Google has 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 by the iFixit team shows how Google has managed to improve durability.
First off, the Pixel 9 series now features a “dual-entry” design, meaning users can access the inside of the phone by removing either the front or back glass panel. Additionally, this type of design improves the structural rigidity of the phone and helps to direct shocks away from the screen, hopefully preventing or reducing damage from drops and falls.
This move is similar to what Apple did with the iPhone 14 series in 2023. However, the iFixit team found that Google’s implementation was not 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 found that the display layer was peeling off, causing the screen to stop working properly. Additionally, removing the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery was difficult, requiring the team to pry the battery out. Also notable was the number of hidden screws throughout the phone, making disassembly difficult.
It wasn’t all bad, though. The iFixit team noted that Google has improved the USB-C port replacement process.
Overall, the Pixel 9 series seems to be an improvement in terms of durability, although Google can still do more in terms of repairability. Making phones more durable is always welcome, but there are limits to how much a phone can take before it breaks, which is why it’s important to make devices that are also easily repairable.
Source: iFixit Via: Android Police
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