JerryRigEverything Puts the Light Phone III Through Durability Test: Minimalist Design, Questionable Repairability
Zach Nelson, the mastermind behind the popular YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, has reviewed the Light Phone III. This phone is not a typical smartphone. It's designed as a bare-bones device to help users disconnect from digital distractions. The question is, how does this "anti-smartphone" withstand JerryRigEverything's demanding durability tests, and what's the story behind its simple design?
Scratch, Burn, Bend: The Durability Gauntlet
The Light Phone III faced the standard JerryRigEverything torture tests. In the scratch test, the screen showed scratches at Mohs hardness level 6, consistent with most modern smartphones. The AMOLED screen reacted to the flame by darkening when heated, then returning to normal upon cooling, typical AMOLED behavior.
The Light Phone III's back is made of two parts: a matte glass panel and a separate plastic cover for the battery. This plastic cover is screwed on, allowing battery replacement without complete disassembly—a positive aspect for repair. In the bend test, the Light Phone III surprisingly survived from both sides. It proved more robust than its minimalist appearance might suggest. Nelson mentioned accidentally cracking the screen earlier but noted it likely wouldn't happen under normal use.
Peeling Back the Layers: Inside the Light Phone III
JerryRigEverything performed his usual teardown to examine the internal design. After battery and back panel removal, the NFC antenna and a protective plastic frame around the motherboard were revealed. The motherboard also has a protective cover at the bottom, shielding the charging port.
The USB-C port is easily replaceable without soldering, another plus for repairability. However, the screen connection is not as user-friendly. Nelson pointed out that the display cable is soldered directly onto the motherboard in the phone's center. This design makes screen replacement very difficult because accessing the connector after board installation is not easy.
"Stupid Design"? JerryRigEverything's Verdict
JerryRigEverything called the phone's screen cable placement a "stupid design." He appreciated the minimalist concept and some repair-friendly elements like the replaceable battery and USB port. However, the complex screen replacement is a significant design flaw in his view. He drew a comparison between the phone's "stupid" looks and limited functionality, suggesting both might be intentional to reinforce its minimalist philosophy.
In conclusion, the Light Phone III presents an innovative mobile tech approach. Yet, JerryRigEverything's review indicates that even minimalist phones make design choices that can be criticized—sometimes as "stupid."
