iFixit

The EM-Tech EME1511AFRC integrates the earpiece speaker, loudspeaker for speakerphone and media use, and a sensor bank all into one unit with a singular shared data connector.

This is definitely a win for integration, but at the same time forces users to replace the entire unit if only one component malfunctions.

Big players on the motherboard include:

• Skyworks SKY77529 Tx Front-End Module for Dual-Band GSM / GPRS / EDGE
• SanDisk SDIN4C2 16GB MLC NAND flash.
• Samsung KB100D00WM-A453 memory package and S5PC110A01 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Processor.
• Infineon 8824 XG616 X-Gold baseband processor
• Wolfson Microelectronics WM8994 ultra-low power audio codec.

Hidden underneath an EMI cover is the Broadcom Wi-Fi chip.

The chip reads: BCM4329GKUBG TE1043 P21

According to UBM Techinsights, the chip is a low-power package with 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1, and FM capability.

Variants of this chip have been around for over a year. We first saw it used in the 3rd generation iPod Touch.

Removing the display presented us with the first stumbling block in our disassembly. A heat gun made quick work of the front case assembly, though.

Here you can see a side view of the Super AMOLED display and front glass panel.

The Super AMOLED is attached to the front glass. The digitizer is a PET layer between the glass and the display.

You can definitely see that only the front glass panel is curved. The rest of the components are flat as a board, just as any other phone on the market.

Google describes it as a "...curved glass screen...", however that may be misconstrued to mean a curved Super AMOLED display, which is a bit misleading.

There's also a small PCB on the back of the display with an Atmel MXT224 touchscreen controller on it.

Nexus S Repairability Score: 7 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair)

• Battery is very easily replaceable -- just remove the back cover to swap it out.
• The motherboard comes out easily once you're inside, as it's held in place by regular screws and connectors.
• A lot of the phone's components are modular, meaning that they're simpler to replace, but will cost more as replacement parts.
• Front panel is attached with adhesive instead of screws, so it's harder to take off than on the iPhone.
• If you shatter the front panel glass, the SAMOLED has to be replaced as well -- they're fused together.