Google Pixel 3a Teardown Confirms Its Repair-Friendly Design

If you're looking for the best-looking smartphones in the market, Google's Pixel phones might not make it to the top of the list. Especially the Pixel 3a, which feels and looks like a blast from the past with its polycarbonate body. But looks can be deceiving, as reviews and durability tests of Google's most affordable Pixel phone proved just as capable as its more expensive predecessors. Now it proves it might even do one better by being easier and cheaper to repair.

JerryRigEverything took the Pixel 3a through his usual durability test and, save for a brief tense moment, the phone survived the torture. Of course, the plastic back was easy prey to Nelson's art but, other than that and the lack of water resistance rating, the Pixel 3a proved to be one durable phone.

Next up was the teardown and the Pixel 3a continued to impress. The entry point to the phone was the screen, which required taking great care. But once that part was over, it was simple enough to remove the screen and its single cable. In other words, replacing the screen wouldn't be that expensive or difficult.

The rest of the phone proved to be very modular and even the battery was easy enough to remove. Provided you don't break the pull tabs while doing so. The usual care when disconnecting pretty thin cables applies.

iFixit gave the Pixel 3a a 6 out of 10 when it comes to repairability and JerryRigEverything's independent teardown pretty much confirms how relatively easy it is. At a time when expensive and hard to repair phones are the norm, the Pixel 3a may offer a breath of fresh air, with some caveats, of course.