Pixel 8 Pro durability is a topic that often sparks curiosity among users. How well can our trusty devices withstand the trials and tribulations of daily life? In the world of durability tests, Zack Nelson from the renowned YouTube channel JerryRigEverything is a household name. His latest test subjects are Google’s newly launched Pixel 8 Pro and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. We’ll take you through the rugged journey these smartphones embarked upon, from scratches to bends, providing insights into their resilience.
1. The Promise of Seven Years
At the start of his test, Nelson emphasizes Google’s promise of seven years of software updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, setting the stage for a comprehensive examination of its hardware’s endurance. He expresses the desire to determine whether the device can truly withstand seven years’ worth of user wear and tear.
2. The Scratch Test
The first challenge involves the scratch test. Nelson puts the Pixel 8 Pro’s display to the test, assessing its resistance to scratches. While it may not match the durability of Apple’s Ceramic Shield display, the Pixel 8 Pro holds its own and performs similarly to most smartphones equipped with tempered glass.
3. Confronting a Box Cutter
In today’s era of exorbitant smartphone screens, users spare no effort to safeguard their prized possessions from accidental drops. Yet, the battle against scratches remains an enduring challenge, particularly for those who opt out of using screen protectors. This is precisely why Jerry rigorously subjects smartphones to scratch-resistant tests, assessing their ability to fend off unsightly blemishes on the screen.
The importance of this test cannot be overstated. With mobile phone screens becoming increasingly costly to replace, evaluating a device’s resistance to scratches assumes paramount significance for users concerned about preserving the pristine appearance of their smartphones.
By subjecting the Google Pixel 8 Pro to this test, Jerry aims to uncover the extent to which its screen can withstand the rigors of everyday use. As with every trial, this examination scrutinizes the phone’s durability and resilience, offering valuable insights into the practicality of the Pixel 8 Pro in real-world scenarios.
Nelson deploys a box cutter to simulate potential encounters with sharp objects. Unsurprisingly, when a sharp blade meets aluminum, the result isn’t pretty. The Pixel 8 Pro exhibits the expected damage when subjected to this test, highlighting the vulnerabilities of its aluminum components.
4. A Trial by Fire
Fire, known for its destructive capabilities, is the next adversary in line. Nelson exposes the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7-inch display to the naked flame. Unfortunately, the flame emerges victorious in this encounter, reaffirming the inherent vulnerability of smartphone screens to extreme heat.
The screen burn test for the Pixel 8 Pro endured for about 17 seconds, exposing it to the searing heat. Impressively, the device emerged from this trial with a permanent burnt mark on its screen. While this may have marred the display’s aesthetics, it didn’t significantly impact the smartphone’s functionality or usability. The Pixel 8 Pro continued to operate smoothly even after facing the fiery ordeal, showcasing its ability to withstand the relentless heat of summer sunlight.
This additional test further underscores the Pixel 8 Pro’s durability and its potential to thrive in adverse conditions, making it a reliable companion for users in various environments. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, these durability tests offer valuable insights into the resilience of our everyday devices.
5. The Crucial Bend Test
Considering the recent bending mishap involving the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Nelson’s audience was eager to witness how the Pixel 8 Pro would fare in a high-pressure bending test. Surprisingly, the Pixel 8 Pro handles this challenge admirably. As Nelson exerts force, the smartphone creaks like an old tree in a strong wind, but it doesn’t cave in. Most notably, the back glass remains intact, a marked improvement compared to past models. Additionally, the phone’s antenna lines withstand the pressure, hinting at potential structural enhancements by Google.
Now comes the moment of truth that separates the sturdy from the brittle in the smartphone realm: the bend test. In this critical examination, Jerry applies substantial pressure to the smartphone, pushing it to the brink of structural failure. This test becomes the litmus test for a smartphone’s core strength, reflecting the actual quality of its construction and the resilience of the materials employed.
It’s noteworthy that even Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, equipped with its titanium material, succumbed to the bend test, resulting in a shattering back glass—an unexpected frailty for a premium device.
In stark contrast, the Google Pixel 8 Pro proved to be a formidable contender. Regardless of the increasing pressure exerted during the test, the phone exhibited remarkable resilience. While the test did produce some audible creaks and cracks, the Pixel 8 Pro stood its ground admirably. Importantly, neither the frame nor the glass panels on the front and back yielded to the immense pressure, remaining unscathed.
This unequivocal display of structural strength under duress further underscores the Pixel 8 Pro’s exceptional build quality and robust materials, positioning it as a durable and dependable choice for consumers seeking a smartphone that can withstand the trials of daily life. As the bend test unveils the inner fortitude of these devices, it is clear that the Pixel 8 Pro has passed this formidable test with flying colors.
6. Pixel 8 Pro’s Durability Triumph
In conclusion, the Pixel 8 Pro emerges from Zack Nelson’s durability test with its head held high. While it may not be impervious to scratches, the device showcases commendable resilience, particularly when it comes to high-pressure bending. Google appears to have made strides in reinforcing critical structural elements, ensuring that the Pixel 8 Pro can endure the rigors of long-term use. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, durability remains a vital aspect of the user experience, and the Pixel 8 Pro has demonstrated its ability to stand the test of time.
7. Final Thoughts on Pixel 8 Pro Durability
In the realm of smartphone durability, Zack Nelson’s tests provide valuable insights for consumers seeking robust devices that can endure the challenges of daily life. The Pixel 8 Pro’s performance in this demanding examination highlights the importance of structural integrity and raises the bar for future smartphone releases. While it may not be immune to all forms of damage, the Pixel 8 Pro certainly holds its own, promising a reliable companion for years to come. As technology advances, the quest for durability remains a central concern, ensuring that our devices can weather the trials of time and use.
Is the Google Pixel 8 Pro Worth Your Money?
When it comes to reviewing smartphones, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves voicing complaints—whether it’s about the design, puzzling decisions, or features that could be improved. Often, it feels like these concerns fall on deaf ears, as manufacturers continue to do things their way, seemingly oblivious to user feedback.
However, the Google Pixel 8 Pro stands apart from the crowd. This device appears to have heeded some of our long-standing grievances and taken meaningful steps to address them. Are you tired of those irritating curved screens that distort your view? Consider it fixed. Do you yearn for an update support timeline that can finally compete with iOS? You’ve got it. How about addressing the flaws from the previous model, like face unlock? Double check. Compared to where the Pixel lineup stood just a few years ago, Google Hardware now delivers phones that are polished, well-thought-out, and packed with smart decisions.
The Upsides
- Seven Years of Updates: Google’s commitment to seven years of updates brings the Pixel phones closer than ever to competing with the iPhone in terms of software longevity. No more feeling left behind after just a couple of years.
- Flat Display: Bid farewell to those years of flagships with awkwardly curved screens that distorted your content. The Pixel 8 Pro opts for a flat display, putting an end to this long-standing issue.
- Premium Feel: The soft-touch glass back not only looks elegant but also offers a pleasant tactile experience, elevating the phone’s overall feel.
- Software Prowess: Google’s software continues to be the fastest, lightest, and most cohesive iteration of Android available. The user experience remains top-notch.
- Face Unlock Improvement: Face unlock has been significantly enhanced, fully unlocking the phone and complementing the fingerprint reader seamlessly.
The Downsides
- Polished Aluminum Finish: While the polished aluminum finish exudes a premium vibe, it’s susceptible to scratches and can be slippery. It also tends to get greasy quickly. The matte, brushed aluminum finish on the cheaper Pixel 8 is far more appealing.
- mmWave Expense: mmWave support comes at a price premium that may not be justified for many users, making it a questionable investment.
- Price Hike: The additional $100 on the price tag might not sit well with everyone, especially when considering the alternatives.
The Not-So-Great Aspect
- Temperature Sensor: The inclusion of a temperature sensor on this otherwise polished device raises questions about its utility and relevance.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro aims to address several long-standing concerns and deliver an improved user experience. But is it truly worth your investment? You decide now.
