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Samsung Galaxy Nexus Teardown

Teardown

Teardowns provide a look inside a device and should not be used as disassembly instructions.

Featured Guide

This guide has been found to be exceptionally cool by the iFixit staff.

It's here, it's here, it's finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the ice cream truck is driving up the street, playing its joyful tune. We have our dollars ready, and we can't wait to grab ourselves some goodies. Join us as we unwrap our favorite frozen treat, the Ice Cream Sandwich-laden Galaxy Nexus.

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Edit Step 1 — Samsung Galaxy Nexus Teardown ¶

The Galaxy Nexus packs some serious hardware inside. Key specs include:
- 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 16 GB Internal Storage
- 4.65" Super AMOLED Display
- 5 MP (1080P HD) Rear-Facing Camera
- Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-FI Direct
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Edit Step 2 ¶

Like most of Samsung's smartphones, the Galaxy Nexus' 5.0 megapixel camera is perched in the middle of the phone's backside.
"Clean" is the word that comes to mind as we look at the rear of the Galaxy Nexus. You won't find any "1080p HD" markings or model numbers here.
Just like the Nexus S, the Galaxy Nexus features a Contour Display. The curved glass conforms to the side of your face and makes talking on the phone more comfortable.
- Maybe, some time in the very distant future, phones will become so advanced that they fit perfectly to the user's ear and mouth.
The power button and three gold pins for multi-media docking occupy the starboard side of Google and Samsung's flagship smartphone.

Edit Step 3 ¶

How does the Galaxy Nexus stack up to the iPhone 4S?
In terms of size, the Galaxy Nexus is big enough (5.33 x 2.67 x 0.35 inches) to devour the 4S, so hopefully you have large pockets.
- Though it is larger than the iPhone 4S, this Galaxy Nexus is 5 grams lighter (135 compared to 140).

Edit Step 4 ¶

Insert finger here, wiggle finger thusly, and pop goes the panel!
- OK, we'll come clean; the phone shipped with the battery removed. We first had to install the battery and back cover, and then we did some prying. This assuredly confirms one thing: the battery is user-serviceable.

Edit Step 5 ¶

Not only does the 3.7 V, 1750 mAh battery power the phone, but the user manual states that it also doubles as the NFC antenna.
O RLY? We had to see this one for ourselves.
Lo and behold, there's a sweet antenna hiding underneath the battery's shiny wrapper. So if you ever want to buy a replacement battery (and keep NFC functional), ensure that the battery has the antenna.
- Our battery says "Near Field Communication" on it, so that might be a good indicator if it will function as an NFC antenna.

Edit Step 6 ¶

Whipping out our handy 54 Piece Bit Driver Kit, we reach for a Phillips #0 bit and get to work opening the phone.
We wrenched our plastic opening tool till it was blue in the face and went through more guitar picks than Jimmy Page, but we managed to take off the back case. No device is too tough for the dexterous hands of the iFixit crew!

Edit Step 7 ¶

One little screw shackles the speaker and headphone jack assembly to the motherboard.
Goodbye, little screw; hello, speaker and headphone jack assembly.
With access to Google Music and high definition movies, there's no doubt that Galaxy Nexus owners will want their phone to make some beautiful noise. Unfortunately, our disassembled phone didn't make a single chirp.

Edit Step 8 ¶

A few connectors here, some screws there, and a wee bit of glue everywhere…nothing stands a chance against our spudger! The motherboard dislodges from its home with moderate force, but nothing too extreme.

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