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Video Overview

This teardown is not a repair guide. To repair your Google Pixel 2 XL, use our service manual.

  1. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown, Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • A quick overview of the high-end tech Google's hardware team squeezed into this phone:

    • 6" Plastic OLED (POLED) display with QHD+ 1440 x 2880 resolution (538 ppi) and 3D Gorilla Glass 5

    • Octa-core, 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor (2.35 GHz + 1.9 GHz) with 4 GB LPDDR4x RAM

    • 12.2 MP, f/1.8 main camera with dual pixel phase detection autofocus and laser detection autofocus; 8 MP selfie camera

    • 64 GB or 128 GB built-in storage

    • Pixel Imprint back-mounted fingerprint sensor

    • IP67 water and dust resistant

    • Android 8.0 Oreo

  2. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Our friends from Creative Electron drove all the way up from San Marcos, CA to provide us with some X-ray intelligence.

    • These two rows of super-dense rectangles look like they're in the right spot to be the squeeze sensors. Our magnet is attracted to them through the case, but they are not magnets. We'll have to peel them out to learn their secrets.

    • Looks like the vibration motor is (again) a linear oscillator.

    • Despite being completely invisible to the naked eye, the Pixel 2 XL does sport antenna bands—those light spots around the perimeter of the rear case.

    • Even with our X-ray vision, we are not seeing a headphone jack...

  3. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 3, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 3, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Google urges the world to “ask more of your phone," although it's hard to ask for a whole lot more than the styling from an iPhone 7 Plus.

    • However, we can ask for a bit more from the Pixel 2 XL than the standard Pixel 2. The XL gets less bezel and more screen for a sleeker overall design.

    • Compared to the standard 2D screen on the standard Pixel 2, the XL screen gives users a whole ‘nother half dimension!

    “styling from an iPhone 7 Plus” Really? I don’t see anything similar, other than the size and color.

    j_noodles - Reply

    I agree. That was certainly a dumb remark. I'm sure they'd have the same silhouette, but the back design is different, fingerprint location is different, an entirely different camera setup, the volume rockers are on opposite sides, and let's not forget the glass panel. They feel entirely different in the hand too. Now if they turned them around, the front firing speakers and small bezels would be even more of a tremendous difference.

    Sean Van de Riet -

    Erm. Could you comment on the 2.5 D aspect a bit more than just linking to Wikipedia? I am confused.

    Hans - Reply

  4. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Waterproofing a smartphone means sealing up all of the ingress points. We find our first evidence of Google's efforts in a gasket on the SIM tray.

    • Not that this phone needs a physical SIM card.

    • In a departure from standard smartphone opening procedure, we leave the iOpener behind today. The Pixel 2 employs a foam tape that can be separated without applying heat.

    • Inside we find long cables—a welcome respite from some treacherous openings with past smartphones.

    • An ams chip, likely a TMD4903 color sensor module, is found in the center of the back cover.

    Do not open it from the SIM tray slot. Its the wrong side. You will damage your flexcables.

    Georg jocher - Reply

  5. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 5, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Metal Spudger
    $2.99
    Buy
    • We'll have to untether the display before going any further. Its two cables are secured by plastic plugs in the midframe, and they only come out with some encouragement from a hefty pry tool.

    • Just like in the original Pixel XL, a magnesium midframe separates the display from the innards, and provides a solid backing behind the display for when you're candy crushing it.

    • Piggybacking onto that midframe, we find a brand new heat pipe! Looks like this phone might just run a bit hotter than its previous incarnation.

    Heat pipe touches with heat-sink through black plastic tape, that’s probably quite a bit of thermal insulation…

    Anton Kovalenko - Reply

  6. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Last year, the HTC-built Pixel XL showed us a novel way to remove an adhered battery—a perforated outer label let you pull the battery out of its shell, then easily peel off the rest of the label.

    • This year, it seems LG's industrial design doesn't include any provisions for easily removing the battery. (RIP, ye olde LG.)

    • This battery holds 13.6 Wh (3520 mAh at 3.85 V), slightly more than last year's 13.28 Wh.

    • That's roughly on-par with the 13.48 Wh power pack in Samsung's Galaxy S8+, and considerably more than the 10.28 Wh the iPhone 8 Plus manages to get away with.

  7. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 7, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • We peel back some copper tape to unleash the XL's beast of a main camera.

    • Although the megapixel count on this camera is close to last year's, the similarities between the sensors end there.

    • This year Google switched to a dual-pixel sensor, added optical image stabilization, and opened the aperture up to f/1.8 from last year's f/2.0.

    • Also there's a new Google Lens? Oh, oh it's not—okay, not a physical lens, gotcha.

    What`s the exact model of rear CMOS?

    Jeff Yang - Reply

    What`s the exact model of sensor in rear-facing camera? Still from Sony?

    Jeff Yang - Reply

  8. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 8, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 8, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • The front sensor array gets unplugged, but stays in the phone for now—we have bigger fish to fry.

    • Along with a few other connectors, that's all that's holding this motherboard in— seems like those midframe screws were the only fasteners!

    • The motherboard is out! But we have one minor barnacle to remove.

    • The 8 MP front-facing camera pops free readily, and can rest easy, knowing it's a full megapixel better than the latest iPhone offerings.

  9. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 9, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 9, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • From sand to silicon—with all the chips on this board, it's a mini Sahara. Let's name a few of them!

    • Samsung K3UH5H50MM-NGCJ 4 GB LPDDR4 mobile DRAM, layered over a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

    • Samsung KLUCG4J1ED-B0C1 64 GB Universal Flash Storage

    • Avago AFEM-9046 front end module

    • Qorvo QM78035 (possibly RF Fusion module?) probably RF amplifier

    • Skyworks 7360-2A 1716 HX

    • NXP 81A04 (PN81A) 39 04 sSD730 (likely NFC controller) and Murata SS7715005 (Wifi/Bluetooth module?)

    • Last but certainly not least, we have Google's very first in-house, custom-designed SoC, the Pixel Visual Core, labeled SR3HX X726C502. Currently lying dormant, the Pixel Visual Core will be enabled with Android 8.1.

    What's the wifi chip module?

    xu chaojie - Reply

    pixel visual core is real innovation and makes the way for AI in modern smartphone camera but they should improve the camera sensor

    Ved Sharma - Reply

  10. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 10, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Elsewhere beneath the crust, we dig up:

    • ST Microelectronics ST33G1M2 32 bit MCU with ARM SecurCore SC300

    • This is the same embedded SIM (eSIM) that we found in the Apple Watch Series 3.

    • Qualcomm WTR5975 Gigabit LTE RF transceiver

    • Qualcomm PM8998 power management IC

    • Qualcomm PMI8998 power management

    • Qualcomm SMB1381 Quick Charge 4 IC

    • Texas Instruments TAS2557 class-D mono audio amplifier

    Will it be possible to enable Quickcharge 4 on the Pixel 2?

    Santiago Leiras - Reply

  11. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 11, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • IC Identification, pt. 2:

    • Qualcomm QET4100 envelope tracker

    • Qualcomm WCDxxxx audio codec

    • Maxim Integrated MAX11259 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter

    • Texas Instruments DRV2624 haptic driver

    • ON Semiconductor NL3HS2222 USB 2.0 DPDT switch

    • ON Semiconductor FSUSB74 USB 2.0 switch (likely)

    • Texas Instruments backlight driver (likely)

  12. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 12, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • IC Identifications, pt. 3 (sensors):

    • STMicroelectronics VL53L0X time-of-flight/ranging/gesture detection

    • STMicroelectronics LSM6DSM 3-axis accelerometer/gyroscope

    • Bosch Sensortec BMP280 pressure sensor

    • AKM Semiconductor AK8789 hall effect sensor

  13. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 13, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 13, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • With the meat of the Pixel pulled out, we just have a few case peripherals to attend to.

    • The volume/power button switches live on a single cable backed by a plastic frame.

    • The speaker assembly comes out next, giving us our first good look at the... squeezy sensor.

    • Based on the way the technology is implemented, we're expecting something similar to Apple's Force Touch trackpad. Let's get this sensor out of the case and see if we can make any sense out of it.

  14. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 14, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 14, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Here it is, the secret to the squeeze—half of the pair of sensors responsible for detecting when you squeeze the edge of your Pixel 2 XL.

    • The sensor consists of a flexible printed circuit board wrapped around both sides of a line of steel chunks, with strain gauges bridging the gaps between the metal bits.

    • Strain gauges are deformation-sensitive resistors, that slightly change their resistance when stretched or squished.

    • Having two rows of strain gauges separated by spacers should give this sensor higher resolution than a single strip of gauges would, allowing it to detect even the slightest of deflections.

    • As you squeeze, the outer row of gauges should be shortened, while the inner row is lengthened. This gives the Pixel software a larger absolute deflection to detect and measure to trigger the feature.

    kann der active squeeze Funktion durch das Austauschen des Backcovers verloren gehen? Und wo kann ich diesen Flexband kaufen?

    Ketsara Srithamma - Reply

  15. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 15, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 15, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Some dainty halberd-spudgering grants us a look at the USB-C port assembly.

    • Points to Google for putting the USB-C port on its own board. This is a high-wear item, and soldering it directly to the motherboard would make for difficult (and costly) repairs.

    • Plus, in the absence of a headphone jack, we can expect double the stress on this port, as you'll be using it for media and charging.

    • This year's fingerprint sensor brings a much cleaner cable job, making this sensor removal a snap. (Get it? 'Cause fingers.)

    • AKM Semiconductor AK09915C 3-axis electronic compass

  16. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 16, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 16, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • While the display glass was held down with some easy-to-slice foam adhesive, the rear glass is a different story.

    • We're happy to see that Google still hasn't given in to the full glass back trend. This little bit of glass seems to bridge the gap between durability and antenna transmissivity.

    • We suspect this thick pad of sticky adhesive is here as a shock absorber to protect the glass from falls. Whatever the reason, we had to bring plenty of heat to extract it.

    • This little antenna-laced cover pops off to reveal the front sensor cable, accessible only from the back after removing the glass.

    • Two Knowles MEMS microphones are found on the flex cable attached to the back of the phone

    Anyone know where to get this part? The back glass is turning out to be quite difficult to locate. So far the closest thing I can find is the entire back cover of the phone.

    Austin - Reply

    Could the back glass be removed first? Without removing anything else?

    Jason Jerez - Reply

    What does the plastic antenna module do exactly. What would happen with out it on.

    Jonas DuBois - Reply

    Yes, the back glass can be removed without removing the screen.

    zach leuty - Reply

  17. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Lastly, we free two more components that live trapped beneath the glued-down glass back.

    • The earpiece speaker and NFC antenna both come out, but only after applying some more heat—each is solidly adhered in place.

  18. Google Pixel 2 XL Teardown: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Broken down to its pixels parts, this Pixel 2 XL is lookin' pretty cool!

  19. Final Thoughts
    • Many components are modular and can be replaced once the display assembly is removed.
    • All of the screws are common Phillips #00 screws, and there are only 9 of them.
    • The display is still thin and poorly supported, especially around the grilles, but foam adhesive makes the opening process easier.
    • The battery's loss of pull-tab adhesive, plus tightly walled-in placement, makes it much harder to remove.
    • The stubborn midframe and tight-fitting display cable covers make for more labor-intensive repairs.
    Repairability Score
    6
    Repairability 6 out of 10
    (10 is easiest to repair)

36 Comments

Great work, so quick! What can you tell about the Pixel Core chip? which was the surprise revelation from google. Does it look similar to other neural chips from iphone or huawei mate 10 pro?

Muthukumaran N M - Reply

Do you know what camera sensor is used in the 2 XL? Rumours have it as the same base sensor as the LG.

Jon - Reply

Like to see the new Google SoC. Suppose to do 3 trillion operations a second so would like to how big. Does not appear you listed?

Edit: Woops! I see in step 9. Thanks!

Jack Smith - Reply

Well… is this or is this not the same display that was in the V30? I could be wrong, but it seems pretty obvious to me in spite of the disagreements that people are having about it.

Ben Kalziqi - Reply

Maybe the same OLED unit, but the front glass is clearly not the same. Also the cables are way different.

iliketurtuls -

I think it is the same one. I’m a pixel 2 xl user and it has the exact same issue.

(Someone in China said it is the same panel, I went to the Chinese Reddit, most of them canceled their order just because of the poor display)

I’m still wondering is it better to get a sony xz premium.

Gefei SHEN -

Great work! Do you also know the chip on their USB-C to 3.5mm audio connector? The iPhone ones and HTC ones both use Cirrus Logic CS42L42 and I am interested if the Google ones is the same or not.

k yuu - Reply

The system uses Qualcomm platform inside. The audio codec is from Qualcomm, Qualcomm WCD9340. Refer to step 10, the chip is next to STM MCU.

JJ Wu -

I am referring the dac in the usb-c to 3.5mm converter if Google uses another codec inside. HTC U11 also has Snapdragon 835’s audio codec built in but they used CS42L42 on their converter.

k yuu -

According to https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB-C (search for Analog Audio Out & Microphone section) there should be no need for a dac in the adapter, it's designed to be passive as analog audio may be carried over some usb pins.

So it makes total sense for the dac to be in the phone rather than every cable/adapter. Despite whatever else apple may be doing :)

David Mirabito -

Wowazers goood jiob

Connor Elsegood - Reply

Does it still have cloth fabric for the speaker grill? I think the old Pixel 2016 used cloth fabric.

Sqrbox Gopher - Reply

Do you know who is behind the screen’s display driver?

Mark - Reply

I am curious to see a teardown of the HTC-manufactured Pixel 2. Are you guys expecting a different score there? It should have the same ingredients, as far as Google said so far - except the battery. It would be really interesting to see if that’s the case!

Hans - Reply

Wondering if they’re using external sensor hub still? Using ST motion sensor?

Tommy Chang - Reply

So how do you think these are assembled? Entirely by robots, or do they use Chinese manual labor? Or a combination? I would love to watch that process.

Donald French - Reply

Can you please also tear down the Google Home Mini? It’s now on sale. Also, please murder an Amazon Echo Pro. Thanks!

iFixit=42+awesome^2

Ethan Zuo - Reply

This Google Pixel 2 tear down video named Google Pixel 2 reassemble is better.

Mandy - Reply

hello. do you know if the phone is still waterproof after the back glass has been crcked?

JORGE BOURS - Reply

After putting the phone back together does it require your google password to use the phone again?

Kristen Paulus - Reply

Good teardown! Got a question, what inside the mic hold at the top of the phone? I accidentally put the sim tool in the mic hole but I didnt feel any resistance and didn’t push hard. Would there be waterproofing that may have ripped?

the_cool - Reply

I did the same thing. Is there any weather stripping in that hole or a dust/wind shield we may have damaged? Felt like pure metal.

Partho Ghosh -

Hello I just broke the glass lens. How can I change it? Thx a lot

Fernandez aurelien - Reply

Dear Team, I leave in India Mumbai. I require the back panel for the GOOGLE PIXEL 2 XL. Where can i get it from. I did try googling it but only came across the fake ones. Please help.

Regards.

Rajgopal.naidu.rn@gmail.com

Rajgopal Naidu - Reply

You did not show the snapdragon 835 chip.

Cheng Liao - Reply

“Samsung K3UH5H5 4 GB LPDDR4 mobile DRAM, layered overQualcomm Snapdragon 835 it’s not easily show-able! ;)

Sam Goldheart -

Hello! Is clear than to remove the back glass is enough a head gun.

But how to remove the camera and the flash lenses from the glass? How do them are attached?

It’s a keypoint to replace a broke glass.

Thanks

Mattiars - Reply

The 2 XL should work like the previous gen phones, heat the back to remove the glass panel, the lens covers will likely be stuck to the glass, or to the rear case itself, and will be glued in place.

Sam Goldheart -

Thanks Sam for the answer! In your opinion is possible to replace the back glass just ordering only the glass, using the old camera and flash lenses?

Mattiars -

If the price isn’t too much more including lenses, it would be easier to maintain alignment and adhesion. If you get one without, you’ll probably need some new adhesive to hold the lenses into the new glass. So if it comes with that, or you can find some, then you can just get the glass itself, just be careful in your placement. Good luck!

Sam Goldheart -

hey guys if anyone can help me with assembling procedure of the smart phones, because we are planning to training for smartphone assembly so please if anyone drop me a mail….. thank you

yashwanth gowda - Reply

Hi there, i have a Pixel2 part description called - “Pixel 2 128GB (Vanta Black)_FBU” which costed me around 8K.

Could anyone please educate me what FBU stands for and what is it?

kavia94aravind - Reply

bantu saya, speaker saya di bawah google pixel 2 xl tidak bekerja, bagaimana memperbaikinya

Arya Subekti - Reply

can anyone describe the ti 75aqjh1 2557

after changing the charging ic on the board the touch is not working

LLE - Reply

En mi Google pixel 2 xl tampoco funciona ese integrado ,supongo que trabaja en conjunto con el ic de audio dado que no me funciona ni el audio ni el micrófono ,en que otro Smartphone se puede encontrar el (TI 75AQJH1 2557)?

Daniel González -

Any tips for changing the cracked gorilla glass?

Marcia Bruns - Reply

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