If you’ve been eyeing the Google Pixel 9a as your next go-to midrange phone, you might want to hit the pause button. In a recent video, Zack Nelson—better known as JerryRigEverything—took a deep dive inside Google’s latest budget-friendly offering. What he discovered isn’t just surprising; it’s a red flag for anyone who values the right to repair or even hopes to swap out a failing battery down the road.
Nelson’s tear-down approach is no accident. He’s built a reputation for giving viewers a clear look at how these devices are assembled and whether they’ll stand the test of time (and wear). But this time around, his verdict is pretty blunt: “Don’t buy this phone.” And when a respected tech YouTuber starts shouting that from the rooftops, it’s worth listening.
The Sticky Situation with the Pixel 9a Battery
The core of the problem lies in the Pixel 9a’s battery installation. While flagship devices from other brands often come with pull-tabs or clever tab systems for easy removal, Google seems to have skipped that memo. Instead, the battery in the 9a is glued to the frame in a way that screams “vintage.”
“The adhesive simply won’t let go,” Zack explains in the tear-down footage. “Even with isopropyl alcohol, I couldn’t separate the battery cleanly. I ended up drilling into it, which is never recommended.” If you’re a DIY warrior looking to swap your phone’s battery in a couple of years, prepare for a challenge—and a potential hazard.
Google’s Repairability Claims vs. Reality
Here’s where things get ironic. Google has publicly championed the right-to-repair movement, even partnering with repair guides and replacement parts provider iFixit. The company touts its commitment to sustainability, faster software updates, and easy access to spare parts. Yet the Pixel 9a seems to fly in the face of those promises.
Why go to the trouble of teaming up with iFixit if your product design makes routine repairs almost impossible? Lacking battery pull-tabs may only save Google a few cents per unit, but it pushes a basic maintenance task squarely onto the “professional repairs only” territory—if you’re lucky enough to find a repair shop willing to tackle the job without risking a fire or a shattered cell.
A Right-to-Repair Hypocritical Moment?
Google’s environmental messaging makes sense on paper: use fewer resources, extend device lifespans, cut down on e-waste. But a glued-in battery encourages premature device replacement. When a battery starts to degrade—often in the third year of use—the average owner will face a hefty repair bill or simply toss the phone for a newer model.
That runs counter to the very movement Google claims to support. The absence of simple design features like extraction tabs suggests an oversight that borders on disingenuous. Are we to believe that true repairability was just an afterthought to keep manufacturing costs low? It certainly feels like it.
Pixel 9a: A Solid Phone with a Major Caveat
Let’s be clear: the Pixel 9a isn’t a bad phone by any stretch. You get the clean, stock Android experience that Pixel fans adore, timely software updates, and a capable camera that punches above its weight in the midrange category. Priced at around €549, the 9a’s plastic back and Gorilla Glass 3 screen are reasonable compromises for keeping that price tag in check.
But when a device’s most vulnerable component is glued in like it’s a relic from the flip-phone era, it becomes more than a minor annoyance. It’s a dealbreaker for anyone who plans to hold onto their phone for more than two or three years. A temporary hit to margins during production can lead to a permanent dent in consumer trust.
Why Easy Repairs Are More Important Than Ever
We’re not just talking about saving a few bucks on DIY repairs. Extending a phone’s usable life by even a couple of years significantly reduces electronic waste and the environmental toll of constant replacements. In a world increasingly conscious of sustainability, repairability has evolved from a niche consideration into a core criterion for savvy consumers.
Moreover, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can fix your own device—or at least take it to a local shop without fearing catastrophic damage—should be non-negotiable. A phone that’s designed to be disposable is a phone destined for landfills. And in the grand scheme, paying a few cents more for user-friendly adhesive and pull-tabs would serve everyone—Google included—in the long run.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the Pixel 9a offers a compelling mix of features and performance for its price bracket. But Google’s repairability missteps cast a long shadow over its otherwise polished midrange contender. If you’re someone who typically replaces devices every couple of years, you might not feel the sting. However, if you’re the type to keep your phone until it truly gives up the ghost, this might not be the investment you think it is.
So before you hit that “Buy” button, consider whether a glued-in battery—and the headaches it brings—is worth the trade-off. Sometimes, the little details are the ones that matter most.
