We are pleased that we get to use a Phillips driver to remove the midframe/NFC antenna/PMA and Qi wireless charging coil combo.

After removing that maxed-out midframe, we remove the bottom speaker assembly to get our first peek at the internals.

Familiar components, unfamiliar places— the battery is placed nearly dead-center, and the vibrator migrated to the bottom right. Goodbye standard Note/Galaxy S layout.

Is this a subtle response to past battery woes, or just Samsung working to tidy up? Time to take a look at that power plant.