Google Nexus S went on sale in the US yesterday, and the guys over at iFixit have already got their hands on one of Google’s latest smartphones and have decided to take it apart.
According to the iFixit guys, they are slightly underwhelmed by what they found inside the Google Nexus S, and they have said that the glass of the LCD display is the only curved part whilst the actual LCD part is flat.
We gave the Nexus S a repairability score of 7 out of 10, with main niggles being that you need to use a heat gun to separate the display from its frame, and that you have to replace both LCD and glass should just one of them fail (they’re fused together).
Design and Build Quality
The Google Nexus S, developed in collaboration with Samsung, features a sleek design that was quite innovative at the time of its release. The curved glass screen was marketed as a significant advancement, aimed at improving the user experience by making the device more comfortable to hold and use. However, as iFixit discovered, the actual LCD beneath the glass is flat, which somewhat diminishes the perceived innovation.
The phone’s body is made of plastic, which makes it lightweight but also less premium-feeling compared to metal or glass alternatives. Despite this, the Nexus S was praised for its ergonomic design and ease of use. The back cover is removable, allowing users to replace the battery, which is a feature that has become increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Internal Components and Repairability
Inside, the Nexus S is powered by a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, which was quite powerful for its time. It also includes 512 MB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage, though it lacks a microSD slot for expandable storage. The device features a 5-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera, which were standard for smartphones in 2010.
One of the key takeaways from the iFixit teardown is the repairability of the Nexus S. They awarded it a score of 7 out of 10, which is relatively good. However, they noted some significant challenges. For instance, the display assembly is fused, meaning that if either the glass or the LCD fails, both components need to be replaced. This not only makes repairs more complicated but also more expensive.
Another point of contention is the need for a heat gun to separate the display from its frame. This adds an extra layer of difficulty for DIY repairs, making it less accessible for the average user. Despite these challenges, the Nexus S is still considered easier to repair than many modern smartphones, which often feature glued-in batteries and other components that are difficult to replace.
You can see lots more photos and find out more details of what is inside the Google Nexus S over at iFixit.
The Google Nexus S was a significant release in the smartphone market, offering a blend of innovative design and solid performance. While the internal components and repairability aspects may not have lived up to the initial hype, the device still holds a place in the history of Android smartphones. For those interested in the intricacies of smartphone design and repair, the iFixit teardown provides a fascinating look into what makes the Nexus S tick.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
