Pixel 9 Pro XL proves less than repair-friendly in new teardown videos
Google's latest non-foldable flagship Android smartphone is already viewed as a worthwhile upgrade over its nearest predecessor the Pixel 8 Pro, even in terms of design and build quality. The device (currently starting at $1,099 on Amazon) is also touted to stay up to date for up to 7 years - however, for it to last that long, an assiduous user might like to perform a battery replacement or two along the way.
However, according to famed device integrity tester Zach Nelson of the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, that might be less than feasible, as the 9 Pro XL is replete with fiddly complex internal parts, screws that come in a variety of lengths as well as types included.
Furthermore, Google has chosen an obscure form of pull-tab for the Pixel 9-series' batteries, which caused even seasoned iFixit contributor Shahram Mokhtari to resort to isopropyl alcohol to deal with its glue: less than encouraging, not to mention downright worrying, in terms of replacing it independently.
On the other hand, Mokhtari also reported that it is technically possible to remove either the XL's display or its rear panel in order to access its internals - however, its iPhone rivals might have done the same thing but better.
Accordingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved a reparability score of no more than 5/10 from iFixit - even though its spare parts are to be made available through that very group.
