both models, and the 50MP main sensor has a wider aperture (f/1.65 vs. f/1.85), but that is not a significant difference.

The Pixel 8 Pro's camera has also increased in price, but it doesn't seem as expensive, as the triple sensor array is sold as a single part; it was $152.99 for the Pixel 7 Pro, but jumped to $199.99 for the Pixel 8 Pro.

Moreover, as a comparison of the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro shows, the camera upgrades here are more substantial: not only is the aperture of the 50MP main camera similarly wider, but the 48MP telephoto lens is improved (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), ultra-wide sensor was significantly upgraded (48MP, f/1.95 vs. 12MP, f/2.2).

Screens also see price increases on both models, albeit more modest ones: up $20 to $159.99 for the Pixel 8 and up $17 to $229.99 for the Pro model.

However, these changes do not reflect an overall price increase; the batteries for both models remain unchanged at $42.99. Additionally, more components are available this time around. The rear case will be $142.99 or $172.99 depending on whether the Pro model is repaired, and the replacement front camera will be $42.99 for both.

Regardless of the camera price increase, it is good to see Google keeping its promise and offering replacement parts. Repairing electronics is not for everyone, and of course there are those who would prefer to outsource to a third party.