Latest news with #JerryRigEverything
Digital Trends
6 hours ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
Galaxy S25 Edge bend test: Tough … or fragile?
Samsung's recently released Galaxy S25 Edge is thin. Very thin. In fact, with a thickness of just 5.8mm, it's the slimmest Galaxy S series smartphone to date. The handset's leanness had popular tech YouTuber Zack Nelson — he of JerryRigEverything — wondering: 'Is it going to turn into a Flip 6 if I put it into my back pocket?' Nelson's phone durability test famously involves lots of scraping and scratching on a phone's display and frame. A naked flame is also deployed to see how the screen stands up against extreme heat. And then, at the end, he bends the phone using his bare hands to see … well … if it manages to stay intact, or, in the case of some of the handsets he's tested, if it snaps in two. 'My understanding of this physical world we live in makes me think that this should be a very easy snap, with some glorious carnage and sparks and battery juice seeping out of the cracks of our newly obliterated S25 Edge,' Nelson says as begins applying pressure to the phone's back panel. And, impressively, it remains intact. When he bends it from the front, however, you can see the back panel slightly separating from the frame, at a point just above the power button. But that's it. The Galaxy S25 Edge stays in one piece and continues to function in the usual way. 'The Galaxy S25 will not bend or break even under very extreme circumstances,' Nelson concludes. In an upcoming video, he's going to look under the hood to find out precisely how Samsung constructed the phone to make it so strong. Now that the Galaxy S25 Edge has been shown to have a sturdy build, attention will switch to Apple's rumored rival handset, the iPhone Air, which should drop this fall. No doubt Apple engineers have been bending the Air every which way to test its structural integrity. After all, they desperately want it to avoid a wince-inducing disintegration in Nelson's, or anyone else's, durability test.
GSM Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Oppo Find X8 Ultra bend test doesn't end well
Oppo launched the Find X8 Ultra in April, and unfortunately it's a China-only device so most of the world will never see it. That hasn't stopped Zack from JerryRigEverything getting one in order to perform his famous durability testing on Oppo's latest flagship device. And it's an interesting test to say the least. It starts off normally with the glass on top of the screen scratching at level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, with deeper grooves showing up at level 7. The frame is metal, the screen takes an open flame for about 35 seconds, but no visible marks remain afterwards. Finally, the bend test is where things get bad. When bending from the back, nothing happens, but when bending from the front, the frame separates along the antenna line that's right in between the power and volume buttons. It doesn't get damaged any further, however, which makes for a very weird test result - it hasn't categorically failed, but it definitely hasn't passed either. And it now has an odd shape, and the IP rating might be compromised. At the end of the video you can find a bonus teardown section, so if you've always wanted to take a peek inside the Find X8 Ultra, make sure you don't miss it. And if you want to learn more about this device, read our in-depth review.
Geeky Gadgets
19-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Pixel 9a Durability: How Tough is Google's Mid-Ranger
The Google Pixel 9a, priced at $499, positions itself as a mid-range smartphone with a sleek, minimalist design and a focus on durability. While it offers solid performance and practical features, concerns about repairability and environmental impact cast a shadow over its appeal. The video below from JerryRigEverything gives us a detailed look at the Pixel 9a's design, durability, sustainability, and more. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build: Minimalist Aesthetic Meets Practicality The Pixel 9a adopts a clean, understated design that avoids the bulky camera bumps commonly seen in modern smartphones. Its aluminum side rails and plastic back panel strike a balance between durability and affordability, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The device features a 6.3-inch 1080p display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering a responsive and visually pleasing experience. With an impressive 2,700 nits of brightness, the screen ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, the display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which, while durable, offers less impact resistance compared to newer versions of Gorilla Glass, leaving it more vulnerable to drops. The phone's minimalist design extends to its overall build, with metal buttons integrated into the frame for a premium touch. While this design approach enhances usability and aesthetics, it does little to differentiate the Pixel 9a from competitors in the mid-range market. Durability: Solid Build with Minor Vulnerabilities In terms of durability, the Pixel 9a performs well for its price range. The Gorilla Glass 3 screen resists scratches at industry-standard levels, providing adequate protection against everyday wear and tear. The phone's structural rigidity is comparable to premium devices like the iPhone, making sure it can withstand moderate physical stress without bending or cracking. However, the design includes a large, unprotected speaker grill, which raises concerns about water resistance. This feature could allow moisture or debris to enter the device, potentially compromising its long-term reliability in harsher environments. While the Pixel 9a is not marketed as a rugged smartphone, this vulnerability may be a drawback for users who frequently expose their devices to challenging conditions. Camera Technology: Reliable but Unremarkable The Pixel 9a is equipped with a 48 MP main camera featuring optical image stabilization (OIS), which ensures sharp and stable images in various lighting conditions. This is complemented by a 13 MP ultrawide camera, which expands the phone's photographic capabilities. However, the ultrawide lens lacks OIS, which may limit its performance in low-light or fast-moving scenarios, resulting in less consistent image quality. Both cameras are housed under a single oval glass piece, providing adequate protection without adding unnecessary bulk to the phone's design. While the camera system is capable and reliable, it does not introduce any significant advancements in smartphone photography. For users seeking innovative camera technology, the Pixel 9a may fall short of expectations. Repairability: A Key Weakness One of the most significant drawbacks of the Pixel 9a is its repairability. While the screen can be replaced without removing the back panel, the battery removal process is notably challenging. Google has used a permanent adhesive to secure the battery, making replacement difficult and potentially hazardous. This design choice complicates repairs and raises concerns about the phone's environmental impact, as it hinders recycling efforts. For users who prioritize long-term usability and sustainability, this aspect of the Pixel 9a may be a dealbreaker. Critics argue that the use of permanent adhesive undermines Google's sustainability claims, despite the phone's use of recycled aluminum in its construction. This trade-off between durability and repairability highlights a significant limitation in the device's design. Additional Features: Practical but Uninspired The Pixel 9a includes a 23-watt USB-C 3.2 charging port, allowing fast and efficient charging for users on the go. However, the device lacks a microSD card slot, limiting options for storage expansion. This omission may be a drawback for users who require additional storage for photos, videos, or apps. Despite these limitations, the phone's metal buttons and integrated frame design add a touch of sophistication to its overall build. While these features enhance usability, they do little to set the Pixel 9a apart from its competitors in the crowded mid-range market. For users seeking innovative or standout features, the Pixel 9a may feel underwhelming. Environmental Impact: Sustainability Efforts Fall Short Google has made efforts to incorporate recycled aluminum into the Pixel 9a's construction, which is a commendable step toward sustainability. However, the use of permanent adhesive for the battery undermines these efforts. This design choice complicates recycling and raises questions about Google's commitment to environmental responsibility. For eco-conscious consumers, the inability to easily replace or recycle the battery may outweigh the phone's other merits. While the use of recycled materials is a positive step, the overall environmental impact of the Pixel 9a remains a concern, particularly when compared to devices that prioritize repairability and recyclability. A Balanced Offering with Notable Trade-Offs The Google Pixel 9a delivers a solid mid-range smartphone experience, offering a minimalist design, durable construction, and capable cameras. However, its repairability and environmental impact are significant drawbacks. The use of permanent adhesive for the battery not only complicates repairs but also detracts from the phone's sustainability. While the Pixel 9a may appeal to users seeking a functional and durable device, its design choices make it less suitable for environmentally conscious consumers or those who prioritize long-term repairability. For users willing to overlook these shortcomings, the Pixel 9a offers a reliable and practical option in the mid-range smartphone market. Expand your understanding of Google Pixel 9a Durability with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Source & Image Credit: JerryRigEverything Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Digital Trends
19-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Here's one fella who can't wait to get his hands on the iPhone Air
The so-called 'iPhone Air' is apparently on the way, despite Apple remaining characteristically tight-lipped about such a device. Numerous leaks have suggested that the iPhone Air, which is expected to launch this fall along with the iPhone 17, will be just 5.5mm thick, making it easily Apple's slimmest handset yet. Recommended Videos With that in mind, many are curious to see how well the device stands up to the highly unscientific bend test meted out by tech YouTuber Zack Nelson of the popular JerryRigEverything channel. Whenever a high-profile handset hits the market, it's not long before Nelson puts it through a wince-inducing stress test that includes scratching, scraping, burning, and, right at the end, bending. Over the years, at least five smartphones have succumbed to Nelson's notorious bend test, which involves nothing more than bending the device with his bare hands. Several handsets, like the One Plus 10 Pro, have snapped clean in two. And yes, it's always an excruciating watch. In 2023, Nelson managed to shatter the glass back of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. 'You've been watching me durability test smartphones for about 11 years now, and most phones do not break,' Nelson said at the time. 'iPhones especially do not break … like, ever.' While most folks are unlikely to ever apply the same amount of pressure to their handset — even accidentally — you can bet that Apple has been working hard on ways to ensure that the Air avoids a repeat of the so-called 'bendgate' scandal that hit the iPhone 6 and larger iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. The issue was linked to the phone's larger size and thinner aluminum frame, with weak points near the volume buttons and antenna lines causing the phone to bend, especially when carried around in a tight pocket. The tech giant will be doing what it can to ensure the iPhone 17 Air retains its structural integrity despite its ultra-thin design, though we'll have to wait until the phone's launch to fully understand how Apple has designed it to meet the challenge. Even then, it kind of feels like a dead cert that the iPhone Air will fail Nelson's rather harsh test, with the likelihood being that the device will crack and crunch, and possibly even splinter and shatter, before disintegrating in his hands. Then again, perhaps we'll be pleasantly surprised …
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
A popular YouTuber tore open the Google Pixel 9a and found a big red flag
A few weeks ago, I said the Google Pixel 9a is one of the budget phones to buy this year. Now, a popular tech YouTuber is recommending the opposite, and I see his point. JerryRigEverything, a tech YouTube account with more than 9 million followers, posted a new video this week where the host stress tests the new mid-range Pixel phone and performs a teardown to look at its internal components. The host finds some minor things to dislike about the external materials as well as the water and dust resistance, but for home repair enthusiasts, there's one major, major problem: The battery is nearly impossible to remove. SEE ALSO: Google's AI Mode reportedly replacing iconic 'I'm feeling lucky' button It seems Google has glued the Pixel 9a's 5,100mAh battery (which performed very well for us in testing) such that home removal is extremely difficult, at best. According to JerryRigEverything, most other major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, have stopped doing this, but Google persists. In general, the Big Tech companies have become much more repair-friendly in the past five or six years, and there are even manufacturers like Framework who make devices with the express purpose of being repair-friendly, so it feels a bit like Google is out of step with the rest of the industry here. Clearly, Google hasn't gotten the Right To Repair memo yet. Overall, the Pixel 9a has gotten good-to-great reviews for a budget smartphone (including from me). And let's be honest: This is hardly a dealbreaker for a typical mobile customer. The average person wouldn't even know how to disassemble their phone in the first place. But if you want to maintain the possibility of one day replacing your Pixel's battery, this development is worth knowing about.
