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JRE Pixel Fold teardown shows Google cutting corners all over the place
Sacrifices were made to make this foldable as thin as possible
Smartphones were already expensive, fragile devices before foldables even entered the scene. As impressive as this new hardware looks, we're understandably nervous about how well each of these devices is built, and want to be sure it all will hold up to long-term use. Google introduced its first foldable, the Pixel Fold, a few weeks back. Unfortunately, reviews found it leaving a bit to be desired, and now a new teardown of the phone reveals just how far Google seems to have cut corners.
JerryRigEverything's Google Pixel 7 Pro teardown shows why it snapped in his last video
Structural changes leave the phone weaker, but repairable
We recently saw the Pixel 7 Pro put through the wringer by YouTuber Zack Nelson on his channel, JerryRigEverything. The phone survived, but just barely. Eager to pinpoint the likely reason for the phone breaking, Nelson used his trusty razor blade and a few other tools to take a look under the Pixel 7 Pro’s hood.
Pixel 7 Pro teardown shows Google still cares very little about repairability
It's as repairable as a Pixel 6 Pro, which isn't saying much
Google has finally launched the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. It's carrying a lot of internal upgrades such as the new Tensor G2 SoC, and, in the case of the Pixel 7 Pro, a new, improved zoom imaging system. It's almost sure to earn a spot in everyone's shortlist of the best Android phones. But if you wanted to have a closer look at the inside workings of the phone before it reaches your hands, you can, thanks to a new teardown video. But spoiler alert: if you're expecting it to be easier to repair than its predecessor, you're going to be sorely disappointed.
Nothing Phone 1 teardown reveals the underwhelming secrets of the Glyph interface
Adhesive aesthetics rule the day here
The Nothing Phone 1 has generally been something of a darling in the smartphone space this year. It's carved a very odd, but attractive niche out for itself and has left fanatics in America wanting. We called it an example of "premium design meets midrange everything else" in our review. But just how did the design team achieve what they did? Zack Nelson, the YouTuber behind JerryRigEverything, has decided to dive back in and do something a little different to his usual durability test.
Samsung Galaxy S22 teardown reveals it's just as easy to repair as its predecessor
Easy to take apart, but good luck prying off that battery
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S22 lineup earlier this week to widespread acclaim. Both the Galaxy S22 and S22+ look like solid base entries, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra helps satisfy the thirst for a new Note phone. When you pre-order a fancy new phone like one of these, you want to make sure it's going to last — or at least be convenient to repair if something goes wrong. Today we're checking out how the Galaxy S22 is looking in that regard, thanks to a fresh teardown video.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold3 is exactly as impossible to repair as you'd expect
Teardown reveals a whole lot of stuff going on inside
The Galaxy Z Fold3 is Samsung's latest shot at making a foldable smartphone and depending on who you ask, it's the best one to date. Not only is it equipped with the speedy Snapdragon 888 CPU, but you also get tangible improvements over its predecessor, like S Pen support and an under-screen front camera in the folding 7.6-inch display. We're really liking it so far. But of course, all of this comes at a cost: Galaxy foldables consistently come off as really hard to repair, and the Z Fold3 will be no exception, if this teardown is anything to go by.
Teardown videos can be handy when you're doing your own repairs, or even if you just want to see how something works, but they can also be pretty entertaining in a gruesome sort of way. Yesterday Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything did a teardown of the recent RedMagic 6 gaming phone, and though there was one pretty major hiccup, he was able to take the phone apart while its cooling fan was actively running — and even pull it off.
Sony WF-1000XM4 teardown: What makes the best earbuds around sound so good?
"There's something so satisfying about seeing a gadget in pieces." -Dr. Claw
Sony's long-awaited WF-1000XM4 earbuds are here, and by all accounts, they're fantastic. You know what they look like on the outside, but in the words of ethically questionable surgeons, "What about the guts?" A Chinese audiophile site has meticulously dissected the ANC earbuds and documented each and every step in beautiful detail.
Google TV Android app preps remote control interface
Looks set to replace the ageing Android TV Remote Control app
Google has completely revamped the Play Movies & TV app as Google TV, and it looks like the new app is about to get some more functionality. 9to5Google has uncovered some strings that point at the integration of an on-screen remote, seemingly replacing the aging Android TV Remote Control app last updated in 2017.
Google's Pixel Buds may soon support manual updates
No more just waiting for it to happen on its own
Google's latest Pixel Buds were pretty polarizing when they landed last year, months after their announcement. Like them or hate them, one feature has been almost universally resented: The fact that updates are an automatic process with no user control. They just kind of happen while the buds are connected, and you can't do much to speed up the process. But according to a recent teardown, manual updates may soon be possible.
Teardown reveals potential OnePlus 9 camera features
We might be looking at tilt-shift, focus peaking, moon mode, and more
When OnePlus rolled out an Android 11-based beta to the OnePlus 7 and 7T last week, it also included a new version of its Camera app, v6.4.23. While there aren't any significant user-facing changes in it just yet, XDA Developers managed to dig into the code and found a few strings and assets that point to new features for upcoming handsets — possibly the OnePlus 9 that looks to be scheduled for March.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra teardown suggests bigger is not always better for repairability
The culprits are a fussy display cable and some nasty adhesive on the battery
The Galaxy S21 got a thumbs-up in repairability with a recent teardown video. Will the S21 Ultra get similar or better marks? We've got another video from PBKreviews, the same channel that looked into the slab's smaller cohort, and the short answer is yes.
Samsung Galaxy S21 teardown shows a surprisingly easy-to-repair interior
If only manufacturers could use less adhesive
Samsung just released the Galaxy S21 last week, and now, the first teardown video is already available for you to gaze at. It comes courtesy of YouTube channel PBKreviews and features a complete disassembly and reassembly of the regular S21, complete with the first repairability assessment. Spoiler alert: It looks like many parts could be pretty easily replaceable, except for the battery.
Google Phone could soon record all calls from unknown numbers
A toggle will let you turn this option on
The Google Phone app that comes preinstalled on Pixels and some other smartphones is a true boon for people constantly bothered by robocalls as it's capable of blocking them automatically. But the company has expanded its calling app with other features as well: It recently added call recording, rolling out to select phones and regions since the beginning of 2020. It looks like the developers are now working on automatic recordings if you receive calls from unknown numbers not in your contacts.
Google is working on bringing COVID-19 contact tracing to smartwatches
For those who don't always have smartphones on them
Wear OS may feel dead in the water and might only be receiving a minimum of feature additions, but it remains a widely used platform nonetheless. And it looks like the company isn't completely done with wearables. Following the Bluetooth SIG decision to expand the standard's specifications to enable contact tracing on Bluetooth Low Energy devices like wearables, Google already appears to be working on adding COVID-19 exposure tracing to its platform.
Pixel 5 rises from the dead after withstanding torturous teardown video trials
1000° heat is mere child's play for the Pixel 5
Read update
Google may have gone wild with bio-resin on the Pixel 5, but does that make it any less sturdy? JerryRigEverything's newest teardown videos put Google's latest flagship up against formidable foes like a cup of acetone and a powerful heat gun — and although the phone does die by the end of the first video, it makes a surprising comeback in the second.
Digital Wellbeing might soon help with physical wellbeing when you text while walking
Optional 'Heads up!' prompts incoming
Google's Digital Wellbeing mostly focuses on helping people get a healthier relationship with their phones, warning them when they're staring on their screen for too long or subtly hinting when it's time to wind down for the night. It looks like Google might soon expand that to ensure your physical wellbeing, too. XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman discovered that the company is working on a feature that warns you to stop using your phone while you're walking.
Android Auto prepares to let users change their homescreen wallpaper
Full speed ahead on the road to customization
Android may be all about customization, but Android Auto hasn't allowed much room for self-expression since its launch. That looks to be changing soon, as a recent teardown of the Android Auto app indicates that users might soon be able to choose from a selection of wallpapers to take homescreen theming to the next level.
Pixel 5 teardown video reveals inner workings for all to see
Vibrating speakers, 5G antennas, and plenty of adhesive
The Pixel 5 is Google's newest flagship, and even though it might be a downgrade in certain areas, it's hard to find fault when it delivers on the essentials like battery life and camera quality. The phone has only been available in the US for less than a week now, but a teardown video has already hit YouTube, revealing some interesting details about its inner workings.
Shatter-resistant smartphone glass may finally be here
Note20 Ultra drop tests show Gorilla Glass Victus is serious business
There have been several iterations of Corning Gorilla Glass in the past years, and Gorilla Glass Victus is the latest to hit the market. Not much has changed between Gorilla Glass iterations in the past few years, so we didn't expect a whole lot new from Victus, but PhoneBuff's Galaxy Note20 Ultra drop tests have proven Victus to be surprisingly sturdy.