Google Pixel 9 Pro XL TEARDOWN – (turn back while you still can)

Summary

In this teardown, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's camera setup is scrutinized to determine if it justifies its size. The video highlights the challenges of repairability due to proprietary screws and strong adhesives, making battery removal particularly difficult. Sponsored by Anker, the world's leading mobile charging brand, the video also showcases Anker's new Prime line of charging stations for desktops and portable power banks, emphasizing their convenience and efficiency.

Takeaways

• 📱 The video is a teardown of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, focusing on the camera system and overall repairability.
• 🔌 Google did not include a charger in the box, possibly because of the high quality of Anker chargers, which are promoted in the video.
• 🔋 The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a difficult battery removal process, making it the most challenging among mainstream phones, including iPhones.
• 🛠️ The internal design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is less appealing and more complex to repair than previous Google phones, with the use of uncommon T4 screws.
• 🔧 The teardown reveals a variety of small brackets and different-sized screws, complicating the reassembly process.
• 📸 The camera system is large and takes up significant space, justifying the size of the camera lens on the phone.
• 🌡️ The phone uses thermal foam and a vapor chamber for heat dissipation, moving heat from the AI processing unit to the frame and then through the screen.
• 🔄 The main camera units are modular, clipped into place like Legos, which may facilitate the assembly process.
• 💧 The phone has a water damage indicator sticker, and the exterior microphone hole is designed to prevent damage from a SIM tool.
• 🔗 The video mentions the 'world's largest ribbon cable' and other unusual design choices, such as a ribbon cable screwed into place.
• 🔄 The teardown process highlights Google's step back in terms of repairability, contrasting with recent improvements made by Samsung and Apple.

Q & A

Why did Google not include a charger in the box for the Pixel Pro XL?

Google did not include a charger because they believe that no smartphone manufacturer can make a mobile charger better than Anker, which is considered the world's number one mobile charging brand.

What is Anker Prime and how does it aim to improve the desktop setup?

Anker Prime is a new line of products from Anker aimed at becoming the backbone of your desktop. It includes a 250W desktop mounted charging station with multiple USB ports, a smart power control dial, and a 14-port docking station with USB charging and high-speed data transfer capabilities.

What makes the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's battery removal process difficult?

The battery is glued extremely well to the body of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it very difficult to remove without the use of alcohol to dissolve the adhesive. This makes the phone less repairable and recyclable.

How does the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's camera setup differ from previous Google phone models?

The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses less common T4 screws around the cameras and charging port boards, making repairability more complex. It also has a large ribbon cable that is screwed into place, which is unusual compared to previous models.

What is unique about the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's microphone design?

The microphone has a gold box mounted to the top side of the circuit board with the receiving opening on the underside. This design includes a waterproofing mesh that protects the membrane from damage even when using a SIM tool.

How does the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's water damage indicator work?

The water damage indicator is a sticker located next to the SIM card tray opening. If the rectangle gets wet, the red coloring bleeds through onto the white, indicating that moisture has entered the phone.

What is the main criticism of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's repairability?

The main criticism is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the most difficult battery to remove among mainstream phones, including iPhones, due to the strong adhesive used and the complexity introduced by proprietary screws and brackets.

How does the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's camera module assembly differ from a typical design?

The camera modules are clipped modularly into place like Legos, rather than being one permanent box. This may improve the assembly process during manufacturing.

What role does the thermal foam under the motherboard of the Pixel 9 Pro XL play?

The thermal foam helps move heat from the AI processing to the frame of the phone and then spread it by the copper vapor chamber to dissipate out through the screen.

What is the purpose of the proximity and light sensors on the backside of the Pixel 9 Pro XL's motherboard?

The proximity and light sensors peek through the pixels of the phone, allowing them to detect ambient light and the user's proximity for features like auto-brightness and touch sensitivity.

What is the final verdict on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's repairability according to the script?

The script concludes that the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is not recommended from a repairability standpoint due to its complex and difficult battery removal process and the use of proprietary screws and design choices that hinder easy repair and recycling.