Pixel 8 Pro teardown reveals its temperature sensor and sticky battery setup

Pixel 8 Pro teardown reveals its temperature sensor and sticky battery setup

We've already seen teardowns of the standard Pixel 8 model, but now iFixit has taken apart the $999 Pixel 8 Pro, offering a closer look at the new temperature sensing technology located beneath the phone's display.

iFixit's Shahram Mokhtari started by removing the Pixel 8 Pro's screen using a heating mat, a clamp, and a pick. After disconnecting the display from the device, Mokhtari folds the 5G mmWave antenna cable back and opens the main frame. From there, Mokhtari attempts to remove the 5,050mAh battery by pulling the plastic tab on the bottom of the component.

However, Mokhtari is facing the same problem as PBKreviews, the YouTube channel that rejected the Pixel 8. Both iFixit and PBKreviews have loosened the battery adhesive by using isopropyl alcohol instead. Once that's done, Mokhtari dismantles the Pixel 8 Pro's camera array, revealing a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telescopic lens.

Finally, we take a look at the built-in thermometer that is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro. Mokhtari gives the component a super zoomed-in look... but it appears to be nothing more than four circular sensors. When the phone is actually put together, you can find the temperature sensor within the camera bar on the back of the device. Although it is believed to give you accurate temperature readings of surfaces, body temperature readings are awaiting FDA approval.

Unlike the iPhone 15, Mokhtari says the Pixel 8 Pro's components aren't software-locked, meaning you won't be forced to buy new components directly from Google. Google is also promising seven years of Android updates for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. However, Google is still limiting some features like Night Sight and Zoom Enhance in the Pixel 8 Pro, which, as my colleague Sean Hollister points out, makes that promise a little less meaningful.