Google Pixel 3 XL teardown reveals Samsung screen, tons of glue

Now that the Pixel 3 XL is out in the open, it was just a matter of time until someone disassembled it. 

The first to do so is the trusty iFixit, and while digging through the Pixel 3 XL’s innards didn’t result in any groundbreaking discoveries, there are still a few interesting changes compared to the last generation of Pixel phones. 

First of those is the fact that Google has used a Samsung-made AMOLED screen in the new Pixel 3 XL. The company used LG-made screens in previous Pixels, and while both companies produce fine OLED screens, Samsung screens do tend to be a little better. Note that it’s quite possible that Google is sourcing OLED screens from both companies. 

Another interesting detail is that Google has been using a lot of glue in the Pixel 3 XL, which probably makes it more waterproof — the phone is rated at IP68, which is top of the class right now. But on the other hand, this makes it much harder to open. 

The all-glass back of the phone can be cracked quite easily, too, earning the Pixel 3 XL a pretty low repairability score of 4/10. 

What else? Well, the battery’s just a smidgen smaller than the one in the Pixel 2 XL, and the battery is replaceable — if you’re really, really careful. 

Check out the full teardown here.