Mobility

Dell Aero Smartphone Teardown

By // October 17, 2010, 11:37 PM PST // billdetwiler

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  • Cracking open the Dell Aero Android smartphone

    Dell officially announced the Aero (it's first U.S. smartphone) in March at the Spring CTIA 2010 show. By the time the phone shipped in August, expectations where running high among the tech press and Android enthusiasts. Let's take a look under the hood to see the hardware inside.

    For an in-depth look at the Aero's features, check out CNET's review of the Dell Aero.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Box - Front

    As of this writing, the Dell Aero costs $299.99 (unlocked without a contract) or $99.99 (with a 2-year contract from AT&T). The Aero comes with Android 1.5, which is strange as other Android phones are running version 2.2. The Aero features a 5 megapixel camera with flash, a 3.5-inch, 640x360-pixel capacitive touch screen, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), GPS, microSD card, and a 624Mhz Marvell processor.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Box - Back

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • In the box

    The protective film on the Dell Aero's display reminds you not to text and drive.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Box contents

    The Dell Aero's box contains the handset, power adapter, 2GB MicroSD card, Mini-USB headset, Mini-USB to 3.5mm headset adapter, Mini-USB to USB cable (for data transfer and power), battery, and product documentation.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Mini-USB to 3.5mm headset adapter

    The Dell Aero lacks a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Luckily, the Aero ships with a Mini-USB to 3.5mm adapter in the box.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Mini-USB cable

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  • Mini-USB headset

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Power adapter

    The Dell Aero comes with a 5.0V, 1.0A power adapter.

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Battery - Front

    The Dell Aero uses a 3.7V, 1000mAh battery.

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Battery - Back

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Front

    The Dell Aero measures 2.3 inches wide, 4.8 inches tall, and 0.5 inches deep. It weighs 3.67 ounces.

    Unlike other Android smartphones, the Aero lacks any buttons on the front panel.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Right side

    Along the Dell Aero's right side, are the Volume/Camera zoom buttons, Options/Voice control button, and camera button.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Left side

    Along the Dell Aero's left side, are the Power button, Home/Back button, and Mini-USB connector.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Back

    On the back of the Dell Aero are the 5 megapixel camera, flash, and battery cover.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Battery cover - Front

    You can access the Dell Aero's battery, SIM card slot, and MicroSD card slot by removing the back cover.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Battery cover - Back

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Without the battery cover

    With the back cover removed, we can see the space for the battery, SIM card slot, and MicroSD card slot. Luckily, we can also see several Torx T5 case screws--a good sign for any cracking open job.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Removing the MicroSD card

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Case screws

    There are six Torx T5 screws visible once the back cover is removed. One is hidden by a sticker with "VOID" printed on it. And, one holds the SIM card slot's rubber tab in place.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Torx T5 screws

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Void sticker

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Removing the rubber SIM card tab

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Rubber SIM card tab

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Removing the camera cover

    With the six case screws removed, we can begin removing the case, by gently prying loose the camera cover. It is held in place by a thin piece of adhesive tape and a single plastic tab. Using a pointed metal blade, I was able to release the tab and pry loose the cover without breaking it.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Camera cover removed

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Camera cover - Back

    Two thin green circuits are mounted to the back of the camera cover. I'm guessing that these are antennas.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Camera cover removed

    With the camera cover removed, we see two more Torx T5 screws. We'll need to remove both of them.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Prying loose the case

    With all the Trox T5 screws removed, we can begin to gently pry the outer case away from the front panel. The case is held in place with several plastic tabs. If you're careful, you should be able to remove it without breaking any of the tabs or the case.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Slowly work your way around the case

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Rear case panel removed

    With the rear case panel removed, we get our first look inside the Dell Aero. Next, we'll remove the device's two printed circuit boards (PCBs).

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Rear case panel - Interior

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Rear case panel - Exterior

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • External speaker

    I'm not 100 percent sure what this small disc is. I could be the Dell Aero's external speaker.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Vibration motor

    A second metal disc is mounted to the bottom of the rear case panel. This could be the Aero's vibration motor.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Inside the Dell Aero

    Let's take a closer look at the two printed circuit boards inside the Dell Aero.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 5MP camera

    The Dell Aero has a 5MP camera capable of shooting video (WMV, H263, H264, MPEG4 at 30fps WVGA). The camera is attached to the main PCB with pop-off connector.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Camera removed

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Camera - Back

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Camera - Front

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Volume/Camera zoom buttons

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Bottom printed circuit board?

    Next, we'll removed the printed circuit board from the bottom of the Dell Aero. We'll need to remove the antenna cable connector first.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Bottom printed circuit board connector

    Under the bottom printed circuit board is one more pop-off connector.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Bottom printed circuit board

    With all the connector's removed, we can lift the small printed circuit board away from the Dell Aero's front case panel.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Microphone and antenna

    Not only does this small PCB serve as an antenna, it also houses the Dell Aero's microphone.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Removing the main PCB screw

    a single Torx T5 screws holds the Dell Aero's main PCB in place.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB connectors

    We'll need to disconnect all the cables attached to the Dell Aero's main PCB before lifting it away from the case. On top of the PCB, there are two pop-off connectors and one gated ribbon cable. They connect the display, digitizer, and control buttons to the main PCB.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB connector

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB ribbon cable

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • USB connector cover

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB antenna cable connector

    On the underside of the main PCB are three more connectors--one for the antenna cable and two at the top.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • More main PCB connectors

    There are two pop-off connectors under the Dell Aero's main PCB. With all the connectors removed, you can lift the main PCB away from the front case panel and display assembly.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Front case panel and display assembly

    With the main PCB removed, you have an unobstructed view of the display assembly.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Display assembly and front case panel

    The display assembly is attached to the front panel and a thin silver bezel with small plastic tabs. Using a thin metal blade, a plastic case opening tool, or your fingernail, you should be able to pop the tabs loose and remove the display assembly. I recommend removing the thin outer bezel first. This will allow you to more easily access the front case panel tabs.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Front case panel and outer bezel

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Speaker

    The ear speaker is mounted to the front case panel.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Display assembly - Front

    As I previously noted, the Dell Aero's display measures 3.5 inch (diagonal) and has a resolution of 640 X 360 pixels. The digitizer and display are fused together into a single unit.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Display assembly - Back

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Sensors and display connector

    At the top of the display assembly are the proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and connector for the Synaptics digitizer.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB with EMI shield - Front

    Two EMI shields cover most of the chips on the front of the Dell Aero's main printed circuit board.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB with EMI shield - Back

    As with the front of the Dell Aero's main PCB, an EMI shield covers most of the chips on the back of the PCB. We'll need to remove both shields to see the chips beneath.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB - Front

    With the EMI shield removed, we can see the chips mounted to the front of the main PCB. Clearly visible are a Samsung flash memory module, AzureWave Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Module IC, Dialog Semiconductor audio and power management chip, and a chip from Marvell.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Main PCB - Back

    On the back of the Dell Aero's main PCB are the cellular radio chip and three smaller chips.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Samsung Flash Memory module

    I wasn't able to find any references to a Samsung chip with the specific markings 001 KAT007022M-AETT YKL033FD. Given my experience cracking open other smartphones, I assume this is a flash memory module.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • AzureWave Wireless LAN & Bluetooth Module IC

    The AzureWave AW-GH381 is an "IEEE 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN & Bluetooth Module IC."

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Dialog Semiconductor DA9035

    This Dialog Semiconductor DA9035 is an "audio and power management solution for use in the Marvell WCDMA platform."

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Marvell W886 936P

    I wasn't able to find specific information on this Marvell chip, but it likely part of the Marvel WCDMA platform used by the Dell Aero.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • WCDMA FULL RGFW-I001A

    Another chip that I wasn't able to find specific information on, but it's also likely part of the Marvel WCDMA platform.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • More chips

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    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Small chips

    A few more small chips

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Completely disassembled

    The Dell Aero was remarkably easy to crack open. Thanks to the visible screws and plastic tabs, I didn't have to do any real cracking.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the Dell Aero Android smartphone

Dell officially announced the Aero (it's first U.S. smartphone) in March at the Spring CTIA 2010 show. By the time the phone shipped in August, expectations where running high among the tech press and Android enthusiasts. Let's take a look under the hood to see the hardware inside.

For an in-depth look at the Aero's features, check out CNET's review of the Dell Aero.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Related Topics:

Mobility Security Hardware Software Apple Android Google

About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Managing Editor of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...