The Samsung Galaxy Nexus hasn’t gone on sale in the US as yet, but that hasn’t stopped the guys from iFixit getting their hands on one, and as usual they have taken the device apart to see what is hidden inside.
According to the iFixit guys, the Galaxy Nexus was a bit difficult to get inside, and replacement of the glass on the device is going to be expensive as it is fused to the AMOLED display and the handset’s frame.
You can see more details on what was found inside the Samsung Galaxy Nexus over at iFixit, and make sure you check out all the photos.
Challenges in Teardown
The teardown of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus revealed several interesting aspects about the device’s construction. One of the primary challenges noted by iFixit was the difficulty in accessing the internal components. The device’s design incorporates a lot of adhesive and tight fittings, making it less user-friendly for repairs. This is a common trend in modern smartphones, where sleek design often comes at the cost of repairability.
The fused glass and AMOLED display mean that if the screen gets damaged, the entire front assembly needs to be replaced. This can be quite costly compared to devices where the glass and display are separate components. The use of high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, while beneficial for performance and aesthetics, often complicates repairs.
Internal Components and Features
Inside the Galaxy Nexus, iFixit found a range of components that highlight the device’s advanced technology for its time. The smartphone is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, which was quite powerful when the device was released. It also features 1GB of RAM and options for 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, though it lacks a microSD slot for expandable storage.
The Galaxy Nexus also includes a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p video recording and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. These specifications were competitive at the time, offering users a solid photography and video experience. The device’s connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, which were becoming standard in smartphones around that period.
Another notable feature is the 1750 mAh battery, which is removable. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer the option to swap out batteries rather than rely on a fixed internal battery. However, the trend in the industry has since moved towards non-removable batteries to accommodate slimmer designs and more integrated components.
Have a look at our Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review to see what we thought of Google and Samsung’s first Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone.
The Galaxy Nexus was also the first device to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a significant update to Google’s mobile operating system. This version introduced a more refined user interface, improved multitasking, and new features like face unlock and data usage controls. The software enhancements combined with the hardware capabilities made the Galaxy Nexus a highly anticipated device.
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus teardown by iFixit provides valuable insights into the device’s construction and components. While the design poses challenges for repairability, the advanced features and specifications highlight why it was a groundbreaking smartphone at its release. For more detailed information and photos of the teardown, be sure to visit the iFixit website.
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