Tag: smartwatch repair

  • Google Pixel Watch 4 Teardown: Easy Battery and Display Replacement

    Google Pixel Watch 4 Teardown: Easy Battery and Display Replacement

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Google Pixel Watch 4 has a revamped design with a curved OLED screen and simpler casing.
    2. Accessing internal components requires unscrewing just two T2 screws located under the band pocket.
    3. The display can be removed in about 13 minutes, making it user-friendly for repairs.
    4. The smartwatch features a waterproof design but only meets the IP68 standard, limiting swimming use.
    5. The Pixel Watch 4 is easier to repair compared to both the Apple Watch and the Galaxy Watch Ultra.


    The Google Pixel Watch 4 may seem very much like the Pixel Watch 3 at first sight, but Google has totally revamped its design. They’ve changed the casing, including a curved OLED screen and a metal frame that’s simpler to open. Although the smartwatch won’t be available until October 9, Wired has already dissected it.

    Easy Access to Components

    To get inside, you just need to unscrew two T2 screws that are tucked away under the band pocket. After that, the back can be taken off, allowing access to various parts, including sensors, the vibration motor, and the battery. If you want to swap out the battery, you only need to take out the vibration motor and then unscrew two more T2 screws that hold the battery securely.

    Quick Display Removal

    After the battery is out, you can take off the display by unplugging the appropriate cable from the motherboard and taking out four screws. Wired reported that removing the screen took only 13 minutes during their teardown, making it fairly straightforward for users with limited repair skills to change the Pixel Watch 4’s display without too much trouble.

    Waterproof Design

    A silicone ring surrounds the display to help keep the smartwatch watertight even after you change the screen. However, it only meets the IP68 standard, which means you can’t wear the watch while swimming. The teardown results indicate that the Pixel Watch 4 is significantly easier to fix compared to the Apple Watch, and it’s even a bit simpler than the “repairable” Galaxy Watch Ultra.

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  • iFixit Teardown Reveals Apple Watch Series 10 Lacks Upgrades

    iFixit Teardown Reveals Apple Watch Series 10 Lacks Upgrades

    The Apple Watch Series 10 features a case that is a bit larger and thinner compared to the Series 9. Nevertheless, the modifications in design and functionalities are rather minor, and the overall construction of the smartwatch remains almost the same as its earlier version.

    Inside the Smartwatch

    To access the internal components of the smartwatch, one must first remove the display from the case. The screen is secured using a substantial amount of adhesive. Once you take off the display, it becomes impossible to put it back on; the display cable is arranged in a manner that requires almost complete disassembly of the smartwatch to swap the screen out.

    Battery and Other Components

    Fortunately, the battery and the Taptic Engine can be swapped out fairly easily once the case is opened. However, the mainboard, which includes the processor, RAM, and storage, must be replaced as a single unit, similar to the glass back and all sensors present in the smartwatch. It’s almost funny how little has changed between the teardown of the Apple Watch Series 10 and the first-generation model: even after ten years, Apple has made only slight adjustments to the smartwatch’s design.

    Repair Rating

    iFixit has rated the Apple Watch Series 10 with a repair score of 3 out of 10, indicating that the design modifications for easier repairs are significantly overdue. Apple itself provides a battery replacement service priced at $99. For any other type of damage, Apple suggests a complete replacement, which can range from $299 to $399 depending on the model.

    iFixit (YouTube)


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