Pixel 9a battery issue raises concerns about long-term repairability

The Pixel 9a is getting a lot of love for its price and performance—but there’s one thing that might come back to bite Google: the battery.

In a new JerryRigEverything teardown, the Pixel 9a holds up surprisingly well. The Gorilla Glass 3 screen resists scratches like a champ, the plastic back behaves exactly as you’d expect, and yes, the frame is actual metal. The only small quirk? The speaker mesh can pop out a little too easily.

But the real problem is the battery—or rather, how it’s stuck in. Google has once again used way too much glue to hold it down. That might not sound like a big deal, but for anyone trying to replace it down the line, it’s a nightmare. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s a safety issue.

Other brands like Apple and Samsung have started moving away from overly glued batteries, making repairs safer and more sustainable. But Google seems to be doubling down, and the Pixel 9a looks worse than even the Pixel 7a in this regard. The teardown shows the battery deforming while being removed, even with plenty of isopropyl alcohol to loosen the adhesive.

Here’s the kicker: Google says it’ll support the Pixel 9a for 7 years. That’s great, but it also means most owners will probably need to replace the battery at least once. And with the current design, that’s not going to be easy or safe for the average user. Or even for pros.

For a phone that’s otherwise easy to recommend, this Pixel 9a battery issue is one of those small details that deserves a fix. Long-term support only works if the hardware is actually serviceable.