iFixit has cracked open the Pixel 10, and the outcomes are higher than anticipated. The corporate’s newest teardown reveals a cellphone that’s far simpler to restore than its predecessors, although nonetheless removed from excellent. The highlights embrace a brand new “pull jacket” battery-removal system, a modular USB-C charging board, and magnets that lastly deliver MagSafe-style equipment to Google’s {hardware}.
What the disassembly confirmed
Some professionals, some cons, no miracles
The audio system turned out to be one of many best parts to take away and exchange.
The teardown begins with excellent news. Not like most IP68-rated gadgets, the Pixel 10’s rear glass comes off with out warmth. Just a few picks and an anti-clamp device are all that’s wanted, making any future restore rather a lot much less intimidating. As soon as inside, the format is refreshingly easy. Fewer screws than a typical flagship, and all utilizing normal T3 Torx Plus heads, imply you don’t want a drawer filled with specialty drivers to get to work.
Battery alternative — a frequent ache level on Pixels — has additionally made progress. Google ditched the unreliable saw-style adhesive strips in favor of a vivid inexperienced pull tab. It’s not as easy because the iPhone’s tab system (iFixit even recommends a glove for additional grip), nevertheless it does get the job finished. The brand new 19.39Wh cell is a 7% improve over final yr’s Pixel 9, and not less than swapping it out doesn’t require tearing into the show first.
Talking of modularity, the Pixel 10’s decrease meeting marks a restore win. Just a few screws free the loudspeaker and whole charging board, which may be changed independently. That’s a significant improve for long-term usability, given how weak ports and audio system are to bodily harm.
My goodness, it is beautiful.
Whereas everyone knows they’re there, I personally can’t go with out mentioning the magnets. I’ve been complaining concerning the lack of actual Qi2 for some time, so I’ve to offer the Pixel 10s their due. Hidden contained in the again glass, iFixit noticed the brand new Pixel Snap ring (together with the bottom-mounted magnet for exact alignment, which is a part of the Qi2 spec FYI), Google’s reply to MagSafe. Mixed with Qi2 wi-fi charging assist (15W on the Pixel 10 and 10 Professional, as much as 25W on the Professional XL), accent compatibility is about to get rather a lot higher.
Cameras are extra sophisticated, with a well-recognized tangle of connectors and screws holding issues down. Nonetheless, as soon as freed, the array reveals a notable change: a ten.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, the primary on a non-Professional Pixel. Above all of it sits Google’s Tensor G5, now fabbed on TSMC’s 3nm course of and delivering substantial CPU and AI efficiency positive aspects over final yr’s chip.
The least thrilling information from the teardown surrounds the show. At 6.3 inches with 3,000 nits peak brightness, it’s beautiful, nevertheless it’s glued in with adhesive that requires severe warmth and suction to take away. A damaged display screen is a tragedy in itself. Additionally irritating is that reassembly calls for new adhesive for the again cowl, show, and even the battery.
In the long run, iFixit offers the Pixel 10 a provisional 6 out of 10 for repairability. That isn’t fairly the place fanatics need Android flagships to be, nevertheless it’s higher than 5, and for anybody bored with disposable telephones, it’s progress value celebrating.
SoC
Google Tensor G5
Show kind
Actua show
Show dimensions
6.3 inches
Show decision
20:9
