Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown looks at improved durability, repair issues

Google made the bold claim that its new Pixel 9 series phones are twice as durable as the Pixel 8 series. Now, a teardown of the Pixel 9 Pro XL from the iFixit team looks at how Google managed to improve the durability.

First up, the Pixel 9 series now features a “dual-entry” design, which means that people can access the internals of the phone by removing either the front or back glass panels. Moreover, this type of design improves the structural rigidity of the phone and helps transfer shock from impact away from the screen, hopefully preventing or reducing damage from drops and falls.

This move is similar to what Apple adopted with the iPhone 14 series in 2023. However, the iFixit team noted that Google’s implementation wasn’t as good as Apple’s, and they encountered several issues during the teardown process.

For example, when attempting to remove the screen, the iFixit team encountered display delamination, resulting in the screen no longer working properly. Further, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery removal process was difficult, resulting in the team prying the battery out. Also of note was the number of hidden screws throughout the phone, making disassembly more challenging.

However, it wasn’t all bad. The iFixit team noted that Google improved the replacement process for the USB-C port.

Overall, it looks like the Pixel 9 series is an improvement for durability, though Google can still do more on the repairability front. Making phones more durable is always welcome, but there are limits to how much any phone can take before it breaks. That’s why it’s important to make devices that can also be repaired easily.

Source: iFixit Via: Android Police