Sony WF-1000XM5 Teardown by 52Audio

We had to wait a while before 52Audio performed a teardown of the WH-1000XM5, but thankfully we did not have to wait that long with the new WF-1000XM5. I already did a preliminary teardown analysis in my original WF-1000XM5 article, and in my Sony V2 processor comparison, but with this new teardown, we can see a lot more and in better detail.

Starting off with the case, the bottom section is held on with tabs that surround the perimeter of the case (see red arrows). There are 4 tabs in the front and 2 in the back.

Here is a close up of the tabs inside the case. I believe the best way to remove the bottom half is to use a plastic spudger and go into the seam and work your way around the case to pop the tabs out of their spots.

The wireless charging coil on the bottom is held on with clips (4x) as well. This will have to be removed before the battery can be accessed.

The battery fits inside a small enclosure which means a larger battery cannot be fitted into the case.

Removing the battery, we can see the capacity information. The battery is connected to the charging case PCB with a connector, like in the WF-1000XM4. This means it can be easily swapped if a proper replacement can be found. I do not recall if any other Sony products use this size of battery. I would have to check the other teardowns.

We are looking at a 3.85V 500 mAh Li-ion battery. The WF-1000XM4 for comparison has a 3.85V 520 mAh battery. So even though the WF-1000XM5 has a smaller battery capacity, it provides the same extra 16 hours from the case like the WF-1000XM4. This is probably achieved through the use of newer more energy efficient components in the earbuds.

The battery has a protection board beside it, removing the foil reveals “a lithium battery protection IC and MOS tube, as well as a thermistor to detect the battery temperature” according to 52Audio. But which is which, I have no idea.