Tech YouTuber JerryRigEverything has released the “Smartphone Durability Awards 2023”! Based on his year-long series of intense durability tests, the awards highlight the smartphones that excelled in various categories, from how easily they can be repaired to the innovative features they offer.
A look at the winners and losers of JerryRigEverything’s 2023 smartphone awards
Most repairable: Fairphone 5
When it comes to repairability, the Fairphone 5 emerged as the champion for 2023. JerryRigEverything commended the device for its seamless component-swapping capability with a simple screwdriver. What sets the Fairphone 5 apart is its business model, which provides readily available replacement parts directly from the manufacturer. Despite not being officially available in the U.S., the Fairphone 5’s user-friendly design and a 5-year warranty make it a noteworthy mention in the repair-friendly category.
Runner-up: Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro secured the runner-up spot for the most repair-friendly smartphone of the year. With parts available from iFixit, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a relatively straightforward repair process, even though a heat gun is required to loosen the display adhesive. While not as repairable as the Fairphone 5, it still stands out among other manufacturers for its user-friendly repair approach.
Least repairable, most innovative: ASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
ASUS took a bold leap with the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, earning the title of the least repairable smartphone of 2023. This gaming flagship boasts a unique feature: a motorized flap that reveals a copper heatsink for efficient heat dissipation. Despite its challenging repairability, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate secured the award for the most innovative smartphone, showcasing the tech giant’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design and functionality.
Internal aesthetics: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
While Apple did not bag any repairability awards, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max claimed the top spot for internal aesthetics. According to JerryRigEverything, both flagships are the ‘coolest looking’ from the inside, though he raised concerns about Apple’s marketing tactics regarding the titanium chassis, revealing that only a superficial layer of titanium is used on top of aluminum.
Durability awards: Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and More
Surprisingly, Google’s mid-ranger, the Pixel 7a, secured the title of the most durable smartphone for 2023, thanks to its polycarbonate back. On the other hand, the Pixel Fold faced criticism as the least durable mobile device of the year. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 won the Most Repairable Foldable Smartphone of 2023, showcasing its resilience compared to other foldable counterparts.
Check out the full video by JerryRigEverything below:
