Zack Nelson, the creator behind the JerryRigEverything channel, has published his Smartphone Durability Awards 2025, a yearly appraisal that highlights handsets with notable durability and serviceability. The video singled out models across several categories, with particular attention paid to internal design and long‑term repair prospects.
iPhone 17 Pro internal design earns praise
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro received recognition for having the most attractively arranged internal components among 2025 smartphones. Nelson highlighted the neat layout of circuit boards and modular parts, as well as new additions such as a vapour chamber for thermal management and sensor‑shift stabilisation integrated into the main camera assembly. The presentation of these components, he said, elevates the device from purely functional engineering to an object with clear attention to internal aesthetics.
Beyond visual appeal, the video explains how such internal organisation can aid technicians by clarifying component placement and reducing the risk of accidental damage during disassembly. Nelson noted that while the iPhone 17 Pro’s internal layout is impressively methodical, Apple continues to add design choices that complicate independent repair.
That tension between engineering excellence and repairability was a recurring theme in Nelson’s awards. He praised the recently launched iPhone Air as surprisingly robust given its ultrathin profile, describing it as a strong performer for users who prioritise a slim form factor. At the same time, he criticised some of Apple’s design decisions that restrict access to parts or require specialised tools and software for full servicing.
The evening’s top mainstream durability prize went to the OnePlus 15, which impressed for its resistance to everyday wear and impact. Notably, OnePlus opted for a plastic rear panel on the model, a move Nelson suggested contributes to durability advantages over glass‑backed rivals. The OnePlus win reinforces a recurring point in the awards: material choices and repair‑friendly assembly can matter more than premium finishes when it comes to longevity.
Nelson’s awards carry influence among repair advocates and consumers who weigh longevity when choosing devices. By demonstrating internal arrangements on camera, he provides accessible insight into the practical implications of manufacturers’ engineering choices — from thermal design to component placement and cable routing.
For the wider BRICS+ tech ecosystem, the coverage underscores the importance of manufacturing decisions that balance performance, thermal efficiency and reparability. While Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro draws praise for its internal design, the continuing debate over right‑to‑repair features remains central for consumers and repair networks across nations including Brazil and China.
Disclosure: the original story was published on Brazilian tech outlets and referenced MacMagazine’s affiliate note. JerryRigEverything’s awards are independently produced by Zack Nelson and reflect his channel’s focus on durability and repairability testing.
Key Takeaways:
- iPhone 17 Pro recognised for its organised and visually striking internal layout.
- OnePlus 15 named the most durable mainstream smartphone of 2025.
- JerryRigEverything highlights vapour chamber and sensor‑shift camera tech in the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Apple praised for strength but criticised for repairability limitations.
