Google is all set to launch the Pixel 7a at its I/O developer conference in a few days. But ahead of that, leaks have already revealed pretty much everything you need to know about the new mid-range device. And leaks just don’t stop coming. Earlier today, a YouTuber published a lengthy hands-on video of the phone and shared camera samples. Now, we have a teardown video showing the Pixel 7a inside out even before Google could officially take wraps off it.
YouTube channel PBKreviews, which is noted for teardown videos of the latest and trending smartphones, recently had the Pixel 7a on its table. This is unusual as the new Google phone isn’t official yet, but here we are. As always, the YouTuber begins by removing the SIM tray before prying off the back panel.
They note that the Pixel 7a can be disassembled from both the front and the back, which makes repairing easy. If you need a screen replacement, no need to touch the rest of the phone. And if you need to replace the battery, you can open the device from the back.
In this video, the YouTuber disassembles the Pixel 7a from the back so you can see all the interior components. The plastic rear panel comes off fairly easily with some heat and a pry tool. Under it, Google has kept everything in place using a total of 16 screws. Once those are removed, you can lift off the top plate which has the wireless charging coil and the NFC antenna attached to it. This plate has a large graphite film on the other side of it to help transfer the heat from the processor to the rear plastic cover.
Teardown shows the Pixel 7a is a fairly repairable phone
Digging deeper, the Pixel 7a has more screws and cables that you need to remove or disconnect before pulling out the battery. Google has provided pull taps to help with the battery removal. A few more screws and cables, and you can detach more Pixel 7a components one after the other. If you want to remove the main board, you first need to detach the screen, though. As said earlier, you can pry off the display from the front using some heat and a pry tool.
Overall, the Pixel 7a is a fairly repairable phone. Google did a great job by allowing you to open the phone from both sides. The only major issue is repairing small parts such as the charging port. The company soldered the USB Type-C port to the main board, which isn’t the best way to go about it. Overall, PBKreviews gave the Pixel 7a a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10. You can watch the full teardown and reassembly of the phone below.
2023-05-06 15:14:16