Ahead of the Pixel 6a shipping to customers next week, and after the initial round of reviews have arrived, teardowns of Google’s latest smartphone have emerged.
A video from PBKreviews details the Pixel 6a teardown process, which is very similar to the Pixel 6 teardown process. However, some parts of the process are a bit simpler; for example, removing the battery was “much easier”. “compared to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, according to PBKreviews.
Perhaps the most interesting part, at least for me, was the removal of the plastic back plate. Google says in the Pixel 6a spec sheet that the phone uses a “3D thermoformed composite back with [a] touch alloy frame”. In my review, I noted that it looks a lot like glass, and frankly, I’m amazed at how well the 6a’s backplate mimics the feel of glass. I can’t tell the difference when I hold it in the side of the glass Pixel 6.
Other disassembly highlights include the need to use heat to soften the adhesive and remove the screen. The video shows the location of the cutout for the proximity and ambient light sensors, which is just below and slightly to the left of the selfie camera cutout.
Frustratingly, the charging port is soldered to the main board, meaning it will be difficult to replace if it fails.
PBK gives the Pixel 6a a repair score of 7/10, though frankly I find it a really difficult process. That said, if you’re good at doing your own phone repairs, this might seem simple.
Source: PBKreviews Via: 9to5Google