The summary of ‘Google Copied Apples Best Feature But There's A Catch – Pixel 7a Teardown And Repair Assessment’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:10:42

The video focuses on a comprehensive teardown and analysis of Google's latest budget smartphone, the Pixel 7A, while highlighting repairability and build quality. The presenter notes that Google's collaboration with iFixit enhances the device's repair potential. They compare the Pixel 7A to the Pixel 7, noting the primary difference being the plastic back of the 7A versus the glass and aluminum back of the 7. The teardown begins with heating the phone to loosen adhesive, encountering significant difficulty with the screen removal due to strong adhesive likely used for water resistance.

As the teardown progresses, the presenter explores the adhesive-free display and the independent detachable front and back design, which simplifies repairs. The removal of the wireless charging module and the extraction of the battery and motherboard are discussed in detail, emphasizing the careful handling required for delicate components. The reassembly process begins smoothly but encounters issues when the screen fails to function correctly post-reassembly, showing initial signs of life but then turning blank. Despite attempts to remedy the problem, including entering recovery mode and factory resetting, the issue persists.

The video concludes with the presenter reflecting on the unique challenges faced with the Pixel 7A, which remained non-functional after reassembly, unlike other devices they have worked on. The potential fragility of the OLED screen is suggested as a reason. The aim of these tests is to provide viewers with insights into the repairability of devices, ultimately advising them prior to purchasing. The video ends with a promotional message encouraging subscriptions and visits to the speaker's online store.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the presenter examines Google’s latest budget smartphone, the Pixel 7A, and discusses its internal redesign that takes cues from Apple’s iPhone 14. The phone is the white 128GB model, retailing for 750 Australian dollars. The video underscores Google’s positive stance on repairability, supported by their collaboration with iFixit, which provides genuine parts and tools.

The Pixel 7A is compared to the Pixel 7, noting that the primary difference is the plastic back of the 7A as opposed to the glass and aluminum back of the 7. The presenter begins the teardown process by heating the phone to loosen the adhesive, but encounters significant difficulty. The back panel separates easily after repeated heating attempts, unlike the screen, which remains firmly bonded and unaffected by heat. The presenter ultimately resorts to using a metal tool to pry the screen off, a process that took at least 45 minutes due to the strong adhesive, potentially used for water resistance.

00:03:00

In this part of the video, the instructor works on disassembling a Google Pixel 7A. They start by investigating the adhesive used for the display, noting the absence of sticky residue which makes it easier to replace the screen. The design of the phone allows for the front and back to be detached independently, facilitating repairs without risking damage to the display, similar to the iPhone 14. The wireless charging module is removed next, requiring careful handling as one screw is significantly smaller and attaches directly to the motherboard. The small screws are crucial for the wireless charging pins’ connection. The battery, slightly larger than that of the Pixel 7, is then extracted by pushing from the other side due to ineffective pull tabs. Lastly, the motherboard is removed by taking out the earpiece speaker, disconnecting cables, and maneuvering the board free.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the display cable needs to be detached from the underside of the motherboard. The charging port, similar to other Pixel models, is still soldered in place, but wireless charging is an option. The connections for the three cameras are on the back. Remaining in the frame are the speaker, vibration motor, flex cable for the buttons, microphone, and LED flash. The Google Pixel 7A has been completely disassembled.

Reassembly starts with plugging in the screen before attaching the battery. The wireless charging module, secured with 15 screws, is then reinstalled, followed by the LED flash and the SIM card tray after cleaning the insides. The device is reassembled without adhesive temporarily. However, upon reassembly, the phone’s screen fails to work correctly. The screen shows the Google logo during boot-up but then goes blank. Attempts to reconnect the screen include entering recovery mode and performing a factory reset, but the issue persists.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses rebooting a phone which then experiences significant display issues, such as dim brightness and screen shutdowns when opening certain windows. Despite following the correct disassembly and reassembly steps, the phone suffered a screen failure. This phone is unique among 25 others previously disassembled, as it does not function correctly post-reassembly. The issue is not seen as anti-repair but rather a failure possibly related to the OLED screen’s fragility. The speaker emphasizes they conduct these tests to inform viewers about device repairability before purchasing. The video concludes with a promotion for subscribing, checking out additional content, and visiting the speaker’s online store.

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