The Pixel 8 Series has been officially launched by Google with the new Tensor G3 chipset. Google’s latest flagship features the signature Pixel design, with a horizontal camera strip at the back. The device has also made headlines for offering 7 years of proper OS upgrades.
A teardown video of the Google Pixel 8 is now available online. PBKreviews has posted a video on YouTube with the complete disassembly of the Pixel 8. The video reveals that the Pixel 8 is relatively easy to repair as compared to its iPhone counterparts.
Google Pixel 8 Teardown Analysis
The Google Pixel 8 comes with a single-piece frame, which is sandwiched between the rear glass back panel and the display. The internal components can only be accessed from the front side, where the display needs to be removed first.
The Pixel 8 comes with an IP68 certification for water and dust resistance. The screen is tightly glued to the frame, which can only be removed by applying a controlled amount of heat. The OLED display of the Pixel 8 comes with a copper tape plating for better heat dissipation.
Underneath the display, the internal components of the Pixel 8 can be directly accessed by removing the aluminium plate. The plate is placed over the PCB section, which helps to distribute the heat generated from the CPU, throughout the body of the phone.
Although the Pixel 8 comes with an official IP68 rating, the device still has a water damage indicator sticker. If water accidentally enters inside the phone, then the warranty of your phone will be void.
The 4575mAh battery is attached to the device using pull tapes. As per the creator, the battery replacement on the Pixel 8 is relatively simple, as it is easily accessible. However, if a user plans to attempt a repair on their own, they need to be careful while removing the display, which is a very delicate part to detach.
The dual rear cameras on the Pixel 8 can be individually removed, unlike a single camera module as found on the iPhones. The teardown confirms that only the primary 50MP sensor comes with OIS, whereas the 12MP ultrawide lens does not support OIS.
The speaker on the Pixel comes as a separate module. It comes with a nylon mesh, that prevents water from seeping inside the phone. It also features a rubber gasket around the speaker housing for additional protection against fluids.
The Pixel 8 features a C-shaped PCB. The USB-C port is soldered directly on the PCB, meaning that if you wear out the USB-C port on your phone, the repair can be slightly tricky and even expensive.
The new Tensor G3 chipset is stacked below the RAM module on the Pixel 8. The CPU-RAM combo is covered with copper tape and thermal paste for heat dissipation. All other components are directly soldered on the motherboard, meaning that apart from a battery and screen replacement, all other repairs on the Pixel 8 are directly associated with the motherboard unit.
The glass of the rear camera can be replaced without opening the display. However, if you crack the rear glass panel, then the entire phone will have to be disassembled as the glass back replacement requires access to the frame of the phone.
Overall, the Pixel 8 is a relatively easy repair as compared to other flagships such as the iPhone 15, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Common repairs such as display and battery replacements are easy on the Pixel 8. However, the IP68 rating makes the display removal slightly hard, which can complicate the repair process.
Google officially allows you to fix your phones, without voiding the warranty. It is important to note that once the display panel is opened, the phone will lose its IP68 rating. If you wish to retain water resistance on your Pixel 8, then it s advised to get it repaired from the official service center.
