Another Google phone has failed JerryRigEverything’s famous durability test. Last year, the Pixel Fold faced criticism for its hinge and durability issues. The new Pixel 9 Pro Fold touted as the thinnest foldable phone appears to be following the same path. The phone underwent a rigorous durability by JerryRigEverything’s and the results indicate that the phone may not live up to its claims of durability.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts an 8-inch internal display and a 6.3-inch external display, both utilising Actua OLED technology, though the specifics of “Actua” remain unclear. The device’s thin profile is notably less bulky than other foldables, even thinner than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra when encased. Zack Nelson, one who conducts the test, points out that the new Pixel phone folds completely flat, which is a significant improvement over the previous models.
One of the primary concerns emerging from the test is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s durability, particularly its hinge and overall build quality. The test revealed that the phone’s thin frame, especially at the antenna lines, is a critical weak point. During the stress test, the device showed considerable flexing and eventually snapped at these antenna lines, leading to splitting of display into two.
The internal display, made of flexible plastic, showed signs of wear and tear, including scratches that are common in foldable phones. Despite Google’s assurances of “super durability,” the soft plastic screen scratched easily, and permanent marks were se even with minimal usage. The external screen, protected by a glass layer, performed better under stress but still showed signs of damage during the heat test.
Despite Google’s claim of IPX8 water resistance, the test showed that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold did not hold up well under dusty conditions. The test resulted in issues like grinding in the hinge when exposed to dust and sand.
To sum it up, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold packs in impressive technological advancements and a sleek design, its durability shortcomings are concerning. The test results suggest that the device may not withstand rigorous daily use, especially for those who are rough on their gadgets.
