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Google introduced the Pixel 9 series phones a couple of weeks ago. Soon after their launch, Zack from JerryRigEverything did a durability test on the Pixel 9 Pro XL model recently. Notably, the new Pixel survived all the torture tests with flying colors. Now, Zack is back with yet another video. This time, he has posted an in-depth teardown of the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Notably, Zack posted his Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown video a few hours after iFixit did the same. The consensus between the two teardowns is that the new Pixel is surprisingly easy to disassemble at first glance. However, both agree that removing the battery is still a mess.
Pixel 9 Pro XL is easy to disassemble, thanks to the new dual-entry design
Zack noted that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is fairly easy to disassemble, thanks to the new dual-entry design. iFixit’s Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown also suggested that the phone’s new design makes it easier to repair than last year’s Pixels.
Zack’s teardown shows the 9 Pro XL uses less common T4 screws around the cameras and charging port. Also, there are “hidden screws concealed under random pieces of black tape”. While the disassembling is straightforward, the varying size of the screws makes reassembly super difficult. Also, the phone has a considerable amount of small brackets, which could easily break during the disassembling process.
The battery removal process is still a hurdle
Just like iFixit, Zack suggests the battery removal process is still a bit of a mess on this year’s Pixel. Google has glued the battery to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s body. It is quite challenging to take out the battery. The offered pull tab mechanism to remove the battery can’t slice through the glue. This has been the case with the previous Pixel generations.
It required a lot of isopropyl alcohol and strong prying to remove the battery. Notably, the YouTuber said, “From a repairability standpoint, I cannot recommend this phone to anyone”. That said, while Google has enhanced the durability of the new Pixels, it still has a lot to improve when it comes to repairability.