Good news has been released about Google's new model. Nexus 5X, which is manufactured by LG and is positioned in a market segment that is above the “pure” mid-range and a step behind the most powerful. The fact is that this model offers a high simplicity when it comes to being repaired, which is always positive.
In this way, this model, which is quite attractive to many, earns additional “points” since in the event of problems, the times that will be taken in the technical service will not be very high (and it is to be understood that the costs will not either) and, in addition, the most daring can try to solve what happens to them. And it is that everything adds up when evaluating the purchase of a mobile terminal, and in the case of Nexus 5X The aforementioned is added to the fact that this model arrives with Android Marshmallow (and with rapid updates as it depends on the matrix of this development) and, As for the price, this is not exactly high since in the US it can be purchased for $379.
The reason for the simplicity we discussed is the great modularity with which the Nexus 5X is assembled, which allows for relatively simple steps in a structured manner and, thus, access to all the components that make up the smartphone. The fact is that the score that this Google model gets in iFixit (which has already dismantled a large number of devices) is 7 10 on, which is not bad in the case of a next-generation mobile terminal.
iFixit Scoring and Modular Design
iFixit teardown confirms the Nexus 5X is easy to open and repair: It uses standard Philips screws, plastic clips on the back, and minimal critical adhesive, so most modules can be removed without damaging the assembly. It also integrates a RGB notification LED on the front and a single front speaker, elements accessible during disassembly.
This design facilitates the independent replacement of parts subject to regular wear, reducing workshop time and making interventions more cost-effective. This balance between modularity and compact design is one of the reasons for its good repairability rating.
Manual shift
Knowing the complete sequence that must be carried out to completely disassemble the phone, it is verified that many of the elements can be replaced independently, although there are details that must be known, such as the screen and protective glass they are fused, so in this case you have to change both at the same time.
Battery, ports and replaceable elements
The first component that many want to change is the battery. In the Nexus 5X it is not removable without opening, since its connector is under the intermediate frame fixed with 10 Philips screwsThe battery is held in place with a small amount of adhesive, so with a plastic tool and gentle heat, it can be safely released if you are patient.
Other modular elements are the cameras and the minijack connector, which are replaced separately in case of failure. Instead, the port USB Type C is soldered to the plate, which complicates its replacement compared to a separate module. Even so, the manufacturer's fast charging system allows reaching up to 4 hours of use with 10 minutes plug, despite not using QuickCharge 2.0.
The fingerprint reader, called Nexus Imprint, stands out for its speed of response below 600 ms and is well-positioned for easy access during disassembly. This module takes up a little more space than you might expect and slightly reduces the battery's potential capacity, as previously noted.
The internal structure of the Nexus 5X It is quite clear and easy to handle, as demonstrated by both the good place that the device's rear camera occupies and even the fingerprint reader, both of which are easy to access and manipulate. By the way, that this last component takes up a bit more space than you might expect, so there is a little potential charge left to the battery.
Key data sheet and materials
- Consumer Relations Platform: : 64-bit Snapdragon 808 (hexa-core) and Adreno 418 GPU for balanced performance in apps and games.
- Memory and storage: : 2GB LPDDR3 (Samsung supplier on many units) and 16/32GB internal (often from Toshiba).
- Screen: 5,2 inch IPS Full HD with Gorilla Glass 3 and oleophobic coating.
- Cameras: 12,3 MP rear camera with 1,55 µm pixels, f/2.0, IR laser focus, 4K is 30 fps and slow motion at 120 fps; 5 MP front.
- Connectivity: USB Type-C (USB 2.0 pass-through), LTE Cat. 6, Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS/GLONASS and digital compass with Qualcomm chips for radio, audio and power management.
- Designer: molded polycarbonate body and usual finishes in shades Carbon, Quartz and Ice.
- Sensors: Nexus Imprint fingerprint reader and Android Sensor Hub to detect always-on motion with low consumption.
Updates and optimized software
Being Google-powered, the Nexus 5X stands out for its quick updates system and native apps, prolonging their lifespan and security. The presence of the Android Sensor Hub enables contextual features and motion detection with a minimum consumption, accompanying the fluid experience of pure Android.
The point is that the Nexus 5X it is shown that it is not very complicated to repair, which is positive, and also offers great speed when updating the software that it includes inside. An example of what we say is the operating system and, also, the Mountain View company's own applications, which is demonstrated by the recent improvement of the Google application, which has received a new iteration that occupies 42 MB.
With this balance between repairability (7/10 on iFixit), accessible modules and competent hardware, the Nexus 5X is positioned as a recommendable device for those who value both performance and the possibility of maintain and repair your smartphone with relative ease and low cost.
