The Google Pixel 2 debuted this October, and what’d Google include in the new model? A snazzy new camera (upgrade from the first Pixel), Active Edge squeeze response controls (more parts to fizzle out), and missing headphone jacks (higher wear on the charging port). Needless to say, we got our mitts on one to see what it’s really made of.
Our friend Holger from Holger Tech came by to tear it down for us. To sum it up, it’s more of the same. You’ll see some new features, but we’re happy to report that there’s nothing too challenging about stripping this new model and putting it back together.
Without further ado, here are our repair tips for the Pixel 2.
Straightforward Fixes and First Look at Active Edge Sensors on the Pixel 2
The Pixel 2’s AMOLED front screen comes off easily. Word is that you don’t need heat to do it, but we used some anyway. Users should understand that once the screen comes off, the phone’s IP67 waterproof rating is – put idiomatically – dead in the water.
The midframe removes easily after that, held in place by #00 Philips screws. After that the battery pops out with gentle, persistent prying, followed by the loud speaker and charging port (and vibrate motor. See below). Next, remove the SIM card tray and detach the Active Edge sensor flex cables before unscrewing and lifting out the logic board. Beware the fingerprint sensor, though. It’s attached to the back of the logic board, and you don’t want to tear it. Once the logic board is out, you have an excellent view of the rest of the bits inside.
Here’s what to know:
- Single-color front screens: Don’t worry about ordering the wrong color. Every Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL front screen is black, regardless of the housing.
- Side buttons: Speaking of color, if you need to replace side buttons, double check the original specs. Google apparently thought the new Pixels needed more than the minimum required flare.
- Active Edge flex cables: These run down both sides of the back housing. Gentle prying lifts them out of place. Admire the construction, and be delicate!
- Vibrate Motor & Charging Port 4EVER: the former is soldered directly to the latter, so bear that in mind before tearing one of them out.
- Gently lift the logic board! The fingerprint sensor is attached to the back. Tears (rhymes with bears) beget tears (rhymes with beers).
- 2 much trouble, 2 little reason (to remove the back glass): We applied heat and tried to pry off the upper back glass panel, but it wouldn’t budge. As during our Apple iPhone 8 teardown, we didn’t have the heart to crack it open. We did, however, have better luck opening the Pixel 2 XL’s back glass.
Google Pixel 2: Tools You’ll Need for Repair
- Suction cup
- Plastic pry tools
- Metal pry tools
- SIM card ejection tool
- Spudger
- #00 Philips-head screwdriver
- T5 screwdriver
- Tweezers