A Shattering Debut: JerryRigEverything Puts the Xiaomi 17 Pro Through its Paces
In a twist of fate that defies geopolitical trade barriers, the much-anticipated Xiaomi 17 Pro has landed in the hands of Zach Nelson, the maestro behind the popular JerryRigEverything YouTube channel. Known for his rigorous durability tests, Nelson wasted no time in subjecting the innovative device to his signature scrutiny, offering a mixed bag of triumphs and minor setbacks.
Display Durability: A Triumph with a Caveat
The centerpiece of the Xiaomi 17 Pro, its main AMOLED display, is shielded by what the company touts as Dragon Glass 3.0. This advanced composite held its own remarkably well, resisting scratches until level six on the Mohs hardness scale – a benchmark that leaves many smartphones struggling. It wasn't until level seven that visible marks began to appear, placing it in a league surprisingly close to Apple's latest Ceramic Shield 2. Nelson himself commented that this Xiaomi offering is "definitely better than any Android smartphone we’ve tested." However, the rear panel presents a different story. While the front boasts its resilient Dragon Glass, the secondary screen on the back succumbed to scratches at the more common level six. This discrepancy is a notable point of consideration for a device aiming for premium status.
Material Choices and Design Compromises
Adding to the surprise, the back of the Xiaomi 17 Pro is crafted from plastic, a departure from the glass or metal construction often found in flagship devices. While this choice undeniably enhances durability, preventing the dreaded shattering of a glass panel, it might not align with the expectations of users accustomed to more luxurious materials. Nevertheless, Nelson noted that the plastic rear offers a pleasing "soft-touch glass" feel in the hand, a testament to thoughtful material design. This material decision could very well be a strategic move by Xiaomi to maintain a more accessible price point, as hinted at by previous statements from the company's leadership.
Structural Integrity and Innovative Battery Technology
The device's frame, constructed from anodized aluminum, proved robust during the bend test. The Xiaomi 17 Pro exhibited impressive resilience, refusing to buckle or deform under significant manual pressure. Crucially, it also avoided the ignominious fiery fate that has befallen some past devices subjected to similar stress. Nelson also highlighted the significance of the 12-bit display, an achievement he feels is often overlooked in reviews. Even when subjected to direct flame for an extended period, the screen sustained only minimal, barely perceptible damage and retained full functionality, a testament to its impressive heat resistance.
Disassembly and Internal Discoveries
The process of disassembling the Xiaomi 17 Pro presented both ease and a few tricky moments. The rear panel, surprisingly, came away relatively smoothly after two brief applications of heat from a hairdryer. However, care is advised, as the secondary screen is integrated into this panel, meaning its removal requires a delicate touch. A minor hiccup occurred even before Nelson began his work with tools, as one of the internal screws detached itself spontaneously. During the battery extraction, one of the designated orange pull tabs sustained slight damage, though the silicon-carbon battery, which boasts a significantly larger capacity than its iPhone counterparts despite a comparable size, was ultimately removed without further incident. While the initial disassembly appeared straightforward, Nelson speculated that tackling the main display might prove more challenging. Upon reassembly, Nelson amusingly found himself reunited with a small decorative bird widget on the secondary screen, a playful reminder of the device's unique dual-display setup.
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