Google Pixel 9a gets stern "do not buy" warning as teardown reveals questionable design

Google's Pixel 9a smartphone promises a more affordable entry-point into the Pixel world, with Google dialling it back on certain aspects of the phone — like material choices and internal hardware — in order to bring down the price point to $499.99. Despite the plastic back, Gorilla Glass 3 display, and simplified design, however, the Google Pixel 9a performed admirably in JerryRigEverything's brutal durability test recently published on YouTube. 

After testing the midrange smartphone for durability, however, Zach Nelson, the man behind the channel, took to disassembling the phone. In his disassembly, he discovered that Google is using an antiquated method to glue the phone's battery to the case. Unlike many modern phones, Apple iPhones included, the Google Pixel 9a doesn't feature adhesive strips with built-in pull tabs that make the battery easier to remove. Instead, the Pixel 9a's battery is glued to the frame, and, although there are pull tabs, they were unable to overcome the battery adhesive in Nelson's disassembly video. 

Ultimately, the end result of this adhesion method is that battery replacements for the Pixel 9a are incredibly difficult and even potentially dangerous to do. Not only is the battery firmly glued to the case, but the glue apparently doesn't even budge after applying an isopropyl alcohol solution, forcing Nelson to pry the battery loose instead. This could probably have been done more safely with something like a guitar string or piano wire, but the safest alternative is obviously for the manufacturer to make the battery easy to remove. 

What's perhaps even more curious is that Google decided to use this inferior battery removal system despite having a partnership for spares and repairs with iFixit, who is a staunch supporter of the right to repair movement.