A few days before the official release, YouTube channel PBKreviews published a breakdown of the new Pixel 9a smartphone. According to rumours, Google delayed its launch for a month after the announcement due to overheating issues. The published photos and videos show what the internal structure of the device looks like.
Pixel 9a got rid of the characteristic protruding camera unit – the lenses are now almost flush with the back cover. Earlier, Google representatives explained the reason for the design change, but it did not affect the disassembly process. In order to remove the cover, you must first heat it to loosen the glue, and then carefully use a plastic tool to detach the cover from the side frame.
Underneath the cover is a plastic plate containing the LED flash, wireless charging coil, NFC module and a graphite film for better heat dissipation. Google has provided a special sticker to remove the battery, but it doesn’t help – the battery has to be removed by force.
The processor, memory and other important components are covered with copper film. In addition, there is thermal paste on the processor, RAM and storage. Under the battery is the evaporation board, which is also partially overlapped by the motherboard. Judging by the rumours, this was not enough for stable operation of the device, so Google engineers needed more time to optimize the firmware. The Pixel 9a received a 7.5 out of 10 on the repairability scale as a result of the disassembly.