iPhone SE Teardown - iPhone SE (1st Generation)

Step 1 | iPhone SE Teardown

Begin by disconnecting the power supply, ensuring all electrical circuits are de-energized, then carefully remove the 1/4-inch hex head screws securing the control panel to the main chassis, utilizing a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and hex key, and be aware of potential static discharge during handling of the integrated circuit board.Carefully remove the existing components to access the underlying hardware.

The device utilizes an Apple A9 processor.Carefully position the 12mm wrench on the fastener and rotate counterclockwise to detach it, ensuring you observe the safety warning regarding potential pinch points and the proper handling of the component.The M9 coprocessor handles motion processing tasks.
Storage capacity options include either 16 gigabytes or 64 gigabytes.
The screen measures 4 inches diagonally and has a resolution of 1136 by 640 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch.
The iSight camera features a 12-megapixel sensor and enables 4K video capture, utilizing 1.22-micrometer pixels.Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the screw to a torque of 6 in-lbs, ensuring you observe all safety precautions regarding pinch points and wear appropriate eye protection.The front-facing camera features a 1.2-megapixel sensor and a fixed aperture of f/2.4, designed for FaceTime HD video calls.
The device supports wireless connectivity via 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi standards, incorporates Bluetooth version 4.2 technology, includes Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality, and provides 19-band LTE capabilities.
The sensor facilitates user login and Apple Pay transactions via fingerprint recognition.

Step 2

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully loosen the four screws securing the fan assembly to the motor housing; be sure to support the fan to prevent it from dropping and potentially damaging the impeller.The previously undocumented model number, A1662, is visible on the rose gold rear case.

Despite differences in appearance, a direct visual comparison reveals the SE model to be almost identical to the previous version.

Despite the SE's significant performance improvement compared to the 5s, both models share the same display, Touch ID sensor, and maintain the exact same physical measurements.

The display is now framed by subtly angled, non-reflective borders.

Step 3

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring not to overtighten and potentially strip the threads; observe caution to prevent damage to the motor.Using a Pentalobe screwdriver (size P2), carefully unscrew the five screws securing the device's bottom casing; these screws are intentionally designed to deter unauthorized access.

The screws are aesthetically pleasing, featuring a pentagonal head and a rose gold finish.

Removing the rose-colored screws allows access to the internal components, revealing the absence of display adhesive that matches the color scheme, a simpler process than disassembling Apple’s S-series devices.

Initial assessments indicated the 6s and 6s Plus incorporated display gaskets potentially to enhance water resistance or to provide structural support for the 3D Touch feature; however, the lack of this component in the current model, combined with early evaluations, points to its primary function being structural reinforcement.

Step 4

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four retaining screws securing the motor assembly to the gearbox housing, ensuring each is snug but not over-torqued to prevent damage; observe polarity markings during reinstallation.Similar to the iPhone 5s construction, the SE’s display assembly covers a recognizable internal layout.Carefully avoid damage to the delicate Touch ID cable, as it is easily disconnected and can cause unexpected issues..

Failure to detach the bracket and disconnect this cable before lifting the display assembly can result in cable damage due to strain.

Before proceeding with any evaluations or component checks, prioritize safety by disconnecting.Carefully disconnect the battery, observing polarity to avoid short circuits, and ensure proper tool usage to prevent damage to the terminals, which are typically secured with a 10mm wrench; replacement requires a battery with the same voltage and capacity specifications.!

Step 5

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four retaining screws securing the fan assembly to the motor housing, ensuring each is snug but not over-tightened to prevent damage; observe a torque of 6 in-lbs per screw.Carefully detach the display assembly.

Visual assessment of the 5s display (positioned on the left) alongside the SE display (on the right) indicates a high degree of similarity between the two.

Due to shared internal components, the 5s display is directly compatible with the SE model; connector types, operational capabilities, and electrical connections are identical, resulting in immediate functionality upon installation, leveraging existing replacement parts and repair documentation.

Step 6

Carefully review previous repair attempts to avoid replicating errors.These battery terminals are now securely attached.

The iPhone SE utilizes a lithium-ion battery with a capacity ofThe battery's nominal voltage is 3.82 volts, its energy capacity is 6.21 watt-hours, and its rated capacity is 1624 milliampere-hours.The resulting volume is slightly larger, representing a measurable improvement.A battery with a capacity of 1560 milliampere-hours.Within the 5-second timeframe.
The internal volume is slightly smaller than theA battery with a capacity of 1715 milliampere-hours.According to Apple, this battery, similar to the one used in the iPhone 6s, offers a standby time of up to 10 days, supports 14 hours of talk time, and delivers 13 hours of video playback, though it consumes more power.
Although the display screens appear identical, the battery connector on the SE model is not compatible with the 5s; therefore, attempting to use a 5s charger will not work.

Step 7

Proceed to the subsequent step.Carefully remove the enhanced rear camera, ensuring you do not damage surrounding components.

The camera module for the SE model exhibits a significantly reduced number of connector pins compared to the equivalent component found in the 5s model.

Consider whether the increased pixel count occasionally causes data transfer bottlenecks within the connection interface.
The iSight camera in the SE model now features an increased resolution ofThe camera’s resolution is 12 megapixels.The pixel spacing has been reduced toA wavelength of 1.22 micrometers.Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully loosen the retaining screw located on the motor housing, ensuring you do not overtighten and potentially damage the threads, and then gently detach the motor assembly.The feature size is 1.5 micrometers.Within the 5 seconds timeframe.
Despite sharing identical specifications to the iPhone 6s primary camera, attempts to substitute them proved unsuccessful, indicating that combining components from different Apple devices to create a hybrid device is not feasible.

Step 8

A pause in the disassembly process is necessary to address a critical step.Disassemble the cowbell to access its internal components.
Using X-ray technology, Creative Electron has performed a detailed disassembly.

Three distinct iPhone 5 models, spanning three generations, are available for this repair.

The only noticeable modification involves incorporating the bimetallic strip.The Apple emblem.
Furthermore, the Touch ID cable is present and connects between the logic board and display assembly; its location remains the same as in earlier models, including the SE.

Step 9

Remove the speaker assembly, vibrator, and SIM card along with its tray.
Verification indicates these components function identically and maintain the same form as their 5s-series equivalents; installation is straightforward with direct bolt compatibility and reliable performance.
The rose gold finish is a feature unique to SE models; therefore, achieving a matching aesthetic might require purchasing a different device.
Certain logic board connectors are surrounded by silicone foam seals designed to provide waterproofing.
Waterproofing is applied to the front camera, volume controls, and rear camera connectors; the LCD, digitizer, battery, and Lightning connector assembly lack this protective measure.

Step 10

Carefully detach the Lightning connector assembly from the 5s SE.
Although visually similar to the 5s assembly, the connectors are subtly modified, preventing successful interchangeability between 5s and SE models.
Consider the possibility of incorporating USB 3.0 functionality; discussion and suggestions are encouraged.

Step 11

Carefully detach the rear connector from the logic board to allow inspection of the silicon components.
The system incorporates an Apple A9 APL1022 SoC paired with 2 GB of SK Hynix LPDDR4 RAM, identifiable by the part number H9KNNNBTUMUMR-NLH.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus utilize a Qualcomm MDM9625M LTE modem.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus utilize the Qualcomm WTR1625L radio frequency transceiver.
The Qualcomm QFE1100 integrated circuit, utilized in iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone 6/6 Plus models, manages envelope tracking functionality.
The Skyworks SKY77611 is a module that amplifies signals across four frequency bands.
Special recognition goes to Chipworks for their assistance in identifying all integrated circuits; for a more detailed examination of silicon components, explore their comprehensive teardown analysis of the iPhone SE.

Step 12

Additional electronic components, including silicon-based parts, are located on the underside.
The memory module in question is a Toshiba THGBX5G7D2KLDXG, identified as a 16 GB NAND Flash component.
The component identified as 339S00134 is probably a revision of the Universal Scientific Industrial 339S00043 Wi-Fi module.
Power management integrated circuit, Apple/Dialog 338S00170.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus utilize an NXP 66V10 NFC controller alongside an 1610A3 charging integrated circuit.
The SKY77826 integrates a power amplifier and duplexer for the ultra-low band, while the SKY77357 serves as a 2G/EDGE power amplifier module, functionally similar to the SKY77336.
Audio integrated circuits, specifically the Apple/Cirrus Logic 338S00105 and 338S1285 models, are utilized within iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus utilize a Qualcomm WFR1620 transceiver, designed exclusively for receiving signals.

Step 13

Proceed with identifying the chip.

The device is an Avago ACPM-8020, functioning as a mid-band power amplifier duplexer.Carefully detach the display assembly from the frame using a P2 Pentalobe screwdriver, then disconnect the battery connector and display cable connector from the logic board, noting that the adhesive securing the display requires heat from a specialized iOpener or similar heat source to soften for removal, and observe that the display cable connector is secured with a metal bracket that must be removed with a Tri-Point Y000 screwdriver before the connector can be released.
The Qorvo (formerly TriQuint) TQF6410 serves as a low-band power amplifier duplexer.Carefully detach the battery connector from the logic board using a non-conductive spudger, noting that it is secured with a retaining clip; then, using a P2 or P3 screwdriver, remove the three 1.5mm Phillips screws securing the display cable bracket, and subsequently disconnect the display cable from the logic board, observing that it is held in place with a metal clip requiring a spudger for release.
Diversity Receive Module, TDK EPCOS model D5255.
Power management integrated circuit, Qualcomm PM8019.Carefully detach the display assembly from the device using iOpener heated pad, ensuring the temperature remains below 80°C (176°F) to prevent damage, then lift the display with suction cup and spudger to release adhesive securing it to the frame.
The RF5159 is an antenna switch module manufactured by Qorvo, formerly RF Micro Devices.Carefully detach the five 3.8mm Phillips screws securing the battery bracket, then use a Tri-Point Y000 screwdriver to remove the remaining six screws holding the bracket in place, observing that the bracket also covers the battery connector and must be handled with caution to avoid damage.
The InvenSense EMS-A integrates a gyroscope and accelerometer into a single 6-axis device.
The device incorporates a Broadcom BCM5976 touchscreen controller.Carefully position the five pentalobe screws, each measuring 1.5mm, and the battery connector retaining clip, ensuring proper alignment before securing them with the provided tri-point screwdriver; observe that these components are specific to the iPhone 5 design.

Step 14

Carefully note that the button cable's routing and connections have changed from previous iterations.

A cable connects to the power button bracket, establishing electrical contact.Using the appropriate tool, carefully manipulate the doohickey to achieve the specified result.Employ a grounding connection in place of the standard fastener.

The final step involves removing the rear case, concluding the disassembly process.

Step 15

Based on a scoring system where 10 represents the simplest repair process, the iPhone SE achieves a repairability rating of 6.

Removing the display assembly initially allows for easier screen replacement procedures.
Although the manufacturer doesn't intend for it to be changed by the user, accessing the battery for inspection or replacement is relatively straightforward.
Exercise caution during disassembly, as improper handling may damage the Touch ID cable, potentially detaching it from its connector.
Due to the presence of Pentalobe screws securing the exterior casing, specialized tools are required to successfully disassemble the iPhone SE.

Because the SE shares design elements with the 5s models, existing repair documentation and guides offer comprehensive instructions for resolving issues.