Bought a Pixel 4a second hand since it’s the last Pixel with a headphone jack that isn’t too big for me, and I’m hoping to keep it as long as I can.
Unfortunately, it’s about time for me to replace the battery. I tend not to treat my battery too well (can’t be bothered to keep it between 20% and 80%, but it’s supposed to be consumable, right?) and I’m not sure if replacement batteries will hold up as well over the years. So I’m wondering if it’s fine to just replace the battery and pop the whole thing back into my case without gluing the screen, so future repairs are a bit easier and won’t involve the risk of breaking the screen while prying it off.
For reference, I’m using one of those cases with an interlocking front and back, so it ought to hold itself together and not fly apart if I drop it. (edit) I guess what I’m looking for is experience as to whether the newly introduced slack between the glass and body tends to make make the screen more fragile or put undue strain on flex cables.
I had a passing thought of trying to rip out the guts of phones and design a metal case I can screw everything into so I can replace batteries without have to destroy glue on the screen/battery or glue everything back together. But didn’t really think more on it than a passing thought.
I can say for sure you’ll be missing your water resistance. Otherwise, you’re probably fine.
Whatever adhesive is left will hold the screen down alright, especially if you have an enclosing case.
However, like the other poster said, your water resistance will be thoroughly compromised.
That being said, it’s cheap and easy to put in the adhesive, here’s a link to iFixit that has em for 5 bucks
