A few hours ago iFixit has published its teardown video of Google Pixel 9 Pro XLand now the same phone has been subjected to a similar treatment by Zack from JerryRigEverything.

The device is opened from the back using heat and isopropyl alcohol. From the outset, repairs seem a bit hampered by the use of less common screws in some parts. And there are also multiple screw sizes, which can further complicate the reassembly process.

The battery removal process is pretty bad, as evidenced in the other video. The pull tab basically breaks off without doing its job, so you have to use alcohol to dissolve the very strong adhesive. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, in Zack’s opinion, has the hardest battery to replace of any mainstream phone, including iPhones.

The microphone hole is designed to prevent it from being punctured if you accidentally insert the SIM removal tool into it. The cameras are actually quite large, justifying the size of that camera island.

Both Samsung and Apple have massively improved the repairability of their smartphones recently, but Google has unfortunately not followed suit. Maybe next year.