Samsung Galaxy S III Teardown

http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/metWa2JWkBASXDxA Walter Galan Moderate Samsung Galaxy S III

Anxious to have the Galaxy S 3 in the palm of your hand? Join us as we take an exciting sneak peek at the Samsung Galaxy S III, the appropriately-named successor to the Galaxy S II. Images provided courtesy of Chipworks!

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Phillips 00 Screwdriver Spudger First, let's give thanks where thanks are due: a big, solid, awesome thanks to <a href="http://www.chipworks.com" rel="nofollow">Chipworks</a> for providing the pictures for this teardown. We greatly appreciate their help for the Samsung Galaxy S III! First, let's give thanks where thanks are due: a big, solid, awesome thanks to [http://www.chipworks.com|Chipworks] for providing the pictures for this teardown. We greatly appreciate their help for the Samsung Galaxy S III! <a href="http://www.chipworks.com/en/technical-competitive-analysis/resources/recent-teardowns/2012/06/inside-the-samsung-galaxy-siii/" rel="nofollow">Here's their full analysis</a> on the Galaxy S III. [http://www.chipworks.com/en/technical-competitive-analysis/resources/recent-teardowns/2012/06/inside-the-samsung-galaxy-siii/|Here's their full analysis] on the Galaxy S III. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WqfnoOBgtljxnnEr Arguably the most hyped-up Android phone to ever hit the market, the Samsung Galaxy S III has an impressive list of accolades. Here are some of the heavy-hitting tech specs: Arguably the most hyped-up Android phone to ever hit the market, the Samsung Galaxy S III has an impressive list of accolades. Here are some of the heavy-hitting tech specs: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.8" Super AMOLED 720 x 1280 resolution display 4.8" Super AMOLED 720 x 1280 resolution display 1.4 GHz quad-core application processor 1.4 GHz quad-core application processor 2100 mAh battery 2100 mAh battery 8 MP rear-facing and 1.9 MP front-facing cameras 8 MP rear-facing and 1.9 MP front-facing cameras 16, 32, or 64 GB of internal storage 16, 32, or 64 GB of internal storage Pictured here next to the Samsung Galaxy S2 (left) for comparison. Pictured here next to the Samsung Galaxy S2 (left) for comparison. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/jLuRvr21aHTLDBdw http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Spin43pWrdA5BGjE The simple, sleek design of the newest Galaxy S implements a standard power/sleep button on the side of the device. The simple, sleek design of the newest Galaxy S implements a standard power/sleep button on the side of the device. As we ready ourselves to dig into this Galaxy S, it watches us with its rear 8 MP camera. To the left and right of the camera are the flash and speaker assemblies. As we ready ourselves to dig into this Galaxy S, it watches us with its rear 8 MP camera. To the left and right of the camera are the flash and speaker assemblies. The Galaxy S is not only watching us, but <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/05/29/sensory-galaxy-s-iii/" rel="nofollow">listening</a>, as well. The Galaxy S is not only watching us, but [http://mashable.com/2012/05/29/sensory-galaxy-s-iii/|listening], as well. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uJSxTSKFXgWSyxrS http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QJR2RZIZ6xW5tGyb Much like in the <a href="/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+Nexus+Teardown/7182/1">Galaxy Nexus</a>, we find a user serviceable battery in the Samsung Galaxy S III. Much like in the [guide|7182|Galaxy Nexus], we find a user serviceable battery in the Samsung Galaxy S III. The 3.8 V, 2100 mAh battery incorporates the antenna for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication">Near Field Communications</a> (NFC) module used in <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-S-Beam-feature-demo_id29803" rel="nofollow">"S Beam"</a>. The 3.8 V, 2100 mAh battery incorporates the antenna for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication|Near Field Communications] (NFC) module used in [http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-S-Beam-feature-demo_id29803|"S Beam"]. For those who are curious, 2100 mAh is equivalent to 7560 Coulombs of charge. Unsurprisingly, this is the same amount of charge that a 3.8V, 7.98 Wh battery holds. For those who are curious, 2100 mAh is equivalent to 7560 Coulombs of charge. Unsurprisingly, this is the same amount of charge that a 3.8V, 7.98 Wh battery holds. Well this is interesting. It would seem Samsung wants us to "refer to [the] manual before using [the] battery?" Yeah, like that's gonna happen... Well this is interesting. It would seem Samsung wants us to "refer to [the] manual before using [the] battery?" Yeah, like that's gonna happen... http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PjTEOtWDMQrF4FXu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cA1yh3jyHZmAjOGF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PsIArPVgxYnKSpRC Internals time. The <a href="/Tools/Spudger/IF145-002?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if145-002&utm_content=product_link">spudger</a> takes care of the first two plastic assemblies. Internals time. The [product|IF145-002|spudger] takes care of the first two plastic assemblies. The first piece out is the rear plastic frame that protects the motherboard and houses a single liquid indicator sticker. The first piece out is the rear plastic frame that protects the motherboard and houses a single liquid indicator sticker. Should your Galaxy S III ever take a swim, be sure to stick it in one of iFixit's <a href="/Tools/Thirsty-Bag/IF145-163?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if145-163&utm_content=product_link">Thirsty Bags</a>. Should your Galaxy S III ever take a swim, be sure to stick it in one of iFixit's [product|IF145-163|Thirsty Bags]. Removal of the frame grants us access to an easily replaceable speaker assembly. Removal of the frame grants us access to an easily replaceable speaker assembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BoGuCMaPQliYwOAk http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/yanERE5XHTAmUB2y http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/e6UxAsnNJTTXrG5n The big question now is what we should remove first. So many components in such a small volume! The big question now is what we should remove first. So many components in such a small volume! Rear-facing camera you say? Sure, let's pry that 8 MP behemoth of a camera out from the inner framework. Rear-facing camera you say? Sure, let's pry that 8 MP behemoth of a camera out from the inner framework. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GINJTQuaSPNUw2pN http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/XlDrhqBSys6LONBI We continue by removing the motherboard from the inner framework. We continue by removing the motherboard from the inner framework. With the motherboard out of the way, we can get a good look at the inner support frame. While we suspect that the frame is probably magnesium, we do not yet have any <a href="/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+S+4G+Teardown/4977/2#s22394">concrete proof</a>. With the motherboard out of the way, we can get a good look at the inner support frame. While we suspect that the frame is probably magnesium, we do not yet have any [guide|4977|concrete proof|stepid=22394]. We find a chip that isn't attached to the motherboard: a <a href="http://melfas.en.ec21.com/" rel="nofollow">Melfas 8PL533</a> Touch Sensor that translates your touch inputs into zeroes and ones. We find a chip that isn't attached to the motherboard: a [http://melfas.en.ec21.com/|Melfas 8PL533] Touch Sensor that translates your touch inputs into zeroes and ones. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PQinrlrkqrr1esWL http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/oQ4CSv3hvhsgVXSC Let's talk tools for a minute. Let's talk tools for a minute. We don't just make awesome teardowns—we sell <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Parts-Store">parts</a>. And <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Tools">tools</a>! Lots and lots of tools. We don't just make awesome teardowns—'''we sell [http://www.ifixit.com/Parts-Store|parts]. And [http://www.ifixit.com/Tools|tools]! Lots and lots of tools.''' Like this <a href="/Tools/Pro-Tech-Toolkit/IF145-072?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if145-072&utm_content=product_link">handy-dandy electronics tool kit</a> that we used to take apart the new iPad. You know you want one. It'll pay for itself the first time you use it! Like this [product|IF145-072|handy-dandy electronics tool kit] that we used to take apart the new iPad. You know you want one. It'll pay for itself the first time you use it! We sell <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Mac-Parts">Mac parts & upgrades</a>, parts for <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/iPhone-Parts">iPhone screen repair</a>, kits for fixing the infamous <a href="/Game-Console-Parts/Xbox-360-Red-Ring-of-Death-Fix-Kit/IF205-024?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if205-024&utm_content=product_link">Xbox Red Ring of Death</a>, and tons more. We sell [http://www.ifixit.com/Mac-Parts|Mac parts & upgrades], parts for [http://www.ifixit.com/iPhone-Parts|iPhone screen repair], kits for fixing the infamous [product|IF205-024|Xbox Red Ring of Death], and tons more. We need your support to continue building the <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Guide">free repair manual</a> for everything in the world. '''We need your support''' to continue building the '''[http://www.ifixit.com/Guide|free repair manual]''' for everything in the world. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/A4fUTvEbpEPAAyiZ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cR4R6DWRdborimF6 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qUsibyhaVQPKXFQb Chipworks eagerly provided us with pictures of the motherboard less than an hour into the teardown! Here is the front of the motherboard: Chipworks eagerly provided us with pictures of the motherboard less than an hour into the teardown! Here is the front of the motherboard: Murata <a href="http://www.murata-ws.com/wi-fi.htm" rel="nofollow">M2322007</a> WiFi Module Murata [link|http://www.murata-ws.com/wi-fi.htm|M2322007] WiFi Module Samsung <a href="http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=cpu&id=a4412&c=samsung_exynos_4412" rel="nofollow">Exynos 4412</a> quad-core A9 processor with <a href="https://chipworks.secure.force.com/catalog/ProductDetails?sku=SAM-K3PE7E700M-XGC1&viewState=DetailView&cartID=&g=&parentCategory=&navigationStr=CatalogSearchInc&searchText=circuit" rel="nofollow">1 GB LP DDR2 Green Memory</a> (K3PE7E700M-XGC2) Samsung [link|http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=cpu&id=a4412&c=samsung_exynos_4412|Exynos 4412] quad-core A9 processor with [https://chipworks.secure.force.com/catalog/ProductDetails?sku=SAM-K3PE7E700M-XGC1&viewState=DetailView&cartID=&g=&parentCategory=&navigationStr=CatalogSearchInc&searchText=circuit|1 GB LP DDR2 Green Memory] (K3PE7E700M-XGC2) Samsung <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/mcp/detail?productId=7632&iaId=860" rel="nofollow">KMVTU000LM</a> eMMC(16GB)+MDDR(64MB) NAND Flash Samsung [link|http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/mcp/detail?productId=7632&iaId=860|KMVTU000LM] eMMC(16GB)+MDDR(64MB) NAND Flash Intel Wireless PMB9811X Gold Baseband processor Intel Wireless PMB9811X Gold Baseband processor MAX77693 and MAX77686 MAX77693 and MAX77686 Broadcom <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/GPS/GPS-Silicon-Solutions/BCM47511" rel="nofollow">BCM47511</a> Integrated Monolithic GNSS Receiver Broadcom [link|http://www.broadcom.com/products/GPS/GPS-Silicon-Solutions/BCM47511|BCM47511] Integrated Monolithic GNSS Receiver 33ODC 2214 4TP AC 33ODC 2214 4TP AC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qneCB1ZDEXXKkcum Bottom of motherboard: Bottom of motherboard: <a href="http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/products/audio_hubs/WM1811/" rel="nofollow">Wolfson Microelectronics WM1811</a> stereo codec [http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/products/audio_hubs/WM1811/|Wolfson Microelectronics WM1811] stereo codec <a href="http://www.skyworksinc.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=720" rel="nofollow">Skyworks SKY77604</a> Multi-Band Power amplifier [http://www.skyworksinc.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=720|Skyworks SKY77604] Multi-Band Power amplifier <a href="http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?pid=169" rel="nofollow">Silicon Image 9244</a> low-power MHL Transmitter [http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?pid=169|Silicon Image 9244] low-power MHL Transmitter NXP PN544 NFC Chip. NXP PN544 NFC Chip. Infineon <a href="https://chipworks.secure.force.com/catalog/ProductDetails?sku=INF-PMB5712&viewState=DetailView&cartID=&g=" rel="nofollow">PMB5712</a> RF transceiver Infineon [link|https://chipworks.secure.force.com/catalog/ProductDetails?sku=INF-PMB5712&viewState=DetailView&cartID=&g=|PMB5712] RF transceiver http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/iSxZ1SQMJAKAnXZo The glass is fused to the display, and the display to the Galaxy S III's frame. The glass is fused to the display, and the display to the Galaxy S III's frame. This will greatly increase the amount of money one has to spend when replacing the glass, should one be unfortunate enough to break it. This will greatly increase the amount of money one has to spend when replacing the glass, should one be unfortunate enough to break it. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GsJ5wwxKE2AO1OKO Some more shots of that saucy camera, including a Chipworks x-ray! Some more shots of that saucy camera, including a Chipworks x-ray! Chipworks <a href="http://www.chipworks.com/en/technical-competitive-analysis/resources/recent-teardowns/2012/06/inside-the-samsung-galaxy-siii/" rel="nofollow">report</a> that the camera has a Sony BSI sensor. Contrary to earlier reports, their initial inspection suggests it is a new sensor, and not the same one used in the <a href="/Teardown/iPhone+4S+Teardown/6610/1">iPhone 4S</a>. The bond pad arrangement is not the same as the IMX145 found in the iPhone 4S nor is it the same as the IMX105 found in previous Samsung phones. Chipworks [http://www.chipworks.com/en/technical-competitive-analysis/resources/recent-teardowns/2012/06/inside-the-samsung-galaxy-siii/|report] that the camera has a Sony BSI sensor. Contrary to earlier reports, their initial inspection suggests it is a new sensor, and not the same one used in the [guide|6610|iPhone 4S]. The bond pad arrangement is not the same as the IMX145 found in the iPhone 4S nor is it the same as the IMX105 found in previous Samsung phones. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/DVlGToAvNNlIA4qD http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dwRHlfUcHjakGsZl http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dQMaLOU4UBLtTPn3 Update: This teardown was conducted solely via Interweb, requiring us to defer judgment on a repairability score. Now that we've <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III">worked on it ourselves</a>, we can assign it a fair score: '''Update:''' This teardown was conducted solely via Interweb, requiring us to defer judgment on a repairability score. Now that we've [http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III|worked on it ourselves], we can assign it a fair score: Samsung Galaxy SIII Repairability Score: 8 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair) Samsung Galaxy SIII Repairability Score: '''8 out of 10''' (10 is easiest to repair) The battery can be replaced without any tools. The battery can be replaced without any tools. Very easy to open and access internal components. Very easy to open and access internal components. There are only 12 screws in the entire device, all standard Phillips #0 (no proprietary or security sizes). There are only 12 screws in the entire device, all standard Phillips #0 (no proprietary or security sizes). Smaller components (antennas, vibrator, light sensor) are modular and can be replaced individually, but are adhered to the front panel. Smaller components (antennas, vibrator, light sensor) are modular and can be replaced individually, but are adhered to the front panel. The glass is fused to both the display and the display frame, increasing repair costs. The glass is fused to both the display and the display frame, increasing repair costs. You'll have to go through the entire phone in order to replace the front panel, since everything is built into the back of it. You'll have to go through the entire phone in order to replace the front panel, since everything is built into the back of it. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1SQebaiGYiIxhlQ1 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NqkoQIWZ3T3Pl6GY

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.