Oppo a72 disassembly

Introduction

The OPPO A72, a mid-range smartphone released in 2020, quickly garnered attention for its balanced features, decent performance, and appealing design. As with many smartphones, users and technicians alike may find themselves needing to disassemble the device for various reasons—whether to replace a damaged component, upgrade certain parts, or simply explore the internal architecture. This comprehensive review will guide you through the process of disassembling the OPPO A72, covering each step in detail, discussing the tools required, potential challenges, and tips to avoid common pitfalls. We will also delve into the device’s hardware design, component layout, and build quality to give you a deeper understanding of what makes the OPPO A72 tick.

Tools Required for Disassembly

Before embarking on the disassembly process, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools. Here’s a list of tools that will aid in a smooth and successful teardown of the OPPO A72:

1. Plastic Pry Tools: These are essential for separating the back cover from the frame without damaging the plastic or glass components.
2. Phillips Screwdriver (Size #00): Required for unscrewing the tiny screws that hold the phone’s internals together.
3. Tweezers: Handy for handling small screws, connectors, and other delicate parts.
4. Suction Cup: Useful for lifting the screen assembly or back cover without applying excessive force.
5. SIM Ejector Tool: To remove the SIM card tray before disassembly.
6. Spudger: A non-conductive tool that is crucial for safely disconnecting ribbon cables and other connectors.
7. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: To soften the adhesive used around the screen or back cover, making it easier to remove.

Step-by-Step Disassembly Guide

1. Powering Off and Preparing the Phone

Before disassembling any electronic device, it is vital to power it off to prevent any electrical damage or short circuits. Ensure that the OPPO A72 is completely turned off. Additionally, remove the SIM card tray using the SIM ejector tool. This step is crucial because it avoids damage to the tray or the internal SIM connectors during the disassembly process.

2. Removing the Back Cover

The OPPO A72’s back cover is typically secured with clips and adhesive, making it one of the trickiest parts to remove. Here’s how to do it:

• Heating the Edges: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently heat the edges of the back cover. This softens the adhesive, making it easier to pry open. Be careful not to overheat as this could damage the plastic or glass.
• Prying Open: Insert a plastic pry tool into the gap between the back cover and the frame. Start from a corner or side where you can get a better grip. Gently work your way around the edges, gradually releasing the clips. Be patient and avoid using metal tools as they can scratch or damage the cover.
• Removing the Cover: Once the clips and adhesive are loosened, you can carefully lift the back cover off the phone. Set it aside in a safe place.

3. Disconnecting the Battery and Other Connectors

With the back cover removed, you’ll have access to the phone’s internals. The first and most important step is to disconnect the battery to ensure safety.

• Locating the Battery Connector: The battery connector is usually found near the top or middle of the device. It is connected to the motherboard by a small ribbon cable.
• Using a Spudger: Gently use a spudger to lift the battery connector from its socket. Take care not to damage the connector or surrounding components.
• Disconnecting Other Connectors: Depending on the repair or disassembly reason, you may need to disconnect other components such as the display, cameras, or fingerprint sensor. Use the spudger to carefully lift these connectors from their sockets.

4. Removing the Battery

In many smartphones, including the OPPO A72, the battery is glued in place with adhesive strips. Removing the battery can be challenging, but it’s doable with the right approach.

• Heating the Adhesive: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently heat the area beneath the battery. This softens the adhesive, making it easier to remove the battery.
• Prying the Battery: Use a plastic pry tool to slowly lift the battery from one side. Be very careful not to puncture the battery as it can be dangerous. Work your way around until the battery comes free. If the adhesive is too strong, you may need to apply a bit more heat and continue prying gently.
• Handling the Battery: Once removed, place the battery in a safe, non-conductive place.

5. Removing the Motherboard and Other Internal Components

With the battery out of the way, you can now proceed to remove the motherboard and other internal components. This step is crucial if you’re replacing the motherboard, cameras, or other critical parts.

• Unscrewing the Motherboard: Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the motherboard in place. Keep track of the screws, as they can be of varying sizes and lengths.
• Disconnecting Ribbon Cables: The motherboard will have several ribbon cables connected to it, including those for the display, cameras, and other sensors. Carefully disconnect all these cables using the spudger.
• Removing the Motherboard: Once all screws and connectors are removed, gently lift the motherboard from the frame. Be cautious of any remaining connections or clips that might still be attached.

6. Accessing and Removing Other Components

Now that the main components like the battery and motherboard are out, you can access other parts such as the cameras, speaker, vibration motor, and charging port.

• Camera Modules: If you need to replace or inspect the camera modules, simply disconnect the connectors and lift them out. The front and rear cameras are usually secured with small clips or adhesive.
• Speaker and Vibration Motor: These components are typically located at the bottom of the phone. They are usually held in place by screws and clips. Unscrew and lift them out gently.
• Charging Port: The charging port is usually soldered onto a smaller daughterboard. If you need to replace it, you might need to desolder it or replace the entire board.

Understanding the Internal Architecture

1. Battery Placement and Design

The OPPO A72 houses a 5000mAh battery, which is one of the key selling points of the device due to its impressive battery life. The battery is centrally located within the device to balance the phone’s weight. It’s a Li-Po (Lithium Polymer) battery, known for its lightweight and high energy density. The adhesive strips used to secure the battery can be quite strong, so removing it requires care and patience.

2. Motherboard Layout

The motherboard of the OPPO A72 is compact yet densely packed with components. It’s designed to house the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, RAM modules, storage, and various other chips responsible for the phone’s operations. The layout is optimized for efficient heat dissipation, with thermal pads placed strategically on top of heat-generating components.

3. Camera Assembly

The OPPO A72 features a quad-camera setup on the rear, with each camera module individually removable. The main camera sensor is typically the largest and most centrally located, while the auxiliary sensors (ultra-wide, depth, and macro) are positioned around it. The front camera is usually located near the top of the device and is easier to access once the display assembly is removed.

4. Speaker and Charging Port Design

The speaker module and charging port are located at the bottom of the device, attached to a smaller daughterboard. This design allows for easier replacement of these components without needing to replace the entire motherboard. The speaker is encased in a plastic housing to enhance sound output and is connected to the motherboard via a small flex cable.

Potential Challenges and Tips

1. Dealing with Adhesive

One of the most challenging aspects of disassembling the OPPO A72 is dealing with the adhesive used on the back cover, battery, and other components. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Apply Consistent Heat: When heating the adhesive, apply the heat evenly and consistently. This ensures that the adhesive softens uniformly, making it easier to remove components without bending or damaging them.
• Use Plastic Tools: Metal tools can easily damage the plastic components or scratch the phone’s internals. Always opt for plastic tools when prying open parts secured with adhesive.

2. Avoiding Damage to Connectors

The ribbon connectors inside the OPPO A72 are delicate and can be easily damaged if not handled correctly.

• Gentle Pressure: When disconnecting ribbon cables, apply gentle pressure and lift them straight up. Avoid wiggling or bending them as this can cause damage to the connectors or the cables themselves.
• Label Connectors: If you’re not familiar with the internal layout, consider labeling the connectors as you disconnect them. This will make it easier to reassemble the phone correctly.

3. Reassembling the Device

Reassembling the OPPO A72 after disassembly is essentially the reverse of the teardown process. However, it’s important to ensure that all connectors are properly seated, and screws are returned to their original positions.

• Double-Check Connections: Before placing the back cover, double-check all connections to ensure they are secure. A loose connection can cause functionality issues, such as the screen not turning on or the cameras not working.
• Test Before Sealing: Before fully sealing the back cover, it’s a good idea to power on the device and test all the major functions like the display, touch screen, cameras, and speakers. This helps ensure that everything is functioning correctly before you close the phone up. If something isn’t working, it’s easier to address the issue while the phone is still open.

Potential Pitfalls and Common Mistakes

1. Battery Adhesive

As mentioned earlier, the adhesive securing the battery can be particularly challenging. One common mistake is using too much force when prying the battery out, which can result in bending or puncturing the battery. This is dangerous as it can lead to leaks, fires, or even explosions. Always approach battery removal with caution, using heat to soften the adhesive and working slowly with a plastic pry tool.

2. Misplacing Screws

During disassembly, the screws you remove can be of varying lengths and sizes. Misplacing or mixing up these screws can cause problems during reassembly. For example, using a longer screw in a short screw hole can damage the motherboard or other internal components. To avoid this, it’s recommended to use a magnetic mat or a labeled container to keep track of each screw’s location as you remove them.

3. Damaging Ribbon Cables

Ribbon cables are essential for connecting different components within the phone. They are delicate and can easily be torn or damaged if not handled properly. A common mistake is pulling or tugging on these cables when trying to disconnect them. Instead, use a spudger to gently lift the connectors straight up from their sockets, and be cautious of any cables running beneath components.

4. Skipping Component Tests

After reassembling the phone, it’s vital to test all major components before sealing the device. Skipping this step can result in frustration if something isn’t working correctly after the phone is fully closed up. Testing ensures that all connectors are properly seated and that the device is functioning as expected.

5. Overheating During Adhesive Removal

While using a heat gun or hair dryer to soften adhesive, it’s easy to accidentally overheat the device. This can cause damage to the plastic components or warp the screen. Always use moderate heat and keep the heat source moving to avoid concentrating too much heat in one area. If the adhesive isn’t coming loose, apply more heat gradually rather than increasing the temperature.

Reassembly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reassembling the OPPO A72 is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process, but it requires just as much care and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you reassemble the phone correctly:

1. Reattaching the Motherboard

• Positioning: Carefully place the motherboard back into the frame, ensuring that it sits flush and aligns with the screw holes and connectors.
• Screwing in the Motherboard: Use the appropriate screws to secure the motherboard in place. Ensure that you’re using the correct screws in the correct locations.
• Reconnecting Ribbon Cables: Reattach all the ribbon cables to their respective connectors. Use a spudger to press down gently on the connectors, ensuring they’re fully seated. Double-check each connection to avoid issues later on.

2. Replacing the Battery

• Positioning the Battery: Place the battery back into its original location, aligning it with the adhesive strips. If the adhesive is no longer sticky, you may need to use double-sided tape or adhesive strips designed for smartphone batteries.
• Connecting the Battery: Reconnect the battery ribbon cable to the motherboard. Ensure that it clicks into place securely.

3. Reinstalling Other Components

• Cameras: Reinstall the camera modules by carefully placing them back into their housings and reconnecting their ribbon cables. Make sure the cameras are properly aligned with the lenses on the back cover.
• Speaker and Vibration Motor: Place the speaker and vibration motor back into their respective locations at the bottom of the phone. Secure them with screws if necessary and reconnect any cables.
• Charging Port: If you removed the charging port or daughterboard, place it back into position and secure it with screws. Reconnect any cables running to the motherboard.

4. Testing the Device

Before closing the phone, power it on to test all major components:

• Display: Ensure the screen lights up and responds to touch inputs.
• Cameras: Test the front and rear cameras to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Speakers and Vibration: Play some audio to test the speakers and check the vibration function.
• Charging Port: Plug in a charger to ensure the phone charges properly.

5. Reattaching the Back Cover

• Applying New Adhesive: If the original adhesive on the back cover is no longer sticky, apply new adhesive strips around the edges of the cover.
• Positioning: Carefully align the back cover with the phone’s frame, making sure it sits flush with no gaps.
• Sealing the Cover: Press down firmly around the edges to ensure the back cover adheres properly. If needed, you can use clips or a press to hold the cover in place while the adhesive sets.

6. Final Checks

Once the phone is fully reassembled, perform a final check of all functions to ensure everything is working correctly. Make sure there are no loose parts or screws inside the device, and that the back cover is securely attached.

Conclusion

Disassembling the OPPO A72 is a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and the right tools. Whether you’re replacing a damaged component, performing a repair, or simply exploring the internal architecture of the device, following the steps outlined in this guide will help ensure a successful teardown and reassembly.

Throughout the process, it’s important to handle all components with care, especially the delicate ribbon cables and connectors. Avoid rushing the disassembly or reassembly, as this can lead to mistakes or damage to the device. By taking your time and following best practices, you can safely disassemble and reassemble the OPPO A72, gaining a deeper understanding of the phone’s internal design and hardware.

In summary, the OPPO A72 is a well-constructed mid-range smartphone with a thoughtful internal layout that balances performance and functionality. While it may not be as straightforward to disassemble as some other devices, with the right approach, it’s possible to successfully tear down and reassemble the phone without causing damage. Whether you’re a technician, a hobbyist, or a curious user, this guide provides all the information you need to navigate the disassembly of the OPPO A72 with confidence.