Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Teardown Highlights Easier Battery Replacement

The Google Pixel 10 series made headlines when it was officially introduced last month, bringing four distinct models: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the ambitious Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Sales began toward the end of August, and early adopters have already started digging deeper into what makes these phones tick.

Among the most intriguing discoveries so far is the teardown of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which sheds light on Google’s evolving approach to device repairability and design.

The teardown, performed by Zack from the well-known YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, provides a close-up look at the internal structure of the Pro XL. His video reveals not just the placement of components, but also how Google has shifted its philosophy regarding accessibility for repairs. Compared to previous Pixel generations, the 10 Pro XL appears noticeably easier to work on. The highlight is undoubtedly the battery: for years, replacing a Pixel battery required a frustrating process involving adhesive strips and stubborn glue. This time, the teardown demonstrates that the battery can be removed and replaced with far less hassle, a welcome step forward for long-term usability and sustainability.

Interestingly, not all experts are as enthusiastic as Zack. iFixit, the well-known repair advocacy group, has acknowledged improvements but suggested that the overall design still falls short of being revolutionary. While the easier battery replacement deserves praise, other components are less straightforward. For example, accessing anything besides the screen requires opening the device from the back panel. On the other hand, replacing the display itself is relatively simple since it is connected by just a single cable and can be serviced from the front without disturbing the rest of the internals.

Beyond the repairability debate, the Pixel 10 Pro XL remains an impressive device in its own right, boasting 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 512GB. Its pricing reflects its flagship status, with European and UK prices positioning it directly against competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. Google’s decision to make its hardware more user-serviceable could prove to be a differentiator in the long run, particularly as consumers increasingly value devices they can maintain rather than replace every two years.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup also attracts attention. The base Pixel 10 offers a more affordable gateway into the series, while the Pixel 10 Pro provides a powerful but slightly more compact alternative to the XL. Then there’s the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Google’s most daring entry yet into the foldable market, with pricing to match its cutting-edge form factor. All of these models share Google’s latest AI-driven features, enhanced camera systems, and the promise of longer software support, making the entire family a strong contender in today’s crowded smartphone market.

For now, the Pixel 10 Pro XL teardown highlights both the progress Google has made and the road still ahead. Easier battery replacements mark a crucial win, but true repair-friendly design requires continued refinement. Still, for anyone considering a Pixel 10 purchase, this teardown offers reassurance: at least one of the most common repair tasks is now far less intimidating than it used to be.