Pixel Buds 2a teardown: what it means for buying, fixing, and testing earbuds

You buy a neat charging case and expect easy fixes — then the buds inside fall apart on the bench.

What did the teardown actually find?

The case is the surprise win. It opens and parts are reachable. The buds themselves are small and glued. Tiny cables and solder spots hide under layers. The teardown shows the company made the case repair-friendly but left the buds hard to work on.

Why does that matter to you as a buyer or seller?

You might pay more for a product with a nice case. But the earbuds are the parts that wear out first. If the buds are glued and soldered, expect higher repair costs or fewer repair options. That changes the resale value and what you should check when you buy used.

What should you check when you test a pair to buy or accept at the counter?

Test every function. Check both buds for sound, mic, touch controls and charging. Open and close the case and watch the charging lights. Note any rattle or loose fit. Ask the seller about battery life and any repairs done. If you get spare tips or a charger, keep them with the device.

Which signs mean the buds are likely unfixable or too costly to repair?

If one bud dies after a light drop. If the earbud has visible glue at seams or warped plastic. If moisture damage is claimed and the buds never fully charged again. If parts are not available from maker or third-party shops, repair can be costly.

How do you test internal health without taking the buds apart?

You use simple tests that reveal battery and speaker issues. Plug in the case and watch the charge LED cycle. Pair and play a test tone. Swap left and right tracks to isolate channel issues. Run a call test for the mic. If a bud loses charge overnight with the case closed, its cell may be weak.

• Play a steady tone in each bud for one minute to check balance.

• Run a voice call test to check the mic quality and connection stability.

• Close the case and see if both buds show charging status within 30 seconds.

• Look for loose seams, displaced grille mesh, or glue residue around joints.

• Ask for the original charger and test it for steady current delivery.

Mid-article micro-moment

You meet a seller at a cafe with the earbuds in hand. You ask to test both buds and the case. The seller scrolls through settings while you run audio and mic checks.

If a bud is dead, what are your realistic repair options?

Battery swaps are possible on some models but not always easy. If the battery is buried behind glued parts, a shop may cut to reach it. That raises cost and risk. If a speaker or mic is damaged, tiny solder joints and custom parts matter. Replacement parts may be scarce, making full-unit swaps the usual fix. Factor shop labour, parts availability, and risk of cosmetic damage into your offer or price.

How should you price a used pair or negotiate at the counter?

Start from the real condition, not the shiny case. Deduct for missing accessories and short battery life. Price more for one-owner items with receipts. If a bud shows signs of prior DIY repair, cut your offer; those repairs often fail later. Be clear about repair risk when you set price so you can move stock fast without loss.

Quick do-and-don't checklist before you accept or buy

Do a full audio and mic test. Check pair stability and battery drain. Inspect for glue or crude repairs. Ask about prior drops, water exposure, and service history. Don’t rely on the case alone as proof of care. Don’t accept a price that assumes the buds are as simple to fix as the case.

Ask for the grams and the karat test result. Once those are clear, the rest is just negotiation.

Today’s takeaway: Treat a repair-friendly case as a bonus, not a guarantee — the earbuds inside often tell the real value.