The new ones Google Pixel They continue to be the talk of the town. We met them a couple of weeks ago and we’ve already analyzed them here: both the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are the new Android benchmark. Good cameras, top-level software as Google is used to, lots of artificial intelligence… and updates for seven years.
Owners of one of these Pixels may possibly need to replace components such as the battery at some point in their lifespan if they want to extend it as much as the system updates it will receive. Although the ideal is to do it in a technical service, iFixit has gone ahead with a teardown that allows us to check if what Google said is true: Pixel 9 is twice as durable as the previous generationIs it true? That’s what we’re going to see next.
Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown confirms Google. Although it does give it a few sticks on the other side
Google claimed that the Pixel 9 is twice as durable as the Pixel 8, and the company’s claim appears to be true. As we can see above, the top-of-the-line phone in the Pixel 9 family has been targeted by the popular website iFixit. They have set out to disassemble it and discover its insides, and that is what they have done in a video of almost 8 minutes long.
What’s new in the internal design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is that it has a double entry arrangementWhat does this mean? We can access the interior in two ways: removing the glass from the screen or removing the back for better access to the battery.
In addition, according to Android Police, this fact also helps to improve structural rigidity, thus ensuring that the phone can better absorb and distribute the blows it suffers. The iFixit team explains how this “dual” design improves its durability and confirms what Google said (you can see it at minute 5, 40 seconds).
This double entry is not new in smartphone design: in the competition, Apple adopted it for its iPhone 14 of 2022. Of course, it did so with better execution:Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display delaminates during removal.
But it is not the only problem they have found during the dismantling: the battery removal process It’s defective due to a pull-tab mechanism. The iFixit team had to resort to forcing it out, something familiar because it happened last year with the Pixel 8 Pro.
Google has improved the internal design of its flagship phone, but there are still a couple of aspects that need improvement. They seem essential now that they will be updated for seven years.
Screws also pose an added difficulty.: There are many hidden ones, so it is important to know their location when we go to repair it. One aspect that has improved is the location of the USB-C port, which is now linked to the lower motherboard to facilitate its replacement.
Ultimately, even though Google’s claim is true, the most expensive phone in the new family is flawed in the execution of its internal design, with serious impediments that can make it difficult to repair. Anyone who wants to keep it for many years will have to learn its interior well and be careful in the process. However, we always recommend leaving it in the hands of professionals, it will save you a lot of headaches.
More information | iFixit
Cover image | Ivan Linares for Xataka