Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: New teardown confirms battery replacement problems
After iFixit’s first Google Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown, Zack from JerryRigEverything has now also taken a look at the new Google phone. First, he opens the device from the back with heat and isopropyl alcohol. It quickly becomes apparent that Google uses some less common screws, which makes repairs to some parts a little more difficult. There are also several screw sizes, which further complicates assembly.
As in the first Google Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown, it quickly becomes apparent that removing the battery is not exactly user-friendly. The pull tab basically breaks without doing its job. So you have to use alcohol to dissolve the very strong adhesive. In fact, in Zack’s opinion, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL actually has the hardest battery to replace of all mainstream smartphones. And that includes Apple iPhones, which don’t have a very good reputation in this regard either.
The microphone hole is designed in such a way that it cannot be punctured if you accidentally insert the SIM removal tool into it. The cameras are actually quite large, which somewhat justifies the size of the camera module on the back.
Both Samsung with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Apple with iPhone 15 in the bend test and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the teardown have massively improved the repairability of their smartphones recently. Google is apparently not following suit. At least for now.
